This post outlines six steps to optimize your network for VoIP.
In today’s digital age, we utilize the Internet to share knowledge through various multimedia platforms and stay connected with our loved ones.
The Internet has been used for many purposes, but what if we use it to make voice calls smoothly? We do it on our telephones and mobile handsets using specific telecom networks.Â
VoIP is the answer to your question. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that enables you to use a broadband Internet connection to make voice calls instead of a traditional (or analog) phone line.
Since VoIP is not preferred by many, it needs to be optimized before use to achieve the best results.
Here are six steps to follow to optimize your network for VoIP and ensure smooth voice calls.
Table of Contents
6 Steps To Optimize Your Network For VoIPÂ
1. Make Sure Your Internet Connection is Fast
Always be cautious when selecting your Internet Service Provider (ISP). VoIP calls require uniform and fast network connectivity.
I prefer a wired connection over a wireless one, as the separate cable used in a wired connection allows each device to connect directly to the network, with each cable transmitting data at the same speed.Â
Wi-Fi should be preferred over mobile internet networks when wired connections are unavailable. The quality of your VoIP calls will depend directly on the type of internet connection you use.
Always opt for standard & high-quality ISPs rather than going for local ones and complaining about the problems.
READ ALSO: Spam Call: Is the Area Code 929 Spam?
2. Be Conscious of Security Issues
Cybercrimes are increasing daily, and once your device is connected to the Internet, you are no longer safe from hackers.
To secure your voice lines and data lines, your VoIP network infrastructure should include appropriate firewall policies, effective antivirus and spyware protection, and malware protection programs.
Hackers can easily find opportunities to interrupt VoIP calls by creating obstacles on voice and data lines. Thus, when your system has good malware and hacking protection programs, uninterrupted & smooth voice calling can be experienced.
The quality of your antivirus & your firewall policies will determine how effectively your voice calls run through VoIP.Â
READ ALSO: Top 8 Considerations To Choose The Right VPN Service
3. Choose High-End Hardware
Hardware, such as your telephones, mobile handsets, and computers, may create VoIP network issues if they are not up to date. This minor issue is a common problem for many people.Â
Low-grade hardware can be a culprit, leading to problems such as echo. Solutions like turning down the volume help overcome this problem for a while. So, the more high-end hardware you use, the quality of your calls through VoIP improves significantly.
For example, if you have an Xfinity router, you must perform an Xfinity router login to access the best network through the hardware.
The equipment that you use should also have excellent software compatibility. Usually, a fast internet connection requires high-end computers & other compatible devices.Â
4. Good Bandwidth
It would be best if you increase your bandwidth according to the number of voice lines. At least 100 kbps (0.1 Mbps) in both directions to prevent packet loss & ensure the right VoIP calls. For example, for ten voice lines, a bandwidth of 1000 kbps (1 Mbps) is required.Â
Ensure your Internet connection has sufficient bandwidth for all calls and network usage.
As your voice is converted into data & further data is converted into voice packets, the bandwidth plays a significant role in running this operation smoothly. The higher the bandwidth, the better the quality of your VoIP calls will be.
READ ALSO: Optimizing Your Network Setup with Residential Proxies for Maximum Efficiency
5. Checking Cables
The conventional & mostly outdated telephone system uses CAT-3 grade cables. Today’s telephones, broadband & data networking cables are CAT-5 grade or higher. Proper cabling assures the best quality of service.Â
As cables are the most integral part of the VoIP infrastructure, there must be no compromise when choosing wires. Also, ensure that cables are connected to every hardware & device correctly.
Sometimes, simply removing the cable from a particular device could cause severe problems. Therefore, verify that the cables are of good quality and properly connected in the correct location.
6. Make Sure You Don’t Have Hubs On Your LAN
Whenever a LAN (Local Area Network) is connected to multiple hubs, it can lead to poor voice calls over VoIP. To get the best out of VoIP calls, each device should have its own dedicated connection to your switch.
Your call quality will suffer if your VoIP infrastructure uses multiple Ethernet switches to share a single cable.Â
Ensuring a separate link to each device & hardware with fast network connectivity gives positive results while performing VoIP operations. Connecting several hubs on your LAN leads to network traffic, and this overload can cause glitches in your VoIP calls.
Conclusion
Hence, with the appropriate implementation of the above-given steps of solution & also considering the Quality of Service (QoS) along with the proper broadband connection or Wi-Fi, VoIP can be a safe and reliable medium for transmitting voice.
RELATED POSTS
- Tor+VPN Guide: How to Combine Tor Browser With VPN
- 5 Tips To Ensure Your Cybersecurity During Work From Home Era [WFH]
- Dos And Don’ts Of Using A Public Wi-Fi [Ultimate Guide]
- Network Firewalls: Comprehensive Guide For Non-Tech-Savvy People
- How To Stop Calls On iPhone Without Blocking Them
- Does VPN Give Free Data Or Internet Access? [Expert Answer]
- Alert: Lasers can hack Siri, Alexa, or Google Home
- Integrate Your Calls To CRM System
- Managing Resources for Business Growth: How to Optimize Your Finances and Personnel
About the Author:
Fiorella Salazar is a cybersecurity expert, digital privacy advocate, and VPN evangelist based in Canada. She holds an M.Sc. in Cybersecurity from a Canadian university. She is an avid researcher and frequent contributor to several cybersecurity journals and magazines. Her mission is to raise awareness about the importance of digital privacy and the benefits of using a VPN. She is the go-to source for reliable, up-to-date information on VPNs and digital privacy.
