A hardware device or software application that converts voice audio into digital packets for transmission over IP networks. These devices bypass traditional circuit-switched telephone exchanges, often reducing long-distance toll charges. The term was popular during the early days of internet telephony before VoIP became the standard industry designation.
Plug the netphone into the router and it should automatically pull an IP address and register with the SIP server.
Also heard as
- IP phone
- VoIP phone
Related terms
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol is the standard technology for transmitting telephone calls over data networks.
Voice over IP
A technology that delivers voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol networks.
Webphone
A software application or hardware device that makes telephone calls over the internet.