Many businesses – big and small – have started turning away from traditional telephone lines and towards VoIP services for business communications. In a world where more people have mobile phones than landlines, it’s easy to see why. We do most of our personal communication online so why should be expect differently if we own a business?
Setting up a VoIP service at home is really simple and can be much more affordable than using a landline for business. It’s also flexible, with plenty of packages available depending on your need. So if you’re considering switching to a VoIP service – whether you own a business or just work from home – here’s everything you need to know.
Understanding What is VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a type of communication technology that allows you to make phone calls using a broadband connection instead of landline service. A traditional phone set up requires a landline to be connected to the property – this can be expensive to install and use. A VoIP service allows you to use the internet to make phone calls, video calls, and host meetings.
A VoIP service is usually cheaper to run and maintain than a landline and many phone/internet providers actually no longer offer a traditional phone line service.
VoIP Requirements and Equipment Needed
To get your VoIP connection set up at home, you’ll first need a few things:
- An IP phone or adaptor – A VoIP adapter connects to your router and allows you to use a traditional phone to make and receive VoIP calls. Alternatively you can buy a specific IP phone. These connect to your router and come with many different features such as multiple phone lines and digital displays.
- Check your internet speed – You’ll need a minimum of 1 Mbps for it to work. But for better call quality you’ll want to look at a minimum of 5 Mbps. Both upload and download speed. This will ensure your have enough data to do everything you need to do.
How To Set Up a VoIP Phone At Home
Once you have the tools and software that you need to get started with VoIP, you’ll be ready to put everything together and get the system up and running.
- Connect your VoIP phone or adaptor – Whether you chose a phone or adaptor, you’ll need to connect it to your router. This is usually done by an ethernet cable that connects directly to the unit. Sometimes though, it might be a WiFi connection. Either way, follow the instructions and get that set up.
- Configuration – This will depend on your provider and setup but it’s important to make sure the configuration is done properly so you can use your new service ASAP.
- Test your connection – Once you’ve configured your VoIP phone or adapter, test it to make sure it’s working properly. Call a family member or friend and get them to confirm they can hear you clearly. If you encounter any problems, check your internet connection, phone or adapter settings, or contact your VoIP provider for assistance.
- Set up any additional features – Many providers offer much more than one service. Log into your provider’s portal and get any other tools and features you opted for set up. You might want to test these too so rope in another friend or member of your family to make sure it’s all up and running smoothly.
Now, you’re ready to go!
Choosing a VoIP Provider
There are so many VoIP providers out there and it can be confusing trying to decide which one will be the best fit for your you. Some popular service options include Skype, Zoom Phone, or Google Voice. All the different service options come with different pricing, levels of support, and features depending on each package so make sure you take the time to compare them before committing.
Switching to a VoIP system shouldn’t be a case of simply replacing your landline, but improving your business communications with a range of features, including:
- Video calling
- Text messaging
- Team chats
- Voicemail
- Speech-to-text translation
- Call routing
- Auto attendant
- Call queues
- Call analytics
- CRM integration (e.g. Zendesk, Salesforce)
Confused? Don’t worry, Officeology is here to talk you through your options and clear up any confusion. Get it touch with us to chat about making the switch to a VoIP service at home.
Is VoIP Secure?
Unfortunately, the internet as a whole is prone to security flaws. Any call made online needs to be secure. Using a VoIP service means everything is encrypted. Which means no one has access to your conversations, only the metadata – the date, time, and how long the call was.
But to make sure you’re being as secure as possible, brush up on privacy and password security protocols, and never keep confidential information in an easy-to-find place. Make sure all staff are also trained in internet security, including phishing, password safety, and scam calls to keep information safe.
Officeology is here to help with all of your VoIP needs. Check out our guide for more information about setting up a VoIP office phone. Or get in touch to chat to us about your options for business telephony and communication solutions.