Key Takeaways: Voice over Internet Protocol allows businesses to replace traditional landlines with internet based calling. This guide explains what you need to get started, how to calculate bandwidth, how to choose the right equipment and provider, and how to install and optimize your new system for reliable performance.
VoIP technology has transformed how companies communicate. Instead of sending voice through copper phone lines, VoIP converts your voice into digital data and transmits it through your internet connection. This allows businesses to make and receive calls from virtually anywhere with reliable internet access.
A properly configured VoIP system offers flexibility, advanced features, and lower operating costs compared to traditional phone systems. Features such as auto attendants, voicemail to email, mobile apps, conferencing, and call analytics are commonly included in modern VoIP solutions like those offered by Supreme Call.
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It works by converting your voice into digital packets that travel over the internet to the recipient. At the other end, those packets are converted back into sound.
VoIP systems rely on devices such as IP desk phones, softphone applications on computers or smartphones, routers, and cloud based servers. Calls can be placed between two VoIP devices or between a VoIP system and a traditional landline using gateways.
Before installing VoIP, test your internet speed. Each active call typically requires around 100 Kbps of upload bandwidth. If your team expects 10 simultaneous calls, you should have at least 1 Mbps of dedicated upload capacity available, plus additional headroom for other business activities.
Latency, jitter, and packet loss should also be minimal. Wired Ethernet connections are preferred over wireless for maximum reliability.
Multiply the number of expected simultaneous calls by 100 Kbps to estimate minimum bandwidth requirements. It is wise to double that estimate to ensure stable performance during peak usage.
You can choose between:
Choosing the right provider is critical. Evaluate reliability, security, scalability, features, and support quality.
| Feature | Supreme Call | Nextiva | RingCentral |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | Custom pricing based on needs | Starts around $20 per user | Starts around $20 per user |
| Core Features | Cloud PBX, unlimited domestic calling, mobile app | Business voice and messaging | Voice, video meetings, messaging |
| Support | 24 hour live technical support | 24 hour support | 24 hour support |
| Best For | Businesses seeking tailored service | Sales focused teams | Video heavy teams |
After selecting your provider, create user accounts, assign extensions, configure call routing, and provision devices. Many providers allow automatic phone provisioning for faster deployment.
Enable Quality of Service settings to prioritize voice traffic. Ensure no firewall restrictions block necessary ports. Disable SIP ALG if it causes registration issues.
Make inbound and outbound test calls. Check audio clarity, voicemail functionality, call forwarding, and auto attendant settings.
Switching to VoIP modernizes your communication infrastructure while reducing costs and increasing flexibility. With proper planning, equipment selection, and provider support from companies like Supreme Call, businesses can deploy a scalable and reliable phone system that grows with their needs.
Yes, with an analog telephone adapter, traditional phones can connect to a VoIP system.
Reputable providers use encryption and secure protocols to protect voice data and account access.
Calls will pause during outages, but many providers allow automatic forwarding to mobile devices or backup numbers.
