Similar but distinct technologies
ToIP (“Telephony over IP”) and VoIP (“Voice over IP”) are 2 professional fixed telephony solutions that are not always clearly distinguished.
Both are based on the Internet protocol IP, and the differences lie in their scope of action.
VoIP works on voice signal transmissions between the company and the telephone operator’s central switchboard.
ToIP, on the other hand, is a telephony system limited to the local IP network.
The difference between these 2 telephony solutions is a simple router that creates the connection between the LAN (company) and the WAN (operator).
Equipment
To operate, a ToIP network requires IP telephones (or IP-Phones), an IPBX switchboard, IP adapters for analog telephones, and an IP-to-PRI gateway to connect to a traditional operator’s fixed-line network.
The hardware required to operate VoIP is somewhat different.
A company wishing to take advantage of this technology must equip itself with IP adapters for analog or digital terminals, an IP Centrex, an operator software auto-switch and a Media Gateway linking the operator to other operators.
Two compatible systems?
VoIP and ToIP share a common language which, in theory, should guarantee their interoperability: SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).
In reality, however, this is not necessarily the case, as manufacturers of fixed-line telephony equipment for professional use tweak the SIP protocol to optimize it.
ToIP / VoIP relay is therefore possible, but not automatic.
