Poor audio quality when using a Voice over IP (VoIP) system is often linked to the internet connection at your location.
Test Your Internet Speed
A general rule of thumb is that each active VoIP phone requires at least 0.1 MB/s of bandwidth. If you're experiencing poor audio, it's essential to ensure your network can support your VoIP calls, especially if multiple phones are in use simultaneously. You can run an internet speed test using an online tool to confirm that your connection meets the required bandwidth.
Test Your Internet Speed for Optimal Performance
When evaluating your internet speed, a general guideline is that each phone call requires up to 0.1 Mbps of bandwidth. For example, if 10 phones are actively on calls, you’ll need approximately 1 Mbps dedicated to voice traffic. However, it's essential to factor in other concurrent internet activities, making it difficult to determine an exact requirement for every situation.
Signs of Poor Internet Speed
For the most accurate results, connect your computer directly to the router using an Ethernet cable, as Wi-Fi connections tend to be slower and unreliable. If your internet seems slow or call quality is suffering, follow these steps to assess your speed and network health:
Run a Speed Test
Visit Speedtest.net to measure your internet speed. The results should be close to the advertised speed of your internet service plan.
Check for Packet Loss with a Ping Test
Running a ping test can help identify network latency and packet loss, which may impact call quality.
Mac
- Open Terminal (Press Command + Space and type "terminal").
- Type
ping 8.8.8.8and press Enter.
Windows
- Open the Command Prompt (search "cmd" in the Start menu).
- Type
ping 8.8.8.8and press Enter.
Optimize Your Router Settings
Ensure that your router is configured for QoS (Quality of Service) and traffic shaping to prioritize voice traffic. This helps maintain call quality even during periods of high internet usage.
Reboot Your Network
Sometimes, simply rebooting your router and network devices can resolve temporary speed or connection issues.
Need Help?
If none of these steps resolve your issue or if you have further questions, contact our support team for assistance.
- Dial 611 from your net2phone Canada device for immediate help.
- Call 1-877-498-3772 and select option #3 for technical support.
- Email us at support@net2phone.ca for a response within 1 business day.
If your internet speed looks fine but audio issues persist, try the troubleshooting steps below.
Common Audio Issues and Fixes
If you're getting no sound or hearing static, follow these steps:
- Check Volume Levels: Ensure that your phone's volume is turned up adequately.
- Verify Connections: Confirm that your headset or handset is plugged into the correct port.
- Test Your Equipment: Swap out your current headset or handset with another one, or try using your equipment on a different phone. This will help you determine whether the issue is with the device itself.
If none of these resolve the issue, it's best to contact support for further assistance; dial 611 from any net2phone Canada device, or email support@net2phone.ca for a 1-business-day response time.
Pro Tips for Better Audio
Sometimes, your audio only needs a small adjustment for vastly improved quality.
Avoid Obstructions
Don't place objects directly in front of your phone, especially if you're using the speakerphone. The microphone is typically located at the front of the phone near the bottom, and anything in the way can obstruct sound quality.
Adjust Volume Settings
Experiment with the volume controls to find the optimal level.
Use High-Quality Headsets
If you use a headset regularly, investing in a good-quality one can make a big difference. Often, sound issues can be caused by faulty or low-quality headsets, not connectivity problems. Check out our recommended headsets
Monitor Bandwidth Usage
If you're on a call and notice audio issues, it might be due to high bandwidth usage from other applications running in the background. Use Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to identify and limit applications consuming excessive bandwidth before an important call.
