IP telephony, which is also referred to as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that transforms your digital world into a conversation hub, letting you chat away using the internet rather than old-school phone lines. This technology was introduced in the 1995s, but this technology is very much used by service providers. This technology is based on the principle of converting analog signals into digital signals.
Let’s Understand How IP Technology Works.
IP referred to as Internet Protocol uses internet connection to convert signals in the form of packets across the networks. When data packets are traveling, we require another technology to convert digital signals into digital data which are transmitted over the internet or any IP network, that technology is named Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
In simple words, when you initiate a call over an internet connection, it converts signals into small packets across the network. There are many protocols used in this network to make your call complete. However rest of all information like call initiating, handling of calls, etc all managed by the service provider. This VoIP technology is very useful and famous for its great features like HD voice quality, smooth two-way communication between devices
IP telephony is not integrated with voice calls only but is associated with other applications for seamless communication in real time. Here are some of the features mentioned below:
- Video Calls or group video conferencing
- Instant messages
- Voice mailing
- Call forwarding
- Faxing
Key Components Used In The IP Address
- Network Infrastructure: IP telephony requires the best network infrastructure to make it easier and more cost-effective. Excellent internet connection, network configuration, and power backup are a must for network infrastructure.
- IP Address: It is a digital fingerprint assigned to all gadgets that are joined to the internet network. IP address helps you to find the location of the user whatever you access on the internet. It is a numerical digit unique number.
- Packets: When data is converted from analog signals to analog signals it travels in the form of packets. This packet comes with origin and destination IP labels.
- Router: It is a general device that forwards packets between networks based on IP addresses to support VoIP.
IP Telephony vs VoIP
– VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and IP (Internet Protocol) might sound alike but they have different meanings and approaches.
– VoIP allows sending and receiving voice calls, video chats, or other similar things over the internet whereas IP helps data move from one device to another across the internet or any network.
– In simpler terms, while VoIP focuses on how you talk and communicate over the internet, IP is the behind-the-scenes method that ensures everything gets where it needs to go online.
Benefits of IP Telephony
There are several benefits over the traditional call system which are as follows:
- Cost-Effective: This is one of the advantages of IP Telephony which helps in overall cost savings. Many businesses can reduce their telecommunications expenses by manipulating existing internet connections and eliminating the need for separate voice connections. Nowadays, long-distance calls and international calls are much cheaper because everybody depends on VoIP to talk with their clients, friends, and relatives.
- Scalability: IP telephony systems are highly scalable because they allow businesses to easily add or remove lines and increase their communication lines as needed. All they need to do is to connect a new device with the router This flexibility makes it ideal for growing organizations that require a scalable and adaptable communication solution.
- Better mobility: With IP telephony, users can dial and pick calls from any corner of the globe if they are connected with an internet connection. Instead of being tied to a landline phone at home, you can use a mobile phone to make calls, send messages, or access the internet from anywhere whether you’re at home, in the park, or traveling as long as access to a compatible device or an internet connection.
- HD Voice Quality: IP telephony systems can deliver high-definition (HD) voice quality, providing clearer and more natural sound during calls. In simpler terms, HD Voice Quality means that the sound is exceptionally clear and sharp and it feels like we are in real time. This improves the audio quality and user experience.
- Advanced Features: IP telephony delivers a variety of features like voicemail, call forwarding, instant messaging, video calling, etc. This feature not only boosts productivity but makes the user experience more exciting and interesting.
Limitations of IP Telephony
As we already know where there are advantages there are more chances to have limitations.
Here are some limitations listed below:
- Internet connection: As we all know IP telephony works with internet connectivity, if any issues occur with your internet connection, such as slow speeds, reach of internet connectivity can affect the quality and reliability of your calls. This will have a bad impact on the receiver end, always make sure of gd internet connectivity
- Power Backup: This is very important to have a power backup to interrupt the internet connection. If somehow your connection is down or there are some outages in your area, you might lose the ability to make or receive calls.
- Security Risks: While working on the internet, always make sure you have a secure network. There are more chances for security threats, including hacking, and online malware attacks.