Business phone systems are an essential part of every company and selecting the right provider with the solution that best fits your needs can help transform your business communications by streamlining your systems and increasing productivity of your staff.
With the expansion into voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and cloud-based systems, there are more options available to organisations as well as a wide variety of call features and collaboration tools.
HOW DOES VOIP WORK?
A VoIP system works by taking your analogue voice signals, converting them into digital information, which is then then transmitted in as data over your broadband line. Once the data arrives at the target destination, it is converted back into voice.
You may also hear it referred to as IP telephony, internet telephony, broadband telephony, or broadband phone service.
With changing technology and the migration from traditional ISDN voice to SIP services, the drive for flexibility has never been more apparent.
VoIP systems provide a feature-rich and technically advanced phone solution. They are easily setup, configured, managed, and are usually a more economical option than traditional landline systems. The technology behind VoIP services also means that suppliers can offer additional features above and beyond traditional landlines.
SIP & VOIP SERVICES
SIP and VoIP provide the foundations for IP technology. Both technologies provide ample benefits and opportunities for the user to save money whilst increasing their productivity. Each protocol has pros and cons, and they are often used together.
WHAT IS SIP & WHY YOUR VOIP SYSTEMS SHOULD BE USING II?
SIP is a VoIP protocol, a networking language that allows your VoIP devices and servers to communicate with each other. SIP has a long history to date in VoIP. In addition, as it is open-source, a wide array of VoIP products use SIP. By using SIP, you will have large flexibility in choosing each VoIP infrastructural piece and easily shop around for a VoIP setup that best matches your budget.
KEY DIFFERENCES
In simple terms, VoIP means making or receiving phone calls over the internet or internal networks. SIP, on the other hand, is an application layer protocol that is used to establish, modify and terminate multimedia sessions such as VoIP calls.
In terms of devices, VoIP handsets and SIP handsets also vary (although it should be noted that a SIP handset is also a VoIP handset). VoIP handsets, often referred to as VoIP phones, must be connected to a computer in order to make or receive calls. What’s more, the computer must also be turned on. SIP phones, on the other hand, are able to perform without the need for a computer. They only require a modem to be able to work. In this sense, a SIP phone is more like a traditional phone as, unlike a VoIP device, it can function independently of a computer.
HANDLING CALLS VOIP Vs SIP?
VoIP hosts handle traffic differently to SIP systems. SIP systems are processed by individual systems located on each user’s system (these individual processing systems are known as (‘user agents’). This peer-to-peer style system can handle large amounts of data and traffic as its users have access to much more bandwidth and resources. VoIP hosts, on the other hand, filter, organise, and direct traffic from one central network. When working on this type of system, large amounts of traffic can cause the system to become overloaded, impacting upon the overall performance. The single network system can also be beneficial, however, as the fewer points of communication lead to stronger security defences.
MORE AFFORDABLE HARDWARE & SOFTWARE
If you are having second thoughts about using VoIP because you are concerned that the hardware and software used would cost you a fortune, you don’t need to worry. The vast majority of VoIP systems require little to no installation and many can run using existing equipment.
When it comes to the hardware, companies that choose to use VoIP through a computer need a working sound card, which your computer probably already has, as well as a headset or microphone and speaker, whichever you prefer.
Other service providers may also require the use of VoIP phones. The price of these phones is also not that costly and in some cases these phones might be provided by the VoIP providers for a nominal monthly fee.
For some time now, BT has been making plans to move all of it’s voice network over to VoIP IP before 2025. If your current traditional ISDN phone contract is up for renewal soon, now is the right time to start exploring the option of switching to VoIP and SIP technologies.
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