📞 Introduction
The world of telecom, VoIP, and hosted PBX is filled with technical terms and abbreviations that can be overwhelming. This comprehensive glossary simplifies the jargon, helping businesses understand key telecom terms, PBX concepts, and VoIP technologies.
Use this glossary to navigate the telecom landscape and make informed decisions about business phone systems, VoIP, and connectivity solutions.
📌 A-Z Telecom & Hosted PBX Glossary
A
🔹 ACD (Automatic Call Distributor) – A system that distributes incoming calls to the most suitable agent or department.
🔹 API (Application Programming Interface) – Allows integration between VoIP/PBX systems and third-party applications like CRM software.
🔹 ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter) – A device that connects traditional analog phones to a VoIP network.
B
🔹 Bandwidth – The amount of data transmitted over an internet connection, impacting VoIP call quality.
🔹 Broadband – High-speed internet used for business VoIP and hosted PBX systems.
🔹 BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) – The practice of using personal devices (smartphones, tablets) with a VoIP system.
C
🔹 Call Forwarding – A feature that redirects calls to another number or device.
🔹 Call Recording – Capturing and storing voice calls for compliance and training purposes.
🔹 Cloud PBX – A hosted phone system that operates over the internet rather than physical hardware.
🔹 Codec – Software that compresses and decompresses VoIP voice data for transmission.
D
🔹 DID (Direct Inward Dialing) – A unique phone number that allows external callers to reach an extension without going through a receptionist.
🔹 DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) – The system used for touch-tone dialing.
🔹 DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) – A technology for cordless business phones.
E
🔹 E911 (Enhanced 911) – A VoIP feature that links emergency calls to a caller’s registered location.
🔹 Extension Dialing – Allows employees to call internal users with short numbers instead of full phone numbers.
F
🔹 Failover Routing – Automatic call redirection to backup systems in case of outages.
🔹 Fibre Internet – High-speed broadband technology ideal for business VoIP systems.
🔹 Fixed Wireless – Internet delivered via radio signals rather than cables, used in areas without fibre infrastructure.
G
🔹 Gateway – A device that connects VoIP networks to traditional telephone lines (PSTN).
🔹 Geo-Redundancy – Ensures continued service by replicating VoIP data across multiple locations.
H
🔹 Hosted PBX – A cloud-based private branch exchange (PBX) system.
🔹 HD Voice – High-definition audio quality for VoIP calls.
🔹 Hunt Groups – A feature that routes calls to multiple agents or departments based on availability.
I
🔹 IP (Internet Protocol) – The system used to transmit voice and data over the internet.
🔹 IVR (Interactive Voice Response) – An automated system that allows callers to interact using voice or keypad inputs.
J-K
🔹 Jitter – Variations in packet arrival time that affect VoIP call quality.
🔹 Kbps (Kilobits Per Second) – A unit of measurement for internet speed.
L
🔹 Latency – The time delay in transmitting voice packets, affecting VoIP calls.
🔹 Local Number Portability (LNP) – Allows businesses to retain existing phone numbers when switching providers.
M
🔹 Multi-Line VoIP Phones – Devices that support multiple simultaneous VoIP calls.
🔹 Mobile VoIP – Making VoIP calls from mobile apps on smartphones or tablets.
N
🔹 NAT (Network Address Translation) – Helps route VoIP traffic between local and external networks.
🔹 Number Masking – Hides the caller’s real phone number for privacy protection.
O
🔹 On-Premise PBX – A phone system that operates on physical hardware within a business location.
🔹 Outbound Call Center – A call center focused on outgoing sales and customer service calls.
P
🔹 PoE (Power over Ethernet) – Supplies power and network connectivity to VoIP phones via Ethernet cables.
🔹 PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) – The traditional landline telephone system.
🔹 Packet Loss – Missing data packets that cause choppy or dropped VoIP calls.
Q
🔹 QoS (Quality of Service) – Network settings that prioritize VoIP traffic to maintain high call quality.
R
🔹 Router – A network device that connects multiple devices to the internet.
🔹 Remote Extensions – Employees can use business phone extensions from remote locations.
S
🔹 SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) – The standard protocol for VoIP communications.
🔹 Softphone – A software-based phone application used for making VoIP calls on computers & mobile devices.
🔹 SIP Trunking – A technology that connects PBX systems to VoIP providers.
T
🔹 Toll-Free Numbers – Business numbers (e.g., 0800) that customers can call for free.
🔹 TDM (Time-Division Multiplexing) – A technology used in traditional telephone systems.
U-Z
🔹 UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) – A cloud-based communication platform integrating VoIP, video, and messaging.
🔹 VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) – The technology that enables phone calls over the internet.
🔹 WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) – A protocol enabling VoIP calls directly from a web browser.
🔥 Conclusion & Next Steps
This Telecom & Hosted PBX glossary helps businesses navigate the technical jargon of VoIP, PBX, and business telephony. Whether you’re setting up a cloud-based system or upgrading your communication infrastructure, understanding these terms will empower you to make informed decisions.
