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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 have been a customer of Voiply for a number of years, and have enjoyed a trouble free experience. The few times that I had questions or concerns, the customer service has been stellar, and has been able to solve my issues quickly and professionally. I would highly reccomend their service to anyone who is looking for a highly reliable VOIP phone service. Superior service at a very reasonable price.
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Eric Donalson
June 26, 2025
I have been a customer of Voiply for a number of years, and have enjoyed a trouble free experience. The few times that I had questions or concerns, the customer service has been stellar, and has been able to solve my issues quickly and professionally. I would highly reccomend their service to anyone who is looking for a highly reliable VOIP phone service. Superior service at a very reasonable price.
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Eric Donalson
June 26, 2025
Voiply is great. Probably the best telephone VoIP service in the business. All phones are being forced to go Voice over IP. We were with Windstream/ Kinetic/ and whatever company they just merged with. Voiply’s cost and superior customer service kicks the mess out of our previous carrier. Check out the cost and you might just be their next customer.
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Rebecca Wisdom
December 20, 2025
Voiply is great. Probably the best telephone VoIP service in the business. All phones are being forced to go Voice over IP. We were with Windstream/ Kinetic/ and whatever company they just merged with. Voiply’s cost and superior customer service kicks the mess out of our previous carrier. Check out the cost and you might just be their next customer.
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Rebecca Wisdom
December 20, 2025
After almost five years of trouble-free service, my Voiply connection failed. I visited the website and chatted with a robot, who instructed me to check all my wire connections. I thought, That's what they all tell you, and it never solves the problem." The robot connected me with a live agent who told me to check all my wire connections. She was more insistent than the robot and eventually determined that the connection to my modem was faulty. I connected the cable to a different port, and the system was restored. The moral of the story....Listen to your agent. She knows more than you do and is there to help you.
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John Cronin
November 15, 2025
After almost five years of trouble-free service, my Voiply connection failed. I visited the website and chatted with a robot, who instructed me to check all my wire connections. I thought, That's what they all tell you, and it never solves the problem." The robot connected me with a live agent who told me to check all my wire connections. She was more insistent than the robot and eventually determined that the connection to my modem was faulty. I connected the cable to a different port, and the system was restored. The moral of the story....Listen to your agent. She knows more than you do and is there to help you.
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John Cronin
November 15, 2025
I have had Voiplyservice for almost 2 years. I’ve had a few minor problems with them but they all have been resolved within an hour. All technicians are helpful, polite and very knowledgeable.
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neil minichino
November 14, 2025
I have had Voiplyservice for almost 2 years. I’ve had a few minor problems with them but they all have been resolved within an hour. All technicians are helpful, polite and very knowledgeable.
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neil minichino
November 14, 2025
Joined Voiply because I want to be able to use the app when traveling Internationally. The service was easy to use . Just dial the number in the app and you had a very clear connection to person you were calling. Since I am not traveling i did not need this connection. Their customer service is much better than 95% off other companies.
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Stroud Gilpin
October 7, 2025
Joined Voiply because I want to be able to use the app when traveling Internationally. The service was easy to use . Just dial the number in the app and you had a very clear connection to person you were calling. Since I am not traveling i did not need this connection. Their customer service is much better than 95% off other companies.
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Stroud Gilpin
October 7, 2025
One could not ask for a better voip then Voiply. I have been a customer for many years and never experienced any issues at all, until this this year between Christmas and New Years. I was not receiving incoming calls and called for assistance. One would think, and most likely expect that during this time of the season help would not be forth coming. WRONG. The tech help desk solved the issue on the call back on a day between Christmas and New Years. Solved the issue, called in on the line, left a message and life was good again. Voiply takes problems seriously and solves them as soon as possible. One GREAT company with customer service in mind. And as a bonus their plans are very affordable and reasonable.
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Denis Stewart
January 3, 2026
One could not ask for a better voip then Voiply. I have been a customer for many years and never experienced any issues at all, until this this year between Christmas and New Years. I was not receiving incoming calls and called for assistance. One would think, and most likely expect that during this time of the season help would not be forth coming. WRONG. The tech help desk solved the issue on the call back on a day between Christmas and New Years. Solved the issue, called in on the line, left a message and life was good again. Voiply takes problems seriously and solves them as soon as possible. One GREAT company with customer service in mind. And as a bonus their plans are very affordable and reasonable.
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Denis Stewart
January 3, 2026
Signup and porting my old number was simple and went flawlessly. Porting process also cancelled my old service so I didn't have to. Adapter arrived in about a week and connecting it to WiFi modem was quick and simple. My phone connected in just a couple minutes. Has worked flawlessly. Sound quality is excellent.
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Rick Slater
August 28, 2025
Signup and porting my old number was simple and went flawlessly. Porting process also cancelled my old service so I didn't have to. Adapter arrived in about a week and connecting it to WiFi modem was quick and simple. My phone connected in just a couple minutes. Has worked flawlessly. Sound quality is excellent.
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Rick Slater
August 28, 2025
I learned voiply from a chatbot recommendation when looking for a cheap solution to park my old number. the customer support team is very helpful! After port the number over, I originally have difficulty to setup the voicemail and the SMS to Email didn't work. The team followed up with my case responsively. They tried several times and eventually made both work, without me fiddling with the settings I can find on the website. so far everything works as I expected and the SMS to Email super fast once it works! it's like I still using the number on my phone now!
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Wenqing Fu
November 22, 2025
I learned voiply from a chatbot recommendation when looking for a cheap solution to park my old number. the customer support team is very helpful! After port the number over, I originally have difficulty to setup the voicemail and the SMS to Email didn't work. The team followed up with my case responsively. They tried several times and eventually made both work, without me fiddling with the settings I can find on the website. so far everything works as I expected and the SMS to Email super fast once it works! it's like I still using the number on my phone now!
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Wenqing Fu
November 22, 2025
Dealing with Voiply was quite refreshing. Their customer service team, including AI, was fast and helpful. The equipment needed to use Voiply arrived the next day. After installing it, I sent a note saying that it had arrived and received a confirmation back promptly. My husband and I are impressed with Voiply and only wish that we had found them sooner!
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Kathleen Chrzanowski
August 24, 2025
Dealing with Voiply was quite refreshing. Their customer service team, including AI, was fast and helpful. The equipment needed to use Voiply arrived the next day. After installing it, I sent a note saying that it had arrived and received a confirmation back promptly. My husband and I are impressed with Voiply and only wish that we had found them sooner!
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Kathleen Chrzanowski
August 24, 2025