Many people, hearing the word VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol, think that it is something unknown that they will never use. But in reality, every day we use related technologies, such as WhatsApp calls or video conferencing.
VoIP: what it is and how it differs from traditional telephony
VoIP is the acronym for Voice Over Internet Protocol. Initially, VoIP solutions do not require additional equipment or costs, so your business can start using this type of telephone assistance in a matter of minutes.
According to a report by Global Market Insights, VOIP will see its highest growth rate in the next five years – about 15%
This same report states that the trend is to reach $ 93.2 billion by the end of 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1% between 2019 and 2024.
How VoIP Technology Works
The VoIP phone systems operate completely differently from the way traditional analog systems we have used in the past decades.
Analog systems are supported by a cable with two fine copper wires that transmits an electrical signal that in turn is transformed into sound waves. When we talk on the phone, these waves are in charge of transmitting the voice.
For each line contracted, the analog system allows only one communication, which favors its use in the residential market. Each of these lines is registered under a geographic identifier or DDI number.
Currently, in addition to analog lines, digital lines are widely used. The digital system allows that various communications can be transmitted in digital format (ones and zeros).
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This transmission can also occur through traditional telephone cables. Its operation is done within the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN).
The basis of the VoIP system is a digital protocol that can provide a wide spectrum of services, both voice and teleservices and others. Voice and data can travel simultaneously thanks to this technology that has a greater transmission capacity than analog.
In this system, the ISDN lines allow a maximum of 30 simultaneous communications through 30 channels of 64 Kbps, either for voice or for data. Each channel supposes a numbering (DDI) that is used to call and receive calls.
Digital calls are generally free of noise or interference, so their sound quality is superior to that of analog calls. A negative aspect is that the number of simultaneous communications is limited.
VoIP technology features
For its part, VoIP does not need an infrastructure or separate telephone lines, but works on a pre-existing framework, which is the same that is used to provide Internet to much of the world.
In essence, an IP line is nothing more than a voice channel in which the call is transmitted over the Internet network, when a SIP device or a switchboard connects with the VoIP provider.
The SIP standard is the most used for VoIP calls and the number of channels available to be used is conditioned only by the bandwidth offered by your VoIP provider.
It is important to note that there are no physical IP phone lines. The support of VoIP technology are data connections (fiber optic, ADSL, LAN). It is from these connections that calls are made.
Below we will mention some characteristics that can help us understand what IP telephony is, what VoIP is and why this technology is gaining more and more acceptance in the business market:
- IP telephony does not use physical lines, but rather connects to the Internet network.
- Unlike analog and digital lines, VoIP has no preset limitations on the number of simultaneous conversations.
- VoIP technology makes it possible to host telephone numbers in the telecommunications operator’s cloud.
- With VoIP it is possible to create a network joining multiple locations, facilitating the interconnection of distant physical spaces under a single header number.
- It allows you to use computers to make calls, without the need to link them with telephone sets.
- It is possible to make high quality calls, in correspondence with the quality of the Internet and the technological resources of the company.
Examples of VoIP applications
Skype is a true example of Voice over IP. It is a very popular application, which has a large number of clients. It is very easy to use, as well as being compatible with Microsoft and Facebook accounts.
This champion of VoIP technology allows us to make audio and video calls online. It can also be used to send free instant messages between Skype users around the world. It is multiplatform.
Very popular in the world – although not so much in America – Viber is a very complete VoIP application. Allow your customers to make free, high-quality calls and video calls. It is also cross-platform.
With Viber you can also chat and send all kinds of files. According to statements by Talmon Marco, founding CEO of Viber, the platform has a database of 200 million active users. Popular, isn’t it?
Some say that ” Facebook is synonymous with the Internet. ” Although the claim is exaggerated, we cannot deny the tremendous weight of the blue giant in the networks. Its VoIP application, Messenger, is extremely popular.
Messenger allows customers to make free audio and video VoIP calls as well as instant messaging. It also works as an SMS manager, which makes it a versatile app.
Aircall offers call center software that integrates with your sales and CRM tools. Thanks to the numerous functions and the CTI, you can put your agents at the center of the action again: Click-to-Dial, Power Dialer and call forwarding are functions that should significantly improve the performance of your agents.
In addition, the cloud-based telephone system has over 86 integrations from CRM to helpdesk and other important tools. Optimize workflows, analyze your performance, record calls and much more. Sales calls over the phone have never been easier!
Advantages of VoIP technology
In modern companies this type of technology can be useful in both customer service and call centers. It is the most advanced solution on the market.
This uniqueness allows us to share the Internet networks both in the office (Ethernet) and the outside networks that connect everyone, which is an undeniable advantage of VoIP technology.
Internally, each phone can be connected to any Ethernet port, sharing the network with the computers. By not requiring new telephone wiring, there can be a considerable cost reduction for the company.
When configured as extensions, the phones can be connected anywhere within the office. So, each collaborator will have their phone and can take it to any location.
The use of the same network for data and voice transmission, represents in itself a considerable saving. On the other hand, since calls between extensions of the same company are free, consumption can be reduced by up to 80%.
To the outside, VoIP technology can be integrated both with an IP (SIP trunk) to make VoIP calls, as well as connect ISDN, analog lines or even through mobile links.
Vonage - Reliable VoIP Solutions
- Voice, Video & Text Collaboration
- Free Consultation
- Plans For Large & Small Businesses
- Conferencing Tools
- CRM Integration - Including Salesforce
- 99.999% Uptime
VoIP, a revolution for companies
It is a simple way to communicate with any user around the world who uses Voice over IP. Also the ability to share data quickly and automate tasks by using other applications means, in many cases, a great increase in productivity. Therefore, it is not surprising that currently more than 80% of the lines installed are via VoIP.
It is especially suitable for companies looking for unified communications solutions , using voice calls, web conferencing, fax, voicemail to email, chat, etc. The large number of different devices with which VoIP can be used allows employees to take their extension from the office wherever they want, activating or deactivating it when necessary. Thus, they will be able to communicate with their smartphone with clients or other people in the company and make or receive phone calls, regardless of whether they are at home or on the road. This opens up many possibilities for family and work conciliation.