Analog audio signals
Analog signals use shifting frequencies to reflect a sound's pitch, which is then converted into transmissible data.
UCaaS and VoIP termsNetworking and call center acronymsSimple business-friendly definitions
VATRIX GLOSSARY
VATRIX Glossary
Confused about a technology term? Trying to decode an acronym? Modern business communications come with a lot of technical language, and understanding it can help you make smarter decisions. This glossary breaks down common UCaaS, VoIP, networking, and call center terms into simple definitions your business can actually use.
Built for decision-makersClear technical contextPractical communication terms
Key Technology Terms
Common terms explained clearly
ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter)
A hardware device that connects a traditional analog phone to the internet.
Audio encoding
The compression process using codecs that prepares voice data for transmission.
Audio menu
A recorded phone menu that directs callers to select an option by pressing a number.
Audio Response Unit (ARU)
A computer-based phone system that stores voice data and can forward calls.
Audio teleconferencing
Conference calling that once required complex PBX circuitry but now uses modern conference bridges.
Bandwidth
The amount of data transmitted through a communication line within a specific timeframe.
Call duration
The time between when a phone call begins and ends.
Circuit-switched networks
Traditional telephony systems that use dedicated point-to-point circuits for each call.
Client
Refers to the VATRIX softphone client used for making and receiving calls.
Call hunting
A feature that routes a call past busy lines until someone answers.
Class 5 telephony switch
A local telephone company's central office switch serving subscribers in a specific area.
Clipping
The loss of speech at the beginning or end of words during transmission.
Codec
A device or software that encodes and decodes digital audio or video data.
Compression
The process of reducing data size to make transmission more efficient.
Conference bridge
A device or service that connects multiple users into a single call.
Dial plans
Character sequences that convert dialed numbers into outbound call strings.
Dial-tone delay
The time between lifting a handset and hearing the dial tone.
Direct Inward Dialing (DID)
A service allowing callers to reach a specific extension directly.
DNS (Domain Name System)
Translates domain names into IP addresses.
Dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF)
The signaling technology used for touch-tone dialing.
Find me / Follow me
A feature that rings multiple devices simultaneously or sequentially.
Frame relay
A packet-switching method that uses bandwidth only when necessary.
Full duplex
Simultaneous two-way communication with no interruption.
Gateway (VoIP)
Converts calls between public switched telephone networks and IP networks.
Gbps
Gigabits per second, a measurement of internet speed.
H.323
A standard protocol for real-time voice and videoconferencing over IP.
High availability
Systems designed to remain operational with minimal downtime.
IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
An automated phone system that allows callers to navigate menus.
IP (Internet Protocol)
The system that directs data packets between devices.
IP address
A unique numerical identifier assigned to a device on a network.
IP phone
A phone that transmits voice calls over the internet.
ISP
Internet Service Provider.
Jitter
Variations in signal timing during transmission.
Latency
The delay between a request and the transfer of data.
Mean Opinion Score (MOS)
A numerical measurement of voice quality.
PBX (Private Branch Exchange)
A private business phone system.
Packet loss
When data packets fail to reach their destination.
POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service)
Traditional analog telephone service.
PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network)
The global traditional telephone network.
QoS (Quality of Service)
A network's overall performance and prioritization capabilities.
Router
A device that forwards data packets between networks.
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol)
A signaling protocol used for voice and video communications over IP.
SIP trunking
Delivers telephony services to a SIP-based PBX.
Softphone
Software that allows phone calls to be made over the internet.
Telephony
The transmission of voice communications over distance.
VoIP (Voice over IP)
Technology that enables voice communication over internet networks.
VoIP Gateway
A device that converts calls between PSTN and IP networks.
VoIP PBX
A PBX system that handles calls using internet protocols.
Web browser
Software used to access websites.
Web server
A system that stores and delivers web content.
Still have questions?
Technology terms should not slow your business down. If you need help understanding how these concepts apply to your organization or want to see how VATRIX simplifies it all, we are here to help.