Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, is a mobile technology that enables you to make voice-based phone calls through the internet instead of the traditional telephone system. Simply put, VoIP facilitates voice calls through your VoIP phone, computer, and other data-driven services.
How does VoIP work?
Several people have access to devices that directly support VoIP calls without additional hardware. Examples are smartphones and computers.
These devices convert your conversations into digital signals, the internet-supported format for transmiting audio signals, and sends them to your recipients in real-time.
If your recipient has a reliable internet connection, they will receive your digital signal immediately.
What VoIP equipment do I need?
You can access VoIP technology using different methods. Each method requires various equipment.
Below are a list of VoIP methods and their respective equipment.
VoIP with an analog telephone adaptor (ATA)
An analog telephone adaptor (ATA) allows you to access the internet with your traditional phone. It achieves this by connecting the latter to your computer.
VoIP with a computer
This requires a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection. Also, you need the right software, a headset or speakers, and a microphone.
Ntote that the headset will help you to get a clearer and improved sound quality.
VoIP with a smartphone
This method requires your smartphone, reliable Wi-Fi, and a mobile app.
Broadband connection
You need a broadband connection, regardless of your preferred VoIP method. We recommend that you use a fiber optic broadband connectionas it is highly reliable.
Advantages of VoIP
There are many advantages to using cloud-based VoIP instead of traditional-based companies.
It costs less than traditional phone system
VoIP allows you to make local and international calls at a lower monthly fee. What’s more? VoIP providers offer unlimited domestic calls for free and international calls at a cheap rate.
Further, the technology doesn’t require repair or maintenance, unlike traditional phone providers. Hence, you get to save more money.
Make calls from wherever you are
VoIP is a portable technology you can take with you anywhere.
Consequently, you don’t have to be on-premise – in your office, by your desk phone, or kitchen wall – to make and receive VoIP calls.
Extra business phone features
Apart from voice calls, VoIP offers several business-phone features, like conference calls, auto call attendant, call waiting, voicemail to text, and autodialer.
The best part is these services are available for free.
Increased scalability or flexibility
Traditional phone services require you to buy new expensive hardware if you want to expand your team. Conversely, VoIP allows you to add more team members without spending more.
Also, you can save more money by having your team members install the required VoIP app on their smartphones.
Cons
Although VoIP is an impressive technology, it has certain drawbacks.
You need a good and reliable internet connection
VoIP works based on the quality of your internet connection. Hence, a slow internet connection will heavily impact your call quality.
You may need to retrain your team members
Your team members may not know how to use VoIP. Hence, you may need to train them to use the technology.
Luckily, most VoIP services are straightforward and intuitive, so they are easy to learn.
VoIP may not work during power outages
VoIP technology uses wireless internet powered by Wi-Fi routers that use electricity. As a result, any power outage may stop your internet from working, thus affecting your VoIP service.
You can prevent this by using a battery backup system to power your Wi-Fi router. Also, if your team members use the VoIP app on their respective smartphones, they can easily use their mobile data until the power comes back on.