What is Voip?
A Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system allows users to make voice calls using the internet, rather than a phone line. This results in a far less expensive and far more flexible communication method, enabling a variety of user-friendly features to be introduced alongside the basic call functionality.
Why Switch From ISDN To VoIP?
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a phone system that utilises the public switched telephone network (PSTN). ISDN lines are hardwired, whereas VoIP simply relies on the user having an internet connection. Some of the benefits of making the switch to VoIP are:
– ISDN lines will become redundant over the next few years
– VoIP is a far more feature rich environment
– Significantly lower call costs
– Flexibility; making office moves and expansion easy
– VoIP can be operated over a variety of platforms
How Does a VoIP Phone System Work?
Codecs are compression technologies and have two components, an encoder to compress the files, and a decoder to decompress.
VoIP works by converting your analogue voice signals into digital signals which are then transferred as data across your broadband line to the other person on the call
So, when you make a call, your voice signals are compressed, sent via an IP and then decompressed almost instantaneously.
VoIP Hardware Or Software (App)?
Which solution is for you?
If you’re predominantly office-based during working hours, having hardware separate to your computer or personal mobile phone might be a preference. As flexibility around working hours and remote working grows, having the ability to handle incoming and outgoing calls while on the go may be more of a priority. This is where a softphone really comes in handy.
Variety is the spice of life, and there’s no reason why you can’t use your physical handset in conjunction with a softphone.
Advantages Of VoIP
VoIP And Disaster Recovery
Whether or not a company allows employees to work from home on a regular basis, VoIP can be hugely beneficial in unprecedented situations when a business has to temporarily close its headquarters. In the case of power cuts, internet failure, acts of God or illness, VoIP makes relocating staff a far easier process. Call forwarding to mobiles, as well as soft phones ensures there is no impact to a company’s ability to communicate with its clients or internally, even in the most exceptional of situations.
