Re: Difference between digital phone and VOIP

[Anders <nospam@xxxxxxxxx>]

JoeRaisin wrote:
> Anyone know the specifics?

Short answer: Two names for the same thing.

Long answer: VoIP is one form of digital phone service.
Most "Digital Phone" offerings use IP and moves the data over
your regular Internet DSL/Cable/Fiber connection, so that makes
them VoIP by definition. Digital Phone Service *could* also mean
it uses a separate, dedicated channel and/or a different protocol,
but that's not common.

So in most cases the issues are exactly the same ;
- Power backup (if the cable/DSL modem and/or router is down,
   the phone line goes with it)
- Latency/quality (it's a LOT better today than a couple of
   years ago, but can still cause problems for control panels)
- User interference (users mess with the router, unplug wires,
   change service..)
- Reliability (Internet Service Providers frequently cut off
   service for hours at a time to do maintenance or upgrades)

If you hook up burg systems to VoIP/Digital, make sure both you and
the customer understands the limitations, or you will both be very
disappointed...

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