VoIP – also known as Voice over IP, or Voice over Internet Protocol – usually refers to the transmission of voice phone calls over the internet. In these pages, we’ll cover the layman’s definition of some of the terms most often associated with VoIP service. See any of the terms on the left for more information on each one. Whether you want to know about VoIP or QOS, we’ll try not to overwhelm you with technical jargon.

VoIP is a term for the protocol (method or procedure) by which voice calls are sent over the internet, hence the term Voice over IP. Internet phone communications include more than just voice traffic, with internet fax and text messaging also being a part of “telephony”, but Voice over IP is the main use. The main alternative to VoIP is the PSTN, or Public Switched Telephone Network, which is made up of the copper wires and switches we’ve used for many years for standard telephone calls. In general, VoIP is thought to allow the ability to offer more features at a lower cost than PSTN telephony. See voice over IP for more information.

Virtual PBX, the inventor of the first hosted PBX, or virtual phone system, provides its own VoIP service but also supports VoIP from other providers and fully embraces the PSTN. At Virtual PBX, we believe the choice between VoIP and PSTN is up to the person or company doing the implementation. VoIP usually has strong advantages in cost but requires broadband internet connectivity, while the PSTN incorporates landlines, cellular phones, and more. Good business VoIP solutions enable PSTN telephony, as well as Voice over IP. Every Virtual PBX system supports both VoIP and PSTN, in any configuration.