How Does VoIP Work?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is growing in popularity, as more individuals and businesses are seeing its benefits over traditional landline phone service. But unless you’re well-versed in telephony, you probably don’t understand how VoIP works — until now.

In this post, we’re going to break down how business VoIP works. We’ll also explain how analog service works to help you understand the differences, as well as review some quick reasons why you need VoIP for your business.

How Analog Phone Service Works

Before diving into the specifics of how VoIP works, it’s important to have a brief history of analog phone service.

Also known as Plain Old Telephone Service (or simply POTS), analog phone service has been kicking around since the 1800s. It works by creating a connected circuit when one person dials a number, and the person to whom the call is directed picks up the phone on the other end.

The telephone handset converts the sound waves of the caller’s voice into electrical signals. These analog signals travel through the copper wiring to central offices, where the signals are routed to the right location.

Before reaching the recipient, the analog signals are reconstructed into sound waves, with the caller’s voice coming through the other line. This continues back and forth during the conversation. When one caller hangs up, the circuit is broken, and the phone goes into standby mode.

How VoIP Phone Service Works

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a bit different from POTS. Through a VoIP app, VoIP phone, or analog phone fitted with an adapter, a person places a phone call.

The sound waves are converted to digital packets, which travel through a high-speed internet connection. These packets are sent to the server of the VoIP provider and are routed to the other caller.

The digital packets are then reassembled and converted back into sound waves, which are heard by the other caller.

Because the data packets are compressed and data is sent only when needed, transmission is fast and typically without delays, resulting in clearer, more reliable phone calls (assuming that you have a reliable high-speed internet connection).

VoIP uses high-speed internet, so there’s no more need for the copper wires and outdated infrastructure of the past. There are several benefits to this updated technology, which we’ll explore a little later in this post.

How To Make A Call With VoIP

One of the great things about VoIP is that you aren’t stuck making calls through a desktop phone — although that’s also an option.

Here’s how you can make calls with VoIP:

• VoIP apps: You can download an app from your VoIP phone provider to make and receive calls through your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
• VoIP phones: VoIP phones are designed to be hooked directly to your internet through an ethernet cable. If the service is active, you should be able to make and receive calls, configure your phone, change settings, and enable features once connected.
• VoIP adapters and gateways: Adapters and gateways allow you to connect analog phones to your VoIP service. An adapter works for one phone, while gateways can be used for connecting multiple phones and devices.

Your business may use one of these methods or a combination based on the needs of your business.

Why Should Your Business Use A VoIP Phone System?

At this point, you should know how VoIP works … now what? Namely, what does it mean for your business?

There are several advantages to upgrading to a VoIP phone system:

• Mobility: No longer will you be stuck at your desk or risk missing an important call. With VoIP apps, you can send and receive calls from anywhere.
• Reliability: As long as you have a stable internet connection, VoIP is more reliable with better call quality and fewer dropped calls than traditional analog service.
• Affordability: Despite being more advanced than POTS, VoIP is surprisingly less expensive. Not only will you save on your monthly bill, but you’ll also save on installation, repair, and maintenance costs.
• Versatility: With a wide range of features available, you can turn your phone system into a communications hub with instant messaging, SMS and MMS messaging, video conferencing, and more.
• Easy Setup: Because VoIP doesn’t rely on the old infrastructure and copper wiring of POTS, setting your service up is easy. Making changes is just as easy, whether it’s adding a line or updating features.

Beyond that, more telecommunications carriers are moving beyond the old infrastructure, which is expensive to maintain. As this old tech continues to be phased out, it makes sense to start exploring your options to upgrade your phone service.

You can get started by learning more about what VoIP is and why it’s a good choice for your business. Next, make sure to check out the best VoIP business phone systems to find the best provider for your business. Good luck!