---
title: "VoIP and IP interconnection definitions"
subject: "Internet and Intranet"
chapter: 7
key: "semester_8/internet_and_intranet:voip-ip-interconnection-define"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/internet_and_intranet/voip-ip-interconnection-define
site: BCT Engineering
---

# VoIP and IP interconnection definitions

Internet and Intranet · Chapter 7: Internet and Intranet Applications

- Asked in: 2074 Magh, 2+2 marks
- Video: [What is VoIP?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_b2sJP2pBk) — PowerCert Animated Videos
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/internet_and_intranet/voip-ip-interconnection-define
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/internet_and_intranet/chapter-7

## Question

What are VoIP and IP interconnection?

## Short answer

VoIP carries voice as digital IP packets instead of circuit-switched PSTN. IP interconnection links different operators' IP networks through peering or transit at IXPs under technical, commercial and legal terms. Examples include Skype and SIP phones.

## Answer

**VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)** is the technology that carries voice calls as digital packets over an IP network (internet or private IP network) instead of the circuit-switched telephone network (PSTN). Voice is digitised, compressed, put into IP packets and sent, and rebuilt at the receiver. Examples: Skype, WhatsApp calls, SIP phones.

**IP Interconnection (IPI)** is the physical and logical connection of IP networks of different operators (ISPs, telecom operators, content providers) so that their users can exchange traffic. It takes place at an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) or by direct peering/transit agreements, and covers the technical, commercial (settlement) and legal terms for exchanging packets and voice (including VoIP traffic to and from PSTN).

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is VoIP?
   A. Carrying voice calls as digital packets over an IP network instead of the circuit-switched PSTN
   B. A type of cable
   C. A circuit-switched telephone exchange
   D. An email protocol
   Answer: A. Voice is digitised, compressed, packetised, sent over IP and rebuilt at the receiver. (Key point: VoIP definition)

2. What is IP interconnection?
   A. Linking IP networks of different operators so that they exchange traffic
   B. Connecting two PCs by cable
   C. Assigning IP addresses
   D. Encrypting traffic
   Answer: A. It links networks of ISPs and operators, covering technical, commercial and legal terms. (Key point: IP interconnection meaning)

3. Where does IP interconnection usually take place?
   A. At an Internet Exchange Point (IXP) or by direct peering/transit agreements
   B. Inside a single LAN
   C. Only on the user's phone
   D. At the DNS root only
   Answer: A. IXPs and peering or transit agreements are the usual forms of interconnection. (Key point: Where interconnection occurs)

## Related in Internet and Intranet

- [VoIP and IP interconnection; VoIP operation](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finternet_and_intranet%3Avoip-ip-interconnection-operation) — Internet and Intranet, chapter 7
- [UMS features, VoIP in UMS, IP clearing house](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finternet_and_intranet%3Aums-voip-ipch) — Internet and Intranet, chapter 7
- [VoIP and IPI issues in Nepal](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Finternet_and_intranet%3Avoip-ipi-issues-nepal) — Internet and Intranet, chapter 7