VoIP Dictionary | VoIP Terms

The VoIPRanks.com VoIP dictionary (VoIP glossary) was created to help our users understand common VoIP terminology. Research the terms your current, or future, Internet Phone Service provider is using. Understand the most common VoIP terminology, and know the facts when you speak with your Internet Phone Service Provider. To begin expanding your VoIP knowledge, simply click on the corresponding letter to look up the VoIP term(s) you are searching, or just scroll alphabetivcally. If you do not see a term, and believe it should be listed for future reference, please email us, and we will add it.

Analog - A continuous signal of information represented by slight changes in amplitude. Generally representing physical variables such as resistance, voltage, current, etc.

Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) - An ATA takes the current analog signal your phone provides, converts it into a digital signal and vice versa. An ATA can be used to convert just one phone to a digital phone or to convert an entire house's phone jacks into a digital phone system.

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) - Converts your already existing telephone wires into a high speed data path for data and media communications. ADSL uses a DSL modem to connect to the Central Office. A single ADSL line can transmit data at a rate of up to 6 Mbps, however actual speed of the line may vary depending on physical distance from the Central Office.

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) - Is part of an international cell relay standard that specifies cells to a fixed length of 53-bytes. Having fixed-length cells reduces delays in transit by permitting cell processing in the hardware directly. This is used for video, voice, data and more.

Bandwidth — Is a measure of frequency range. It is used to define data transfer rates; the rate at which bits can be transferred through a system.

Bits Per Second (bps) — Is a term used to define data transfer rates. It measures the amount of bits that can be transferred or received in one second of communication.

Bytes Per Second (Bps) — A term used to define data transfer rates. It measures the amount of bytes that can be transferred in one second of communication. One byte equals 8 bits.

Bluetooth — An industry specification for Personal Area Networks (PANs). It provides the ability for short distance wireless connections between devices like PDAs, cell phone head sets, printers, cameras, etc. Bluetooth is transmitted on the same frequency as WiFi, but at a lower signal strength, providing connection to devices within a few yards for the Bluetooth signal.

Broadband — Is a relative term. Meaning it has a variety of definitions depending on the scenario in which the word is used. Broadband used in the telecommunication sense refers to data transfer methods. Broadband connections divide data into small information packets and send them simultaneously over varying paths. The path the data travels depends on availability and cost. At the destination point the information packets are reassembled and delivered to the end user.

Broadband Phone — Is the process of transferring voice data over the public Internet. Broadband phone is a more efficient, low cost way of communicating with others. Over the next few years, analysts predict that the broadband phone market will increase exponentially. There are a variety of different industry terms for broadband phone, such as: VoIP, Internet Telephony, Broadband Telephony, IP Telephony, Digital Phone, etc.

Burstable Lines — A burstable line is often refereed to when discussing high-speed data communications such as T1 and T3 lines. When purchasing a burstable line, a set amount of bandwidth is allocated and purchased based on your needs. Should demand for more bandwidth dynamically increase, the remaining unused bandwidth of your line will become available. Extra bandwidth is billed on a per minute usage based on the amount of MB of bandwidth increased.

Busy Call Forwarding — Busy call forwarding is a unique feature. It allows your calls to be forwarded to any phone number you specify. Incoming calls will only be forwarded when they reach a busy signal. If there is no busy signal, calls will come directly to your phone line.

Cable Modem — A unique type of modem that provides Internet access using the unused bandwidth available from your cable connection. Cable modems provide broadband Internet access to home users around the world.

Caller Identification (ID) — Caller ID is a phone feature that allows you to see the name and phone number on your incoming calls. It is a simple feature to use and requires a caller ID enabled phone.

Call Waiting — Call waiting allows you to receive incoming phone calls while your phone line is in use. A gentle ton will chime in when you have an incoming call. Call waiting allows you to switch between callers as many times as you want. If you are on the phone and have someone on hold, the third caller will receive a busy signal or be sent directly to your voicemail system, depending on how your phone service is set up.

