Information about VoIP and IP Telephony

VoIP and IP telephony allows PC users to make phone calls over the Internet or other packet networks via gateways and standard telephones. VoIP is an abbreviation for voice over Internet protocol. Types of network equipment that allow VoIP and IP telephony functions include hubs, switches, routers, repeaters, bridges, gateways, multiplexers, transceivers, and firewalls. Network hubs serve as the central location for attaching wires to workstations. A data switch connects computing devices to host computers, allowing a large number of devices to share a limited number of ports. A router is a protocol-dependent device that connects subnetworks together. A repeater is a device that connects 802.3 network cable segments. A bridge is a device that interconnects local or remote networks. A gateway is a device that can interconnect networks with different, incompatible communications protocols. A multiplexer is a telecommunications device that funnels multiple signals onto a single channel. A transceiver (transmitter-receiver) is a device that both transmits and receives analog or digital signals. A firewall is a system or group of systems that enforces an access control policy between an organization's network and the Internet for purposes of security.

Products & Services Related to VoIP and IP Telephony

Network Firewalls

Network firewalls are systems that enforce access control policy between an organization's network and the Internet for security purposes.

Network Gateways

Network gateways interconnect networks with different, incompatible communication protocols.

Network Hubs

Network hubs serve as the central location for attaching wires to workstations.

Network Repeaters

Network repeaters regenerate incoming electrical, wireless or optical signals to preserve signal integrity and extend the distance over which data can travel. They are often used to connect cable segments in IEEE 802.3 networks.

Network Routers

Network routers are protocol-dependent devices that connect subnetworks. They are also used to break down a large network into smaller subnetworks.

Network Switches

Network switches route packets between ports at the OSI layer 2, which means that (in Ethernet) the switches decide where incoming packets are transferred to, based on the NIC's 48-bit address.

Network Transceivers

Network transceivers, short for transmitter-receiver, are devices that both transmit and receive analog or digital signals.