What does ENUM stand for?

ENUM stands for "Telephone Number Mapping." It is a protocol that relates traditional telephone numbers to Internet resources, primarily used to integrate traditional telephony with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services. By using ENUM, a telephone number can be translated into a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), which can point to various communication methods or services, such as voice, video, or messaging over the Internet. This integration facilitates better connectivity and services between the traditional phone network and the Internet.

The focus of ENUM on telephone numbers is crucial in understanding its functionality and purpose. It leverages the existing numbering system of telecommunication to provide a reliable way to link users across different communication platforms, optimizing the use of resources in the realms of PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and IP-based communication systems.