Services

Telecoms / VOIP

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP for short, allows both voice and data communications to be run over a single network, which can reduce infrastructure costs. Possibly using your existing broadband internet connection and subscribing to a VoIP provider, means that you are able to make and receive phone calls over the internet.

How VoIP works

VoIP converts your voice from an analogue signal into a digital signal and is then sent over your broadband connection where it is then converted back into analogue before reaching the person you are calling. The receiver of the call notices nothing different and still hears your voice as normal. Calls can be made not only through a regular phone handset, but also via your computer and tend to be cheaper than normal telecommunication providers as the infrastructure already in place is used to make and receive phone calls. If using a handset, the computer does not need to be turned on for the VoIP phone to work as the phone will be connected to the Private Branch Exchange, (PBX). PBX hardware can either reside externally or internally. Where the PBX is external, known as ‘Hosted PBX’, the hardware and software sits remotely at an external facility and a connection is made through the internet. Alternatively, an on-site business VoIP phone system can be used, where the PBX resides on the premises. The advantage of having the phone system on-site is that it avoids having to replace the entire system for upgrades or expansions.