Only a few businesses can operate without a phone system in this advanced technology age. Whether it is customer support or sales operations, your business needs communication to contact current and future customers. Over time, advanced phone systems have been introduced. VoIP is one of the most popular and advanced phone systems offering businesses an affordable and versatile alternative to traditional landline phones. But most business owners hesitate about reliability before switching to VoIP.
The perception that internet-based calls are unreliable stems from when technology was not advanced and infrastructure was not so good. The truth is that VoIP calls are reliable and professional. The confusion about VoIP call reliability disappears when you understand the factors in making VoIP phone calls. Moreover, VoIP users can take steps to ensure everything runs smoothly.
When you use VoIP, you will see that its benefits surpass those of landlines, making it a reliable business phone system. In this article, we will answer a common question about VoIp reliability – is VoIP reliable?
Reliability Of VoIP
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, uses the Internet to make and receive calls. It converts audio signals into data packets and transmits them to the destination. Regarding VoIP reliability, most users are concerned about two competencies: call quality and system uptime.
Factors on both the client and provider sides can impact the reliability of VoIP calls. Let’s have a look at these factors:
Client Side Factors Affecting VoIP Reliability
If you want to ensure that your VoIP system runs smoothly, you must consider the following factors:
1. Bandwidth Requirement
VoIP is a cloud-based phone system that runs over the Internet. Hence, it requires adequate bandwidth to ensure that data travels uninterrupted and that users can communicate without interruption. It means you will need a high-speed, stable internet connection with high bandwidth for voice calls.
Now you may be thinking, how much bandwidth is needed to make VoIP calls? When choosing the bandwidth, remember the following things:
- Number of concurrent calls
- Number of phone lines in your company
- Other applications running on the Internet simultaneously
- Codecs support offered by your provider
2. Microphone Or Headset
All telephone technologies use a microphone to transform the speaker’s voice into electrical signals. However, not all microphones are of equal quality.
To make it clear, the built-in microphone on your computer is not the best option for conducting professional-grade VoIP calls. These microphones pick up a wide array of sounds, contributing to excessive external noise for the recipient.
Furthermore, specific external microphones and headsets might not be compatible with certain operating systems. In the case of a Windows operating system, optimal functionality might require a USB-enabled headset rather than a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Moreover, investing in higher-priced headsets enhances the overall quality. Desired attributes for support and sales calls include features like echo reduction and noise isolation technology.
3. Router Optimization
Internet protocol telephony relies on a standard internet connection, which might raise concerns for individuals with unreliable WiFi performance at home. However, it is crucial to note that the quality of your internet connection at work, and consequently the excellence of your VoIP conversations, is typically significantly higher for two reasons.
Firstly, business environments utilize professional-grade routers engineered to manage substantially greater network traffic than ordinary home routers. When your company’s WiFi operates through a distinct router from the one situated in your guest bedroom, any unexpected call interruptions should be less surprising.
A legitimate professional router can efficiently handle numerous concurrent VoIP calls, often 500-1000 megabits per second (Mbps). Investing in such a router, which may cost a few hundred dollars at minimum, is prudent.
4. Backup Of Power and Internet
It is important to have a disaster recovery plan and include backup services to keep your system running in case of any outage or disaster. Plan to have a backup internet connection and a power source.
Provider Side Factors Affecting
You also want to ensure that your provider will offer you a high-quality service with a trustworthy support team.
So let’s see what makes a VoIP provider reliable.
1. 99.99% Uptime
Your service provider should provide comprehensive details defining the caliber of service they will offer. This crucial information will delineate projected Uptime, call quality, troubleshooting support, and other relevant aspects of your service.
2. Dedicated Account Management
An additional critical element influencing your VoIP service quality involves having a dedicated account manager who deeply comprehends your business communication requirements. They strive to optimize your service experience.
Opt for a provider that includes an account manager at no additional cost. This approach ensures your service remains well-managed and in capable hands.
3. Local And Global Servers
Most VoIP providers catering to enterprise-level businesses typically possess their own VoIP infrastructure, complete with strategically positioned points of presence (PoPs) dispersed globally. This strategic setup guarantees dependable call distribution, mitigating the impact of any single route failure.
However, certain providers collaborate with an extensive array of local and regional operators to deliver an equivalent standard of service reliability. When selecting a VoIP provider, it’s advisable to inquire about their approach to routing local and global calls and any potential gaps in their network coverage.
4. Regular monitoring
Furthermore, your chosen provider should continuously monitor their networks and servers. This proactive approach ensures precise call transmission and sustains high quality.
Most providers employ quality monitoring services or software to track their voice network’s performance diligently. Also, inquire with your provider about their quality monitoring practices and assurance of uninterrupted service.
5. 24/7 Technical Support
Likewise, opting for a provider with a quick and attentive technical support team, especially during critical situations, is important.
Seek out a provider that offers a variety of support channels, including live chat, around-the-clock phone assistance, email communication, trouble ticket systems, and comprehensive troubleshooting guides.
Which One Is More Reliable? VoIP Vs. Landline
Traditional wired on-site phone systems have existed for over a century, yet their reliability is seldom doubted.
Regarding your business communications, there are numerous factors concerning Uptime and dependability.
i. Uptime
Uptime signifies a provider’s operational duration, expressed typically as a percentage. A 99.999% uptime equates to only six minutes of potential unavailability annually, referred to as “five nines,” the pinnacle of reliability in the IT industry.
