Here are a few terms defined to make VoIP seem less intimidating:
VoIP:
Voice over internet protocol. In the 90’s, data was transmitted over the phone network. Now voice communication is transmitted over data networks, like a MPLS network. It’s just a better use of resources.
Dynamic Bandwidth:
Instead of the traditional segmented integrated T1’s, integrated T1’s today offer dynamic bandwidth. That means that whatever bandwidth that is required to place a phone call is freed up when the call is completed. Dynamic bandwidth is offered by almost every provider, including Qwest, Integra, TW Telecom and XO.
Class of Service:
Class of Service allows the prioritizing of real time traffic, like voice and video, over traditional data traffic.
QoS:
Quality of Service. Term to describe the voice quality on a Voice over IP service. QoS is improved by managing the jitter and latency levels on the internet service that the VoIP rides on.
Jitter:
Jitter is the variation in the time between packets arriving, caused by network congestion, timing drift or route changes. Jitter has the biggest effect on the quality of speech on a VoIP circuit.
Latency:
Delay on an internet connection.
SIP:
Session Initiation Protocol. A voice path over the Internet. Allows for voice communication over almost any business internet connection.
Prioritizing Traffic:
What’s necessary to assure quality voice communication, like SIP. over the internet. Real time traffic, like voice and video, is given a priority over data traffic.
Compression:
A way to reduce the amount of bandwidth necessary to make a phone call. By using compression, there can be more simultaneous phone calls on an internet circuit. Compression can have a negative effect on call quality and fax transmissions, however.
MPLS:
Multiprotocol Label Switching. A private network on the public internet where priorities can be set where real time traffic, like voice and video, takes priority over data traffic.