IPpuhelujärjestelmät

IPpuhelujärjestelmät, known in English as IP telephony systems or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems, refer to the technology that allows voice calls to be made over the internet or other IP-based networks. Instead of using traditional analog phone lines, these systems transmit voice data in digital packets across the internet. This fundamental shift from circuit-switched to packet-switched communication enables a range of new features and efficiencies.

The core components of an IP telephony system typically include IP phones, which are devices that connect to the network via an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi, or softphones, which are software applications running on computers or mobile devices that emulate the functionality of a physical phone. These endpoints connect to a server or a private branch exchange (PBX) system, which manages call routing, features, and connections to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) if necessary.

IP telephony offers several advantages over traditional systems. Cost savings are often a primary driver, as calls over the internet, especially long-distance ones, can be significantly cheaper. The systems also provide enhanced flexibility, allowing users to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. Furthermore, IP telephony integrates seamlessly with other IP-based applications, facilitating unified communications solutions that combine voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools. Features such as voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, conferencing, and presence indicators are also common. The technology continues to evolve, with advancements in audio quality, security, and integration capabilities.