{"id":4071,"date":"2020-01-23T06:00:21","date_gmt":"2020-01-23T14:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.numberbarn.com\/blog\/?p=4071"},"modified":"2026-02-09T06:12:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T14:12:18","slug":"what-in-the-world-is-porting-and-other-funky-jargon-we-might-use","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.numberbarn.com\/blog\/what-in-the-world-is-porting-and-other-funky-jargon-we-might-use\/","title":{"rendered":"What in the World is “VoIP”? (Plus More Terms We Use)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Port. Rate center. VoIP. Carrier. What in the world do these terms mean? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let NumberBarn unravel the mystery to help you with our quick access glossary to become the most #NumberSmart<\/a> person around!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is VoIP<\/em>?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol<\/em>. It refers to the ability to make and receive phone calls using a broadband internet connection as opposed to cellular or traditional\u00a0Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chances are, you\u2019ve used VoIP services before. Skype, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger all use VoIP. When making calls on these apps, you\u2019re using either broadband internet or a cellular data connection as opposed to calling through your cellular phone connection service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a <\/strong>carrier<\/strong><\/em>?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A carrier<\/em> is the overarching service provider for a phone number. With us, your phone number resides with our main carrier, and we are your service provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do I need a CSR<\/em> to port a number?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A CSR is a customer service record. It contains the name, address and other important information on file with the carrier that is required to port a number away. With NumberBarn, you can get this information<\/a> from within your online account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to forward<\/em> my number?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With our call <\/a>forwarding<\/a><\/em> plan<\/a>, you can forward one phone number to an outside active phone number, such as your cell phone. For example, when someone calls the number you have with NumberBarn, the calls will be answered on your cell phone. There\u2019s plenty you can do with the power of call forwarding. Check out our guide to call forwarding<\/a> so you can take advantage of everything it has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an IVR<\/em>?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

IVR<\/em> stands for interactive voice response. It is also known as a menu<\/em>. Think of the last time you called a company and heard, \u201cThanks for calling. For sales, press 1. For support, press 2<\/em>\u201c. That\u2019s an IVR menu greeting. With our call forwarding plan, you can create your own custom IVR menu. Here\u2019s our Expert\u2019s Menu Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is my number a landline<\/em>?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With NumberBarn, all numbers are converted to landline<\/em>\/wireline numbers. If you choose to port a number to a mobile provider, it will be converted to a mobile\/wireless number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does it meant to port<\/em> a number?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Porting<\/em> a number means transferring it from one carrier\/service provider to another. Check out these steps<\/a> on how to port away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to park<\/em> my number?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Parking<\/em> means<\/a>\u00a0storing your number in an active status.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With our $2\/month Park plan, you get:<\/p>\n\n\n\n