ATA – Analog Telephone Adapter – A device that allows you to use an existing analog telephone with VoIP – without the need for a computer. Performs analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion of the voice signal, and handles the protocols necessary for VoIP. Connects between an analog telephone and high-speed internet connection.
Bandwidth – A term used to describe the overall data handling capability of a digital connection. For Internet connections, this is usually measured in bps (bits per second). A typical dialup Internet connection has a maximum bandwidth of 56kbps (or thousand bits per second). High speed, or broadband Internet connections range in bandwidth from 384kbps (or thousand bits per second) to 10Mbps (or million bits per second) or more.
Basic 911 Service – An older type of 911 emergency service that simply connects to the local 911 emergency operator when a 911 call is placed. Does not provide the address reporting available with Enhanced 911 Service.
Broadband Internet Access – Basically, any form of high speed Internet access. Includes cable, DSL, T-1 and satellite access. Used interchangeably with High speed Internet access.
E911 Service – Enhanced 911 Service – A newer type of 911 service that reports the caller’s physical address to the 911 emergency operator in electronic form. As opposed to Basic 911 Service, which does not provide this address information.
High speed Internet access - Internet access at speeds considerably higher than dialup. Includes cable, DSL, T-1, and satellite access. Used interchangeably with Broadband Internet access.
kbps – kilobits per second – A unit of measure that is normally used when quoting bandwidth. Also could be described as thousands of bits per second.
Mbps - megabits per second – A unit of measure that is normally used when quoting bandwidth. Also could be described as millions of bits per second.
PSTN - Public Switched Telephone Network – This is the traditional telephone system in most countries. The network that is owned and maintained by the large telephone service providers. In most cases, requires a dedicated individual set of wires to carry voice signals.
Virtual Phone Number – A unique feature of VoIP that allows providers to assign any available area code to a new VoIP number, regardless of the physical location. Allows users in one city or even country to have a local phone number that actually exists in a distant city or even a foreign country.
VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol – A technology that allows voice signals to be carried over the Internet. Actually a set of protocols that have been specifically designed to do this.
VoIP Router – A device that allows analog telephones, as well as the PCs in a home network, to be connected to a high-speed Internet connection. VoIP signals are routed to the telephones, while other IP traffic is routed to the PCs on the network.
VoIP Gateway – A device that allows connection of a complete small business telephone system to the Internet. Usually interfaces to a telephone system’s PBX unit.
VoIP Softphone – A piece of software that allows a PC to make and receive VoIP calls. Requires a computer headset or microphone and speakers as well as a high speed Internet connection to the PC. Uses the PC sound card or a VoIP headset to perform analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion of the voice signal. Also provides the protocol handling for VoIP.
VoIP Headset – A device that plugs into the USB port of a PC, and allows VoIP calls to be made in conjunction with a softphone and high speed Internet connection. Performs the necessary analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion of the voice signal.
This article “VoIP Headsets ” is Copyright 2006 ChooseYourVoIP.com and may not be reproduced.
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