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What is VoIP?

landline phone
Written by
Martin Montemayor
Published on
December 3, 2025
Read Time
4
min read time
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‍The VoIP Basics

What is VoIP? VoIP is a communication technology that allows text or voice communications through internet protocol. It is also sometimes referred to as VoIP solutions, Voice over IP, or Voice over Internet Protocol. For a VoIP system to work correctly, a well-functioning VoIP infrastructure is needed. VoIP infrastructures are the backbone of any VoIP system.

VoIP infrastructures consist of the following components:

  1. IP phones or VoIP adapters: These are devices that allow you to make calls using your computer or a special VoIP phone.
  2. Switches: The switches direct the calls to the correct IP phones and servers.
  3. Routers: The routers connect the VoIP systems to the internet and allow the calls to be made.
  4. Servers: The servers host the various components of the VoIP system and manage the calls.

Diagram showing VoIP phones, laptops, and mobile devices connected through modems and routers to the internet.
VoIP infrastructure, VoIP setup, connection

Most of the components needed in a VoIP System are already provided by your Internet Service Providers (ISP) and VoIP Providers. While your ISP makes sure you have a stable internet connection, VoIP providers connect your local network to their VoIP servers that are responsible for handling your calls.

VoIP Ports

There are multiple VoIP ports or protocol used to transmit voice data over the internet or VoIP network. The two most commonly used protocols are H.323 and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). Modern VoIP technology used by most internet telephony works through SIP. H.323, on the other hand, is an older protocol that was developed in the 1990s. It is more complex and expensive to use, which is why most VoIP networks use SIP.

Are VoIP systems the same as a landline?

The main difference between VoIP phone service versus an analog phone service (traditional landline) is the type of signal they use to transmit your calls. On an analog phone service, the ringing from incoming calls, busy signal, dial tone, and voice audio are all transmitted through analog lines/wires which are connected to telephone networks. On the other hand, VoIP phone systems convert these signals into a digital data that travels through the Internet into interconnected IP networks.

What are the advantages of a VoIP phone system over a traditional phone system?

The main reason is that monthly phone bills of VoIP phone services cost about 60% less than your existing phone system. In addition, since VoIP calls run over the internet instead of the regular analog telephone network, your voice communication per minute costs will be extremely low because you can bypass long distance charges which are normally extremely high. This means you can make VoIP phone calls almost anywhere in the world at a lower cost with nothing more than a high-speed internet connection.

Another advantage is that, given the reliability of internet connections, VoIP systems have much clearer sound and better voice quality than traditional phone systems. Lastly, VoIP has many added features which providers usually offer for free (or minimal fee in some cases) such as call recording, auto-attendant, spam call bot, text messaging, mobile VoIP, e911, emergency services, VoIP caller ID and more. This is why many companies prefer VoIP as their primary business phone system, not only it is cheaper, it has more features too. Click this link for a more detailed explanation on why you should switch to VoIP phone systems.

Does a VoIP system slow down my internet speed?

You shouldn't notice any difference in your Internet speed when using VoIP. VoIP traffic within your IP network uses minimal internet data, so this will not cause congestion on your local area network nor compete with your other internet-related usage. If you're noticing that your VoIP usage is slowing down your internet speed, chances are that your connection isn't fast enough to support VoIP or your router isn't configured correctly for VoIP. Click this link to test your Internet speed for VoIP compatibility.

Gauge-style speed meter with a download button beneath it.
VoIP download speed, speed test, reliable internet connection

What is needed for VoIP phone systems?

With an internet-based IP phone, you can access your voice and data Anywhere! You'll need a modem for this service which is included in most internet plans. A VoIP software that allows users to make voice calls from VoIP telephones, laptop or desktop, smartphones, tablet or other mobile devices - perfect if someone isn't near their desktop PC at all times of day/night...or even worse: home office situation not working out? No problem -- VoIP powers these VoIP phones too so there's never been an easier way to get on board with modern communication trends.

Simple diagram connecting the internet to a modem and then to a VoIP phone with blue cables.
Direct network connection, internet, modem, VoIP phone

A stable internet connection is also needed to ensure smooth voice traffic during VoIP conversations. Use this link to test your connection, and setup is normally simple and easy once you sign up for a VoIP account from the VoIP provider of your choice.

Are VoIP calls free?

There is no simple answer to this question. Calls can be free in some cases, and in other cases, they may incur a charge. The cost of making a VoIP call will depend on the VoIP service provider that you are using, and the type of call you are making. Many VoIP services offer free calls to the US, Canada, and many other countries. However, other numbers are just too expensive to call and VoIP providers are not able to offer free calling to those destinations. If you are unsure whether a call will be free or not, it is always best to check with your VoIP service providers before making the call.

