Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP): How Can This Technology Work for Me?
VoIP is an acronym which stands for “Voice-over-Internet Protocol.” VoIP isn’t a particularly new technology; however, it is the newest technology in the office communications environment. Most businesses are familiar with the “Public Switched Telephone System” or PSTN, which allows you to connect to people around the world by dialing a sequence of numbers. This method of calling has not changed much over the last 100 years as far as the user is concerned – we still pick up a phone, enter a sequence of numbers, and wait for us to connect to the other end. Although the method has not changed, the process behind the scenes has seen significant changes in recent years.
The Technology
VoIP’s basic principle is simple and uses much of the same technology that streaming music across the internet does. Voice sounds are picked up by a microphone and digitized by the sound card. The digitized audio is then compressed using an audio codec to remove redundant and unneeded data while still maintaining the legibility of the audio. Once the data is compressed it is sent in real time over the network to be decoded on the other end where the sounds can be played back over speakers or a headset. The only requirements are a network connection between the two computers or devices of adequate speed, and matching codecs at each end.
People will often interchange the terms IP telephony and VoIP; however, they are actually different. IP telephony has to do with digital telephony systems that use IP protocols for voice communication while VoIP is actually a subset of IP Telephony. VoIP is just a technology that is used by IP telephony to transport phone calls. So now that we know what VoIP is, how can this service work for your business?
The Solution
When it comes to your phone system VoIP can be handled in multiple ways. Two terms often used are Full-Service VoIP and In-House VoIP, but what is the difference?
In-House VoIP still relies on using PSTN technology for handling all your incoming and outgoing calls; however, all internal communication is handled over your IP network. This solution is great for businesses looking to keep the reliability of Analog Business Lines while gaining the flexibility of IP Telephones. Dedicated IP Telephones are connected via your internal IP network using wired Ethernet outlets that are connected back to your phone system. IP Telephones are often designed similar to Digital Telephones so that appearance and functionality remain the same.
Full-service VoIP handles internal communication the same way as In-House VoIP; however, Full-service VoIP utilizes your existing broadband Internet access to provide inbound and outbound phone service with Direct Inbound Dialing (DID). The inbound and outbound lines are often referred to as IP Trunks or SIP Trunks and are used in place of your standard Analog Business Lines. Many providers of IP Trunks will offer unlimited domestic calling or inexpensive long distance rates for a flat monthly subscription fee. Some businesses will combine IP Trunks and Analog Business Lines to increase reliability and ensure constant connectivity.
Because of the bandwidth efficiency and low costs that VoIP technology can provide, businesses are migrating from traditional copper-wire telephone systems to VoIP systems to reduce their monthly phone costs; however, this does not apply to all situations. The benefit is that many telephone systems are now designed to be hybrid so they can utilize a mix of In-House and Full-Service VoIP.
The Benefits
- Lowers operational costs – both voice and data communications can be run over a single network.
- Increases flexibility to remain connected when out of the office.
- Reduced infrastructure costs in new builds up to one third by only having data cables installed.
- Easy to upgrade for existing buildings when data outlets already exist.
- Increased productivity by facilitating tasks that would be impossible to implement using PSTN.
- Great for remote or home office setups – employees function as if they are working directly in the office.
Instatel Communications is an Authorized Dealer of Panasonic and Toshiba phone systems. Both manufacturers have IP solutions that can be customized to your business’ needs. Whether you are looking for a pure IP or a hybrid solution we have a product that can provide you with flexibility and reliability you are looking for. Visit our website at www.instatel.ca or contact a sales representative today to learn how VoIP can benefit your business.
Tags: ip solutions, network solutions, office communication, panasonic, phone systems, pure ip, telephone systems, toshiba, voice over internet protocol, voice over ip, voip
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