Category 5 Wiring — Category 5 wiring, also known as Cat 5, is a wiring scheme for an unshielded twisted pair of wires. Usually used to transmit data for computer networks. Cat 5 wires support 10BaseT and 100BaseT networks. In 2001 an upgraded version was introduced known as Cat 5e wiring, replacing the older form of Cat 5 wiring. Cat 5 wires use a RJ45 connector to connect between the wall and your device.

Category 5e Wiring — An upgraded form of Cat 5 wiring that was introduced in 2001, providing for faster connections and more versatility.

Category 6 Wiring — Category 6 wiring, also known as Cat 6, is a wiring scheme for an unshielded twisted pair of wires. Usually used to transmit data for computer networks. Cat 6 wires support 10BaseT, 100BaseT and 1000BaseT data transfer rates. Cat 6 wires use a RJ45 connector to connect between the wall and your device. Cat 6 wires can be arranged in the T568A and T568B wiring configurations.

Central Office (CO) — Originally used to refer to the switching equipment, but now is referred to as the building where the equipment is housed. All switching equipment is housed at a single location where local loops in a similar geographic area connect to the same CO, which is connected directly to the Internet backbone.

Circuit Switching — Refers to the process of connecting two points in a network. Circuit switching is used for analog telephones. In circuit switching the circuit remains open during the entire length of the connection. As a result, circuit switching networks used for transferring voice or data can be more expensive then packet switching data.

Class 5 Switch — Is a term used for the type of telephone switch that subscribers connect to. The switch is housed at the Central Office. Class 5 switches provide telephone services to customers. Class 1 through 4 switches are used to route calls on the carrier end. They provide no dial tone and are of no direct use to the consumer. A class 5 switch will cover a small geographic region providing phone service up to 100,000 customers. Generally providing service to an area of a city, a town or several villages.

Codec — A codec is a device or program capable of encoding and decoding on a digital data stream. It is generally associated with computer applications such as movie files, music and other multimedia formats. The word codec was derived from the words «coding and decoding.» Codec used in the VoIP setting refers to the ability to code and decode analog and digital voice data.

Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) — Is a telecommunication company that competes with already established telecommunication companies (ILEC). CLECs were made possible by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. This act was the fist major amendment to telecommunications law in almost 62 years. It provided availability for anyone to enter the telecommunication industry and compete with anyone. Generally CLECs face a big challenge, entering the telecom market and competing against major telecom companies such AT&T.

Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) — Any equipment supplied by the telephone company and installed at the customer location. This includes telephones, modems, etc.

Data — In the telecommunications sense, data is any information being passed over communication lines. Including voice and computer data.

Digital Phone — Is the process of transferring voice data over the public Internet. Digital phone is a more efficient, low cost way of communicating with others. Over the next few years, analysts predict that the digital phone market will increase exponentially. There are a variety of different industry terms for digital phone, such as: VoIP, Internet Telephony, Broadband Telephony, IP Telephony, Broadband Phone, etc.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) — DSL is a form of high speed Internet. It uses your already existent telephone wires and converts them for high-speed data transfer. Like other high speed Internet services DSL requires a DSL modem. DSL speed ranges from 128 kbps to 24,000 kbps, however speed is often determined by the distance from the Central Office; the closer in proximity to the Central Office, the faster the Internet connection. DSL originally stood for Digital Subscriber Loop but over time has adopted the new name of Digital Subscriber Line.

DSL Modem — Used to connect DSL subscribers to the Internet. To the consumer it appears very similar to an analog modem, however the technology used is quite different.

Duplex Communication — Is used to describe the ability to send and receive voice data simultaneously.

DS-1 — Is a type of high speed Internet connection, more commonly referred to as a T1 line. A single DS-1 loop is capable of providing 1.544 MB/sec of bandwidth or 24 simultaneous digitized phone lines. Purchasing an integrated line will provide a handful of phone lines and high-speed Internet access. A DS-1 connection can provide complete phone and Internet access to small and medium sized companies.

DS-3 — Is a type of high-speed Internet connection also commonly known as a T3 line. A single DS-3 loop is the equivalent of 28 T1 lines and capable of providing 672 simultaneous phone lines or 43.232 MB/sec of bandwidth. A single DS-3 connection can provide Internet and phone access for large sized companies and institutions. DS-3 lines can be bought as a fractional, integrated or burstable line.

