Jargon Buster

IP – Internet Protocol

This is the generic term used to describe the way that voice and data signals can be sent between devices connected to a network, including across the internet and local area networks.

IP PBX

IP Telephone System

IP Telephony

IP Telephony is the use of IP signalling methods to send voice traffic across a data network. It can eliminate the need for separate voice and data networks by converging all traffic on one network, and it provides a wide range of other benefits for business phone users.

IP/VoIP Gateway

A gateway for existing telephone systems, converting traditional telephony traffic into IP for transmission over a data network. Using an IP gateway can be considered as a ‘migration path’ towards IP Telephony, as you can gradually transfer to IP Telephony, whilst adding longevity to your existing telephone system.

ISDN – Integrated Services Digital Network

ISDN is a digital public network for voice and data communications with charges for line rental and calls. ISDN is available as ‘ISDN2e’, where the lines come in pairs, or as ‘ISDN30e’ which comes in groups of up to 30 lines, the minimum order being 8.