What is VoIP? - National Business Communications

What is VoIP?

September 2, 2021

It seems that there is a lot of jargon within the telecommunications world. VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is a good example. But it isn’t as complicated as it sounds. 

Voice over Internet Protocol refers to telephone calls made using an internet connection as opposed to the more traditional phone lines or landlines.

 VoIP changes your voice into a digital signal and then transfers it over the internet.  A VoIP service provider sets up the call between all participants. On the other receiving end, the data is then transferred back into the sound that you hear through your phone. 

Many people and businesses are switching to VoIP because it allows them to make phone calls without any telephone service. This saves them from paying long-distance charges or phone-line rentals. As long as you have internet access, there’s no need to use any traditional copper wires to make calls. For many, this flexibility allows individuals and companies to work remotely without affecting call quality or security.

How does VoIP work?

So VoIP works by using internet connections to make phone calls, instead of traditional landlines or mobiles. VoIP technology converts analogue voice signals into digital signals over a broadband connection.

 A VoIP server can be used to connect calls to other phone networks. To use VoIP, you will need a SIP-compatible desk phone or VoIP calling software that can be installed on a computer or smartphone. This means that the device you use will have an individual IP address so that calls can be made from your internet connection. 

Provided you have a fast internet connection, that includes a router or modem, you can use VoIP technology. 

Typically, a VoIP set-up requires a desk phone or computer and a SIP server (Session Initiation Protocol), this is usually a specific VoIP provider. 

Because VoIP systems use the internet, data is stored securely in the cloud. This makes the calls you make and the contacts you store much more secure than traditional phone services.  VoIP systems typically are managed through an online dashboard. These dashboards show contacts, business phone numbers and also have features that allows for call forwarding and creating new contacts.

Because it’s likely that you already have access to the internet, regardless of what phone system you use. VoIP systems only require internet access without the need for a standard phone line. This means that you could potentially cut your costs by using a VoIP system so that there’s no need to pay for a separate phone line and system.

Why do businesses need VoIP?

For businesses, VoIP services are ideal for employees who require a reliable phone system for everyday runnings. There’s no need to worry about having low-quality calls with important clients or customers, unlike landline or mobiles, VoIP calls are able to provide High Definition phone calls. VoIP set-ups provide excellent features that are tailored to business usage. 

What are the benefits of switching to VoIP? 

Cost-saving – As mentioned before, without the need to pay for a traditional phone line and service that is separate to your broadband, you can cut costs dramatically by switching to VoIP. 

Easy to install – When compared to traditional phonelines, installing VoIP systems is very easy. Often with regular landlines, office phones need physical wires to retrieve a phone service. VoIP set-ups require no physical phone lines, because all you need to do is connect the selected phones’ IP addresses to the corporate network using ethernet lines or Wi-Fi signal. 

Location flexibility– VoIP allows businesses to broaden their communications system to remote offices and people who work from home by using SIP-enabled devices. For those working remotely, VoIP systems allows employees to make secure and high-quality calls from anywhere. 

Future-proofing – Due to the WRL Withdrawal from Openreach, traditional telephone lines will become obsolete within a few years. Many individuals and businesses will need to switch to a digital telephone system, like VoIP. By making the change now, you will be prepared for the changes in technology that will be occurring soon. 

Plenty of features  – Unlike traditional telephone systems, VoIP set-ups provide additional features that can create more efficient workflows and makes hosting phone calls a breeze. Depending on the VoIP provider you choose, you can expect to gain access to features like; 

We hope this has helped you to understand VoIP systems and the benefits of switching from a traditional phone service. To learn more about NBC VoIP packages for your business, contact us today.

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