If you are not much of a techy, you may be reading about VoIP for the first time. In that case, you are in the right place. This guide contains all a newbie like you needs to know about VoIP.
If you want to scale your existing business communications infrastructure or are looking for a new one, you will find the information in this guide invaluable. More specifically, you will discover the following:
VoIP, short for Voice over Internet Protocol, is a communications system that enables you to make calls over the Internet. Thus, instead of the usual hard-wired cabling you are probably used to, all that is required to make calls with VoIP is your good old broadband internet connection.
Behind all that simplicity, there is a complex system that makes VoIP possible. When you make a call, this system converts your voice into digital data packets, which are then sent over the internet. The system can be compressed into three essential components– user agents, gateways, and SIP proxy servers.
A user agent is any device that can make and receive calls. Examples include SIP hard phones and SIP soft phones. SIP hard phones are much like the typical landline desk phones and behave like those too. However, they are connected to Internet Protocol (IP) networks using either WiFi or ethernet cables. On the other hand, softphones are software programs that give telephone functionalities to devices such as mobile phones and laptops.
A VoIP gateway is a device that converts telephone traffic into data packets, which are then transmitted over the internet. Consider it a bridge that allows communications to cross between the traditional telephone system and the new world of VoIP.
Finally, SIP proxy servers are responsible for routing calls within a Voice over IP network. Their job includes call routing, authentication, and registration. Each endpoint (soft or hard phone) is assigned one of these servers, which then handles data packet transactions such as connecting and inviting users on its behalf.
There are 2 basic types of VoIP services, categorized based on where the hardware required for VoIP calls are held.
This type of VoIP service has all the equipment for a fully functional VoIP system housed within the business or organization’s premises. It uses a Public Branch Exchange (PBX), and IP phones connected to the Local Area Network(LAN) are used to make calls. This type of VoIP is mainly employed by companies or organizations looking to have total control of their data. On the flip side, this does reduce the cost savings VoIP is known for, as the business must handle maintenance and running costs.
This type of VoIP also operates a PBX, but the hardware needed for a VoIP system is housed and maintained by a third party, such as Supreme Call. Businesses don’t have to worry about set-up and maintenance. The third-party company will do everything for you at a relatively cheaper cost, seeing that your business is not the only one they service.
If you choose the hosted VoIP system, be sure to choose a reputable service provider like Supreme Call, known for high-quality but affordable VoIP services.
One of the things that make VoIP so effective is the fact that it has many features that are either unavailable or require extra costs on traditional PBX. Some common VoIP features include:
There are a lot more features out there. The ones you can get depend on your business needs and VoIP service provider.
Some of the major benefits of VoIP are as follows:
VoIP Drawbacks
Nothing is perfect, and VoIP is no exception. The most significant drawback of VoIP is that it requires broadband Internet to function properly. The poorer the Internet connectivity, the poorer the quality of the call. This presents a challenge, especially in many developing countries where high-speed internet is rare.
This guide has covered the basics of VoIP in the most simple way possible. But there may be other things you want to know that are not included here. Let us know in the comment section or send us a message, and we’ll be happy to tell you more about the fantastic world of VoIP, where Supreme Call reigns supreme.
