| VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol refers to an | | | | management which deals with the interface/display of |
| ability to make or receive calls via the internet without | | | | the IP phone, such as voice compression algorithms |
| the need of a phone line. This has been made possible | | | | and encryption. Then there is software that maps the |
| by ever increasing internet speeds and lowering costs | | | | destination of the call, checking validity of call and |
| of internet services. By being able to make call via the | | | | translating phone number into unique IP address. Thirdly, |
| internet, you are able to cut you telecommunications | | | | there is console which manages the bandwidth, state |
| cost substantially, especially if you make long distance | | | | of call and distribution. Lastly, there is the billing side |
| calls. This is all made possible by the use of VoIP | | | | which handles the cost of calls, minutes taken and |
| Software installed on your PC or Laptop. All you need | | | | voicemail. There is also other software that can |
| is a sound card, speaker and microphone on your PC | | | | provide for call monitoring, management of three way |
| or laptop and you are set. | | | | calls, video conferencing, email alerts and so on. |
| The VoIP Software consist of a number of | | | | As it can be seen, VoIP Software is not as |
| applications, programs and protocols design to manage | | | | complicated as it seems and because it is software, |
| the VoIP architecture of IP networks, gateways, and | | | | upgrading and applying fixes is much easier too |
| end user devices such as phone and PDAs. Closer | | | | perform when compared to the traditional phone |
| examination of VoIP Software will show that it handles | | | | system. |
| 4 key functions. These are user interface | | | | |