VoIP systems are cost-effective and offer advanced features but they need their issues. Fortunately, these problems are frequently simple to resolve.
Audio choppiness is a typical problem. Jitter is frequently to blame for this. Jitter is the term used to describe choppy audio caused by voice data packets that arrive out of sequence or go missing.
Poor Call Quality
If you’ve ever used a VoIP phone, then you have likely experienced poor call quality at one point or another. The good news is that there’s an Ooma guide: improving VoIP phones you can consider to resolve this problem.
VoIP works by breaking up your audio into thousands of tiny digital packets transmitted over the network and reassembled at their destination. These packets can sometimes be lost or take a different path than intended, resulting in poor call quality or scrambled audio.
This problem can be caused by some factors, including network congestion, firewalls, or other applications using up all your data. It can also be caused by faulty hardware, such as frayed cords or broken headsets. Often, the best solution is to restart your devices and try again. Having a strong and consistent internet connection is also crucial to VoIP calls. A ping test can be used to check your Internet speed and ensure it is adequate for VoIP calls.
Unable to Make or Receive Calls
Whether they are dropped or go straight to voicemail, calls that are not answered can have a massive impact on business productivity and customer satisfaction. Understanding how to troubleshoot VoIP call issues when they occur is crucial so you can quickly and efficiently get your VoIP system back up and running.
If you are having difficulty making or receiving calls, first check that your internet connection is stable and capable of supporting VoIP. It may also be worth upgrading your broadband package if you need help with the connectivity. You should also ensure that any physical equipment, like conference phones and desk phones, is updated with the latest firmware and software updates.
Another common issue affecting VoIP call quality is jitter, which occurs when millions of data packets travel simultaneously over the same network. Some of them arrive too early or too late – in irregular intervals. This can cause stuttering, choppy audio, and other call issues.
Unable to Connect to the Internet
Dropped calls, especially in a professional environment, disrupt your team, harm customer satisfaction, and impact revenue. Whether the call goes to voicemail or gets forwarded to another device, it’s important that your business can connect with clients and customers as needed.
VoIP technology is incredibly powerful, but it has its challenges. This is why it’s important to know how to troubleshoot common VoIP issues before they become a major problem for your business.
The most common VoIP problems are related to networking, internet connectivity, and devices. These six issues can be quite frustrating and may cause a great deal of disruption for your business, but they are also very easy to resolve with simple steps. The first thing you need to do is check your network connection. If you’re using Wi-Fi, try switching to Ethernet or upgrading your router. This will help ensure your Internet connection is strong enough for VoIP calls.
Security Issues
VoIP phones connect to the internet, making them vulnerable to security issues. Hackers and malware clog up bandwidth, leading to signal breakdowns and affecting call quality.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to protect your VoIP network. Make sure you update your phone system software and firmware regularly. This helps to prevent old code and defunct software from interfering with your calls.
A strong, consistent internet connection is critical for good call quality. Perform an internet speed test to verify your adequate internet bandwidth for VoIP usage. You should also ensure that your router supports Quality of Service (QoS) for VoIP, which prioritizes VoIP traffic over other network data. Additionally, check that all your equipment is plugged in properly. Buzzing or humming may be caused by Ethernet/RJ-11 cables touching each other or taping to the floor (or something else). It’s also a good idea to use PoE networking switches and quality Cat-5e cables when possible.
