téléphonie

Téléphonie refers to the technology and practice of transmitting sound, usually speech, over distances by electrical means. The most common form of téléphonie is the telephone, a device that converts sound waves into electrical signals for transmission and then reconverts these signals back into sound at the receiving end. Early téléphonie relied on wired connections, using copper wires to carry the electrical signals. This system, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), allowed for voice communication between individuals across vast distances.

Over time, téléphonie evolved with the advent of mobile or cellular technology. Mobile phones, or cell phones, use radio waves to communicate with base stations, which are then connected to the PSTN or other mobile networks. This untethered form of téléphonie has revolutionized communication, allowing for instant voice and data exchange from almost anywhere. Further advancements have led to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a technology that transmits voice calls as data packets over the internet. VoIP offers cost-effective solutions and integrates voice communication with other internet-based services. The concept of téléphonie now encompasses a wide range of devices and network infrastructures, all aimed at facilitating real-time audio communication.