What is a VoIP number?

A guide to defining VoIP numbers

A VoIP number is also known as Voice over IP or virtual phone number. It is a real phone number that gets assigned to a user, but not to a specific phone line. All over the technology industry, virtual phone numbers are known as access numbers.

The most effective technology on the market today for business and residential use is derived from VoIP and virtual phone departments. VoIP technology enables you to call from anywhere using a cell phone, tablet, computer a VoIP phone or other data-driven appliances from the same number.

Let us summarise what a VoIP number is and how to utilize it in your business. A VoIP number can also save a lot of money than a traditional landline.


What does VoIP number mean?

VoIP phones numbers meaning

A VoIP is a number is an identifier that is used to make calls on Voice over IP networks. It is utilized to route calls to the user’s actual phone or numbers. A VoIP virtual phone numbers are frequently used to allow long-distance service with no incurring long-distance fees in IP telephony and call forwarding services.

A VoIP system allows a person within a specified area code call an IP telephony subscriber in another area code as if it were a local call.

The difference between Voice over IP number and regular phone numbers

VoIP phone numbers differ from regular phone numbers in various ways:

Mode of technology

The mode of transmission between VoIP and conventional technologies is not the same. A regular landline number travels via copper lines. A VoIP number uses data networks, like the internet and internal enterprise LANs (Local Area Networks) to place and receive calls.

Area codes

Maybe the most significant is that the area code has no real relevance on the VoIP network. VoIP phone numbers operate independently of location, and there is not much of a difference between local, international, and national numbers (Even though the prices may be different according to the subscription tier). Phone providers allot numbers with area codes to recognize the rates to be charged for a specific call.

With Voice over IP phones, users can select a phone number with any area code(as long is it is accessible with the operator) as there is no practical difference in fees-if it is made to a number with similar area code or a different one.

Multiple devices

Traditional numbers are tied to a specific device- whether it is an office phone, home phone, or any other landline instrument. VoIP phone numbers can be linked to multiple devices which makes it possible to use them in distinct ways. Accordingly, users can place a call from a desk phone, their smartphone, or PC using the same number.

Such a system enables flexibility to users, particularly in a business context. A VoIP phone number is more suitable for how we operate and live in today’s modern world.


How does VoIP work?

How does a Voice over Internet Protocol number work?

To the end subscriber, the VoIP phone numbers appear and work the same as other numbers. A VoIP number is a string of digits that can be entered on the dial pad and links two people who need to talk. There is no need for technical knowledge to use a Voice over IP phone number.

VoIP devices are plug-and-play such as an IP phone can be corked into any accessible LAN port, and the device will naturally register itself on the Voice over IP network. From that point on, the phone number can be used as usual. It enables users to take their phone number with them, despite where they are.

Technically here is how VoIP phone number works: A VoIP client asks their service provider to allocate them a virtual phone number within the desired area code. When a person in that area code rings the VoIP phone number, the call registers as if it was local. However, seamlessly maps to the client’s actual phone number. 


What is a VoIP phone number used for?

The merits of a VoIP business phone number

Even though a VoIP number functions are the same as regular phone numbers, there are some things that VoIP services provide that an ordinary phone number can not offer.

A business VoIP number can use any device

Voice over Internet Protocol is used on networks which depend on IP technology- the same networks that are utilized to deliver Internet access. Just as subscribers can access the internet via any device ranging from mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and desktops, Voice over IP numbers can be used to place calls from a range of hardware.

The VoIP customer may be an IP desk telephone, analog landline device (with a converter), an application on a smartphone or tablet or a small piece of application that can be installed on any computer. The experience is persistent across all devices, and the person on the other end of the line appears the same number on their caller ID.

VoIP phone system enables incoming calls to ring multiple devices

Just as calls can be placed on any device, an incoming call to a specific VoIP phone number can be answered from any place. Most operators provide a feature wherein coming calls can dial multiple devices at the same time or one after the other, depending on how the service is set up. The feature might have various names on different services but is commonly known as multi-ring and find me follow me.

This feature can be very useful for both residential and business users, especially for contact center department. Any person can be reached via a phone call, even though the caller has no idea where they are or which tools they may be using. With traditional phone numbers, calls usually go to voicemail in case they are not answered. With Voice over IP numbers, voicemail becomes the last resort as the user will be reached sooner or later. Businesses can provide better customer service by ensuring calls are answered by a person as far as possible.

VoIP phone numbers can also be used as a virtual phone

Because VoIP phone numbers are not linked to any particular area or location code, they can be used as virtual numbers. Subscribers can select a phone number with any area code so that calls placed to that number will incur local fees even though the caller does not use internet phone.

Families can stay in touch by using VoIP numbers even though they live far away without spending a lot of money on long-distance calls. Businesses frequently purchase numbers with particular area codes so that clients from that location can just place a local call to reach them.

Phone mobility

Almost every person has gone via the hassle of moving to a new home or office. Because phone numbers are linked to dedicated lines, it indicates the hassle of getting a new number or asking the phone company to move the business phone system line to the new address.

VoIP phone numbers provide mobility- they can go with the subscriber despite where they move. The number can be utilized as long as you have reliable internet connectivity. You can use the advanced VoIP speed test to analyze the quality of your internet connection. 

VoIP number mobility can be particularly useful to a company not requiring to lose loyal customers who are utilized to ringing the old phone number. The old number will keep on functioning as usual. Besides, since VoIP operates on the data network, the same service can be used for real-time communication that needs data transfer, such as video calls.

Has features that enhance unified communication

The real value of VoIP number is to enhance business productivity, multimedia contact center, conference phones, integrated web, and unified communication. Converged applications such as Unified communications can take advantage of VoIP voice and enhance business communication systems. This will enable the business to increase revenues, decrease local and international calling costs, and improve customer service.


Why is SIP trunking needed in VoIP number?

SIP trunks and hosted VoIP are two of the most popular implementations in communications platforms. SIP trunks and hosted PBX services are different ways of using IP calling. A business has to buy and maintain SIP compatible PBX boxes which can utilize SIP trunking to send and receive voice data.


How do I find who owns a VoIP number?

How to find VoIP phone numbers owner?

A recent concern when utilizing a VoIP call is phone scams, VoIP phishing, and tracing an unidentified phone number.

Fortunately, there are many ways you can use to find out the owner of an unidentified internet protocol VoIP number. First, you can use the VoIP provider or cloud communications provider. Just note the caller ID and the time the call was made. Then, discuss with your VoIP provider to track the owner of that number for you.

You can also protect yourself against VoIP fraud by setting up your phone to display VoIP caller ID name. The easier way to avoid VoIP fraud is to partner with an outsider such as managed service provider that you trust.

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