10 most often asked questions about voip
TRANSCRIPT
page 2www.blueface.com
Q1. What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and it is the future of business phone communications.
What is Voice over Internet Protocol?
It allows users to make phone calls over their broadband Internet connection, rather than traditional phone lines.
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Q2. How does it work?
VoIP, analog voice calls are converted into packets of data. The packets travel like any other type of data, such as e-mail, over the public Internet and/or any private Internet Protocol (IP) network.
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Q3. How is VoIP different from traditional landline?
Here are the main differences between a traditional landline phone system (PSTN) and VoIP.PSTNDedicated LinesFeatures such as call waiting, Caller ID and so on are usually available at an extra costCan be upgraded or expanded with new equipment and line provisioningHardwired landline phones (those without an adapter) usually remain active during power outage
VoIPAll channels carried over one virtual line over the Internet connectionFeatures such as call waiting, Caller ID and so on are usually included free with serviceUpgrades usually requires only bandwidth and software upgradesLose power, lose phone service without power backup in place
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Q4. What equipment do I need to use VoIP?
All you need is a computer with a broadband Internet connection and an IP Phone.An IP phone connects directly to your broadband connection. It comes pre-configured so once it is plugged in you can make and receive calls the same way you normally do, just dial and talk.
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Q5. How fast does my Internet connection have to be?
The broadband speed requirement is dependent on the number of concurrent calls.
The following table highlights the typical broadband speeds required when using a dedicated broadband connection for voice.
Perform a speed test
Number of concurrent calls
Speed required (upload & download)
124812
85 kbps174 kbps348 kbps696 kbps1044 kbps
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Q6. How does the voice clarity of VoIP compare to traditional telephony?
Poor call quality creates a bad impression for anybody you do business with on the phone. It’s the last thing you want to experience with your telecom provider.
There are few ways in which VoIP phone systems provider can ensure that the quality of the VoIP connection compares to the traditional phones. In Blueface, we achieve it thanks to:
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Q7. How reliable is VoIP?
It is only natural to have concerns regarding the reliability of any new service, especially the one that will provide your business communication solutions.
Blueface is the most reliable service on the Irish market. We have built our own dedicated core solution that adheres to 99.9999% up time.
However, if something ever goes wrong with your own broadband connection, Blueface automatically fails over to another branch office or your mobile(s) to keep your incoming calls working. For bigger businesses we provide bespoke disaster recovery options with dual connectivity and active DR sites.
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Q8. Can I keep my phone number and use VoIP?
VoIP solutions providers often have agreements with all major telecoms companies that allow you to port in and out your numbers. What it means for you is that you can move your existing number with you when you switch to VoIP phone system.
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Q9. Does my computer need to be turned on to use VoIP?
No your computer does not need to be switched on to make calls.
IP phones plug directly in to you broadband router giving them direct access to your Internet connection. These look and feel like a more modern phone.
This means you do not have to turn your computer on to make and receive calls and you can use VoIP with the same simplicity as the traditional phone line.
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Q10. How expensive is VoIP?
It will depend on your business needs, but on average, businesses who move to VoIP platforms save on their phone bill. How?
No line rental
Unlimited Scalability
Predictable billing
VoIP platform doesn’t rely on physical phone lines which means that you can save on line rental on your phone bills.
Your phone system grows with you. With a virtual phone system you can add as many users as you need. The only equipment you need to add is a handset.
You can budget easily and pay a simple fixed price per month. Forget about surprise costs such as line rental, DDI block rental, fraud protection or call barring fees that appear on other telecom provider’s bills.
Check out how much you would pay
Phone number: 01 524 2000Email: [email protected]
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If you want to discuss with an expert how will VoIP benefit your business, get in touch with us today.