Terms & Definitions
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VoIP
VoIP, which stands for voice over Internet protocol, is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a computer network, over a data network like the Internet. VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the Internet then converts it back at the other end so you can speak to anyone with a regular phone number. When placing a VoIP call using a phone with an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA), you’ll hear a dial tone and dial just as you always have. VoIP may also allow you to make a call directly from a computer using a conventional telephone
Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
Interactive Voice Response or IVR is a telephony menu commonly used in telecommunications. It is an interactive technology that translates callers’ touch-tones or voice commands into computer queries after the callers listen to an audio menu, which then direct callers on how to proceed.
Auto Attendant and IVR are synonymous, and is a telephony feature that enables easy and better management of large call volumes without the intervention of a receptionist.
FXS & FXO
FXS (Foreign eXchange Station), also known as Extension Circuit, is an interface which drives a telephone. FXS interfaces get phones plugged into them, deliver battery, and provide ringing. FXS interfaces are signalled with FXO signalling.
FXO (Foreign eXchange Office), also known as Exchange Line Circuit, is an interface that connects to a phone line. FXO supplies PBX systems with access to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). FXO interfaces use FXS signalling.
FXS interfaces allow the connection of telephones to PBX systems, and FXO interfaces allow the connection of your PBX system to real analogue phone lines.
SIP Protocol
SIP or Session Initiated Protocol is an international communications open standard for making and receiving phone calls over the Internet.
IAX2 Protocol
IAX2 protocol is the improved version of the original IAX protocol. The IAX2 protocol (inter-Asterisk eXchange protocol) is the software protocol for interconnecting computers running the Asterisk PBX.
Codec
A codec is a software program that contains algorithms to covert voice signals into digital data to be transmitted via the Internet or network during a VoIP call. A codec is usually installed onto a server or embedded to VoIP hardware such as a IP handset or an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA).
Port Forwarding & Port Blocking
Ports are communication tunnels within an Internet connection where the actual voice packets travel backwards and forwards between your VoIP phone and the destination.
There is one port use for voice packets and two ports used to control the call. These ports are 5060 for voice packets and 8000 and 8001 for the control function. They are all UDP ports.
These ports are normally blocked at your firewall, modem or router for security. In order to achieve successful connection for VoIP, these ports need to be opened permanently from the cable or incoming line at your modem (usually in the DMZ) and perhaps router to your VoIP phone.
There have been cases where an ISP blocks a VoIP port along the Internet to stop people using VoIP services. In this case the best way to fix the problem is to change ISP’s. ATP will soon be bringing a phone to the market that uses other ports, so ISP blocking will not stop VoIP services.