What is an IP phone? The technology explained

The term IP phone has crept further and further into everyday use in recent years, however, the least users know that they even own such a phone. Basically, functionality and handling of such a phone does not differ from already known phones.

What is an IP phone? Here's what you can think of it

Basically, an IP phone is a phone that is used for voice-over-IP, or Internet telephony. IP phones can be used via ISDN systems as well as VoIP phone systems.

1. IP phones not only function similarly to old-fashioned telephones, but in most cases also look like conventional desk phones.
2. IP phones, on the other hand, can use calls directly via an Internet protocol. Thus, they are not only encrypted, but also allow conversations with multiple participants.
3. IP phones can also be used in the form of software on a computer and thus do not need a phone in the form of hardware.

What is an IP phone? How a call works

1. When a phone call comes in or goes out, the connection is first established. Dazu dient das Session-Initiation-Protocol.
2. Während des Gesprächs werden Gesprächsdaten in digitalen Paketen verschickt. Das funktioniert, da beide Geräte die IP-Adresse des Gesprächspartners kennen. So kann der zugrunde liegende Codec die analogen Daten in digitale umwandeln und an das andere Gerät übermitteln.
3. Abschließend wird die Verbindung wieder geschlossen und das Telefonat ist vorbei.