E911 — Stands for Enhanced 911. E911 is a service offered only on VoIP phones. VoIP phones are portable and can be plugged into any Internet connection around the world. Therefore 911 Emergency Services will have no idea where you are located when you dial 911. E911 provides 911 Emergency Services with your name and address information. VoIP customers must manually sign up for this service, which involves filling out a short online form. VoIP users who do not sign up for this service will still be able to dial 911. However, must be prepared to give their name and address at the beginning of their call.

Ethernet — Refers to your Local Area Network (LAN).

Full Duplex — Refers to the transmission of data in two directions, meaning that both parties can talk simultaneously. Telephone systems are full duplex, while walkie-talkies are only half duplex, allowing only one person to talk at time.

Fractional Lines — Fractional lines is a term applied to high speed Internet connections. Fractional lines are generally purchased on T1 and faster connections. Purchasing a fractional line means purchasing only a fraction of total possible bandwidth available for a fraction of the price. Fractional lines are ideal for small and medium sized businesses that do not need the full spectrum of a high-speed connection. Often the unused channels of the high-speed connection are rented out to other organizations; similar to purchasing a two family house and renting out the second apartment.

Gateway — A medium for interacting two networks that run on different protocols. Often an ATA is referred to as a gateway. It provides the ability to link your analog phone with a digital phone system.

Global Voicemail — HipTel’s customized voicemail system. Global voicemail allows you to check your voicemail from anywhere around the world. Voice messages can also be sent to you in WAV format via e-mail attachments.

H.323 — H.323 is a protocol set by the International Telecommunication Union. It is commonly used for IP applications such as IP telephony and videoconferencing. H.323 enables audio and visual communication by standardizing protocols across all networks. Allowing audio-visual communication between any packet network.

Half Duplex — Refers to the transmission of data in one direction followed by the other direction. Walkie-talkies and CB radios are a good example. Only one person can talk while the other listens. Half duplex differs from full duplex, where both parties can talk and listen simultaneously.

Hertz — The term hertz means per second. Therefore 100 hertz equals 100 per second. It is a measure of frequency used to count the number of cycles per second in waveform.

Hub — A hub is a device used to connect multiple wires together, which in term connects multiple computers together. A router, which is commonly used in consumer homes to split Internet connections to multiple computers, is a form of hub. It connects all computers in the network together creating a local area network (LAN).

IEEE 802.16 — In 1999 the IEEE Standards Board foresaw the upcoming capabilities of wireless broadband technology. To ensure its survival and ability to remain consistent throughout the world 802.16 was set as the standard for wireless broadband technology. 802.16 includes an entire group of standards including 802.16f — 802.16k. Initially it was referred to as WirelessMAN but later changed to WiMax technology.

Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) — In 1974 the U. S. Department of Justice filed an anti trust suit against AT&T for operating as a telephone monopoly. AT&T and other circuit switched telephone network operators co-branded their affiliations with each other under the name Bell System. In 1984 the Bell System was broken up into Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs). ILEC refers to local telephone company that were in existence at the time of the Bell System break up, meaning the Baby Bells. ILECs now compete in an over saturated market against many CLECs.

Internet Protocol (IP) — Is a set of standard for the ways in which data is sent from one computer to another across a packet switched network, known as the Internet. Each computer has its own unique IP address, which is Internet’s way of identifying and finding your computer; similar to your home address.

Integrated Lines — A high-speed fiber optic cable that carriers a mix of data and telephone lines. Integrated lines can be purchased on T1 and faster connections. They are ideal for companies requiring high bandwidth for both phone and Internet capabilities.

IP Telephony — Is the process of transferring voice data over the public Internet. IP telephony is a more efficient, low cost way of communicating with others. Over the next few years, analysts predict that the IP telephony market will increase exponentially. There are a variety of different industry terms for IP telephony, such as: Broadband Phone, VoIP, Internet Telephony, Broadband Telephony, Digital Phone, etc.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) — A business that provides access to the Internet. During the time of dial up there were hundreds of ISPs, but as broadband internet has increased popularity it has created a high cost entrance barrier for many ISPs. As a result, many still offer dial up access, have turned to DSL lines or removed themselves from the business.

