The term "IP telephony" (Internet Protocol telephony) refers to a broad range of technology, devices, and services that offer voice calling, voicemail, video calling, teleconferencing, faxing, and instant messaging using packet-switched connections over the Internet Protocol (IM). IP phones connect to the internet via a router and modem, as opposed to traditional telephones, which require landlines to transfer analogue signals. IP telephony functions by transforming calls, faxes, and other data into digital signals. Using IP packet-switched connections, these digital signals transit through IP networks as data packets.
Benefits Of IP Telephony For Modern Businesses
- Maintaining two networks is not necessary anymore. Prior to IP telephony, companies had to set up and manage separate networks for their internet and phone services
- IP telephony is much less expensive than wired phone networks. With IP telephony, long-distance and international calls also become less costly
- By integrating with existing networks, IP telephone systems allow communications to run through corporate applications. Email can be used, for instance, to send and receive faxes
- Installing additional wired phone lines is significantly more difficult than adding new IP business telephone lines, which can be done using a web interface