VoIP is short for Voice over Internet Protocol, which is an enhanced telecommunication technology that transmits audio calls over an established internet connection. This obviously replaces the traditional telephone infrastructure, such as wired landlines made of copper, and makes VoIP the ultimate choice for businesses and consumers. The reason why it is very popular among business use is the numerous capabilities offered by VoIP phone services compared to analog phones, plus, it costs way less to buy the service. Besides being able to take calls anywhere using Voice over IP, you get to enjoy many other nifty features. Keep reading as we explain this in detail.
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What Is Voice over Internet Protocol?
Ever heard of an IP address? It’s quite as simple. Your computer or device’s IP is how it communicates with other devices over the internet. This is called the Internet Protocol or IP, and this is how VoIP calls are made. This way they replace traditional calls that require complex wiring. Many companies consider VoIP services an alternative to traditional telephone companies. If you have VoIP, you make unlimited calls as long as you have an internet connection. Your incoming and outgoing calls are routed by your VoIP service provider through existing telephone networks. In contrast, cell phones and landlines use the Public Switched Telephone Network or the PSTN. Since conventional phones carry voice signals through analog lines, extra wiring needs to be installed along with specialized hardware in order to make calls inside a private network. The equipment referred to is called Private Branch Exchange or PBX. This equipment is pricey compared to almost paying nothing to plug your IP phone and make calls over a trusted VoIP service.
How It Works
As explained, VoIP uses Internet Protocol to connect calls on an existing telephone network. What you might not know is that this technology is not all that new, digital lines were used to carry phone calls since the 20th Century. Phone calls are transmitted as small data packets carrying conversations between your phone and your VoIP provider. These data packets can be sent to any IP around the world in less than seconds, which simplifies communications between users while costing far less than traditional telephone services. Professionals at Saicom Communication Solutions claim that Voice over IP reduced traditional telephone network infrastructure costs for South African companies relying on this service. It also allowed them to provide their employees with the most integrated communication experience, as well as many other handy functions such as call recording, call forwarding, and voicemail.
The Pros of Having VoIP
The main advantage of having Voice over IP is reducing the costs of installing traditional copper lines to have a telephone service for your calls, whether as a consumer or as a business. It also lets you and your business enjoy smooth communication and high-quality sound. VoIP users experience a service that allows them to call international or long-distance numbers for a very low rate compared to analog phone calls. Additionally, VoIP provides many useful features for businesses, including call queues, auto attendants, and call recording, all of which can be enabled and used from anywhere. You don’t need a technical setup to use your VoIP calls, which is convenient for people working from home.
The Cons of Having VoIP
The Voice over IP services requires an internet speed of at least 100 kbps per phone line to run smoothly and perform efficiently. It doesn’t work properly on satellite-based or dial-up internet connections. This means that in order to use a VoIP service, you’ll need a high-speed connection wherever you’re using it to maintain proper communications. VoIP phones are also limited when it comes to dialing emergency services. If you call 911 on any occasion, you will need to provide them with your exact location, unlike using a traditional phone which automatically sends them your address or location. Having to rely on Voice over Internet Protocol means you’ll be using advanced handsets instead of regular analog phone equipment. This could mean frequent upgrades to catch up with the latest technologies and replace outdated handsets.
Digital technologies made it easier and more convenient for companies to communicate internally and use their private network to reach any destination in the world. These innovative ideas have also made it possible to use a private network at home and connect with business partners from any location. Although there are a few limitations to using an internet-based telephony system, most companies consider VoIP providers an alternative to traditional telecommunications companies that charge a lot more and offer no more than a few basic features.
