VoIP technology has been around since 1995, and it's only become more popular since then – the cost-saving benefits, flexibility, and features it offers go beyond traditional telephony, making it a fantastic option for work communications. However, not many people are familiar with what VoIP actually is and how it works.
At Town & Country Communications, we've been working with VoIP technology since its early days – we actually predate it by three years! In the guide below, we've tapped into our experience to create a user-friendly guide to VoIP, offering you a straightforward understanding of the tech as it stands. Let's begin!
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What is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?
How does VoIP work?
How does VoIP compare to traditional landlines?
What is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?
VoIP is a cloud-based technology that allows voice and multimedia communication to be transmitted over the internet. Instead of using traditional circuit-switched telephone networks, VoIP converts analogue audio signals (your voice) into digital data packets that can be sent over the internet and then reconverted into audio at the receiving end. This technology allows for real-time voice and video communication, as well as other multimedia services, such as instant messaging and file sharing, to be conducted over the internet.
Popular VoIP services and platforms include Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Voice. Many types of communication software (such as Slack) can also integrate with VoIP services.
How does VoIP work?
VoIP works by converting analogue voice signals into digital data packets and then transmitting them over the Internet. Here's an overview of how the process goes:
- When you speak into a VoIP-enabled device like a microphone or a phone, your voice is initially in analogue form. VoIP devices or software convert this analogue signal into digital data by sampling the sound at regular intervals and quantizing the amplitude of the samples.
- The digitised voice data is divided into small data packets. Each packet contains a portion of the voice data, along with information like source and destination IP addresses, timestamp, and sequence number.
- Compression techniques and codecs (coder-decoder algorithms) are then applied to the voice data. These encode the voice data into a format that can be transmitted efficiently while maintaining acceptable audio quality.
- The digital voice packets are sent over the Internet using the Internet Protocol (IP). VoIP devices and services use various routing and networking protocols to find the most efficient path for the data packets to travel from the sender to the receiver. This may involve multiple hops through different routers and switches on the Internet.
- The voice packets are transmitted through the Internet just like any other data packets. They may traverse various networks and infrastructure elements, including switches, routers, and gateways.
- When they get to the receiving end, the digital voice packets are received and reassembled into a continuous data stream. The receiving VoIP device or software then uses the same codec and decompression techniques to convert the digital data back into an analogue audio signal.
- Finally, the reassembled audio signal is played through the speaker or headset of the receiving VoIP device, allowing the user to hear the voice of the person on the other end of the call. The entire process takes mere seconds to occur.
How does VoIP compare to traditional landlines?
Landlines are much older than VoIP – over a hundred years older, in fact – but they're still a common sight in homes and businesses around the world. The main difference between the two is their infrastructure: landlines use a physical network of copper wires or fibre-optic cables to transmit voice signals, while VoIP relies on the internet to do so. However, that's not the only thing setting them apart.
If you're not sure whether a landline or VoIP would be the better option for your business, check out the comparison between the two below!
- Cost: Landline services often involve higher monthly costs, especially for long-distance or international calls. You may also incur additional charges for features like call waiting and caller ID. VoIP services, on the other hand, are generally more cost-effective. Many providers offer unlimited domestic and international calling for a flat monthly fee, and additional features are often included at no extra cost.
- Call Quality: Landlines generally provide consistent and high-quality call clarity. They are less susceptible to issues like latency, jitter, or packet loss. On the other hand, call quality with VoIP can vary depending on your internet connection. With a stable and high-speed internet connection, VoIP can offer excellent call quality comparable to landlines. However, during periods of network congestion, call quality may suffer.
- Portability: Landlines are tied to a specific physical location – namely, your office. Moving your landline number often requires a complex process, and you may lose access to it during the transition. With VoIP, you can use your number from any location with an internet connection, making it convenient for travellers and remote workers.
- Features: Landlines typically offer basic calling features like voicemail, call forwarding, and three-way calling. Advanced features may come at an additional cost. VoIP services, meanwhile, often come with a wide range of features, including video calling, voicemail-to-email transcription, virtual phone numbers, and integrations with other software applications.
- Reliability: Landlines are known for their reliability, as they are less susceptible to power outages or internet disruptions. VoIP can be less reliable in situations where there are internet connectivity issues or power outages, although many providers offer backup solutions to mitigate this.
- Scalability: Scaling landline systems can be challenging and costly, especially for businesses, while VoIP systems are much more flexible. This makes it easier to add or remove lines as needed.
Ultimately, VoIP comes out on top of landlines in most ways: it's much more cost-effective, feature-rich, and flexible, allowing for greater control over how your workplace communicates. However, it may be less reliable in certain situations, and call quality will depend on your internet connection. The best choice between the two all depends on your specific needs and budget, as well as the quality of your internet connection.
If you're still not sure, feel free to get in touch with our team for a more in-depth explanation and for a recommendation on the right system for you.
Talk to the South's leading specialists in VoIP systems
Having gone through the guide above, we hope you now have a better grasp of what VoIP is and the numerous benefits it can bring to your business. The only thing left to do now is to make the switch!
At Town & Country Communications, we've been transforming businesses with personalised IT and broadband solutions for almost 30 years. We've worked with countless businesses across Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire, spanning virtually any industry you can think of.
No matter the size or type of your business, you can count on our expert team to work closely with you in designing and setting up a VoIP system that perfectly aligns with your business's needs. Not only will it streamline communication and boost productivity, but it will be flexible enough to grow with your business's evolving demands – all while costing you far less than you'd think.
Ready to get started? Book a consultation online or call us on 01202 514444 today – we can't wait to help make your business the very best it can be!
