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VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol
VoIP is a technology that allows telephone calls to be made over computer networks like the Internet. VoIP converts analog voice signals into digital data packets and supports real-time, two-way transmission of conversations using Internet Protocol (IP).
VoIP calls can be made on the Internet using a VoIP service provider and standard computer audio systems. Alternatively, some service providers support VoIP through ordinary telephones that use special adapters to connect to a home computer network. Many VoIP implementations are based on the H.323 technology standard.
VoIP offers a substantial cost savings over traditional long distance telephone calls. The main disadvantage of VoIP is, like cell phones, a greater potential for dropped calls and generally lesser voice quality.
SIP Trunking
An SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) trunk is a service that allows businesses with an installed PBX to use real-time communications including VoIP. By connecting an SIP trunk to an internal traditional PSTN (public switched telephone network) phone system, companies can communicate over IP outside the enterprise. What’s more, companies can replace traditional fixed PSTN lines with an IP phone system connected externally through an SIP-trunking service, thereby creating a single conduit for multimedia components including voice, video and data. As a result, an SIP-trunking service typically delivers greater cost savings and increased reliability.
Hosted PBX
A hosted PBX system delivers PBX functionality as a service, available over the Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN) and/or the internet. The first hosted PBX was introduced to the market in late 1997 by Virtual PBX ™. Instead of buying PBX equipment, users contract for PBX services from a hosted PBX service provider, a particular type of Application Service Provider (ASP). The first hosted PBX service was very feature-rich compared to most premise-based systems of the time. In fact, some PBX functions, such as follow-me calling, appeared in a hosted service before they became available in hardware PBX equipment. Since that introduction, updates and new offerings from Virtual PBX and other companies have moved feature sets in both directions. Today, it is possible to get hosted PBX service that includes far more features than were available from the first systems of this class, or to contract with companies that provide less functionality for more simple needs.