Telecommunications where three or more parties are connected by a video telecommunications link. Also called a Video Conference. (Videoconferencing is sometimes called teleconferencing, but is defined separately here for clarity.)

Provision of voice communications over a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection. Sometimes referred to as `Direct Connection` to a service provider`s network, via use of a ULL. Typically this connection can also supply a high-speed internet connection simultaneously.

See VoIP

A recorded message service where callers may be diverted. The caller is charged as though they are connected to the number called. For mobile services, the called party may also be charged. (See also Message Bank.) For landlines, voice mail may be provided by the service provider as a virtual service, through a PABX voicemail facility, or through an answering machine. For mobiles, voicemail is applied by the service provider or the carrier.

Part of the voicemail system where a users messages are kept and managed. This may refer to a PABX voicemail system or to a mobile phone`s voicemail facility.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) also named IP Telephony, Internet telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband Phone and Voice over Broadband is the routing of voice conversations over the Internet or through any other IP-based network.

Is the transmission of telephone calls over a data connection. Often perceived as voice-over-internet, several types of `managed` VoIP exist. Internet Calling is therefore a mere subset of VoIP. VoIP over internet often has severe limiting quality issues, due mainly to packet delays and packet losses. The quality issues can be decreased by use of an appropriate internet connection, use of a Qos Router, use of a quality VoIP service provider and use of appropriate hardware. See QoS Router (Quality of Service) also.

A virtual private network, or VPN, uses the Internet to connect users to their work or personal networks or servers through a secure `tunnel`. This means you can connect to your office network securely wherever there`s access to the Internet. For example, you could set up a VPN at any one of the hundreds of Hotspots located in airports, hotels and conference centres around the UK and the rest of Europe.

A secure network connection between users of differing LANs. A VPN may be constructed over private or public IP networks (such as the internet). VPNs are becoming an essential tool for mobile employees, and for employees wishing to work from home.