What is VoIP?

VoIP converts a voice signal into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. The signal can be used with a special VoIP desk phone or any device that has a network connection like computers, cell phones, and tablets.

A successful VoIP phone deployment requires regular monitoring to ensure the integrity of your network and to prevent problems from arising. A quality VoIP carrier should offer network diagnostic tools to help with this.

It’s cheaper

VoIP technology is much cheaper than landline-based alternatives. It doesn’t require any expensive equipment and relies on your existing internet connection. This means that you can save on installation, maintenance, and repair costs while getting higher functionality.

Most modern VoIP systems use codecs to compress analog sound frequencies into digital data packets that travel instantly over the internet. Then, when they reach the destination, they are decompressed back into audio signals for use on a mobile device or computer. This compression and decompression is what makes for a smoother, clearer call that uses less bandwidth than other forms of internet connection.

When choosing a VoIP system, look for a vendor that is tried and tested by other reputable businesses in your industry. Ask your chosen provider for case studies or customer stories that demonstrate their effectiveness in different business environments. Also, consider how easy the system is to manage and administrate for your team of employees.

It’s more flexible

While a traditional telephone network requires a fixed line for every user, VoIP can use any network-ready device to receive and make calls. This includes desktop phones, VoIP softphone apps on laptops and tablets, or even mobile devices that are connected to a VoIP device using an adapter.

VoIP uses a codec to compress/disassemble voice data packets into data that can travel efficiently over the Internet. When these packets reach their destination, they’re decompressed/reassembled into audio. This process is much like how highway traffic is sent in smaller pieces to travel more quickly and smoothly.

The result is that VoIP offers more scalability than traditional phone systems. As your company grows, you can add more lines and users easily without having to invest in new hardware. This scalability also applies to remote workers, as employees can use the same VoIP software on their mobile devices when they’re away from the office. The same software can also handle other types of business communication, such as video calling and conferencing, team chat, and text messaging.

It’s easier to manage

Unlike traditional landline systems, which require copper wires to transport voice signals, VoIP technology uses the internet. This makes it easier to scale your business and add team members without having to pay for dedicated hardware or extra phone lines. You can do this easily by simply adding new users through your account dashboard.

The sound of Alice’s voice in her handset is converted into digital information using specialized networking protocols. This digital information is then divided into smaller chunks that are transmitted through the Internet as data packets. Then the data packets are put back together when they reach their destination. This reduces the jitter and delay that you experience on a regular call and improves audio quality.

Another advantage of VoIP is that it can be used on multiple devices, such as smartphones and laptops. This means that employees can work from home or on the road while still being able to answer calls. This is especially beneficial for remote workers. Additionally, most VoIP service providers offer customer support during standard business hours.

It’s more secure

A business VoIP system requires a high-speed internet connection and works largely like any other phone service. It can connect to traditional phones through an adapter or use a softphone app on desktop computers, mobile devices, or even a computer with just some software and a microphone.

A codec converts analog audio signals into digital voice data packets, and these packets are then transmitted over the business’s private network, or the public internet, to reach their intended recipients. This process takes place nearly instantly, and it’s what makes VoIP sound quality often better than traditional phone connections.

A VoIP service provider that operates their own private network will offer the most reliable and secure connection. It’s best to avoid providers who use the public internet to connect calls because this adds many intermediary networks to the call’s path that can compromise reliability and security. Also, make sure your VoIP solution offers transport layer security and secure real-time transfer protocols.