There are a few ways to make calls free of charge. One way is to find a VoIP provider that offers free calls to certain destinations. For example, Skype offers free calls to other Skype users, and Google Hangouts offer free calls to US and Canadian numbers. VoIPLy also offers free calls to US and Canada and 50++ countries. Click on this link to check if VoIPLy offers free calling to the number you intend to call.

Are VoIP calls secured?

There are a lot of different factors to consider when it comes to the security of VoIP calls. In general, VoIP calls are no more or less secure than any other type of phone call. However, there are a few things to keep in mind that can help you ensure that your VoIP calls are as secure as possible.

Cybersecurity, encryption, data privacy

One of the most important things to consider is the type of VoIP service you are using. If you are using a public VoIP service, your calls may be less secure than if you were using a private VoIP service. Public VoIP services often do not have the same level of security features as private VoIP services. This means that it may be easier for someone to eavesdrop on your conversations or even hack into your calls.

Another thing to keep in mind is the type of equipment you are using. Many VoIP phones have built-in encryption, which can help to protect your conversations from being intercepted. However, not all VoIP phones have this feature, so it is important to check with your service provider to see if your phone has it.

Finally, it is also important to be aware of the potential risks of using VoIP calls over the internet. While VoIP calls are usually transmitted over the internet, they are not always encrypted. This means that if someone were to intercept your conversations, they would be able to listen in. For this reason, it is important to make sure that you are using a secure VoIP service and that your conversations are encrypted.

What's next?

Visit our order page to signup for a Voiply account today and we'll fast ship you a VoIP phone adapter. You just need to connect it to your router and phone, it will instantly turn your regular phone into an IP phone, and that's it, you can start making VoIP calls.

We also offer a free app for your Apple or Android devices. Once you've downloaded the App, you just need to sign in and you may start making calls on your cell phone, computer, or mobile device.

For questions or other concerns, chat with our support or email us at support@voiply.com

