VoIP is a user-friendly telephone service that allows you to make and receive calls over the internet rather than using a traditional landline. In a VoIP system, all calls are routed through your internet connection. In a traditional phone system, calls are routed through lines that run through the air on telephone poles or in the ground to your home or office.
VoIP was once considered a high-tech alternative to traditional phone systems—but with today’s technology, it’s just another way to make and receive calls. The question for many people, especially businesses, is whether it’s more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable than the traditional phone system.
What is VoIP?
VoIP is formally called Voice over Internet Protocol and it’s telephony that uses the protocols (or rules) for transmitting information over the internet. A VoIP system can be thought of as a type of PBX (Private Branch Exchange) system. You can use VoIP to send and receive calls from any phone, whether it’s another VoIP system, a landline, or a mobile phone.
A traditional phone system has been around for a long time and is what most people are familiar with using. There’s a telephone set and an analog or digital number pad/keyboard and handset on each desk or cubicle where employees sit. Each employee must dial an extension number to reach another employee’s desk phone; extensions are typically 4 digits long (e.g., extension 88) but may be longer depending on your company’s needs (e.g., 9-digit extensions).
How does VoIP work?
VoIP works with a router to connect your home or office phones to the web, then uses an adapter or server to send and receive calls.
The first step in setting up VoIP is connecting your router to the internet. The next step is connecting your router’s WAN port (the port where you plug in power) to an Ethernet jack on your VoIP phone adapter. This will allow you to connect all of your phones as well as any computers that have Lync installed on them and want access through their handset or headset.
Finally, set up any other devices such as laptops running Lync so they can receive incoming calls via landline phone number (if desired) or mobile number (if preferred).
How does VoIP compare to traditional phone systems?
Differences exist between a VoIP system and a traditional phone system. Here are some ways the two compare.
While it may not be a big difference, you could end up paying thousands of dollars less for your VoIP service over three or four years than you would for a traditional system. This is because a traditional phone system requires additional hardware and software, making them more expensive, while VoIP service only requires an internet connection to function correctly.
VoIP is more flexible.
With all the different options available when choosing between an IP or analog PBX telephone system, certain features can only be found in one area or another and not both together (like very high-definition voice quality).
Another advantage is being able to choose how many users need access at once based on their needs rather than having one large number forced upon everyone just because they might need it at some point in time down the road—which gives each user control over what they want out of their own devices without wasting money upfront!
Benefts f VoIP vs. traditional phone systems
A VoIP system has many benefits over a traditional phone system.
- VoIP is typically less expensive than traditional phone systems, giving you more bang for your buck.
- VoIP can be accessed from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection and a device with a microphone or headset (iPad, laptop, smartphone), while traditional phone systems are limited to one location at all times.
- You don’t have to worry about losing an entire system just because one piece breaks because it’s all connected through the internet—this also means that if you want to add new features down the road or change providers later on, it’ll be easier than ever to do so!
- Reliability/security issues aren’t as common with VoIP as they are with traditional landlines and cell phones due mainly because there are fewer moving parts involved (no wires).
One aspect of VoIP is that most companies offer 24/7 customer support via live chat functionality within their apps themselves rather than having someone come into physical contact with them face-to-face first before addressing any potential problems that may arise later down the line.”
VoIP offers a more affordable and versatile option for telephone service than traditional landlines.
VoIP offers a more affordable and versatile option for telephone service than traditional landlines. You can get a better deal when you bundle services, so consider signing up for internet, cable, and VoIP simultaneously to save money.
Voice-over IP phone systems can be wonderful for those who work remotely or travel for their job. It allows you to manage your business from anywhere in the world through an app on your smartphone or computer.
When choosing a phone system for your business, there are many things to consider. While VoIP may be more affordable and versatile, it isn’t without its drawbacks. For example, if you need to make calls from a satellite office location or in remote areas where internet or cell service is unavailable, traditional landlines might be the better option for you.
However, if you want something simpler with fewer hardware requirements than traditional phones—or if you want an alternative solution that can help cut costs without sacrificing quality connection times between employees—VoIP could be just what you’re looking for!
