ADSL Router with VoIP

Modern ADSL routers support VoIP. They may allow connection of a traditional telephone or allow SIP traffic

ATA

Analogue Terminal Adapter (ATA). Normally associated with a VoIP service. An ATA allows you to insert a normal telephone into a network. The ATA gets configured with your VoIP details.

IP PBX

Internet Protocol Public Branch eXchange is the online version of a phone management system, many large offices have their telecommunications served by a PBX. An IP PBX does the same job as a standard PBX system but often can be managed via a web interface.

IP Phone, IP Phones

IP Phones are telephones that are used with a VoIP Service. They use the IP (Internet Protocol) to work on a standard network. These phones can be plugged directly into a computer network .

PSTN

A PSTN is what is a Public switched telephone network which was the traditional method of relaying voice calls up until very recently. Indeed the PSTN encompasses all fixed digital telephone exchanges as well as thew entire mobile phone network.

SIP, Session Initiation Protocol

SIP is a protocol which is considered a standard for creating commnication sessions between one or more clients.

SIP Phone

A SIP Phone is a telephone that uses the SIP protocol. A SIP phone is used with a VoIP Service. A SIP phone can be a hardware IP phone or a softphone.

USB Phone

A USB Phone is any sort of telephone which goes into a computer's USB. USB phones are often used in conjunction with VoIP.

VoIP

Voice Over Internet Protocol. VoIP is the term that is used to specify calls made or routed over the internet rather than the traditional PSTN paths and gateways.