How Do VoIP Phone Connections Work?

VoIP systems offer superior call quality, greater diversity of devices that can connect to the system (including desktop computers, tablets, and cell phones), and cost savings compared to traditional telephones. But it would help if you had a fast, reliable internet connection to get the best results from a VoIP system.

IP phones need a wired Internet connection to function. This includes the process of registering the device online with your VoIP provider.

Power

Power is the lifeblood of any network, and VoIP systems rely on it to work. All devices lose functionality without it, including routers, switches, and VoIP phones.

A short-term solution during a VoIP outage is to use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to provide backup battery power for a finite period. However, this only works if the power loss does not impact your internet service provider.

Many companies set up redundancies allowing their VoIP phone system to continue working during a power outage. This typically requires a CAPEX budget for UPS equipment and generators and OPEX to fuel them and maintain backup batteries. It’s a worthwhile investment to ensure your business can continue operating, even when the lights go out.

Connectivity

With the trend towards work-from-home arrangements and globalization, it’s essential to have flexible business phone systems. Thankfully, VoIP technology allows you to ring into company discourse regardless of where you are, provided you have adequate Internet bandwidth.

VoIP uses packet-switched communication, meaning data is sent in small packages rather than a continuous stream. This reduces your bandwidth requirements and improves call quality.

Moreover, VoIP calls travel over the public internet, which means they must pass through numerous intermediary networks that can negatively affect call quality. Your telecom carrier must monitor these networks and ensure they provide a high service level. That’s why you need to choose a reliable provider. In addition, VoIP phone hardware is often physically indistinguishable from business desk phones you already use.

Hardware

A few different types of hardware work together to make VoIP phone connections. Each hardware type has its unique set of primary and secondary functions.

Hardware-based SIP phones look and function similarly to traditional analog business phones but connect directly to the data network. The primary function of these devices is to convert sound waves into digital data packets and transmit them to the VoIP provider, which then relays them to your business partner.

To ensure call quality, you’ll need a high-speed internet connection supporting VoIP technology. Most providers recommend a minimum of a gigabit broadband connection. Invest in your business’s UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to help ensure call continuity during a power outage.

Software

A VoIP phone can be a hardware device that looks like a traditional phone or any internet-enabled device that runs a particular software application. Often, business customers choose to go with hardware phones because they’re familiar with the physical layout and features.

In addition to primary calling, Ooma VoIP applications can provide other unified communications services such as call recording, custom caller ID, SMS messaging, and visual voicemail. These features can help businesses meet the rising demand for remote work.

Since VoIP doesn’t require a dedicated telephone line, employees can connect from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it easy for businesses to support remote workers while providing them with a fully functioning work telephone number. In addition, most VoIP services come with free local and toll-free numbers.

Security

As any business owner knows, security is integral to company operations. Hacking can affect call quality, deprive staff of necessary services, and damage the company’s reputation.

Because VoIP phones use the internet, they can be vulnerable to phishing attacks and viruses. Keeping devices updated with antivirus software, using passwords on both desks and softphones and enabling remote device management are essential security measures.

It’s also essential for employees to be educated on how to keep their devices secure. They should never use public WiFi on work-related devices, recognize suspicious activity (such as calls to fake IT helplines), and report concerns. Lastly, they should always check with their provider to ensure their business VoIP is secure. Frequent security checks can also ensure that any threats are detected quickly.