VoIP 101: Common Terms Explained

Whether you own a large business, small business, or are sick of your home telephone, everyone should know about VoIP telephone systems. Not only can they save you money on your monthly expenses, but they can provide you with benefits that no other phone system can. To help you understand VoIP, here are some common terms and what they mean.

1. VoIP - The term VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. In the simplest of terms, this means that the phone calls you make are done so over an internet connection, rather than the traditional copper wire. Using this type of phone system offers a wide array of benefits at a low price.
2. Bandwidth - An internet connection can transfer a certain amount of data at one time, this amount is known as bandwidth. When the limit has been reached, the connection will slow down any other data trying to be transmitted. Luckily, internet providers will allow users to increase their bandwidth for more money.
3. Kbps - The speed at which data can be transferred is measured by kilobits per second. While your bandwidth will show you the maximum amount of data you can transfer, your kbps is the speed at which it can be transmitted.
4. Softphone - When utilizing a VoIP phone system, you can plug in a specific phone to your computer to make calls. However, you can also use computer software that will act as a phone while you place calls via your computer. This softphone software can help you save on costs by not purchasing stand alone phones, or if you’re using your laptop away from the office.
5. Cloud - Rather than having a massive amount of server equipment in your business or home, you can opt to have a cloud-based VoIP system. A VoIP service provider will wirelessly grant you access to their servers and software so you don’t have to purchase either.

Once you understand the basics of VoIP, your business or home phone system can become more advanced and less expensive. When it’s time to make the switch from your old copper wire to VoIP, contact Reliable Voice & Data Systems. To learn more, or to schedule a free estimate, give us a call at (877) 385-6657.

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