What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a way to transfer and make calls via the Internet. This method converts the call into data, and communication is done over the cloud. This data is transferred from one device to another over a high-speed internet connection.
VoIP converts the audio signals into digital data, which moves further. What this means is that analog systems are entirely avoided. This helps us save money and avoid spending on telephone lines and other hardware.
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As the system depends on the Internet, it is a cloud-based service. All the essential services and features are stored on the cloud. A high-speed broadband connection can access these. Thus users get a lot more features and functionality from their service providers.
Though the system was unreliable in the initial setup days, it is very streamlined and widely available. The VoIP gives us high movement ability. The cloud-based network provides massive coverage without setting up physical lines. This is especially essential for businesses involving travel.
Another essential and cost-saving feature of VoIP is the ability to make unlimited calls. When the calls are converted to data, the cost for the amount generated is negligible. This gives users the ability to have unlimited talk time.
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Benefits of VoIP Telephony For Small And Medium Businesses
Though small and medium-sized businesses can most benefit from this process, anyone can take advantage of the services provided by VoIP. Here are a few ways VoIP outweighs traditional analog phone lines.
- The excellent call quality of VoIP is of much importance. Businesses need to make a lot of calls. With frequent call drops and unreliable quality, clients may not be satisfied. Better internet connections make the calls smoother.
- Analog signals are easily hackable. It provides no security to the calls. Enterprises discussing trade secrets over such calls are always at risk.
All data is encrypted on the Internet when shared between devices. So the calls automatically are also encrypted and simultaneously decrypted at the receiver end. Thus secured end-to-end encrypted calls are obtained via VoIP.
- VoIP is not just limited to calls. Companies can use the data service to incorporate services like instant messaging, video conferencing, teleconferencing, and voice mail. The robust internet connection allows easy setup of such functions without any added cost.
- Analog signals are easily hackable. It provides no security to the calls. Enterprises discussing trade secrets over such calls are always at risk.
All data is encrypted on the Internet when shared between devices. So the calls automatically are also encrypted and simultaneously decrypted at the receiver end. Thus secured end-to-end encrypted calls are obtained via VoIP.
- VoIP is not just limited to calls. Companies can use the data service to incorporate services like instant messaging, video conferencing, teleconferencing, and voice mail. The robust internet connection allows easy setup of such functions without any added cost.
- Traditional lines had a one-to-one calling line. So, if the customers couldn’t reach a single number, they wouldn’t have any alternative, and vice versa. This would lead to delaying tasks and low productivity.
With VoIP, this particular problem of connecting calls is easily solved. Enterprises can set up connections in ways that a single number would call several units. So if calls can’t be received on a particular telephone, another employee can answer them on a different line without delay. - As mentioned earlier, VoIP benefits business enterprises with all its features. Also, it is very economical and saves money. The lack of physical telephone lines is one such way in which it is cost-efficient.
There is no difference in data transfer over international borders or even continents. Thus no extra charges are applicable for international VoIP calls. Now the enterprise manages a single bill of data and telephone which is cheaper than maintaining two separate connections.
Employees can also easily extend their office connections to their devices using VoIP. This always keeps them connected without spending on extra devices.
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Challenges faced by VoIP
Despite all the beautiful features of VoIP services, this system faces a few challenges. They are stated as follows:
- The Internet is an essential part of VoIP functioning. Thus without proper bandwidth and system capacity, communication can break down. Enterprises must adequately assess the load due to calls and all other services. Only then should it select an internet connection that can handle the traffic.
- Also, an internet connection is integral to VoIP communications. Without the Internet, no calls can be made via the devices. This may severely affect performance in areas with connectivity issues.
- The calls are converted into data packages for transferring over the Internet. This can lead to losing data packs while transferring them among devices. So calls might get interrupted or cut if this happens often.
- There is no direct transfer of signals like that in analog connections, so there is a chance of lag. This delay may be primarily unnoticeable, but sometimes it might be significant enough to stop the call.
With a reliable internet connection with proper bandwidth, all the above problems can be nullified. Enterprises should opt for VoIP services as the advantages outweigh the faults significantly.
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Final Thoughts
Addressing all the above challenges in the way mentioned above, small and medium-sized businesses can create a communication chain that is reliable, fast, and very productive.
With increased security and proper monitoring, VoIP allows companies to expand and use technologies like video conferencing, teleconferencing, etc, for greater productivity.
“It is expected that by 2025, the VoIP market will account for about half (i.e 50%) the industry share internationally.”
The Internet is constantly getting updated with better systems and improved speeds. So VoIP services will only become better in the future. Companies can thus expect to grow more and embrace the modern communication method for greater success.
