The Basics: What Is VoIP?

VoIP (or Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology that allows you to make voice calls using an internet connection instead of a phone line. VoIP systems convert audio conversations into data and transmit it over the internet in real time.

Here's how that works in simple terms:

1. Your voice is captured by a microphone (on your phone, computer, or VoIP device).

2. The analog voice signal is converted into digital data.

3. This data is compressed and sent over the internet in small packets.

4. The packets are reassembled and converted back into voice at the receiving end.

Why Do Businesses Use VoIP Phones?

VoIP phones allow businesses a lot of flexibility to make and receive calls. Staff no longer need to be on site, as long as they’re somewhere with an internet connection available. Plus, they’re easy to scale as there’s no physical wiring required to set up new lines.

There are many other benefits of VoIP that make it a good choice for business purposes, such as:

• Lower average costs compared to traditional phone lines

• Greater customer satisfaction as a result of VoIP features like call routing, voicemail to email, and call analytics

• Increased access to advanced features with Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS)

These features allow businesses to simplify the way they communicate, improve responsiveness, and deliver a better experience for consumers.

Is VoIP Reliable for Business?

Yes, VoIP is a reliable technology for businesses to use. This is a common question and concern. In its early days, internet connections were often unreliable and call quality suffered. These days, however, VoIP is extremely reliable. But what exactly does this mean? When we talk about reliability for phone systems, we’re talking about two key features: uptime and call quality.

Uptime

Service uptime is the amount of time that the service of a particular VoIP provider is available and functioning as promised for its users. The goal for leading VoIP providers is 99.999%, or "five nines," reliability. That means that your teams and your contact center agents can communicate effectively from anywhere with VoIP, using Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular connections.

This high level of reliability is achieved through:

1. Highly distributed architecture: This provides flexibility for extreme scale-out, ensuring there’s capacity for larger traffic volumes.

2. Multi-level fail-safes with cloud backup: These systems work to reduce call drops, data loss, and static, providing a seamless communication experience.

3. SD-WAN technology: This prioritizes and routes data over the best network available, including private circuits, commercial broadband lines, and LTE/4G/5G links, to ensure reliability.

Call Quality

Another key feature related to reliability is call quality. After all, if your call quality is low, your employees and your customers may have a difficult time communicating. Fortunately, assuming you have a high-speed connection, call quality over VoIP is exceptionally clear — you won’t experience static or delays.

Backup Measures

VoIP providers use these backup measures to keep services running:

1. Cloud-based Infrastructure: Providers distribute data across multiple servers to avoid single points of failure.

2. Global and Local Servers: A network of distributed servers ensures service remains active if one location has issues.

3. Multiple Routing Options: Calls can be rerouted instantly if one path fails, maintaining call quality.

4. Redundant Power Systems: Backup power sources keep everything running as usual if the main system runs out of power.

5. Regular Data Backups: Regular backups prevent data loss in the case of a system failure or cyber attack.

These measures create a highly resilient system that keeps VoIP systems operational even during adverse conditions.

Steps You Can Take To Ensure a Reliable VoIP Service

While VoIP providers take extensive steps to ensure reliability, there are things you can do to make your VoIP experience better. Optimizing your network infrastructure and hardware improves the quality and reliability of your VoIP service.

Ensure Sufficient Bandwidth Is Available

It’s important you make sure your bandwidth is sufficient for VoIP. Generally, you should run speed tests on a regular schedule to understand your internet connection capacity.

Try to get at least 100 kbps of bandwidth per simultaneous call, with some bandwidth to spare for other online activities. If you're experiencing consistent issues, consider upgrading your internet plan to a higher speed tier.

Use traffic shaping to prioritize VoIP data over less time-sensitive applications, especially during peak usage times. This ensures that your calls remain clear and uninterrupted, even when your network is under heavy load.

Optimize Your Routers

Upgrade to business-grade routers that have Quality of Service (QoS) features to give VoIP traffic priority. These routers allow you to set rules that give precedence to voice data, ensuring call quality even when other high-bandwidth activities occur on your network.

You should also keep your router’s firmware up-to-date to take advantage of the latest performance enhancements and patches against malware. Configure your router settings to minimize latency, such as adjusting buffer sizes and enabling SIP ALG (Application Layer Gateway) if your VoIP system requires it.

Consider implementing SD-WAN technology for traffic control and automatic failover between internet connections in case one goes down, providing an extra layer of reliability for your VoIP service.

Invest in Reliable Hardware

Choose VoIP-compatible phones and headsets that are engineered for reliability, clarity, and durability in a business environment. Look for devices with noise cancellation and wideband audio features to maintain call quality when used in a busy office.

