What You Need To Consider Before Installing VoIP

Thinking about switching your home or office over to a VoIP solution, but are scared off by all the jargon? Before you decide against it, take a look at this rundown on what VoIP is.

VoIP Combines Voice And Data In One
You’ll probably find it strange when you’re so accustomed to having an internet connection separate to your voice communications, but VoIP changes all that. With VoIP, voice communications and data is combined into one network. In other words, you are able to browse the internet and send email using your broadband internet connection. While there are obvious benefits to this integration (cost savings on calls), it will be unacceptable to take the network down in a business situation for upgrades. If the network needs to be updated then it has to be timed for when it will not be in use, such as overnight or on public holidays. Because of this, any company deploying VoIP should maintain a minimal traditional PSTN telephone system to use as a backup in event of emergency.

Take Advantage Of VoIP Integration
Most companies right now do not have VoIP and therefore need to employ specialized IT staff for the network and phone lines. The integrated nature of VoIP means that companies can actually save money by reducing their IT staff levels. Why employ staff members to look after 2 networks when you can save significantly with an integrated system? You may be able to train some of your existing staff to manage your integrated voice and data network and move the surplus staff to a different department.

Network Scalability
If your existing network is already running at full capacity then you will have to add additional servers and bandwidth capacity (upstream and downstream) to cope with the extra voice data that will move through your network. For companies planning to build in VoIP then it is wise to look ahead and actually build in more capacity than you will initially need. If a network comes close to it’s capacity then both data and voice transfers will lag and customers / employees will inevitably complain. It may also be possible for the network to be configured so that at peak times voice data is given preference over data.

Security Is A Major Concern
With a traditional network where voice and data are separate security is not such a large issue. However, with a VoIP solution security is of paramount importance. If a virus gets into the network and starts to cause problems and consuming all the bandwidth your company will be at the risk of losing not only the ability to transfer data, but also make and receive calls. Therefore, as part of your planning place a real and concerted emphasis on protecting your network by setting up firewalls, installing anti-virus applications and adware scanning software. Most firewalls are engineered to protect data, so it is impreative to install a firewall capable of protecting data and voice.