VoIP Glossary: Key Terms and Definitions
Last update: December 7th, 2023.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a revolutionary technology that has transformed the way we communicate, enabling voice and video transmission over the internet. To navigate the world of VoIP effectively, it's essential to grasp the key terms and concepts. This VoIP glossary provides a comprehensive list of terms and their detailed definitions to enhance your knowledge of VoIP technology.
A
- Analog: Analog refers to the traditional phone systems that utilize electrical signals to transmit voice. These analog signals are continuous waveforms as opposed to the discrete digital data packets used in VoIP.
- API (Application Programming Interface): An API is a set of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. VoIP services often offer APIs for integration with other business applications.
- ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter): An ATA connects analog telephones and fax machines to VoIP networks.
- Auto Attendant: An auto attendant is an automated voice system that interacts with callers, typically used to route calls to the appropriate extensions or departments within an organization.
B
- Bandwidth: Bandwidth is the maximum data transfer rate of an internet connection, typically measured in bits per second (bps). It plays a pivotal role in the quality of VoIP calls; higher bandwidth results in clearer calls with better audio and video quality.
- BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): BYOD is a policy that allows employees to use their personal devices, such as smartphones and laptops, for work purposes, including VoIP communications.
- BYOC (Bring Your Own Carrier): BYOC allows businesses to bring their own telecommunications carrier to a VoIP service, providing more flexibility in choosing providers.
C
- Call Detail Records (CDR): CDRs are records of call information, including details like call duration, call origin, and destination. They are valuable for billing, auditing, and troubleshooting.
- Call Forwarding: Call forwarding allows users to redirect incoming calls to another number or device.
- Calling Line Identification (CLI): CLI, or caller ID, displays the caller's phone number or other identification information to the recipient.
- CLI Spoofing: CLI spoofing is the practice of altering the calling line identification (caller ID) information to display a different number, which can be used for malicious purposes.
- Codec: A codec (coder-decoder) is a device or software used to compress and decompress audio or video data for efficient transmission in VoIP. It ensures that audio and video streams are effectively encoded and decoded.
- Codec G.711: G.711 is a widely used audio codec in VoIP, offering high call quality but consuming more bandwidth.
- Codec G.729: G.729 is a compressed audio codec that reduces bandwidth requirements while maintaining decent voice quality.
D
- DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service): DDoS attacks involve overwhelming a network or system with traffic from multiple sources, causing service disruptions. VoIP services must protect against such attacks.
- DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency): DTMF is the signaling system used for transmitting commands or digits via telephone keypad. It's commonly used in VoIP systems for functions like interactive voice response (IVR) systems.
E
- Echo: Echo is the reflection of a caller's voice back to them during a call. It can be caused by audio delays and can be particularly annoying during VoIP calls. Echo cancellation technology is used to mitigate this issue.
- E.911 Compliance: E.911 compliance refers to adherence to regulations that require VoIP service providers to provide accurate location information for emergency services. This ensures that emergency responders can locate callers in need of assistance.
- E911 (Enhanced 911): E911 is a system that associates a physical address with an emergency call for accurate location determination. This is essential for public safety when using VoIP services.
- Echo Cancellation: Echo cancellation is a technology used in VoIP to eliminate or reduce echo that can occur during calls, creating a clearer audio experience for users.
- ENUM (Telephone Number Mapping): ENUM is a protocol that maps traditional phone numbers to IP addresses, facilitating the routing of VoIP calls over the internet.
- ENUM Server: An ENUM server is a DNS-based system that facilitates the mapping of telephone numbers to URLs and email addresses.
F
- Feature Server: A feature server provides advanced calling features, like call forwarding and voicemail, in a VoIP system.
- Firewall: A firewall is a network security device or software that filters incoming and outgoing traffic to protect against potential threats and unauthorized access. Firewalls play a crucial role in securing VoIP networks.
H
- Handover: Handover is the process in mobile VoIP when a device transitions from one network access point to another, such as switching from Wi-Fi to a cellular network during a call.
- H.264: H.264 is a widely used video compression standard that ensures efficient video streaming in VoIP services, including video conferencing.
- H.323: H.323 is an ITU standard for multimedia communication over IP networks.
- Hosted VoIP: Hosted VoIP is a service provided by a third-party provider where the VoIP system is hosted in the cloud. It offers scalability, flexibility, and reduced infrastructure costs for businesses.
