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VoIP: The Definitive Guide

 

Have you ever used Facebook’s call function? That’s VoIP. FaceTime or FaceTime Audio? VoIP again. Skype? Well, you get the idea. VoIP telephone services allow you to make low cost calls over the internet; using a multitude of different networks and operators, you can connect with members of staff, clients, and customers across the globe both cost-effectively and efficiently.

What are the different types of VoIP systems?

 

It is a technology exists to power calling. Typically, a business user will come across it in the following ways:

Mobile applications: These include Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Facetime and any other voice application designed to run primarily on a mobile or tablet device. This also includes mobile apps for business communications like Slack, Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

On-premises IP PBX systems: An IP PBX is essentially a phone system that uses VoIP to place and receive calls. Traditional PBXs used analogue connections whereas IP PBX systems use internet connections and SIP Trunking to route calls to and from the traditional phone networks. On-premises refers to the fact that the system is housed or managed internally. This approach requires more up-front spend (capital expenditure) as well as in-house expertise. These systems will also need a SIP Trunk provider to function.

All the user must do is configure the setup of their system and users as they see fit. In many cases, the provider will even pre-provision phone hardware for you. Hosted systems are becoming increasingly popular particularly for small businesses as they require almost no capital expenditure or in-house expertise.

With COVID-19 changing the way that businesses operate, there has never been a better time to think about a cloud PBX.

3CX for businesses that want a fully featured phone system fully setup:

 

How Does VoIP Work?

In terms of landline calls (or ISDN and PSTN, to give the two types their technical names), It bypasses the national landline network’s copper wire by using data packets of information (usually audio) transmitted across a network.

These IP packets are received over the packet-switched network and ‘de-packetized’ as the voice you hear through your VoIP endpoint – the technical term for a VoIP desktop phone, VoIP mobile phone, soft phone application (VoIP Software) or other receivers.

Mobile phones operate calls through connection to the PSTN maintained via a terrestrial network of base stations.

When you use It, your voice is converted into digital information which is then transmitted in as data over the internet unlike the way traditional phone lines work via a local phone provider.

For business phone systems, a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) refers to the main piece of tech that routes all your calls using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) in SIP trunks to make those connections. Modern PBXs are also called IP PBXs to indicate they use VoIP rather than analogue connections.

Your PBX can be a physical bit of hardware, run and maintained by you (your IT department). However, with modern cloud solutions, your VoIP provider can usually run your PBX via the cloud – essentially a phone system combined with Software as a Service (SaaS). This allows you to control your system with a personal online control panel resulting in instant access to your add-ons and personal features as well as a real-time overview of your business telecoms.

What are the benefits of VoIP?

1. Talk anywhere: With VoIP, you can talk to anyone, anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. This means, with the right provider you can choose any number, make, and receive calls with it from anywhere in the world. This is particularly common with small businesses who wants a global footprint. Remote extensions are usually standard with VoIP, PSTN extensions are expensive when using PSTN as additional dedicated line installation is required.
2. Disaster recovery: VoIP services are perfect for protection from disasters as all data and functionality is executed in the cloud.
3. Cost savings: Ultimately, the outstanding benefit of VoIP is the price. Not only is there the capacity to conduct a variety of free calls but the monthly costs are phenomenally lower. The average business line rental for PSTN is almost 4x times greater than the VoIP equivalent. As bandwidth is utilized efficiently, there is less wastage – one internet connection is all that’s necessary to transmit all voice information.

What features do VoIP phone systems include?

A VoIP phone system provides you with the unique opportunity to take advantage of a wide variety of additional services.

1. Call recording: Record both inbound and outbound calls which often includes the ability to link it with CRM system and contact records.
2. Custom hold music: Because no business wants to use exactly the custom hold music for their systems.
3. Intelligent call routing: It allows you to quickly change call routing behavior based on conditions such as time of day, location of call and more.
4. Virtual receptionist: Also known as Interactive Voice Response or IVR, this allows a user to enter options via voice or keypad making answering a high volume of calls far more efficient.
5. High quality audio: Often overlooked, high quality internet connections like leased lines mean greater bandwidth for calling which mean far higher call quality than traditional analogue phones.
6. Voicemail to email: A lifesaver for a mobile workforce, VoIP systems can send recordings of voicemails to email sometimes even with text transcription.
7. Multi-device access: The obvious but crucial benefit of It. Access the same number for inbound and outbound calling, no matter where you are in the world, on any device with an internet connection.

What equipment do I need?

Hardware

1. If you opt for a physical (on premise) PBX, you’ll need a location at your business to house the PBX as well as purchasing the PBX.
2. A VoIP Phone may be the most obvious bit of hardware that you may need; these are phones designed specifically for VoIP networks, and come in a variety of formats. Whether they’re desktop, cordless or conference phones, you can guarantee a stable, high-quality connection.
3. You may wish to invest in headsets (both wired and wireless) or other accessories, including DECT clips and specific receivers.
4. Adapters work over an IP network, connecting analogue phones and fax machines to a VoIP network. A great choice for any business with a set of analogue phones already at its disposal.
5. Software Phones or Softphones are downloadable applications that live on your computer or mobile device. They usually consist of a keypad for making call, plus numerous other VoIP functions such as call recording.
6. Softphones such as Zoiper can be downloaded and utilized for very low cost – a great way to integrate your communication solutions as an alternative to physical VoIP phones. One service called 3CX has a very sophisticated soft-phone and comes as standard with the solution.

