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- Published on: September 25, 2024
- Updated on: September 25, 2024
- By: ABC
VoIP Technology – Understanding the Basics
Installing complex cable lines and paying high telephone bills has become a thing of the past. With the introduction of VoIP (Voice over IP), the internet connection has become the new telephone line, delivering superior quality calls with advanced features and unparalleled flexibility. VoIP calls are conducted over the internet to reach your target customers. Let’s dive into understanding what VoIP technology is and how it works.
What is VoIP?
VoIP is a communication technology that enables users to make and receive phone calls through VoIP-supported smart devices over their broadband connection. Unlike traditional cable phones that use an analog signal, VoIP converts an analog signal into a digital signal, which travels through the internet to reach the end user.
VoIP has become a popular choice of communication for enterprises as it offers considerable cost savings on domestic as well as long-distance international calls. It is not only a cost-efficient option, but user-friendly, quick to deploy and highly customizable with various advanced features. It also eliminates the need of extensive wiring, making it ideal for organizations that heavily rely on telecommunications.
How Does VoIP Technology Work?
VoIP technology converts analog signals into packets of data. Like any other type of data, these packets travel over public or private IP networks. Any mobile device with an internet connection can make and receive VoIP calls. To initiate VoIP calls, you will need a stable internet connection, VoIP service provider and VoIP-enabled devices, such as mobile phones or computers. The process may sound complex, but its fundamental working is quite simple. Let’s understand how VoIP works step by step.
1. Registration of your device
Your VoIP device needs to establish a connection on the VoIP server through a process called SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) running on the IP network. The server registers your device’s IP address and other necessary information to ensure your device is now ready to initiate and handle VoIP calls.
2. Initiating the call
When you make a call, a SIP INVITE request is sent to the VoIP server. Following the request, the server will search for the recipient’s VoIP device. The connection will then be established between both the caller and the receiver.
3.Transmission of data
This is the most important phase of the process. When you speak over the call, the analog signal is converted into a digital signal, which is divided into small packets. These packets travel over the internet through protocols, such as RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol). At the recipient end, these packets are received, reassembled in the original order and converted again into analog waves.
This process also involves codecs, which compress the audio data before transmission and decompress data on the receiving end, thus preserving the audio quality. Finally, the recipient is able to hear your voice through their VoIP device.
4.Terminating the call
When either user ends the call, an SIP BYE message is sent to the VoIP server, indicating the termination of the call. The server terminates the session, disconnecting the devices and freeing up resources acquired in conducting the call.
What are The System Requirements for VoIP Calling?
Although the VoIP calling process is straightforward, there are certain system requirements that you must fulfill in order to have the best VoIP calling experience.
1. Reliable Internet Connection
High speed – You will need a high-speed internet connection, such as cable, DSL or fiber optic or 4G/5G mobile data.
Bandwidth – A sufficient bandwidth will be required to handle multiple calls, especially if you are a large organization. A normal VoIP call requires about 200 kbps per line flowing in both directions.
Stability – There should be minimum latency, jitter and packet loss to ensure the stability of your internet connection.
2. VoIP-enabled Devices
Smart devices and computers – Mobile phones, tablets, laptops and desktops that support VoIP apps.
Adapters – If you wish to use an analog phone for VoIP calling, an Analog Telephone Adapter will be required to work with VoIP systems.
Headsets – Headsets are not mandatory to have, but they can improve the experience of VoIP calling.
3. VoIP Service Applications and Provider
Software apps – A software application that supports making VoIP calls will be required to make or receive calls.
VoIP service provider – For enterprises, a VoIP service provider offers a compatible infrastructure for conducting scalable VoIP communications. They may also offer additional features, such as video conferencing, virtual receptionists, call analytics and integration with other systems.
Network Infrastructure
Network configuration – Network configuration can improve the overall call quality and traffic management.
Security configuration – Some additional devices, such as SBC are used to monitor VoIP data and protect the VoIP network from external threats.
Are You Ready to Switch to VoIP?
VoIP communication technology has revolutionized the way organizations and businesses communicate by providing flexible, cost-efficient and feature-rich alternatives to traditional phone lines. If you are looking to integrate VoIP technology into your business, our reliable VoIP solutions can help your business enjoy seamless communication and benefit from a range of features that VoIP has to offer. Contact us to take your business communications to the next level.
