VoIP vs POTS: Key Differences

VoIP is a technology that allows users to make audio calls over the Internet instead of using traditional phone lines. It converts your voice into digital signals that travel through internet protocols to reach the recipient.

VoIP services are commonly used for personal, business, and enterprise communication, providing cost-effective alternatives to traditional telephony.

VoIP converts analog voice into digital packets and transmits over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. When you communicate with a VoIP device, your voice is captured and converted into a digital signal using codecs. These signals are then compressed into small packets and transmitted to the recipient's device through an IP network.

Explore the process in the details here:

• Audio Conversion: When you speak, your analog voice signal is converted into digital data using VoIP codecs.
• Packet Transmission: The digital data is divided into small packets and sent over the internet using Internet protocol.
• Routing: These packets travel through the various networks to the recipient.
• Decoding and Playback: The digital data is converted back into analog sound by the recipient's device, allowing the person to hear your voice.

VoIP reduces calling costs while allowing you to access your phone system from any location.

• Lower Cost: VoIP providers often offer lower call costs than traditional phone systems, especially for international or long-distance calls.
• Increased Accessibility: Using a VoIP phone system, you can make calls from anywhere with an internet connection. It means you’re not physically restricted to any location to access your calls.
• Multichannel Communication: VoIP supports voice, video, and messaging on a single platform, improving collaboration and efficiency.
• Rich Features: VoIP has advanced options like call forwarding, auto-attendants, voicemail-to-email, and analytics.
• Improved Call Quality: With a stable internet connection, VoIP delivers clear, high-quality audio compared to traditional phone systems.

POTS is a traditional telephone system that uses copper wires, or twisted pair cables, to transmit voice signals. When you make a call using a POTS line, your voice is converted into electrical signals that travel through copper wires, which are converted back into sound at the recipient’s end.

POTS operates by transmitting analog voice signals over copper telephone lines. The process is simple and relies on direct electrical connections for voice transmission.

• Circuit Establishment: A direct electrical circuit is created between the caller and the recipient.
• Analog Signal Transmission: Voice is transmitted as analog signals through copper wires.
• Routing via Central Office: Calls are routed through a central office that connects the two parties.
• Voice Transmission: Once the recipient answers, a continuous flow of analog signals allows for real-time voice communication.

POTS can operate without an electrical power supply and internet, allowing you to make calls even during outages.

• No Internet Dependency: It’s not dependent on an Internet connection, unlike VoIP. It helps to establish consistent communication even in areas without Internet connection.
• Easy of Use: It is user-friendly and familiar to most people. You can use it with just a little technical knowledge.
• Reliability During Power Outage: It remains functional during power failures as it runs on its dedicated power source.
• Compatibility of Legacy Equipment: Fully supports older devices like fax machines and landline phones.

VoIP is an internet-based telephony technology, whereas POTS uses copper wire to make calls.

Here are the major differences between VoIP and POTS.

Choosing between VoIP and POTS can depend upon your business requirements. POTS is best for businesses that prioritize reliability, especially during power outages, and need compatibility with legacy equipment like fax machines or landline systems. However, it lacks advanced features and can be more expensive for long-distance calls.

VoIP is perfect for businesses looking for cost-effective solutions, advanced business communication features, and flexibility to work remotely. Though VoIP requires a stable internet connection, it offers scalability while offering lower call charges.

Therefore, you can choose the POTS line if you need a dependable, traditional system with a minimal setup. However, VoIP is a better choice if your business requires mobility, scalability, and advanced features. Upgrade your phone system to Calilio’s VoIP telephony solution today. Sign Up now!

To know if you have VoIP or POTS, check how your business phone system operates. If your business calls are made over the internet, then it is VoIP, and if service relies on traditional copper wire, then you have POTS.

Yes, but not completely. Most providers are moving away from POTS lines and switching to VoIP, however, they’re still in use worldwide.

VoIP and POTS are similar in a way that both allow you to make and receive voice calls and connect with people over distances. You can use them to communicate through telephones or compatible devices.