The following are important terms to keep in mind when seeking a VoIP phone system for the office:
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)
A high-speed broadband Internet connection that uses copper wire to transmit information over the phone lines between modems. Download speeds are quicker than upload speeds, making it different from DSL connections.
Analog (analogue)
The traditional phone system, which converts sounds or video signals into electrical vibrations to be transmitted or reproduced.
Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA)
Allows for the use of your existing and traditional handset if you have a VoIP connection by converting the signal into a standard telephone signal.
Bandwidth
The time it takes for a specific amount of information to be sent from one computer to another using a specific connection. The higher the bandwidth, the quicker the data is accessible; measured in bits per second.
Broadband
Any Internet connection that transmits and receives information at a rate of 100kbps or higher
Data Packet
The data transmitted over the Internet using the same basic technology.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
A type of broadband Internet connection that sends information through the copper wire of a telephone system. It bypasses circuit-switching and is faster than a dial-up connection.
Ethernet
A digital networking system that uses packet switching, where client requests are routed to the correct destination in the network. Used in the majority of computer network connections.
Internet Protocol Address (IP Address)
Address of a computer that is connected to the Internet.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
A company that provides Internet access to consumers, which allows them to be connected to the Internet with their computer.
Packets
A unit of information directed between the origin of the message and its final destination on the Internet. A message sent over the Internet is divided into units containing information from the source and information about where it will be filed when it reaches its destination.
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
Also known as a landline network, the traditional phone system that uses a copper wire to carry analog voice information.
Router
Connects computers in an Ethernet network.
Softphone
VoIP service that is software based.
System of sending phone calls over the Internet.