Everything is changing fast in technology, and the telecommunications realm is no exception. Over the past ten years, VoIP has been steadily on the rise as a viable way to make easy and affordable phone calls. This is becoming more and more used as communication systems change over the years. This article will talk about the VoIP phone system, how it works, why you might want to use it, and some of its disadvantages.
What Is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. This is a way of transmitting voice and data over the internet. In VoIP, the voice you hear on your phone is transmitted through your computer to the internet and then to another computer, which sends it back to you in the form of sound waves.
This can be very inconvenient because your call can lag without adequate bandwidth or a strong connection between computers. However, there are some advantages to this method. For example, calls are inexpensive because they use only data transmission and do not require traditional telephone service from a physical line or phone company. For these reasons, many companies rely on VoIP for their office phones instead of traditional landlines, saving themselves thousands in fees.
How does VoIP Actually Work?
VoIP works by using the internet to transmit voice. It uses a computer equipped with a microphone, Internet connection, and software called a “softphone.” The softphone can then be used to dial a phone number or call someone.
Then, the person on the other end of the line hears your voice over their computer. Because VoIP uses computers instead of traditional phone lines or telephones found in every home, you can use it even while you are out of your home or office.
How Is VoIP Different Than Traditional Phone Systems?
Traditional phone systems connect and relay calls through traditional landlines and the phone company. The difference with VoIP is that it uses your modem to transmit your voice over the internet using data transmission. VoIP is not dependent on phone companies without a physical line and has different monthly costs than most traditional systems.
VoIP Advantages – Benefits Of Using VoIP
VoIP has many advantages over traditional phone systems, the main ones being:
Lower Monthly Cost
VoIP phone system allows you to make calls from your computer and saves you the expense of a landline or phone. These monthly savings can add up over time and pay for themselves in no time.
Take Calls From Anywhere
Since VoIP uses computers and the internet, you can access your business phone system wherever you go as long as you have an internet connection. This is very handy when traveling or even just taking a walk outside on a nice day while on a call. You can take the call with you wherever you go so that your business never has to hold up a conversation because of your location at that moment.
Advanced Business Phone Features
VoIP provides optimal communication for your business on the phone system. Traditional phone systems do not provide the advanced features that business needs, and because of this, many businesses are switching to VoIP instead of traditional technology. With a VoIP system, your business can benefit from more advanced features such as:
- Call Forwarding
- Call Routing
- Local SIP Trunking
- Different Number Ranges For Hotlines And Extensions
Improved Scalability And Flexibility
Since VoIP is a computer-based solution, you can easily scale and expand your presence over time to meet changing needs and technologies. This makes VoIP a great choice for your business, allowing it to grow as necessary without being constrained by the limits of a traditional phone system.
VoIP Disadvantages – Drawbacks Of Using VoIP
While VoIP is an increasingly popular way of doing business, the technology has some drawbacks. These include:
You Need A Good Internet Connection To Make Telephone Calls
Since VoIP uses the internet to communicate, you must have a good internet connection in order to make or receive calls. You may experience audio lag or poor connection quality if your internet connection is poor.
You Need To Account For Power Outages
Power outages can be a huge problem if your company relies on VoIP and you are using it to make calls. If your computer goes down in the middle of a call, you will lose the call altogether. This means that if your electricity fails or any other outside force makes your internet go out, you could lose an important business call.
You Will Need To Retrain Your Staff On The New System
Because VoIP is a new technology for many businesses, your employees may need time to get used to the new system. This can cause frustration among your staff, but it will eventually pass as they become accustomed to their new phone system and its features.
The Bottom Line
Now that you have read this article and know a bit more about VoIP, hopefully, you realize that it can be a great solution for your business. VoIP can benefit your business and provide you with many new feature options that may not be available on another phone system.
It’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of having a computer-based phone system. VoIP technology offers organizations many benefits over older technologies by replacing traditional phone lines and using the internet.