Uptime hinges on the VoIP provider, carriers, and device stability for VoIP phone systems. Cloud PBX providers rely on redundant data center networks to achieve exceptional Uptime, often termed Points of Presence (POPs).
Unlike traditional landline phones susceptible to weather, power, and wire disruptions requiring extended restoration times, VoIP offers more resilient communication. Unified communication breakdowns might stem from external factors or malfunctioning equipment.
VoIP remains functional with a stable internet connection, and during internet or power outages, calls can be redirected to a cell phone temporarily. VoIP even functions when power or the Internet is restored.
ii. International Calls
If your company caters to international customers, having the capability for international calling is essential. Navigating international dialing, which involves diverse country codes and prefixes, can be daunting. An incorrect dial could result in significant expenses.
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) imposes steep charges for long-distance international calls, often exceeding a dollar per minute. Such costs can be prohibitive for businesses, especially when conducting sales calls. VoIP offers a significant advantage in this aspect.
With VoIP, global calling becomes remarkably cost-effective. As calls are transmitted over the Internet, reliable VoIP calls can start at just a cent per minute. Businesses can also establish toll-free and virtual phone numbers, enhancing affordability for global customers to engage with your team.
Consider a scenario where your remote team is connected to your call center. VoIP empowers you to handle incoming and outgoing voice calls as if you are in the United States, unaffected by long-distance charges. A robust internet connection is the sole requirement for this seamless communication.
iii. Call Quality
The need for superior call quality propels individuals towards adopting VoIP, with its immersive experience causing traditional phone systems to become outdated. Advancements in audio codecs underpin enhanced call quality, seamlessly integrated into most VoIP phones and applications. Notably, HD voice codecs double bandwidth, facilitating a broader sound spectrum in each call.
The significance of call quality is magnified in audio conferencing, where problems like echoes, background noise, and mobile phone disruptions irritate participants. VoIP’s sophisticated attributes yield a transformative contrast, mitigating these issues effectively.
Issues such as wiring glitches or handset malfunctions are landline and cell phone communication distractions. In contrast, VoIP desk phones, conference phones, and applications have harnessed advancements to ensure an enjoyable call quality for all participants.
iv. Security
Before adopting VoIP, security is the most significant concern. When considering a new business phone system, businesses prioritize data security and operational continuity.
Unauthorized eavesdropping on conventional phone lines, especially with accessible wiring, raises alarms. Some traditional PBX systems are vulnerable to unauthorized call placement.
Cloud-based PBX systems strictly adhere to robust security standards. Vigilant round-the-clock data center monitoring, resilient against natural disasters, underscores this commitment.
Recent VoIP enhancements include call encryption through TLS (Transport Layer Security) and SRTP (Secure Real-time Transport Protocol), securing data exchange between SIP phones and cloud-based PBX.
Even small businesses must uphold security due to cardmember agreement mandates for safeguarding customer data.
Regarding security, VoIP outperforms traditional landlines with constant server monitoring and third-party vulnerability assessments. In contrast, users bear greater responsibility for preventing unauthorized access to landlines.
v. Redundancy
In the current context, discussing redundancy for phone systems is not alarming. Establishing call forwarding for team members and utilizing home-based video conferencing have gained significance.
VoIP providers offer inherent redundancy. Network disruptions like jitter, common in IP-based setups, do not disrupt your calls.
Unlike landlines with a singular failure point, VoIP ensures constant backup. In case of further issues, a free VoIP app allows direct call reception on your smartphone.
How To Choose A Reliable VoIP Provider?
Although many VoIP service providers are in the market, you want to find one that meets all your business communication needs and budget. Finding such a provider requires effort; you must research and compare different providers.
Here are a few things that you must consider when choosing a VoIP provider:
- Determine your communication needs and set a budget.
- Evaluate features and pricing of different providers.
- Check carrier reliability and Uptime.
- Review global coverage.
- Read customer reviews and testimonials.
- Try a free version, if available.
When VoIP Is A Better Choice?
VoIP offers many advantages, including enhanced productivity, cost reduction, efficient communication, and remote business management. But how can you determine if your organization stands to gain from this transition?
The following scenarios indicate when VoIP is a fitting choice for a business:
1. New Ventures
Startups seeking a dependable and easily manageable phone system can benefit from month-to-month services without commitments. VoIP provides a swift, budget-friendly, and straightforward setup.
2. Scalability and Growth
Businesses with expansion plans, whether in size or global presence, will find VoIP advantageous. It simplifies adding and removing users and numbers, facilitating seamless scaling.
3. Call Analytics and Support Enhancement
Businesses requiring access to call center data for call traffic analysis and improved customer support responsiveness can leverage VoIP to build a more effective support team.
4. Global Reach
Utilize international calling to establish a local presence worldwide using diverse local and international phone numbers. Incorporating VoIP into your business strategy can prove highly beneficial under these circumstances.
Conclusion - VoIP Phone Systems Reliability
In conclusion, VoIP has transformed from an uncertain past to a reliable communication solution for modern businesses. Dispelling past doubts, it offers professional and reliable service, managed by optimizing bandwidth and microphone quality and partnering with reputable providers.
The advantages of VoIP such as resilience, cost-effectiveness, call quality, redundancy, and global reach make it ideal for startups, expanding companies, and those prioritizing analytics and global presence.
Choosing VoIP means embracing streamlined communication, cost savings, and operational efficiency in the digital age. It is a strategic move for sustained success as businesses navigate the competitive and fast-paced modern business landscape.
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