What is IP?

What is IP and how does it work with telephones & systems?

"An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a numerical label that is assigned to devices participating in a computer network, that uses the Internet Protocol for communication between its nodes/devices. An IP address serves two principal functions: host or network interface identification and location addressing. Its role has been characterized as follows: "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how to get there." Says Wikepedia.

Now you are saying to yourself, OK great that didn't clear anything up for me. So let me put it like this, IP can do with anything that plugs into your computer network and is assigned a path so you may work with that item via your computer. It could be your telephone, your desktop, a page amp, a printer, the doorbell. As long as the device is plugged into your computer network wiring and goes into your computer hub or router then that is IP.

Wait a minute you say! Does IP have to do with the Internet. Yes and NO.

IP can send information out over the Internet but it doesn't need to send the information over the Internet to be IP. For example, an IP telephone system can send your phone call over the Internet or through your traditional telephone lines, there is a choice

INeedTelephones recognizes that all this IP talk can be very confusing, give us a call and we will answer any and all questions you have