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How Does VoIP Work?

3 min read | Feb 14, 2019

The VoIP Guide for Businesses

You’ve heard that VoIP is great for small businesses, but you may not know how it works. We get it, which is why we created a guide for professionals just like you, from our team of leading VoIP providers in the Raleigh area. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the software.

What is VoIP?

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, digitally transmits audio signals, which allows you to communicate from anywhere and at any time via internet connection. VoIP is a flexible tool that doesn’t tie you down to your desk phone. It even enables you to make calls from your mobile device, but it appears to others as your office line. Here’s how it works, step by step:

Step-By-Step VoIP Guide

  1. First, the user must have an internet connection, a VoIP service provider, and an IP enabled telephone
  2. The user then makes a call on one of their VoIP devices. The dialing of the number is converted into digital data, using codecs (see below).  
  3. The device sends the data to the VoIP company’s call processor
  4. The call processor translates the phone number into an IP address
  5. The other user answers the phone, which establishes a connection between the devices
  6. Packet switching converts the conversation into smaller packets of data (see below)
  7. When the conversation is over, the circuit is closed and the devices send signals to terminate the session

What are Codecs?

Codecs are the computer algorithms that converts voice signal into a digital signal. There are many codecs that are used for this, one example is the G.711 codec, which analyzes audio at a rate of 64,000 times per second.

What is Packet Switching?

Instead of using circuit switching, which leverages an entire circuit, VoIP uses packet switching. Packet switching breaks conversations into smaller packets of information by disregarding pieces of the conversation that doesn’t matter (such as when no one is talking). This means that data is only sent and received as needed and the phone line does not get tied up.

Benefits of VoIP

Let’s retrace our steps. VoIP is like your traditional phone line, only internet based. And because VoIP communications are transmitted over the web, it provides you more flexibility, reduced monthly utility expenses and more. Here are some other key benefits of VoIP:

  • Easy to use
  • Flexible
  • Save money on phone bills
  • Accessible anywhere
  • Efficient client interaction
  • Multi-functional

Let’s Chat About VoIP

We are experts in all things VoIP, and we can’t wait to help your business get on board. Contact Benton Tech, a leading Voice over IP provider in the Triangle area, today to get started!