VoIP [Voice over IP]

VoIP is a technology that lets subscribers to the VoIP service make telephone calls using a computer network that supports IP [Internet Protocol]. VoIP converts the analog signal used in a converntional telephone, into a digital signal that can be carried over the Internet in packets (and converts it back again at the other end).

This means that users with a broadband Internet connection can replace their existing telephone connection with VoIP. Some VoIP services only allow telephone calls to people using the same service. Others allow calls to any number. Some VoIP services work just through the computer. Others require a special VoIP telephone or a VoIP adapter fitted to a conventional telephone.