PBX Alternatives

If you choose to go with a hosted PBX service, the provider will house and service the PBX at a monthly fee. Many customers opt for this, as maintaining an on-premises PBX can take a lot of time and technical know-how.

1. A Virtual PBX is a possible third option. While it lacks some of the functions of a full hosted PBX, the costs are substantially lower, and the use of SIP Trunking means that calls can still be routed appropriately. With the advent of cloud systems, a virtual PBX may be a more appropriate solution in the future.
2. You’ll need a good-quality internet connection to support a VoIP service, particularly for high quality, reliable calls. FTTP and Ethernet connections, like Leased Lines are well worth looking at.

How to set up VoIP for your office

To start the initial set-up, you first need to check your bandwidth and assess what you need.

Checking your bandwidth basically means your internet connection. You need to do this to ensure that your call quality and speed will be up to scratch and that your VoIP system will cover everyone who needs it in the office. Do this by running an internet speed test – simply type this into Google.

To assess what you need is relatively simple. How many people will be using the device? How many lines will you need? Can your internet support the call volume? Once you figure this out, you’ll have a general idea of the features you want and can explore any add-ons, like other media communications.

Next, choose a provider that is right for you. Research your provider and find the right package and deal for yourself. The provider must have good customer service and support. Once you decide your provider and system, you can order the phones and necessary software.

Finally, you need to set up and configure the systems. Most of the time, you can plug your phone into the ethernet system, configure the settings on the phone and you’re ready to go.

FAQs

1. What is a VoIP system?

A VoIP system is a phone system (or “PBX”) that uses the internet to place and receive calls.

2. Is VoIP free?

Costs are highly reduced by using VoIP for business and calls between internal numbers (in any location) are free as no connection to the traditional phone networks are needed.

3. Does VoIP have any downsides?

VoIP is an extremely effective technology and far outperforms analogue telephony. One obvious downside of using internet connections to place calls is that if your connection goes down you won’t be able to make calls at all. Therefore, resilient and secure internet connections are very important to modern businesses.

4. Why would businesses use a VoIP number?

The most common benefits of using VoIP include cost savings and being able to make and receive calls from numbers from anywhere in the world and on any device.

5. Is VoIP better than a landline?

In most cases, yes. Good quality internet connections mean modern VoIP calls are much clearer than traditional landlines.

6. Does VoIP require a special phone?

No. Although IP (or SIP) enabled phones are extremely widespread, you can use an ATA (Analogue Telephone Adaptor) to connect analogue phones to VoIP systems.

7. Can I use my mobile phone with VoIP?

You can use VoIP on your mobile phone, given you have the right app and the right VoIP provider. It routes your calls through the internet rather than a phone connection, so you need a package that will allow you to do that.

8. Who can I call on my VoIP phone?

Your VoIP phone can call any number in the world whether it’s for business or personal, local, or long distance. The main difference between a VoIP phone and a regular phone is the way the information travels but essentially VoIP can do anything a normal phone can do.

9. Can I keep my number?

Yes. VoIP providers allow number portability where you can keep the same number you had with your regular phone provider. You can also port or transfer over any saved numbers you have. This process is called number porting.

10. Will VoIP affect my Internet speed?

The most important aspect of VoIP is having an internet connection – it won’t work otherwise! You need to assess your internet speed before you install a VoIP connection to ensure your connection and speed will work with VoIP and that the two won’t affect each other. If you have a fast internet connection VoIP will work perfectly and won’t affect your internet speed.

11. How secure are VoIP calls?

VoIP transfers your data over the internet, so it makes sense why people worry about security. VoIP providers ensure your network is fitted with the right security measures like Session Border Controllers which protect your data and monitor what goes in and what comes out of your network.

12. What does VoIP have to do with the ISDN switch off?

ISDN or the Integrated Services Digital Network is the modern way to make phone calls, video calls and other services across the world. However, ISDN is set to be switched off in 2025. The main reason is because it’s an outdated system. Instead, telecommunications like VoIP are coming to the forefront. VoIP is a modern and progressive upgrade that only relies on an internet connection. It is also less expensive requires fewer physical lines and is more scalable and flexible.

Clarity is proud to have been providing On Premises and Cloud Hosted Telephony to the America’s and the world since 2006. Our clients are worldwide and currently using our Unified Communications platform with 3CX Phone System. Clarity is also a proud to be an authorized Microsoft 365 service provider. Select the UC that fits your business needs. Clarity Technologies Group, LLC surpasses expectations

 

Call Clarity at 800-354-4160 today or email us at [email protected] . We are partnered internationally around the globe and we are open seven days a week 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM EST/EDT. http://45.33.92.219 and https://dotmantech.com.

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