VOIP is short for "Voice Over Internet Protocol" and is used in conjunction with IP (Internet Protocol) Telephony, Internet telephony, and Broadband Phone. This procedure is implemented while routing of voice conversations over Internet. A VOIP telephone call is made by using a computer. Voice data gets transmitted through Internet, instead of normal telephone transmission lines. Voice over IP system can also be used on Local Area Networks.
VOIP telephony service is not as efficient as compared to conventional telephone service providers. Conventional telephones use dedicated transmission lines to carry telephone signals, while Internet is constantly carrying all kinds of data. It simultaneously transfers voice data too. Internet connections usually have greatly different upstream and downstream data flow rates. This could result in significant reduction in voice data flow rate and consequently, voice quality.