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What Is VoIP?

Technology has revolutionised communication through social networks, video calls and text messages. Today, speaking with one another across businesses is easy and accessible due to extensive technology such as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). We’ve shared a guide on the VoIP meaning, how VoIP works, and the benefits of the technology.

What Does VoIP Mean?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a communications technology enabling voice or video calls over the Internet rather than a mobile network or traditional landline.

VoIP’s original purpose was for long-distance and international telephone charges. Today, VoIP revolutionises communication and connecting devices, including smartphones and computers. VoIP offers a different system to traditional phone networks, increasing its popularity for personal and business calls due to its accessibility.

The setup involves a router for the Internet and a connected handset, using the Internet to transmit speech, the same as a physical landline. However, the difference is the Internet is the underlying technology, not a landline.

Phone providers use VoIP to power telephone services rather than installing and maintaining physical phone lines. Using VoIP helps with making high-quality calls, utilising features unavailable for landlines.

VoIP’s prominent use is making video and audio calls over the Internet, a cheaper alternative with quality sound to traditional phone calls, especially international calls.

How does VoIP work?

VoIP works by converting a voice into a digital format and sending it over the Internet and between IP addresses.

The general process of VoIPs begins with a phone connecting to a router in the Local Area Network (LAN). Once connected, when a caller dials a telephone number, an IP phone tells the VoIP service provider to call another party. This provider establishes the call and connection, exchanges data packages and converts the digital signals into the sound on the call.

VoIPs can also route phone calls between traditional phones and Internet-based solutions, allowing businesses to reach customers on devices. A VoIP phone system stores data in The Cloud, helping them monitor data through an online dashboard, such as modifying contact lists and sending automation.

Different VoIP services are available across the UK for various purposes, including device-to-device, device-to-telephone network, telephone network-to-telephone network and VoIP phone-to-telephone network.

Device-to-device uses the device’s microphone and speakers on an instant messenger service, such as Zoom or Google Meet.

Device-to-telephone-network is when a caller uses an Internet-enabled device to call a mobile or landline, such as Skype.

Telephone-network-to-telephone-network is when callers use an adapter to make VoIP calls from a landline.

VoIP-phone-to-telephone-network is when a device is IP enabled without an adapter.

What are the benefits of VoIP?

VoIP technology has changed how we communicate, helping businesses make calls wherever they want, as long as there’s an Internet connection. With its accessibility and cheap cost, the technology reaps many benefits.

Advanced features

VoIP works effectively, providing HD call quality and management tools to check for potential issues. With many advanced features, VoIP technology offers call recording, call transfer, call queuing, and auto attendants for businesses to streamline and manage their workload.

VoIPs can help businesses be more approachable as with a VoIP number, calls can come through to multiple devices at once, making it easier for staff to respond quickly - which helps make the firm seem local and relevant. VoIPs also have multi-party capabilities, enabling many people to join a call, which is ideal for business meetings online on a larger scale.

Ease of remote use

Remote working has increasingly grown in popularity since the pandemic, and there’s a need for more useful technology to help workers do their jobs effectively. VoIP ensures using phone services wherever, and there’s no need for logistical setups to work from home.

Its easy use also helps when chatting with anyone globally, hiring team members from other countries and booking meetings across timezones. All devices can be a telephone solution, such as a tablet or laptop. With the sole use of VoIP as the internet, the voice quality remains across whatever country the business works with.

A cheaper alternative to landlines

A VoIP already uses an existing internet connection rather than installing a separate system and external hardware to make communication possible.

Many businesses can operate across multiple countries, which means communication is more challenging. However, with VoIP, businesses won’t have to rely on phone wires and paying the region’s calling rates. VoIP is also a cheaper alternative, potentially lowering bills by 60%.

Helping optimise processes

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VoIPs assist calls through the Internet, optimising the digitalisation of work processes and automation for teams and customers, making life easier for businesses. VoIP isn’t limited to only one phone number, unlike landlines when handling multiple requests.

Higher scalability

For a growing business or those keen to develop their business strategy, VoIPs can grow with a corporation without purchasing additional hardware or dedicated lines for specific requirements.

This potential growth can help to open a new office brand or prepare for a spike during peak periods. VoIP can work alongside a company’s preferences rather than cause additional problems.

Increased security

Security is crucial when running a business for employees and customers, including the security around the phone system. Phones are often the target of fraudulent activity and security threats.

VoIPs can mitigate these threats by protecting their networks, such as improved identity management. Working with a VoIP provider who undergoes independent security audits ensures staff practices include healthy password habits and automated alerts for suspicious activities.

Contact us today for more information about VoIPs and how to use them within your business.

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