Most businesses find it challenging to decide the type of phone system to install. This is not helped by the fact that most of the available alternatives have both their advantages and disadvantages. Businesses mostly choose between Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, and landline phone systems.
In most cases, the type of phone system selected affects the business one way or the other. If a system is too expensive and inefficient, its overall effect on the business could be catastrophic. On the other hand, the selected phone system could be reliable and cheap and beneficial to the business.
In their decision making, what plays the most prominent role in what type of phone system to adopt is the system’s cost-effectiveness, functionality internet speed, and reliability.
Not surprisingly, the two most common phone systems, VoIP and Landline,offer some of the required features. While VoIP comes with greater flexibility, useful old landlines remain relevant because of their reliability and consistency in delivering quality.We will explain both systems in detail and why we think they should be given a thought.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
The VoIP is a communication tool that allows phone calls to be made using an internet connection. VoIP is contrasted with traditional analog phone lines that use wires or optical fibers to create calls. A VoIP package comes with hardware and software tools. In some cases, they are deployed through traditional phones, smartphone apps, computer software, or specific VoIP-enabled phones. The distinguishing factor is the fact that VoIP calls require an internet connection. VoIP is sometimes referred to as internet calling or voice over network telephony.
How VoIP Works
VoIP breaks voice into digital packet sand sends these packets to the intended recipients. The packets are in the form of an email and are assembled once they get to the intended destination. All of this happens over the internet. Once, anyone has a reliable internet connection, VOIP calls can be made with the help of a computer, a smartphone, and a phone and VoIP adapter
- On the computer system are many applications, downloadable from the operating system’s online store, that can facilitate voice calls over the internet. Prominent examples include Skype, Google Voice, and Apple FaceTime. These applications are collectively referred to as softphones.
- Smartphones come with mobile stores that are replete with ubiquitous VoIP applications such as Zoom, Google Voice, WhatsApp,Facebook Messenger, and Skype. All of these apps and more allow internet calls and are easily downloaded from the stores.
- Dedicated VoIP phones are also in the market. On the surface look, they look like traditional analog phones, but when connected to a computer network, they can be deployed as Voice Over Internet Protocol instruments.
- The normal landline phone can be converted into a VoIP and used to make calls over the internet by connecting the landline’s outlet right on your wall with an adapter or into a router.