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Pre VoIP Installation Considerations
Technical considerations when choosing a VoIP plan
Start by making sure you have sufficient bandwidth. Each VoIP call consumes part of your monthly internet data usage quota with you Internet Service Provider. The exact usage will vary according to the voice encoding and decoding code (VoIP codec) but as an approximate rule of thumb most accounts will use 1mb per 2 minutes on a VoIP call.
Then consider if your Internet connection fast enough to support VoIP. Most VoIP carriers recommend a minimum speed of 512/128Kbps to support VoIP. If you are on an Internet plan that is slower than this then VoIP may not be the best option for you.
Lastly determine if you have the required hardware to support VoIP. VoIP involves utilising either a PC headphone and microphone setup or a regular phone handset. If you opt for the PC headphone/microphone route then you will also need VoIP software. Note: many VoIP providers will provide phone handsets as part of their VoIP package. These handsets are typically locked to the VoIP provider.
Then consider if your Internet connection fast enough to support VoIP. Most VoIP carriers recommend a minimum speed of 512/128Kbps to support VoIP. If you are on an Internet plan that is slower than this then VoIP may not be the best option for you.
Lastly determine if you have the required hardware to support VoIP. VoIP involves utilising either a PC headphone and microphone setup or a regular phone handset. If you opt for the PC headphone/microphone route then you will also need VoIP software. Note: many VoIP providers will provide phone handsets as part of their VoIP package. These handsets are typically locked to the VoIP provider.
Choosing a VoIP plan: Important soft considerations
Check your VoIP providers’ contract. The fine print is often a minefield of potential problems with VoIP plans. Some VoIP providers offer “unlimited calls” but then place limits on usage. Make sure you read the contract to see how much you are really allowed to use within the terms of your VoIP contract.
You will also need to confirm that the VoIP provider you are looking at has connections the destinations you want to call. Not all VoIP offer universal calls. Plans also vary on international call costs. Make sure you compare the costs of different countries as these prices can have a significant impact on your overall costs.
You will also need to confirm that the VoIP provider you are looking at has connections the destinations you want to call. Not all VoIP offer universal calls. Plans also vary on international call costs. Make sure you compare the costs of different countries as these prices can have a significant impact on your overall costs.
Limitations of VoIP
If you lose power or your internet connection your VoIP modem will not be able to work. This means that if you do not have an emergency landline you will be unable to make and receive calls. The inclusion of a PST failover port will allow you to take and make calls using the ordinary phone network in the event that your VoIP fails. In the mean time you can organise a computer technician to repair your VoIP system.
VoIP Repairs Technician
Here at Newton's Nerds we can help you with a complete range of computer repairs services. Our computer repairers are able to help you setup your VoIP hardware as well as advise you on the appropriateness of using VoIP for your phone system.