What does the acronym VOIP stand for?

The acronym VOIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. This technology enables the transmission of voice communications and multimedia sessions over the Internet, making phone calls possible through internet connectivity rather than traditional telephone networks.

Understanding VOIP is crucial as it represents a significant advancement in communication technology, allowing for more flexible and cost-effective voice services. It utilizes packet-switched networks, meaning that voice data is sent in packets that can take various paths to reach the destination, rather than through a single continuous circuit as in traditional phone systems.

The other options, while they contain some elements of truth, do not accurately define VOIP. "Voice on internet portal," for example, implies a web-based interface but doesn’t capture the technical mechanism of how the service operates. Similarly, "Video over internet protocol" refers to a different technology that focuses on video rather than voice. Lastly, "Voice operated internet phone" suggests a specific type of device rather than the broader technology strategy embodied by VOIP. Thus, the correct definition accurately reflects the functionality and purpose of the technology in question.