All you need to know about VoIP
VoIP is a popular business phone service. It is the modern way to make phone calls, especially for small to medium businesses wanting to communicate more efficiently.
The invention of the telephone has been a landmark achievement for humanity. In a matter of time, remote voice communication has opened up a whole new world of possibilities and opportunities.
It is a simpler and more cost-efficient means of operating phone calls.
What Is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP works on a broadband connection instead of a landline connection that enables you to make phone calls, it is a communication technology that is an open standard for establishing calls through the Internet.
How does it work?
The basic process of how VoIP works is detailed below:
- Voice-to-data conversion: VoIP phones digitize the analog voice signal. When you talk on a VoIP phone, your voice is converted into digital signals through a codec (coder-decoder)
- Packet fragmentation: It divides the Digital signals into small data packets. Each packet includes a part of the conversation, information about its destination, and the order in which it should be reassembled.
- Transmission over the network: Data packets are sent over the IP network (such as the Internet or a private network). They can take different routes to reach their destination.
- Reassembly and conversion: Once the packets reach the recipient, they are again reassembled in the correct order and converted back into analog voice signals. It allows the receiver to hear the conversation coherently.
- Delivery: The call is sent to the recipient’s device, whether it’s a VoIP phone, a computer with VoIP software, or a regular phone connected to a VoIP adapter.
Types of VoIP Phones
When it comes to differentiating between the various kinds of VoIP phones that are available to you, they can be distinguished between two basic categories: hard phones and softphones.
Hard Phones
A hard phone is a physical device that uses VoIP service as the main way to transmit phone calls. Visually, they look the same as traditional phones you find at home, but the difference is that they are internet-enabled, either via WiFi or Ethernet.
Softphones
A softphone is an application you can install on a device connected to the internet, that allows you to connect to your business network and carry out VoIP calls. The software will enable you to make use of all available VoIP features with just a few taps.
Why do businesses need VoIP systems?
Now that you know exactly what VoIP is and how it works, you can implement many advantages into your business system.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (or VoIP) makes phone calls through the use of the internet rather than a landline, which gives users the ability to make international phone calls at much lower prices. VoIP is drastically changing the way businesses communicate.
HOW YOUR BUSINESS COULD BENEFIT FROM VOIP
- Lower Costs
Using VoIP is more affordable than using landline connections. Using a VoIP system offers many cost-saving opportunities for both small and large businesses.
- Flexibility
VoIP technology allows your business to be mobile. Users can take their adapters anywhere with internet access, and any device with the business VoIP app can be used as a VoIP phone. This means users can make and receive calls on their phone, laptop, or desktop computer.
- Application Features
It enhances employee productivity by working in collaboration with computer calls. Features like email voicemail delivery, a voice call button in emails, and presence information help employees multitask and be more efficient
- Greater Security
VoIP uses improved identity management and advancements in IP technology, including encryption, to help mitigate security threats like fraudulent or fake phone calls. Hosted VoIP providers work 24/7 to protect their networks.
- Built-in Backup Plan
Without virtual phone systems, your company might lose phone service because of outages or other issues. This could cost a lot due to downtime and repairs. However, VoIP lets you quickly redirect calls during an outage or set up routing plans in advance to minimize disruptions.
Conclusion
VoIP technology has revolutionized business communication in many ways. It helps businesses cut unnecessary costs related to basic operations by allowing free phone calls via the Internet. Additionally, it has brought UC platforms to those who work from home, further streamlining business operations.