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Kilobits per second (Kbps) — Is a term used to define data transfer rates. It measures the amount of kilobits that can be transferred or received in one second of communication.

Local Area Network (LAN) — Is a computer network spanning over a small geographic area. Computers on the same LAN use a single Internet connection to connect to the Internet whether it’s a wireless or wired connection.

Latency — Defined as the time it takes for a packet of information to be sent from one computer to another.

Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) — Is a protocol used in VoIP telephony for controlling voice gateways.

Mega Bits Per Second (Mbps) — Is a term used to define data transfer rates. It measures the amount of megabits that can be transferred or received in one second of communication.

Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) — A large computer network that spans across a large geographic area like a city or college campus. MANs may be used to connect several smaller LANs.

Modem — The word modem originated from the words modulate, demodulate. A modem is a device that connects to your computer and transforms an analog signal into digital and vice versa. Digital information is taken from your computer and transformed into an analog signal and sent over public telephone lines.

Network Interface Card (NIC) — Is the network card in your computer. It provides the connection from inside your computer to the modem or router. Connecting you to a LAN or directly to the Internet.

Network Interface Unit (NIU) — The Network Interface Unit (NIU) is synonyms with the term Network Interface Device. This is the place where your telephone company’s wires end and meet the wires going into your home. Generally an NIU is found outside of your home, located on your property.

OSI Reference Model — The OSI Reference model stands for Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model. It is an abstract layered description for communication and computer network protocol design. The OSI model consists of seven layers: Physical Layer, Data Link Layer, Network Layer, Transport Layer, Session Layer, Presentation Layer, and Application Layer.

Packet — A packet is a unit of data. Packets can be made of voice data, images, music, movies and more. Anything sent over the Internet is broken up into packets and sent over the most cost efficient route available.

Packet Switching — Is the process of breaking up data into packets and sending it over the Internet. Data can be sent through various different channels. On the receiving end the data does not need to be received in the same order it was sent. As long as all packets complete the transmission process the packets can reassembled in the proper order at its terminal location.

Personal Area Networks (PAN) — A PAN is a network used for connecting computer devices within a few yards of the user. PANs can be used to connect devices like printers, cameras, keyboards etc. to a computer. The most common technology for PANs is Bluetooth, a form of wireless technology used for close proximity wireless devices.

Private Brand eXchange (PBX) — Is a device used by companies and institutions as a way of distributing telephone lines. A single PBX can distribute hundreds of phone lines within an organization. A PBX reduces the amount of required phone lines in an organization; eliminating the need for each phone to be directly connected to an outside line.

Phone Adapter — An ATA takes the current analog signal your phone provides, converts it into a digital signal and vice versa. An ATA can be used to convert just one phone to a digital phone or to convert an entire house’s phone jacks into a digital phone system.

Phone Jack — A socket connector used to connect telephones in a building to a phone line. A phone jack uses a RJ-11 connection.

Point to Point Protocol (PPP) — Is a protocol for connecting two computers transferring data packets. This allows users connecting to the Internet over different mediums (ISDN, DSL, Cable Modem, etc.) to be able to send information to each other.

Protocol — A set of standards, in the telecommunication sense standards provide interoperability between different mediums. Such as analog phones and VoIP phone technology.

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) — Any phone that uses circuit switched technology to communicate between another circuit switched device. Also referred to as Plain Old Telephone Network (POTS).

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Rate-Adaptive DSL (RADSL) — RADSL is a variation of ADSL. In attempts to maintain a constant reliable downstream speed, upstream speed is dynamically increased depending upon the length and quality of the line between the telephone exchange and the modem.

Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) — Is a packet based communication protocol. It provides the transport used in IP audio and visual environments. RTP attaches both time and sequence information so packets can be reassembled producing real time audio and video data.

RJ-11 — The type of connection used for telephone jacks and equipment such as telephones. RJ-11 carries a single phone line.

RJ-45 — The type of connection used for network cables. RJ-45 is an 8-wire connector that can be wired in either Category 5 or Category 6 standards.

Router — The device used to split your Internet connection and route it to multiple computers. Many routers today are wireless.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) — Protocol set for initiating an interactive user session that uses multimedia such as video, voice, instant messaging and more.

