VOIP Phone System
What is a VOIP Phone System?
VOIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol is a network based phone system that allows the user to make and receive phone calls over your internet connection rather than relying on outdated technology and expensive copper wiring if you are looking to install a new phone system.
When using a VOIP system to make a phone call to either a landline or another VOIP system you will notice there is not much of a difference, many customers experience phone calls that are more clear with fewer drops however that can depend on your network. A VOIP system performs similarly to your landline, taking in your voice as a digital signal and compressing it, the compressed data is sent over to all parties in the conversation and uncompressed upon delivery. This process seems long when it is typed out but it happens in a matter of milliseconds. Landlines follow the same process, however instead of moving all that data through your network it relies on a hardwire connection to transfer that data.
The comparison between a VOIP system and a Landline system is similar to comparing a WiFi network to a hardwire ethernet connection.
VOIP Network Infrastructure
To begin using a VOIP system you will need a wireless router with a secure connection to the internet.
A Network Switch that ensures data packets are sent to the correct locations.
SIP compatible phones and/or VOIP app on your smart phone.
A trusted VOIP provider.
Steps for installing your VOIP Network Infrastructure
Your VOIP provider will install your SIP Server generally in the same area as your Router in order to form a hard wire connection.
Perform a test call to your phone line to check the connection between the PSTN and your SIP Server, keep in mind no phones are online but the call will go through if the Server is set up correctly.
Your SIP-compatible phones will be connected to a power source.
Once all phones are connected each phones IP address will need to be assigned to a selected port on your Network Switch, which can be done wirelessly or hard wired depending on your office layout.
Smart phones with VOIP app capabilities will also need to be assigned to a Switch Port.
Perform test calls to ensure your SIP Server is properly transferring the call from the PSTN to your Network Switch which will then transfer the call to the assigned phone line.
The basic set up of your VOIP Infrastructure is complete, customizations can be made like assigning different phone numbers to certain office phones and setting up call recordings
Benefits of using VOIP
Easy to Implement: Setting up new technology in any office can be challenging especially when you factor in the likely hood that some of your employees may be telecommunicating or remote workers. A VOIP system functions in the same way as your old phone system making the switch seamless for the everyday user.
Modern and Flexible: With more advanced technology comes more flexibility. A landline keeps you tethered to certain areas based on where your phone jacks are located requiring advanced planning to ensure your office is set up in the right way for all your phones to be connected properly. On a VOIP system calls are connected through a wireless network by transferring data between designated IP addresses, meaning as long as you have an SIP-compatible desk phone or a VOIP calling app on your cell phone you can receive and make calls from anywhere with a power source.
Data accessibility: The biggest concern for many customer focused companies whether it be service or retail is, what is happening to my data? With a landline all your call data is stored on servers owned by your service provider often times making it difficult to obtain and with limited data that may not offer much insight, basic info like number of calls in/out and at what time. On a VOIP phone system all of your call data is secure in Cloud Storage connected to your SIP Server. The main benefit of storing YOUR data on YOUR server is that you have unlimited access to complete call records including calls made, how long each call was and depending on your state a recording of each phone call can be included all on your SIP dashboard. Along with easy access to your data the SIP dashboard can also be used to change phone numbers, set up specific call forwarding steps, and even add additional phone numbers to your system.