Also, using Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices, which can draw power straight from the network switch, will guarantee functionality even in the event of a power outage.

Finally, establish a maintenance schedule to clean and test your hardware periodically, preventing issues caused by dust accumulation or wear and tear. Investing in quality hardware and taking good care of it lessens the chances of it being the cause of poor-quality calls.

Avoid Downtime

When you suffer a power outage, it doesn’t mean the internet is inaccessible. These days, ISPs typically install battery backups along their lines to prevent issues like this. But, if you operate with wireless internet service, you’ll still need power to access it. Fortunately, there are a number of options available:

• Use a battery backup: Battery backups are fairly straightforward. Simply apply it to your router. Should your power surge or go out entirely, the battery backup will kick on and power your device.

• Employ an uninterruptible power supply (UPS): UPSs combine the functionality of a surge protector and an advanced battery backup. Essentially, when the power is on, the UPS charges itself while also constantly delivering filtered power to devices. Because of this, when the power goes out, the battery kicks in nearly instantaneously to support devices plugged into it.

• Purchase a generator: Another option is to purchase a portable generator. These devices are used to provide power to homes or offices in the event of a power outage.

There are also options for when your internet service goes down, including:

• Use data: If you only need to supply internet to a smartphone or other 5G or LTE device, you can simply use data to access internet services.

• Employ a mobile hotspot: With access to a smartphone with a 5G or LTE network, you can simply use a hotspot to provide internet to a laptop or other internet-enabled device. You can also purchase external hotspots to use in place of smartphones.

• Purchase a Wi-Fi USB dongle: Sometimes called internet sticks, these devices provide internet services to laptops or desktops.

VoIP vs. Landline Reliability

In the past, landlines have enjoyed far greater reliability, especially during widespread power outages. However, compared to issues with internet connectivity, repairs for landline systems are often more time-consuming. 

VoIP systems, on the other hand, offer more flexibility in terms of redundancy and quick recovery. The reliability of VoIP systems has improved in recent years to the point where, with proper setup and sufficient internet bandwidth, they can outshine landlines. However, VoIP still relies on power and internet connectivity, which could present issues during outages.

When comparing VoIP and landline reliability, it's also important to consider what the future holds for both. The global trend towards phasing out landline infrastructure is a crucial factor in settling the debate.

Many countries have already started or have concluded the process of shutting down their traditional landline networks, with the main forces behind this change being the rising expense of maintaining outdated copper wire networks and growing usage of internet- and mobile-based communication. As the infrastructure for landlines is being dismantled, VoIP and other internet-based communication systems are becoming a standard for reliability.

In the end, the reliability of your phone system (be it a VoIP or landline) will rely on adequate implementation and maintenance. But when it comes to future-proofing your business communications, VoIP is a resilient and increasingly reliable solution that aligns with global telecommunications trends.

Is VoIP Safe?

Yes, VoIP is safe. However, much like any technology, it needs appropriate security measures to guarantee its safety. 

Beyond reliability, safety and security are crucial concerns for people looking to invest in VoIP systems. VoIP providers understand this, which is why VoIP systems often offer more advanced security features than traditional landlines. Nevertheless, since VoIP operates over the internet, it can become prone to the same cyber threats faced by other services online.

To ensure VoIP safety, consider the following security measures:

1. Encryption: Use end-to-end encryption for all VoIP calls to prevent eavesdropping.

2. Strong Authentication: Implement multi-factor authentication for all VoIP accounts.

3. Regular Updates: Keep all VoIP software and devices up-to-date with the latest security patches.

4. Firewalls: Use robust firewalls to protect your VoIP system from external threats.

5. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Use a VPN to go the extra mile for security, especially for remote workers.

6. Staff Training: Educate your team about potential VoIP security risks and best practices.

7. Monitoring: Regularly monitor your VoIP system for any unusual activity or potential security breaches.

Remember that security is a continuous process. Regularly reviewing and updating your VoIP security measures is crucial to maintaining a safe communication environment.

Vonage: VoIP Your Business Can Trust

VoIP technology offers businesses a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective communication solution. As traditional landlines phase out globally, VoIP represents the future of business communications. With proper implementation and security measures, it provides advanced features and adaptability that traditional systems can't match.

When you work with Vonage as your VoIP provider, you’ll have access to:

• Reliability: With an average uptime of 99.999%*, we’re here when you need us.

• Support: We offer training, technical support, and more to get your team going on day one.

• Scalability: When you want or need more services, our UCaaS plans offer flexible features. And you can quickly add lines and numbers when needed.

  _{*The 99.999% claim is based on Vonage's average up-time and/or availability.}