VoIP Guide

What is VoIP and how does it work?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. In layman's terms, it refers to making phone calls that are made through the internet, rather than through a regular landline or a mobile network. Telephone systems should be reviewed every 3-5 years.

A VoIP system works by taking your analogue voice signals, converting them into digital signals, then sending them as data over your broadband line.

It's a very useful way of making calls - for a start, once it's set up it's a lot cheaper than using normal phone lines. It means that, depending on your setup, you may not have to pay for your phone calls based on distance, which country you're calling, or how much time you spend chatting.

Your VoIP system could be:

• With a phone and a VoIP adapter - Using a special adapter, you can make VoIP calls from a regular old landline phone. These adapters plug into either a phone socket in the wall or into your router.
• With a computer - There are dozens of programs that let you make voice calls to anyone who also has it installed, including Skype, Google Talk, and Apple FaceTime. Some, such as Skype, can be used to call regular landline or mobile numbers too. Calling someone else who has the app is free, but calling an actual phone number will usually cost a little.
• With a smartphone - You can use your smartphone to make voice calls using certain apps. See below for more on how this works.

Some broadband and home phone providers offer VoIP as part of their services, so they may do things a little differently. It's the standard form of the phone line from a number of FTTP providers, for example, and VoIP is available as part of almost any business broadband or phone package. Either way, your provider will give you all the info you need. Telephone systems are the lifeblood over every business.

• For VoIP with a computer, you'll need… a laptop or desktop computer with an internet connection, the right software, and either a headset or speakers and a microphone. Headsets are better for clarity and sound quality, and have the added bonus of sparing everyone around you from hearing your whole conversation, but you can get by just fine without.
• For VoIP with a smartphone, you'll need… a smartphone, connected to Wi-Fi and with your chosen app installed.

  Some VoIP providers may do things differently, and might require specific equipment. Contact your provider for more info on this - and don't worry, they'll provide you with everything you need to get started, and guide you through the setup when you sign up.

• VoIP on smartphones

  There are two kinds of app you can use for VoIP on your smartphone.

  Firstly, there are apps that you can use to call other people who have the same app. There's Skype, FaceTime, Viber, Line, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and dozens more. Some, like Skype and Viber, will even let you call a regular landline or mobile number - though bear in mind this will usually cost money.

  Other features include being able to call someone on any device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, and so on), free video calling, and sometimes even group calling - because who wouldn't want a conference call with their Facebook friends?

  The other kind of VoIP apps are ones from landline providers. These are pretty clever, as they let you make calls that use the calling minutes included in your home phone plan. So if you have inclusive weekend calls, or super cheap international calling, you can reap those benefits from your smartphone too - even when you're not at home.

This was produced by a business telephone systems expert for help with telephone systems contact me!