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Voice over IP (VoIP) commonly refers to the communication protocols, technologies, methodologies, and transmission techniques involved in the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet.

Other terms commonly associated with VoIP are:

• IP telephony
• Internet telephony
• voice over broadband (VoBB)
• broadband telephony
• broadband phone

Internet telephony refers to communications services - voice, fax, SMS, and/or voice-messaging applications - that are transported via the Internet, rather than the public switched telephone network (PSTN).  VoIP is available on many smartphones and Internet devices so that users of portable devices that are not phones, may place calls or send SMS text messages over 3G or Wi-Fi.

What VoIP do I need and can I use my Telkom phone with VoIP?

VoIP telephone services can be an inexpensive and convenient alternative to traditional land-based phone services, using an existing Internet connection instead. But purchasing VoIP-enabled telephones to replace your old analogue devices can add costs before you even make your first call.

Realizing this, many VoIP service providers and router manufacturers have created analogue-to-VoIP adapters or incorporated VoIP capabilities into their routers. These devices enable you to convert your analogue phones to VoIP compatibility with a plug-in, utilizing your existing equipment and simply changing your service. While there are many ways to turn analogue phones into VoIP phones, here are three of the most common ways to do so.

VoIP ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter)

An analogue telephone adapter is a small box that connects to a router, and once configured, works with most SIP based VoIP service providers. It features FXS and FXO ports for connecting an analogue telephone to the ATA and converts the signal from digital to analogue, and vice versa. Ideally suited to one or two telephones, it has limited capability beyond the telephony conversion. This type of solution is often found in homes, small offices, or locations with a single telephone such as a boutique shop.

VoIP Router (All in one solution)

A VoIP router is similar to an ATA, with the added benefit of all required parts, in one box. With a bit more power than a ATA it can offer additional features such as call waiting, call hold, caller ID, hotline dialling, and more. Some VoIP routers will also accept twelve or more VoIP accounts. With built-in FXS and FXO ports, plugging in an analogue phone will give a home office or small business the vital lifeline to reduce call cost and deploy a professional telephony solution without the additional cost of VoIP handsets.

The ultimate VoIP setup (PBX)

Small and medium businesses seeking the best possible VoIP solution in their communications may look to incorporate analogue and VoIP telephony into their work environment. A PBX is similar to a telephone exchange, except it is hosted in-house on an organisation's network. With multiple ports to accommodate analogue phones and VoIP phones, it's a highly cost-effective solution for a business that forecasts future growth and has flexibility in its setup.