What is VoIP ? - Introduction

What is VoIP

Around 1995 there was a revolutionary advancement in the way traditional voice traffic was
carried when voice, video and data were transmitted over a single ‘converged’ network. The
terms Voice Over IP (VoIP) and IP Telephony (IPT) were introduced to describe this method of
transport of voice signals as well as fax, DTMF tones, signalling traffic, and network management
traffic.

There are a number of protocols that may be employed in order to provide for VoIP communication services like :

• SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) / RTP  (Real-Time Protocol)
• IMS
• H.323
• H.248 / MGCP   ( comparable protocols )
• Skype

VoIP can deliver voice, video, and data communications capabilities across a number of separate devices that work together, such as a mobile phone, a PC, and even an HD TV!.

You can enjoy VoIP sevice by using:

1. An analog Telephone Adapter (ATA). It connected existing telephone jack, so you no need to change your old telephone hardware (system).
2. Dedicated VoIP Phones. It is a Phones that create specially for IP/Packet Switch connection. Just plug this phone to your IP/internet network then you can enjoy VoIP service.
3. A Softphone. It is a piece of software that installed at PC/Laptop to make you can enjoy VoIP service without dedicated hardware.

I will explain the protocols at the next article.