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Martin Montemayor
Martin Montemayor is a creative and dedicated Customer Service Representative and Data Analyst at Voiply.
Customer Success and Data Analyst
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I appreciate the time and attention that I received from the Voiply tech support agents when I was trying to resolve an issue with my adaptor. Mike walked me through a process to restore my service via the website chat and email. When neither of these methods was successful, Ana called me on my mobile phone and walked me through the process. Many thanks to their dedication in helping to resolve this issue.
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Ming Shing Chiu
July 19, 2025
I appreciate the time and attention that I received from the Voiply tech support agents when I was trying to resolve an issue with my adaptor. Mike walked me through a process to restore my service via the website chat and email. When neither of these methods was successful, Ana called me on my mobile phone and walked me through the process. Many thanks to their dedication in helping to resolve this issue.
Ming Shing Chiu
July 19, 2025
I had moved from a previous VoIP service provider. I was concerned that the services wouldn't be as "good". I'm supper happy that I was wrong. Service has been very good, Support is have very helpful and feature and updates of the service are still coming. With other provider that I have 15 years. Nothing changed price keep going up. I'm so glad I made the change.
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Joseph Sarcone
January 11, 2026
I had moved from a previous VoIP service provider. I was concerned that the services wouldn't be as "good". I'm supper happy that I was wrong. Service has been very good, Support is have very helpful and feature and updates of the service are still coming. With other provider that I have 15 years. Nothing changed price keep going up. I'm so glad I made the change.
Joseph Sarcone
January 11, 2026
Due to my absence for 5 months, I had discontinued my internet service with another provider. To my surprise, voicemail was still working during this time and I was immediately notified via email whenever a call came in. The messages that were left showed up in detail which I appreciated. Upon reactivation of the modem for internet with that other provider, I had an issue with the phone connection. I contacted Voiply which fixed the problem within a relatively short time. I am very satisfied with the service that I received.
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Christina Papacostas
September 29, 2025
Due to my absence for 5 months, I had discontinued my internet service with another provider. To my surprise, voicemail was still working during this time and I was immediately notified via email whenever a call came in. The messages that were left showed up in detail which I appreciated. Upon reactivation of the modem for internet with that other provider, I had an issue with the phone connection. I contacted Voiply which fixed the problem within a relatively short time. I am very satisfied with the service that I received.
Christina Papacostas
September 29, 2025
I love the ease of purchase, the online dashboard is transparent about services and features, the customer service has always been topnotch, and you can't beat the price! I have the landline phone for my kids too young for cell phones and it's an added safety feature should I need to call 911 as the number is tied to my physical address. Worth every penny!
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Kimberly Craig
October 22, 2025
I love the ease of purchase, the online dashboard is transparent about services and features, the customer service has always been topnotch, and you can't beat the price! I have the landline phone for my kids too young for cell phones and it's an added safety feature should I need to call 911 as the number is tied to my physical address. Worth every penny!
Kimberly Craig
October 22, 2025
Called on Thur. 12/18/25@ 10:05 AM about our phone ringing once and going to voice mail. They checked the things they could all was good on our end, I was told they would make a ticket for repairs. At appox. 6:00 that evening we received a call from VOIPLY matter was all fixed and verifying problem was fixed. we are very happy with VOIPLY
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Michele Chase
December 20, 2025
Called on Thur. 12/18/25@ 10:05 AM about our phone ringing once and going to voice mail. They checked the things they could all was good on our end, I was told they would make a ticket for repairs. At appox. 6:00 that evening we received a call from VOIPLY matter was all fixed and verifying problem was fixed. we are very happy with VOIPLY
Michele Chase
December 20, 2025
Voiply is amazing. I got this for my mom, and she has had it for over a year and a half with very few issues. When we have had to call customer service, they have been very helpful and quick to help with the issue.
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Tammy
November 14, 2025
Voiply is amazing. I got this for my mom, and she has had it for over a year and a half with very few issues. When we have had to call customer service, they have been very helpful and quick to help with the issue.
Tammy
November 14, 2025
They are great company in that they try very hard but they still have some things to learn like when a customer ask for an instruction manual so they would know how to use the mobile app and the portal and all the other stuff the phone the system over 9 times and I still have not gotten the owners manual or any way to figure it out on my own. I finally used the portal instead of the mobile app today and it was like a miracle. It changed everything. I thought I was dumb or my phone was broken because nothing was working very well on the mobile app. When I got over to the portal everything worked fantastically. Voiply is fantastic. I was paying $10 a month with Xfinity and $240 on top of that to have TV service and a landline or VoIP. So you offer the phone for like $16 and all the other companies wanted $40 for a phone. So you guys are about the best deal in the market. It took a while to get the phone to work properly because it was getting ported over and so forth but I understand that. And then once it was working it's been fantastic I really love it. I got rid of Xfinity and I gained a good partner in voiply! I'm still loving the voiply service. I request today owners manual and they sent it to me right away. My new puppy loves it too!
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Taylor Gray
November 9, 2025
They are great company in that they try very hard but they still have some things to learn like when a customer ask for an instruction manual so they would know how to use the mobile app and the portal and all the other stuff the phone the system over 9 times and I still have not gotten the owners manual or any way to figure it out on my own. I finally used the portal instead of the mobile app today and it was like a miracle. It changed everything. I thought I was dumb or my phone was broken because nothing was working very well on the mobile app. When I got over to the portal everything worked fantastically. Voiply is fantastic. I was paying $10 a month with Xfinity and $240 on top of that to have TV service and a landline or VoIP. So you offer the phone for like $16 and all the other companies wanted $40 for a phone. So you guys are about the best deal in the market. It took a while to get the phone to work properly because it was getting ported over and so forth but I understand that. And then once it was working it's been fantastic I really love it. I got rid of Xfinity and I gained a good partner in voiply! I'm still loving the voiply service. I request today owners manual and they sent it to me right away. My new puppy loves it too!
Taylor Gray
November 9, 2025
With our economy changing, I am trying to save anyway I can. I saw VOIPLY on line and decided to see what they had to offer, With their help, I am able to keep my landline for half the price I was paying through the "traditional cable bundle". It took a little extra help from my end with financing, but they were extremely kind and patient throughout the entire process. Highly recommend them.
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Gwen Sinclair
January 12, 2026
With our economy changing, I am trying to save anyway I can. I saw VOIPLY on line and decided to see what they had to offer, With their help, I am able to keep my landline for half the price I was paying through the "traditional cable bundle". It took a little extra help from my end with financing, but they were extremely kind and patient throughout the entire process. Highly recommend them.
Gwen Sinclair
January 12, 2026
Voiply customer service has been so easy to work with, no need to call just use their chat and an agent will email you directly with a resolution. I highly recommend them
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Stan Kaczocha
December 29, 2025
Voiply customer service has been so easy to work with, no need to call just use their chat and an agent will email you directly with a resolution. I highly recommend them
Stan Kaczocha
December 29, 2025