VoIP: VoIP jargon buster
The world of VoIP is littered with terms like ATA, softphone and SIP. Read our VoIP jargon buster for plain English explanations of common VoIP terms.
ATA
Analogue Telephone Adapter. This device connects to your broadband router and a regular touch-phone handset so you can make and receive VoIP calls without a computer.
IP
Internet Protocol. The system that's used on the internet for sending information from one computer to another.
PSTN
Public Switched Telephone Network. The regular telephone network or a network of phone lines and cables for transmitting phone calls.
SIP
Session Initiation Protocol. This is a signaling standard for making calls over the internet that is employed by a large number of VoIP and VoIP hardware providers.
The SIP system offers several value-added possibilities and features like voicemail, email, video calling and number blocking. It also provides for personal mobility as it assigns users an email-like address, so they can use their VoIP hardware and services at multiple computers.
SIP phone
A VoIP handset that's compatible with VoIP services using the SIP standard (see above).
Softphone
A piece of software downloaded to your computer that acts like an on-screen telephone. Some services provide their own softphone while others will prompt you to download a compatible third-party program. X-Lite is a popular and widely used third party softphone that is free to download.
Softphones typically incorporate a number pad for dialing calls, and the ability to save your contacts' details. Most enable you to call other VoIP users and regular telephones and mobiles. Some also offer instant messaging, video calling and file sharing features too.
Software dialer
This is a term sometimes used to describe a softphone (see above).
USB phone
A USB phone looks and feels like a regular telephone handset and can be used for making VoIP calls using your computer. It plugs into your computer's USB port and can therefore be used only when your computer is switched on. You'll also usually need to have a softphone installed and running in order to make and receive calls.
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol. This term is used to describe calls made over the internet rather than a standard telephone line. VoIP is also known as voice over broadband (VoB) or internet telephony.
VoIP phone
A telephone handset that connects to your broadband router to make and receive VoIP calls without the need for an adapter or computer. Dual VoIP phones which can make and receive both VoIP and regular telephone calls.