Terminology

We appreciate there’s a lot of acronyms in this industry – please see a glossary of terms below to assist your browsing. Any further questions you can Interact with us here – link to contact page

 Bandwidth
In a VoIP context, your system’s bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transferred at any given time. It’s usually measured in bits per second and provides important insights into the capability of your network. Larger networks with more users will naturally require a higher bandwidth.

Codec
Codec is a technical term that refers to the software used to compress and decompress VoIP data. Different systems use different VoIP codecs, and these play a large role in determining your system’s bandwidth and audio quality.

DSL
DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, refers to one of the most popular types of VoIP installation. It uses existing copper telephone lines to establish a broadband internet connection, transmitting audio and video data through a DSL router or modem.

IP
Internet Protocol (IP) telephony refers to the various technologies that form the basis of modern VoIP solutions. These are used to transmit voice, fax, and other data from a VoIP device to the traditional phone network and vice versa.

IVR
IVR, or Interactive Voice Response, refers to software that delivers automatic audio information to callers. With this, you can set up keypad-controlled menus, enabling callers to connect with the most appropriate team members with a minimum amount of fuss.

Latency
The term latency is often used interchangeably with lag. In layman’s terms, it refers to the time it takes for data to transmit. Slow internet connections generally have high latency, which decreases as your connection gets faster.

PBX
A PBX, or Private Branch Exchange, is designed to manage a company or organization’s internal phone systems. In a VoIP context, you will often see the acronym IP PBX, which essentially manages extensions, fax systems, and every other aspect of your phone system.

RTP
Real-Time Transfer Protocol (RTP) is designed to enable the streamlined transmission of audio and video data. Its main purpose is to ensure all data has a temporal reference, making sure audio and video transmissions are fully synchronized at all times.

SIP Trunking
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking is used to transfer voice and other data over an internet connection. In simple terms, it enables VoIP users to connect with traditional phone users, providing a bridge between the two different systems.

Softphone
The term softphone is used to describe any app or other program that enables you to use a mobile device or computer as a phone system. Usually, softphone interfaces come with everything you need to manage incoming and outgoing calls and messages.

VoIP
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is the base technology underlying internet phone systems. With it, users can make and receive calls from virtually any device with an internet connection. VoIP systems are generally much more affordable than traditional phone systems, which makes them attractive to businesses across the world.

DECT Phone

Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications, is a wireless standard that is often used for landline phones.

BYOD

Stands for Bring Your Own Device, meaning you can plug in your existing devices and they will work with the solution provided

API Solutions

Stands for Application Programming Interface. The word Application refers to any software with a distinct function. Interface can be thought of as a contract of service between two applications. This contract defines how the two communicate with each other using requests and responses.

ACD – Automatic call distribution This allows calls to be picked up and distributed by AI or via automations
DDI – Direct Dialing Inwards Allowing each user to have their own identity on a landline based system often geographic
AV – Audio Visual In providing hardware and software based solutions to meeting rooms and offices
5G – 5th generation
API – Application Programming Interface
QOS – Quality of Service
FTTC – Fibre to the Cabinet
FTTP – Fibre to the Premises
GBPS – Gigabits per Second
IP – Internet Protocol
ISP – Internet Services Provider