VOIP
Voice over Internet Protocol: phone calls transmitted over the internet.
Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, lets you make phone calls using your internet connection instead of traditional phone lines. This technology converts your voice into digital data, sends it over the internet, and then converts it back to voice on the other end.
Many services use VoIP, like Zoom, Skype, or even some features within apps like WhatsApp. It allows for cheaper calls, especially internationally, and can integrate with other digital services.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a set of technologies and protocols used to transmit voice communications over Internet Protocol (IP) networks. It digitizes analog voice signals, packets them, and sends them across networks like the internet. Key protocols include SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) for call setup and RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) for media transmission. Tradeoffs involve reliance on network quality and potential latency, but offer cost savings and integration capabilities compared to traditional circuit-switched telephony.
The recent mention of VoIP in relation to OpenAI's safety measures highlights how foundational internet technologies are being integrated into or monitored by AI systems. AI can be used to detect or facilitate communication methods like VoIP for malicious purposes, requiring AI safety protocols to address these new vectors.
- Deceptive Employment Scheme: AI-assisted hiring deceptionOpenAI · OpenAI News ·
- OpenAI ChatGPT
- OpenAI's systems may interact with or monitor VoIP communications as part of their safety and policy enforcement efforts.
- WebRTC
- A technology that enables real-time communication, including voice and v
- PSTN
- The Public Switched Telephone Network, the traditional circuit-switched ph
- Instant Messaging
- Text-based communication tools that may sometimes include voi
The concept of transmitting voice over digital packet networks emerged in the early days of the internet, with key developments and standardization efforts occurring throughout the 1990s. Early pioneers included VocalTec Communications. Source ↗
Open the settings in your favorite messaging app, like WhatsApp or Signal, and look for the voice or video call options. Make a call to a friend using the app over your Wi-Fi or cellular data to experience VoIP in action. Alternatively, explore services like Google Voice, which provides a phone number that routes calls over the internet, demonstrating a direct application of VoIP.
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Questions people ask
- Is VoIP the same as a regular phone call?
- No, a regular phone call uses traditional phone lines, while VoIP uses your internet connection to make calls.
- Do I need special equipment for VoIP?
- Often, you can use your existing computer, smartphone, or tablet with a microphone and internet connection. Some dedicated VoIP phones also exist.
First seen on Subvolts Feb 1, 2025. Updated Sep 15, 2026. Written by an AI model from the items above and reviewed against them weekly; report an error.