Soft Phone — Also referred to as a USB phone, a soft phone plugs directly into your computer. It uses your broadband Internet connection as a telephone medium. Soft phones are great travel companions. Anywhere you receive Internet service on your laptop or desktop you will be able to plug it in and use; even on a wireless connection.

Switch — A device owned by your telephone provider connecting two telephone lines together. Often long distance calls are routed through a series of switches until it reaches its end destination. Each time a call is routed through a switch, the owner of the switch charges a rental fee for use on their switch.

Symmetric DSL (SDSL) — SDSL is a DSL line that has the same up and down stream feeds. SDSL can span a maximum of three kilometers or 1.86 miles.

T1 — Also referred to in the industry as a DS-1, is a high speed Internet connection. It is typically used to connect small and medium sized businesses to the Internet. One T1 line is capable of carrying data at 1.544 MB per second, or providing 24 digitized telephone lines.

T3 — Also referred to in the industry as a DS-3, is a high speed Internet connection. It is typically used to connect large sized businesses and institutions to the Internet. Many colleges use T3 lines to supply Internet to mass groups of people. A single T3 line can provide Internet browsing capabilities to thousands of people. A T3 line is the equivalent of 28 T1 lines. It is capable of carrying data at 43.232 MB per second, or providing up to 672 digitized telephone lines.

T568A — One of the two wiring schemes for wiring an RJ-45 modular plug. T568A has become the new standard because it provides backward compatibility to both one pair and two pair USOC wiring schemes. The only difference between T568A and T568B is that the orange and green pairs of wires are interchanged.

T568B — One of the two wiring schemes for wiring an RJ-45 modular plug. T568B is the older color code wiring scheme that was introduced in 2001. It has since been superseded by the new T568A wiring scheme. The only difference between T568A and T568B is that the orange and green pairs of wires are interchanged. It is also permitted by the ANSI/TIA/EIA standard, but it provides only a single pair backward compatibility to the USOC wiring scheme.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) — Is one of the protocols for exchanging data packets. This protocol guarantees reliable and accurate data from the sender to the receiver. It also coordinates the retransmission of data packets that failed to reach the end user.

Unconditional Call Forwarding — A VoIP feature that allows you to forward your calls to any phone number around the world. Upon receipt of the call, it will be automatically be forwarded to the number you specified.

User Datagram Protocol (UDP) — Is a protocol for sending short messages (datagrams) in a time sensitive manner. UDP is a less reliable form of communication then Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and does not check to make sure all data packets have arrived. Datagrams may be sent with missing or lost information. UDP’s lack of attentiveness to lost and missing data results in faster transmission ideal for broadcasts and multi casts.

Very High Bit Rate DSL (VDSL) — Is another form of DSL. It is capable of providing extremely fast Internet connection over a short distance. Its high-speed capabilities provide for adequate use of Internet browsing, VoIP capabilities and HDTV.

Voicemail — Identical services and more of an answering machine. Messages are stored on the phone companies server rather then at the answering machine. Voicemail provides the ability to check your message from any phone around the world by dialing in.

Voice Over IP (VoIP) — Is the process of transferring voice data over the public Internet. VoIP is a more efficient, low cost way of communicating with others. Over the next few years, analysts predict that the VoIP market will increase exponentially. There are a variety of different industry terms for VoIP, such as: VoIP, Internet Telephony, Broadband Telephony, IP Telephony, Digital Phone, etc.

Wide Area Network (WAN) — A WAN is a computer network spanning over a large geographic area. The most common known WAN is the Internet. WANs connect a series of LANs together providing online communication capabilities.

Wireless — A term used to describe modern connections that do not require wires. In recent years wireless technology has expanded into a variety of devices from telephones, to wireless computer keyboards and mouse, cameras and printers.

Wifi — The technology used to create Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). Providing Internet access without the need of a physical wired connection. WiFi is transmitted on the same frequency as Bluetooth, but uses stronger signal strength. Providing a more powerful connection. In the next few years many cities plan on implementing WiFi technology across the entire city. Providing wireless Internet access everywhere you travel within the city.