Modern businesses need fast communication systems that are agile and ready for the future. IP telephony delivers exactly that, leveraging internet-based technology to supply high-quality voice and collaboration tools and seamless remote connectivity.
Discover what IP technology is and the ways BT can transform the way your organisation communicates.
Modern businesses need fast communication systems that are agile and ready for the future. IP telephony delivers exactly that, leveraging internet-based technology to supply high-quality voice and collaboration tools and seamless remote connectivity.
Discover what IP technology is and the ways BT can transform the way your organisation communicates.
IP technology is defined as the use of Internet Protocol (IP) to transmit voice, video, and data across digital networks. It enables communication services to operate over the internet rather than traditional circuit-based systems, offering greater flexibility, scalability, and advanced features.
How does IP work?
IP technology works by converting analogue voice signals into digital data packets that can travel over an IP network. Unlike traditional systems, IP telephony connects directly to the internet, enabling faster and more efficient communication.
The process begins by translating a user’s voice into digital data. This data is then transmitted through the network using IP protocols, ensuring that calls are clear and reliable. Once the packets reach their destination, they are reassembled into audio, replicating the experience of a traditional phone call, but with the added benefits of modern technology.
By using this method, IP systems support advanced features such as video conferencing, remote connectivity, and integration with other digital tools, making them a future-ready solution for businesses.
Benefits of IP
There are numerous benefits to using IP technology, including scalability, flexibility and cost-savings. IP technology offers more advanced features than traditional landline telephone systems, including video and audio conferencing, automatic call recording and automatic call back.
Cost reduction
The overall cost cost required to run the network is much less if using IP telephony. These costs are often more predictable and consistent compared to analogue solutions which rely on telephone network providers’ prices.
Scalable and future-proof
Since IP telephony has far fewer restrictions than analogue systems, it makes scaling your business line much easier. As well as convenience, this flexibility means that workers and businesses are no longer tied to a single location, allowing for easier growth, hiring and communication across the board.
Remote work capability
IP telephony allows workers to efficiently work remotely as there is no requirement for physical hardware, enabling flexibility and better collaboration for distributed teams.
Higher Call Quality
Using IP telephony means workers can enjoy much higher call quality on average than those using analogue systems as it is connected to the internet. Many systems, including BT’s, offer users crystal clear HD audio quality, meaning work can be done more easily and efficiently no matter what it is.
What is an IP phone?
An IP phone is a device that uses IP technology to make and receive calls over the internet. Businesses can choose IP telephone systems for cost savings, scalability, and modern features.
IP phone
A hardware-based solution for internet calling that connects to an IP network by Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Softphone
A software application that needs just an app and an internet connection. Ideal for remote work and mobile teams.
Type
Physical device
Software application
Connection
Ethernet or Wi-Fi
Internet via app
Hardware required
Yes
No
Best for
Office-based setups
Remote work and mobile teams
Features
HD audio, call forwarding, voicemail
Video calls, messaging, collaboration
What’s the difference between IP Telephony Systems and All-IP?
IP Telephony Systems are the tools and technology for voice over IP and All-IP is the full transition of all services to IP networks.
IP Telephony Systems
These refer to the actual phone systems that use Internet Protocol to transmit voice, video, and data. They include IP phones, softphones, and the infrastructure that enables VoIP (Voice over IP) communication. Essentially, it’s the technology and hardware/software that businesses use to make calls over the internet.
All-IP
This is a broader concept. It refers to the complete migration of all communication services - voice, video, messaging, and even broadband - to IP-based networks. In an all-IP environment, everything runs over IP, ensuring businesses have a unified, future-ready infrastructure.
IP Telephony Systems are the tools and technology for voice over IP and All-IP is the full transition of all services to IP networks.
IP Telephony Systems
These refer to the actual phone systems that use Internet Protocol to transmit voice, video, and data. They include IP phones, softphones, and the infrastructure that enables VoIP (Voice over IP) communication. Essentially, it’s the technology and hardware/software that businesses use to make calls over the internet.
All-IP
This is a broader concept. It refers to the complete migration of all communication services - voice, video, messaging, and even broadband - to IP-based networks. In an all-IP environment, everything runs over IP, ensuring businesses have a unified, future-ready infrastructure.
IP Telephony Systems are the tools and technology for voice over IP and All-IP is the full transition of all services to IP networks.
IP Telephony Systems
These refer to the actual phone systems that use Internet Protocol to transmit voice, video, and data. They include IP phones, softphones, and the infrastructure that enables VoIP (Voice over IP) communication. Essentially, it’s the technology and hardware/software that businesses use to make calls over the internet.
All-IP
This is a broader concept. It refers to the complete migration of all communication services - voice, video, messaging, and even broadband - to IP-based networks. In an all-IP environment, everything runs over IP, ensuring businesses have a unified, future-ready infrastructure.
IP Telephony Systems are the tools and technology for voice over IP and All-IP is the full transition of all services to IP networks.
IP Telephony Systems
These refer to the actual phone systems that use Internet Protocol to transmit voice, video, and data. They include IP phones, softphones, and the infrastructure that enables VoIP (Voice over IP) communication. Essentially, it’s the technology and hardware/software that businesses use to make calls over the internet.
All-IP
This is a broader concept. It refers to the complete migration of all communication services - voice, video, messaging, and even broadband - to IP-based networks. In an all-IP environment, everything runs over IP, ensuring businesses have a unified, future-ready infrastructure.
