Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that allows voice communications and multimedia sessions to be transmitted over the Internet, rather than relying on traditional circuit-switched telephone lines of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Instead of using dedicated copper wires to carry voice signals, VoIP converts voice into digital data packets that travel across IP networks, just like emails or web traffic. This approach not only reduces costs compared to conventional phone systems but also enables advanced features such as video calls, voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, and integration with other digital applications.
What is the difference between VoIP and landline phones?
The main difference between VoIP and landline phones lies in how they transmit voice calls. Landline phones rely on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which uses physical copper wires to carry analog signals. This infrastructure has been in place for decades and is renowned for its reliability; however, it can be costly to maintain and is limited in features.
VoIP phones, on the other hand, use the Internet to send and receive calls by converting voice into digital packets that travel across IP networks. This makes VoIP more flexible, cost-effective, and feature-rich compared to traditional landlines. Businesses and individuals benefit from options such as video conferencing, call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and integration with mobile and desktop applications. These are capabilities not typically available with standard landline services.
In short, landlines are tied to physical infrastructure and limited functionality, while VoIP leverages modern Internet technology to provide scalable, affordable, and versatile communication.
How Bandwidth is involved with VoIP
Bandwidth owns and operates one of the largest All-IP Voice Networks in the nation. We have built a business-grade suite of APIs atop that network to provide our customers with a variety of ways to integrate communication capabilities into their business. With these APIs, Bandwidth is able to offer services for voice, messaging, 911 access, and phone numbers.
Bandwidth’s VoIP system provisioning allows our customers to seamlessly integrate voice capabilities into their platforms to connect their end users. In addition, Bandwidth offers 911 access as an additional capability that our customers can integrate. Bandwidth’s VoIP service offering paired with the other communication capabilities that Bandwidth offers, allows businesses to connect their customers to what matters most to them. We’ve mastered the power to communicate so you can focus on what matters most to you.
What are the benefits of Bandwidth’s VoIP services?
Since Bandwidth owns and operates the network, our customers are able to enjoy fast, reliable VoIP services, scalability, and cost savings. Bandwidth offers our customers world-class support with a 24/7 NOC team that is there to address issues as soon as they arise.
In addition, Bandwidth’s VoIP service as well as our other communication services for companies, are built to scale. Whether you are a small start-up or an enterprise giant, Bandwidth services can scale to meet your needs. In addition, partnering with Bandwidth lets you avoid dealing with a middleman. This means more cost savings for your business while also connecting with a service you can trust. Bandwidth has mastered VoIP communications, so you can focus on what matters most to you.
Features of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?
VoIP goes beyond simply replacing traditional phone service. It offers a wide range of advanced features designed to improve communication and collaboration. Some of the most common VoIP features include:
Cost savings: Lower calling rates, especially for long-distance and international calls, compared to traditional landlines.
Scalability: Easily add or remove users without requiring new physical phone lines.
Mobility: Make and receive calls from virtually anywhere with an Internet connection using smartphones, tablets, or computers.
Voicemail-to-Email: Receive voicemail messages directly in your email inbox for easier access and management.
Call forwarding and routing: Redirect calls to different devices or team members to ensure important calls are never missed.
Video conferencing: Host face-to-face meetings online with built-in video and screen-sharing capabilities.
Integration with business tools: Connect VoIP systems with CRM platforms, help desks, and other applications for streamlined workflows.
Advanced call management: Features such as call recording, auto-attendant, and interactive voice response (IVR) enable professional call handling.
With these features, VoIP empowers businesses and individuals with flexibility, efficiency, and functionality that traditional landlines simply can’t match.
How to switch to VoIP
VoIP’s list of advanced features can make the process of migrating to VoIP sound intimidating. The good news is that providers should help you with this part. Broadly there are two main steps.
Start by choosing a reliable VoIP provider. You need two resources:
Purchase or port numbers with your VoIP service. Now that you’ve chosen your provider, you set up your VoIP either by purchasing new numbers or porting existing numbers. Ideally, you will be able to use your provider’s dashboards to configure features, i.e. SMS or caller ID. Be sure that your new VoIP service can offer a streamlined provisioning service so you can configure these numbers quickly, especially for larger teams.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) works by converting your voice into digital signals, sending them over the internet, and then converting them back into sound on the receiving end. Instead of relying on traditional telephone lines, VoIP uses your internet connection (Wi-Fi, broadband, or mobile data). This allows calls to be made from computers, smartphones, VoIP phones, or even traditional phones with an adapter.
VoIP is often more cost-effective, especially for long-distance or international calls. It also offers greater flexibility since you can make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. Beyond that, VoIP systems typically come with advanced features like video conferencing, voicemail-to-email, and call forwarding, making them a powerful alternative to basic landline phone systems.
Examples of everyday apps and platforms using VoIP include Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, Google Voice, Microsoft Teams, and FaceTime Audio. On the business side, services like RingCentral, Vonage, and Nextiva are widely used, while consumer-focused options such as Ooma and MagicJack also run on VoIP technology.
The information provided in this glossary definition does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice, nor does it necessarily represent Bandwidth's products or business practices. This page is for general informational purposes only.
