What is VoIP?
19th August 2021
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a set of rules (protocols) that allow people to make and receive voice and video calls over an internet connection. The technology was invented back in 1995 but it wasn’t until broadband always-on internet connections became commonplace in the early 2000s that the technology started to take off.
How does VoIP work?
VoIP can be configured in several different ways, but here we’ll look at a simple installation that is connected to the internet via a third-party VoIP service provider such as Host My Office.
Your phone (this could be a traditional handset or PC-based softphone) is connected to a router via a switch in your Local Area Network (LAN)
When you make a call, your phone connects to the VoIP service provider via the internet, asking it to connect to the other number.
Once the call has been connected, data is exchanged between the two handsets. As you speak into the handset, your voice is converted into digital data using codecs.
The converted data is then transmitted across the internet. This process is extremely fast; most VoIP systems have a latency of between 150-300 milliseconds (ms).
Once the data is received by the other party, it is converted back into a video or audio signal so they can see/hear it.
What are the advantages of VoIP?
VoIP has become so successful because it provides several advantages over traditional Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN). Let’s look at these in more detail.
Lower cost
Because VoIP calls are transmitted over the internet, a separate telephone network and its associated hardware does not have to be used. This allows VoIP calls to be much cheaper than a traditional phone system. The savings can be substantial, especially if you make lots of international calls.
Improved accessibility
Because VoIP is not tied to a physical telephone network, it can be used in unconventional ways. For example, a work extension can be connected to any VoIP enabled phone. This allows remote workers to connect to the corporate phone system from anywhere where they have an internet connection.
Better call quality
Professional VoIP systems use HD Voice technology, which offers superior call quality to standard PBX phone systems. The spread of frequency of HD Voice is 7 kHz, compared to just 3.4 kHz with a standard system, so you should see call quality more than double by switching to VoIP.
Scalability
VoIP systems are completely scalable, from a single handset to several hundred. This allows the system to be scaled quickly without having to replace expensive proprietary equipment. This is not the case with a traditional PBX phone system that is limited to a predefined number of users.
What services can run on VoIP?
VoIP systems can handle several types of communication, which allows users to unify communication across the company. The following communication methods are all available using VoIP:
- Audio calls
- Video calls
- Voicemail
- Instant messaging
- Live chat
- SMS
- IVR (Allows users to create automated menus to speed up the navigation)
What type of connection do I need to use VoIP?
The basic requirement for VoIP is an always-on internet connection. If you need to handle multiple calls at once then you will also need a SIP trunk. Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) acts as a virtual phone line, allowing you to make and receive several calls at once. SIP trunks are available in packages of 2 to 10 or more virtual lines.
A broadband connection with good bandwidth and SIP trunking enabled will allow you to replace your traditional phone lines. In fact, outdated technologies such as DSL and PSTN lines are being phased out in 2025, so you will need to have these replaced sooner rather than later anyway.
What hardware do I need to use VoIP?
VoIP requires minimum hardware to run. Most of the hardware required, such as the router, switches and ethernet cables, already exist as part of your network, but you will need a device to make and receive calls. This can be a PC based softphone, a VoIP enabled handset or even your smartphone.
All these devices can communicate with each other thanks to robust protocols such as SIP. You will not, however, be able to use your traditional PBX phone handsets unless they are VoIP enabled. Compatible handsets are available at a relatively low cost that will allow you to access the many features of VoIP.
VoIP made easy
At Host My Desktop, we are experts at delivering VoIP to small and mid-size companies. Our team can take care of everything, from system design to installation and maintenance.
So, if you want to know how VoIP can take your business communications to the next level, get in touch with our experts today by calling 01892 267 200 or enter your contact details here and we’ll call you back at a convenient time.
