The Quality of VoIP

For VoIP networks generally provide reliable sound and speed, but quality differs from call to call. Several factors affect the quality of a VoIP connection, and each component in a VoIP system is vital to the connection's reliability. Some of the major factors affecting the speed and sound quality of VoIP are the service provider, the Internet connection, and the VoIP hardware.

Factors affecting speed
Internet Connection

Your VoIP connection is only as fast as your Internet connection will allow. VoIP works best with a broadband or DSL connection. Theoretically you can set up VoIP on a dialup, but chances are the connection will be so slow that you are better off with a landline phone.

VoIP Multiple Transfers

VoIP is designed to allow multitasking, but in practice, it is hardly reliable for anything heavier than one-on-one calls. Most VoIP connections slow down significantly when combined with other tasks involving data transfer, such as instant messaging and file sharing.

VoIP Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA)

If you are using a converted analog phone as hardware, your ATA can slow down your VoIP connection. Your voice has to be converted into a digital signal, chopped into packets, loaded with information, transmitted, and reassembled into an audible format before it reaches the other line. The whole process takes half a second at most, but it can be enough to cause lagging.

VoIP Bandwidth

VoIP needs a generous amount of bandwidth to operate at a good speed, but most connections run on a limited bandwidth. VoIP sessions running at a low bandwidth can easily get overloaded, especially when one or both parties are using other data transfer programs simultaneously.

Factors affecting sound
Server

VoIP usually provides clear audio, since the signals are purely digital. However, as VoIP gets more popular, the servers tend to get congested, and data packets often end up in a queue, waiting for the network to empty. This results in delayed sound reception, which keeps conversations from flowing smoothly.

VoIP Hardware

The earpiece on your VoIP phone (or the mic earphones if you are using a software phone) can affect the quality of sound that reaches your ear. Dust or dirt in the earpiece can muffle the sound or reduce its volume. Some earpieces come with filters that eliminate static and noise, but strong signals can sometimes can get through the filter and affect sound quality.

VoIP Connection quality

VoIP signals travel through your Internet server, so lapses in your connection will cause lapses in your VoIP session as well. Again, broadband and other high-speed connections work best. DSL networks with copper wiring usually transmit better. Wi-Fi connections are also available, but they are fairly new and their reliability differs from region to region.



Enjoy to talk with VoIP !