What is Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a standard technology used to transmit audio conversations over digital computer networks, particularly the internet. In amateur radio, this allows stations to communicate across the globe by converting analog voice signals into digital data packets. Unlike traditional RF (radio frequency) transmissions, VoIP relies on internet infrastructure to route these data packets to their destination, where they are converted back into audio. The incorrect options describe other internet-assisted amateur radio activities, such as DX spotting networks or remote monitoring, but VoIP specifically refers to the method of delivering the actual voice communications digitally.