What’s the difference between IP technology and ISDN?
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) was a digital communication standard that allowed voice and data transmission over traditional phone lines. Today, IP technology has replaced ISDN, offering greater flexibility, cost savings, and advanced features. Businesses still using ISDN lines should consider an ISDN upgrade to IP systems for future-proof connectivity.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) was a digital communication standard that allowed voice and data transmission over traditional phone lines. Today, IP technology has replaced ISDN, offering greater flexibility, cost savings, and advanced features. Businesses still using ISDN lines should consider an ISDN upgrade to IP systems for future-proof connectivity.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) was a digital communication standard that allowed voice and data transmission over traditional phone lines. Today, IP technology has replaced ISDN, offering greater flexibility, cost savings, and advanced features. Businesses still using ISDN lines should consider an ISDN upgrade to IP systems for future-proof connectivity.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) was a digital communication standard that allowed voice and data transmission over traditional phone lines. Today, IP technology has replaced ISDN, offering greater flexibility, cost savings, and advanced features. Businesses still using ISDN lines should consider an ISDN upgrade to IP systems for future-proof connectivity.
What’s the difference between IP Technology and VoIP?
The terms IP telephony and VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference worth bearing in mind.
Although both use the same means to connect to the internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), VoIP refers exclusively to a system designed to transfer voice signals from analogue to digital and transport those signals using the internet.
In other words, IP telephony is a concept under which VoIP systems sit as a subcategory.
The terms IP telephony and VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference worth bearing in mind.
Although both use the same means to connect to the internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), VoIP refers exclusively to a system designed to transfer voice signals from analogue to digital and transport those signals using the internet.
In other words, IP telephony is a concept under which VoIP systems sit as a subcategory.
The terms IP telephony and VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference worth bearing in mind.
Although both use the same means to connect to the internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), VoIP refers exclusively to a system designed to transfer voice signals from analogue to digital and transport those signals using the internet.
In other words, IP telephony is a concept under which VoIP systems sit as a subcategory.
The terms IP telephony and VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference worth bearing in mind.
Although both use the same means to connect to the internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), VoIP refers exclusively to a system designed to transfer voice signals from analogue to digital and transport those signals using the internet.
In other words, IP telephony is a concept under which VoIP systems sit as a subcategory.
What’s the difference between IP telephony and Cloud telephony?
Cloud telephony is an internet-based service that lowers the cost of a business phone solution by removing the need for expensive equipment at the business premise. It’s an application of VoIP technology that provides more advanced features and flexibility by leveraging cloud infrastructure.
While IP technology does encompass cloud telephony, it also includes SIP. This is an internet-based telephone numbering solution to enable legacy premise-based equipment.
Cloud telephony is an internet-based service that lowers the cost of a business phone solution by removing the need for expensive equipment at the business premise. It’s an application of VoIP technology that provides more advanced features and flexibility by leveraging cloud infrastructure.
While IP technology does encompass cloud telephony, it also includes SIP. This is an internet-based telephone numbering solution to enable legacy premise-based equipment.
Cloud telephony is an internet-based service that lowers the cost of a business phone solution by removing the need for expensive equipment at the business premise. It’s an application of VoIP technology that provides more advanced features and flexibility by leveraging cloud infrastructure.
While IP technology does encompass cloud telephony, it also includes SIP. This is an internet-based telephone numbering solution to enable legacy premise-based equipment.
Cloud telephony is an internet-based service that lowers the cost of a business phone solution by removing the need for expensive equipment at the business premise. It’s an application of VoIP technology that provides more advanced features and flexibility by leveraging cloud infrastructure.
While IP technology does encompass cloud telephony, it also includes SIP. This is an internet-based telephone numbering solution to enable legacy premise-based equipment.
Challenges and Requirements of IP telephony
IP telephony requires a reliable internet connection and IP-compatible devices. While challenges like bandwidth and security exist, these can be mitigated with proper planning and trusted providers.
Thanks to rapid increases in the sophistication of telephone systems in recent years, very little is needed for your business to switch to All-IP.
IP telephony requires a reliable internet connection and IP-compatible devices. While challenges like bandwidth and security exist, these can be mitigated with proper planning and trusted providers.
Thanks to rapid increases in the sophistication of telephone systems in recent years, very little is needed for your business to switch to All-IP.
IP telephony requires a reliable internet connection and IP-compatible devices. While challenges like bandwidth and security exist, these can be mitigated with proper planning and trusted providers.
Thanks to rapid increases in the sophistication of telephone systems in recent years, very little is needed for your business to switch to All-IP.
IP telephony requires a reliable internet connection and IP-compatible devices. While challenges like bandwidth and security exist, these can be mitigated with proper planning and trusted providers.
Thanks to rapid increases in the sophistication of telephone systems in recent years, very little is needed for your business to switch to All-IP.
How BT Can Help My Business Transition to IP?
IP voice networks form the backbone of modern communication, enabling businesses to connect securely, reliably and efficiently. Choosing the right IP option ensures optimal performance and scalability. BT offers tailored solutions for organisations of all sizes.
BT offers expert guidance and tailored IP telephony solutions to help businesses move to All-IP seamlessly. From IP phone systems to cloud-based telephony, BT ensures your organisation stays connected and future-ready.
