How Does Voice Over IP Work?

How does VOIP work?A way is needed to turn analog telephone signals into digital pointers that can be dispatched over the Internet.
This function can either be encompassed into the telephone itself (See: VOIP Phones) or in a distinct box like an ATA .

VOIP Using an ATA
Ordinary Phone ---- ATA ---- Ethernet ---- Router ---- Internet ---- VOIP Service Provider

VOIP Using an IP Phone
IP Phone ----- Ethernet ----- Router ---- Internet ---- VOIP Service Provider

VOIP connecting directlyIt is furthermore likely to bypass a VOIP Service Provider and exactly attach to another VOIP user. However, if the VOIP apparatus are behind NAT routers, there may be difficulties with this approach.

IP Phone ----- Ethernet ----- Router ---- Internet ---- Router ---- Ethernet ---- IP Phone