A VoIP phone is a device or software application that uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to make and receive phone calls over the internet instead of traditional telephone lines (landlines)
. Unlike traditional phones that rely on copper wires and the public switched telephone network (PSTN), VoIP phones convert voice into digital data packets transmitted via an IP network, such as broadband internet or Wi-Fi
. There are two main types of VoIP phones:
- Hardware VoIP phones : Physical phones that look like traditional desk phones but connect to the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi
- Softphones : Software-based phones or apps that run on computers, tablets, or smartphones, allowing calls to be made and received from these devices without dedicated hardware
VoIP phones often offer advanced features beyond traditional telephony, including video calling, instant messaging, text messaging, voicemail transcription, call recording, conference calling, and integration with other business software like CRM systems
. They provide greater mobility and flexibility since users can make calls from anywhere with an internet connection, not just from a fixed desk location
. In summary, a VoIP phone enables voice communication over the internet, replacing traditional phone lines with digital transmission, and often includes enhanced communication features suitable for both personal and business use
