Communication has always played a fundamental role, but currently, its function is more crucial than ever. The pandemic caused us to completely change the way we do things. As a consequence, we had to adapt ourselves to these new circumstances and find mechanisms that would allow us to achieve our daily tasks in the easiest and most efficient way possible. How does VoIP connection work? Knowing how to adequately cope with drastic and sudden changes is usually quite a challenging task. One way to make this process friendlier is to use tools or services that reach up our requirements. With most social interactions going virtual, remote communication has become a primary need for most of us. That is why finding a telephone service capable of meeting these new demands becomes a priority. Given the circumstances, it is vital to have a telephone system that adapts to the requirements and needs of the digital age. A service that meets these characteristics is unquestionably the VoIP technology; in this article, we will explore what it is, how it works, and its advantages and disadvantages.

Understanding VoIP systems

For many, this may seem like a completely unknown term, but most likely the benefits of this communication system have been enjoyed by everyone lately. Platforms like WhatsApp and Skype work thanks to this technology. But what is it exactly? Voice over Internet Protocol, also known as VoIP, virtual telephony, Voice over Broadband, or internet telephony, is a technology that allows users to make phone calls over an internet connection instead of going through traditional wires. In the most basic and general aspects, this technology performs the same functions as the conventional telephone system.

Behind the scenes: the functioning

How VoIP communications work is very interesting. During a conversation, analog signals are digitalized, compressed, and turned into data packets that are transmitted through an internet connection to its destination through a specific path determined by the IP direction. VoIP telephony is completely compatible with any other telephone system. This means that the receiver of the call can connect to it, either using a landline or VoIP technology. This is possible because the VoIP provider establishes a link using a communication protocol that allows it to transmit information from one device to another. Then, it directs the data to any private or public phone network, ensuring a communication process without issues or interruptions. This process happens instantaneously; it occurs efficiently in real-time as long as the user has a strong and stable internet connection to properly support the system. The exchange of data packets through the internet gives an attractive advantage to VoIP telephony since it makes it a more reliable and capable system in general terms. Another great advantage is that the system can used on a variety of devices; tablets, conventional telephones, smartphones, computers, or IP desk phones.

Highlights of using VoIP communications

One of the main reasons behind the growth and popularity of this system is its extensive list of benefits. Every day that passes, more users decide to switch to VoIP to enjoy all of its interesting advantages. One of the most distinctive characteristics of this communication system is the varied number of features it offers. With a virtual phone system, users can send multimedia messages; call routing, make video conferences, put calls on hold, auto-attendant, call analytics, and many more. This is extremely convenient, allowing users to enjoy a comprehensive service at a considerably low cost. The approximate prices of a VoIP service vary depending on the provider; but in general, they are much more affordable than the traditional telephone line. With so many threats lurking, users are becoming more vigilant about their security and the information they share online. VoIP technology allows users to maintain a higher degree of privacy. For instance, many users rely on temporary VoIP systems to verify their accounts and to maintain their sensitive data out of sight. This can be accomplished by using a provider like majorphones.com. VoIP technology allows users to keep their phone numbers private, thus, increasing their security measures. The quality of this communication system is superior. The sound quality is notably better than what it’s offered by traditional telephony. The quality of a VoIP service along with its features allows users to have higher performance and improve their options by using a system more suited to their modern needs.

The downsides: the other side of the coin

Despite the popularity and well-deserved good reputation of VoIP systems; this system has some downsides that should be considered before deciding if the system is suitable for the consumer. The most important requirement for VoIP technology to work properly is to have an internet connection capable of supporting the system. For each phone line you have, you need a minimum upload speed of 100 kbps for the system to work properly. Direct connections are more recommended than wireless which can be cumbersome and inconvenient for some users with particular space arrangements. The VoIP service will work as well as at the same level of its broadband connection since these two factors are directly related. Due to its internet-dependent nature; some VoIP services do not work during power outages and some providers do not offer backup power. This problem can solved by using a mobile application to access the system through a data connection. However, this alternative can be somehow inconvenient. There is a limitation to trace emergency calls. As a consequence of its portability and accessibility, it’s difficult for third parties to recognize from which geographical point the call is being made since it comes from an IP address that will not reflect any information on a cell tower. If a VoIP system is used to call the emergency services; it will be necessary to inform the operator of the location from which the call is being made.

VoIP is an innovative service

When we compare the shortcomings of this system with its advantages; we realize that the benefits considerably outweigh the less positive aspects. This communication system has managed to position itself as the service par excellence in the field of communications due to the advantages it offers. Its a powerful service characterized by its efficiency, reliability, adaptability, versatility, and performance. So go ahead and give VoIP telephony a try! You won’t regret it.