Many factors can disrupt call quality. This article will outline the contributing factors affecting your VoIP call quality, such as your internet connection, devices used, and accessories. To help you pinpoint what may be causing your issues, check out Identifying Common Call Quality Issues. 

KEY POINTS

• Your internet connection is essential; however, unlike a web page, VoIP calls cannot buffer or load—minor inconsistencies will affect your call quality.
• QoS may be necessary to achieve a stable connection to your phones; this way, your phones are not competing for bandwidth with computers or video streaming. 
• Add an extender or second access point to your home internet to broaden your range and boost signal strength. Depending on your workspace, this might be the solution you need. 
• Your devices and device accessories can affect your call quality. Handsets, speakerphones, and (Bluetooth) headsets all provide different voice qualities. You may find it beneficial to invest in high-quality headphones.

INTERNET CONNECTION  

Internet connection is critical for VoIP systems! Depending on your needs, we've outlined some solutions to the limitations you have been experiencing. 

Neighborhood Packages vs. Office Networks 

Residential and commercial internet is not the same. Even if you opt into the highest-speed residential internet package, the infrastructure to a home is different than within a commercial space. In the new age of remote work, there are often multiple within a home using the internet (computers, TV streaming, mobile usage, etc.). As a result, you may need an internet router with Quality of Service (QoS) enabled.  

Limitations and Solutions for Home Networking 

• Residental internet often doesn't have a Service Level Agreement SLA. 
• You are sharing the bandwidth at home, and during peak hours, you may experience slower speeds. 
• Voice configured routers for VoIP traffic shaping (QoS). 

Wi-Fi vs. Direct Connection 

In the past, we have only seen VoIP run through the local area network (LAN) with wired Ethernet cables. Now, with the increasing numbers of remote workers, wireless solutions are becoming more widespread. Of course, a direct Ethernet connection will always provide the best call quality; however, you can alleviate these issues so that you can depend on wireless solutions. 

Limitations and Solutions for Wireless Connection 

• Wireless connection causes an increased security risk, ensure the router you use has: 
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2—PSK) and WEP
  • Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT firewall)
  • Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention
• Wireless ranges can hinder work in your home or office; try a range extender to strengthen and expand your wireless connection. 
• You may be competing for bandwidth—ensure your router is configured for QoS. 

Wi-Fi vs. LTE 

Take advantage of net2phone Canada's mobile app for VoIP on the go! All you need to connect to your mobile device is an internet connection. While this sounds simple, more variables can disrupt your calls. 

Limitations and Solutions for Connecting the Mobile App 

• The app will always work best with a stable Wi-Fi connection; however, LTE will be better if your Wi-Fi connection is weak. 
• Like a regular mobile phone connection, while in transit, sometimes the app will not work because the connection bounces off multiple towers.
• When in public places, Wi-Fi may not be secure or reliable. 

Extenders vs. Second Access Points

A range extender repeats the wireless signal from the original router, creating a second, copied network. An access point needs a wired connection, so an additional access point to the internet provides more simultaneous connection speed and fewer network interruptions. Range extenders are fantastic for smaller offices and remote working.

DEVICES AND ACCESSORIES 

All businesses have different needs from their phone solutions. When considering what devices are suitable for you, consider the following:

• How much am I planning for my business to grow in the next few years? 
• Are client success and high engagement valuable to your organization? 
• Is measuring performance generated by call data valuable to my business? 
• Will my workers use reliable mobile devices with reliable network connections? 
• Do I want to provide my workers with additional mobile phones for work?

EXTERNAL DEVICES USED 

When it comes to communication devices and accessories, it's no secret the best products often come with the highest costs. You would be surprised how many shoddy headphones, headsets, and Bluetooth devices cause call quality issues. It becomes increasingly harder to standardize call quality with BYOD (bring your device) models.