A growing number of businesses are taking advantage of VoIP technology as a method of improving their telecommunications network. As a consequence of the rapid growth of VoIP technology and the resulting queries, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked VoIP questions. So, without further ado, let us address them.
What is VoIP?
To make calls, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology uses a broadband Internet connection rather than a traditional telephone line. With VoIP systems, you can use an app to make calls directly from your computer, IP phone or smartphone. This service can be delivered via a cloud system or an on-premises solution.
Who was the inventor of VoIP?
Many individuals think that the Israeli businessman Alon Cohen invented VoIP technology in 1995 and released it to the public the following year. However, according to sources, an African-American woman named Dr. Marian R. Croak is the person who laid the groundwork of the technology and founded VoIP. She began her career at AT&T Bell Labs in 1982, where she was an early advocate for the transition from wired phone technology to an Internet Protocol, the technology that was created in the 1990. This highly accomplished woman has more than 125 patents in VoIP technology!
What are the benefits of VoIP?
VoIP provides significant cost savings by using internet connections, eliminating long-distance charges and reducing infrastructure expenses. It offers flexibility, allowing calls from anywhere with an internet connection, empowering remote work and increasing productivity. VoIP seamlessly integrates voice, video, and data communications, fostering collaboration. Its scalability allows easy service addition/removal as needs evolve. Advanced features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email transcription, and virtual numbers enhance productivity and customer service. VoIP also integrates smoothly with other business applications such as CRM tools, streamlining workflows and improving customer interactions.
How is VoIP different from a traditional landline?
VoIP is far less expensive than traditional phone systems, and may cut a company’s monthly phone expenses by up to 50%. VoIP does not require any on-premises hardware that may be difficult and expensive to set up. All that users require is a VoIP enabled device, phone, computer, or anything with Internet connection. VoIP calls are routed over SIP trunks rather than physical phone lines. Therefore, users have complete mobility and are not tied to a desk phone, allowing phone calls to be made from any location where there is IP connectivity.
Is VoIP secure?
When configured correctly, VoIP phones are generally more secure than landlines. VoIP cybersecurity can be achieved by following some simple steps. Read “The fundamentals of VoIP security” article to learn what these steps are.
How does VoIP technology work?
To make phone calls, VoIP leverages the Internet. It does this by converting analogue voice signals to digital signals. These signals are then transmitted as data packets over a broadband line. A digital signal is more efficient and less expensive than analog transmissions. Anyone who has used software like Skype or WhatsApp has communicated via VoIP.
What equipment do I need?
All you need is a computer or mobile device with a broadband Internet connection and a softphone app or an IP phone. A VoIP phone system connects to your broadband connection directly, and IP phones are pre-configured so you can just plug and play. If you do not have an IP phone or do not wish to use one, check out our Top 10 picks for Android and iOS softphones.
How do I set up VoIP for my office?
Every VoIP service will have its own set-up procedures, however there are a few common principles you may follow. Here is an article that will guide you through the process of installing your company’s VoIP system at your office.
Is the call quality good?
A common misconception about VoIP is that calls made over the Internet are of lower quality than those made through landlines. The reality is that your Internet connection is the main factor that impacts voice quality. If your Internet connection is sufficient, the resulting voice quality will be superior to that of a regular landline phone.
Can I keep my current number?
Most carriers enable number portability, which means you can keep the same phone number you had with your previous operator. Certain providers, such as DIDWW, do not charge for this service; however, verify costs with your provider first. It should be noted that number portability is not quick and might take several weeks, depending on the service providers involved.
How reliable is VoIP?
The uptime of your phone system is determined by the VoIP provider, its carriers, and the dependability of the deployed devices. VoIP companies use a redundant network of data centers, also known as Points of Presence (or “POPs”), to achieve high uptime. As long as you have a reliable carrier and a high-speed internet connection, you should enjoy high-quality voice conversations with a network uptime of 99.99 percent.
Does VoIP come with 911 capabilities?
Yes, VoIP provides “Enhanced 911” (E911) capabilities. However, because VoIP services may be utilized from almost any Internet connection anywhere, the emergency services community faces difficulties in establishing the location from where a 911 call originated. You may want to contact your provider and inquire about their specific service, as well as have them check your physical address to ensure that E911 is compatible with their service.
Is VoIP suitable for small businesses?
It is not necessary to be a large corporation to gain from VoIP. Small, medium and startup businesses can benefit from this technology since it is so simple to set up and use, it is considerably less expensive than legacy phone systems, and you can add more communication channels as your company expands. Furthermore, you may profit from the system’s many features, which will boost the professionalism and efficiency of the company.
How is VoIP different from SIP trunking?
VoIP is a subset of SIP technology. The primary distinction between the two is that VoIP is confined to sending voice data over the Internet, whereas a SIP trunk may transfer packets of multimedia data. SIP can handle messaging, video and other forms of multimedia content.
Who is the best VoIP service provider?
There are a myriad of VoIP service providers you can choose from. If you are looking for the best VoIP phone providers for you, we can help. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of the top 10 VoIP providers in the market into a single article.
Final thoughts
Hopefully we have answered all of your burning questions related to VoIP technology. If you have a question that you think should be included in this list, please pop us an email at [email protected]!