I
- IP Address: An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network. It allows data packets to be efficiently routed to and from the device across the internet.
- IP PBX (Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange): An IP PBX is a telephone switching system that functions over an IP network, offering advanced features and cost savings for businesses.
- IVR (Interactive Voice Response): IVR is an automated telephony system that interacts with callers through voice or touch-tone keypad selections, often used for tasks like call routing and information retrieval.
J
- J.164: J.164 is a standard that defines the process of implementing multimedia communication systems over IP networks.
- Jitter: Jitter refers to variations in the delay of voice packets when transmitted over an IP network. Excessive jitter can result in call quality issues.
L
- Latency: Latency refers to the delay in transmitting data over a network. In the VoIP context, low latency is crucial for real-time communication. High latency can lead to noticeable delays during calls.
- Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP): MGCP is a protocol used to control media gateways in a VoIP network.
N
- NAT (Network Address Translation): NAT allows multiple devices within a local network to share a single public IP address. This technology is crucial for conserving IP addresses and managing network traffic.
P
- Packet Loss: Packet loss occurs when data packets do not reach their intended destination. It can disrupt the continuity of VoIP calls, leading to audio dropouts or choppy conversations.
- PoE (Power over Ethernet): PoE is a technology that allows electrical power to be transmitted over Ethernet cables. It's commonly used to power VoIP phones and other network devices.
- Porting: Process that allows individuals or businesses to transfer their existing phone number from one telecommunications service provider to another.
- POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service): POTS refers to traditional analog telephone services.
- PRI (Primary Rate Interface): PRI is an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) service that provides multiple channels for voice and data transmission.
Q
- QoS (Quality of Service): QoS is a set of technologies and policies that prioritize certain data traffic to ensure the best possible transmission of data. In the context of VoIP, QoS is vital to maintaining call quality and reliability.
- RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol): RTP is a network protocol used for delivering audio and video over IP networks, commonly employed in VoIP services.
- Router: A router is a fundamental networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. In the context of VoIP, routers manage the flow of data traffic, helping ensure the quality of calls.
S
- SBC (Session Border Controller): An SBC is a device that secures and manages the flow of real-time communication sessions, often used in VoIP networks to protect against security threats.
- Session Layer Aggregation (SLA): SLA aggregates multiple voice streams into a single data stream to optimize VoIP call quality.
- Session Initiation Protocol (SIP): SIP is a communications protocol used in VoIP to establish, modify, and terminate communication sessions. It serves as the foundation for various VoIP services and applications.
- SIP Proxy Server: A SIP proxy server is an intermediary server used in the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to facilitate communication between different endpoints in a VoIP network.
- Softphone: A softphone is a software application that allows users to make VoIP calls via a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Softphones are particularly popular among business users who prefer flexibility in their calling methods.
- Softswitch: A softswitch is a central device used in VoIP networks that connects calls between IP networks and the traditional PSTN. It manages call routing, signaling, and other call control functions.
T
- Toll Fraud: Toll fraud occurs when unauthorized individuals make international calls using someone else's VoIP service.
U
- Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS): UCaaS is a cloud-based service that integrates various communication and collaboration tools, including VoIP, video conferencing, instant messaging, and more into a single platform.
V
- Virtual Number: A virtual number is a phone number that is not tied to a physical location, often used for call forwarding and international presence.
- VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): VoIP is a technology that allows voice and multimedia communication over the internet by converting analog audio signals into digital data packets for transmission. It's a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional phone services.
- VoIP Firewall: A VoIP firewall protects against security threats and helps ensure secure VoIP communication.
- VoIP Gateway: A VoIP gateway is a device that converts voice and data traffic between the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and IP networks.
- VoIP Monitoring: VoIP monitoring tools track the performance of a VoIP network, measuring metrics like jitter, packet loss, and latency.
- VoIP Phone: A VoIP phone is a hardware device specifically designed for making VoIP calls. These phones often come with advanced features like call forwarding, voicemail, and display screens for added convenience.
- Voicemail to Email: This feature converts voicemail messages into audio files and sends them to the recipient's email inbox, allowing easy access to messages from any device.
Understanding these VoIP terms and their detailed definitions is essential for making informed decisions, effectively troubleshooting issues, and maximizing your experience in the world of Voice over Internet Protocol. Whether you're using VoIP for personal or business purposes, a solid grasp of these terms will enhance your overall VoIP experience and empower you to navigate the technology with confidence.