VoIP Services

What is a VoIP Phone System?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is basically a phone system that operates over the internet, rather than through a mobile service provider or traditional phone company.

VoIP services are exceedingly useful for businesses because it offers an affordable means for voice, video, and data communications.

How does VoIP Work?

VoIP technology works by converting an analog phone signal to a digital signal that can be sent and received over the internet.

This technology has completely changed the way businesses communicate all over the world, due to lower costs, and increased functionality.

There are basically 3 different methods, or ways of using VoIP technology:

• ATA
• IP Phones
• User to User (Computer to Computer) connection

ATA

This is the most common method for making VoIP calls. Using a device called an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter), this method is the most common because it is also the most straightforward.

This approach involves connecting a conventional phone to your computer, or directly to an internet connection, to make and receive calls.

The ATA acts as analog to digital converter. By taking the analog signal from the standard phone you are using, the ATA converts it to digital data to be transmitted online.

To set it up, you would take your ATA and plug your traditional phone jack into the device. Some ATAs may come with software that needs to be downloaded and configured on the host computer, and then you are ready to go.

IP Phones

These are specialized phones that have been designed specifically for VoIP purposes.

They look like a standard phone, but instead of having a conventional phone jack, IP phones have an RJ-45 ethernet cable connector.

The ethernet connector is connected directly to the router. The required hardware and software required to operate the device is built right in.

Also known as Wi-Fi phones, these phones are capable of making calls from any Wi-Fi hotspot.

User to User

For this method of VoIP, phone calls are made directly from computer to computer.

VoIP software will be downloaded to your local computer, and then all you need is a headset or a microphone and speakers, a sound card, and an internet connection and you are ready to make a call.

Benefits of VoIP Phone Systems for Business

Businesses of all shapes and sizes can benefit from making the switch to VoIP phone services.

Some of the biggest advantages, include:

• Low operating costs
• Good call quality
• Multi-functionality
• Flexibility
• Security

Low Operating Costs

This may be the most prevalent reason that many businesses make the switch over to an IP phone system.

The costs for operating a VoIP system is significantly less than traditional phone systems. 

It is so much cheaper because:

• You don’t pay extra for international calls
• Erases the need for separate networks and data plans
• Virtual meetings cut down on travel time
• Equipment needed to run a VoIP phone system is minimal

Call Quality

Have you even made an international call using a conventional landline and experienced a massive delay from one end to the other?

That is no longer a concern with VoIP technology. Call quality is excellent for both local and long distance calls.

Multi-Functionality

A VoIP phone system can be used for much more than just making calls.

Other features, include:

• Instant messaging
• Teleconferencing
• Video conferencing
• Voicemail
• Email

VoIP is great way to connect with international clients and colleagues, as well as employees working remotely.

Flexibility

You have the ability to still use your conventional phone within the VoIP network. A VoIP converter can be plugged into the USB port of your computer to pick up signals from an analog phone. These signals will then be converted into digital data to be sent across the internet.

Since VoIP systems use a VoIP phone number, you can make calls from any location, even in another country, and the calls will come from the same number.

Security

It may surprise a lot of people to know that VoIP phone systems are actually much more secure than traditional phone systems.

VoIP systems are automatically encrypted to protect any voice or data messages you are sending over the internet. This is not possible with a conventional phone system.

VoIP Services Networkfix

If you are looking to switch over to a VoIP phone system for your business, the trained and experienced technicians at Networkfix can help make that transition a smooth one.

Converting to VoIP technology can help provide better quality, versatility, efficiency, and security to your phone system.