VoIP is a technology that enables voice communications over the Internet through the compression of voice into data packets that can be efficiently transmitted over data networks and then converted back into voice at the other end. Data networks, such as the Internet or local area networks (LANs), have always utilized packet-switched technology to transmit information between two communicating terminals (for example, a PC downloading a page from a web server, or one computer sending an e-mail message to another computer). The most common protocol used for communicating on these packet-switched networks is Internet protocol, or IP.
VoIP allows for the transmission of voice along with other data over these same packet-switched networks and provides an alternative to traditional telephone networks, which use a fixed electrical path to carry voice signals through a series of switches to a destination.

What is Fax over IP?
Fax over IP refers to the process of sending and receiving faxes over an IP network instead of the public telephone network (PSTN). The key benefit of sending faxes in this manner is that it saves tremendous amounts of money on long-distance charges. When a user sends a fax over IP, a fax machine transmits the image data as packets through the public Internet instead of over the public telephone network (PSTN). If a fax-over-IP server ever needs to interconnect with the PSTN, it is only for the local leg of a call. For a call to any location connected directly to the IP network, there is no telephone charge at all, not even a local charge.
Reliable T.38 Fax Service
Packet8 provides a reliable fax solution based on the T.38 ITU standard for sending faxes across IP networks in a real-time mode. Packet8 real-time fax works with most fax machine brands and costs less than a separate fax line from a landline phone company.
Key Features

• Incorporates T.38 protocol - more reliable IP faxing solution
• Easy installation
• Packet8 customers can get a dedicated fax line as low as $9.99 per month