For many, VoIP terminology is one of the most confusing parts about learning and understanding VoIP. One of the most basic questions that I often hear isn't related to the different protocols, firewall rules, or codecs. It's a much more simple question that people often get the answer backwards:

What is the difference between Origination and Termination in VoIP?

To answer the question simply:

Origination = Inbound calls

Termination = Outbound calls

It might be easy for newcomers to get this backwards, because honestly, when you think of origination, you might think of a call that you originate. Actually, origination refers to an inbound call, which originates from the person that is calling you. Termination is delivering outbound calls you've placed.

If it's confusing for you to remember, just remember that it really is backwards!

• Origination does not equal Outbound
• The double O's are backwards
• Two O's make a negative
• Origination != Outbound
• O != O

​Hope this helps some of you remember the difference.