What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and is a way of making phone calls over the internet. Instead of traditional telephone lines, VoIP uses the internet to send and receive audio signals allowing real-time communication using a computer, smartphone, or other mobile devices.

VoIP apps have become increasingly popular for business and personal use due to their cost-effectiveness and convenience. The voice quality, however, can vary depending on the internet connection quality and other factors.

Benefits of VoIP Optimization

VoIP optimization can help small businesses improve their communication systems in several ways. By optimizing their VoIP systems, companies can reduce latency, the amount of time it takes for a signal to travel from one point to another. This can result in better audio quality, and fewer dropped calls. Optimizing your VoIP system can help you save money on bandwidth costs, as you won’t need to use as much data to make calls.

Tips for Optimizing Your VoIP System

There are several steps small businesses can take to optimize their VoIP systems. First, ensuring that your internet connection is reliable and fast enough to support VoIP calls is important. Your VoIP call quality depends on the speed and quality of your internet connection, so it’s essential to ensure you have a good connection. 

Besides VoIP software and basic hardware, there are several strategies businesses can use to optimize their VoIP systems. Setting up a VoIP network isn’t plug-and-play; you should consult a VoIP service provider before making any changes.

Network Bandwidth Management

The first step in optimizing your voice system is ensuring that your internet connection is fast and reliable enough to support VoIP calls. The bandwidth requirements for real-time communications depend on the number of concurrent calls and the codec used. This means having an adequate upload and download internet speed and a low latency rate. Faster speeds mean better sound quality and fewer dropped calls. If you’re unsure if your internet connection is up to the task, you can use a speed test to check. 

Please note that depending on the amount and type of VoIP connection, you may need to upgrade your internet connection or ethernet network or purchase additional bandwidth. If your WiFi infrastructure isn’t up to the task, you may need to invest in a business-class router or access point.

Quality of Hardware

In addition to network bandwidth management, it’s important to check the quality of your hardware, such as phones, headsets, and microphones, to make sure they are up-to-date and working properly.

The Importance of using quality headsets and VoIP phones cannot be overstated. Cheap headsets and phones can lead to poor VoIP call quality, which can have a negative impact on customer experience.

Utilizing Quality of Service (QoS)

By utilizing Quality of Service (QoS) settings on a business router, you can prioritize VoIP traffic over other network traffic, like when you need to download large files or stream video. This helps reduce latency and jittery voice communication, leading to better call quality. Some other QoS features include packet prioritization, bandwidth allocation, and traffic shaping.

Utilizing VoIP Monitoring Tools

Network performance monitoring tools can also monitor VoIP performance and identify call quality issues. These tools can help businesses quickly identify and address problems before they become major issues. Failure to monitor your VoIP system can lead to poor call quality, which can have a negative impact on customer experience.

Implementing Traffic Shaping Policies

Businesses can implement different types of traffic-shaping rules to control the amount of bandwidth allocated to specific applications and devices. The first type of traffic-shaping rule is a bandwidth limit, which limits the amount of bandwidth used by a specific application or device. The second type of traffic-shaping rule is a priority rule, which gives certain applications and devices priority over others.

By implementing these types of traffic-shaping rules, businesses can ensure that their VoIP system has enough resources to function properly and is given priority over other applications and devices.

This helps to ensure that VoIP calls are not impacted by competing traffic on the network and that they have access to the necessary resources for optimal performance. 

Video Call Quality

Over the past couple of years, more and more handsets have been equipped with video call capabilities. This is a great way to gain a competitive edge, allowing for more personalized customer interactions.

However, video calls require more bandwidth than audio-only calls and can be subject to latency issues if the network is not optimized correctly. To ensure that video calls are of high quality, businesses should make sure that their internet connection is fast and reliable enough to support video calls. Also, before buying your IP phones, ensure they are compatible with the video call features you need.

Choosing the Right Equipment and Software

Choosing the right VoIP equipment and software is essential for businesses to get the most out of their VoIP solutions. Companies must consider scalability, compatibility with existing systems, and cost when selecting VoIP equipment and software. That’s why we use 3CX! The UI is easy to navigate making the user experience better, and their softphone app is amazing. Businesses should also look for solutions with features such as encryption and authentication to help ensure secure communications over the network. If they have the right tools in place, businesses can ensure that their VoIP systems are running optimally and provide reliable service to their users.

Businesses should also consider the user experience when selecting VoIP equipment and software. Solutions should be easy to use and provide features such as voice recognition, video conferencing, and call forwarding to ensure that users can make the most of their VoIP systems. Additionally, businesses should look for solutions compatible with various devices and platforms to maximize their investment. By considering these considerations, companies can ensure they have the right VoIP solution in place for their needs.

Businesses should also consider the devices their employees use when selecting VoIP equipment and software. Different devices can have additional requirements in terms of bandwidth, latency, and other factors that need to be taken into account when optimizing VoIP performance. Companies should look for solutions that offer features such as call recording and analytics to help them better understand how their VoIP systems are being used and identify areas for improvement. Choosing the right VoIP equipment and software is essential, and by doing so, businesses can ensure they are getting the most out of their investment.

Utilizing Cloud-Based Solutions

Cloud-based VoIP solutions can offer businesses several advantages when optimizing their VoIP performance. Cloud-based solutions are often more cost-effective than on-premise solutions. They can be scaled up or down as needed, allowing businesses to adjust their VoIP resources according to their needs. Did we mention, cloud-based solutions are typically more reliable and secure than on-premise solutions, making them an excellent choice for businesses that must ensure their VoIP systems are always available and secure?

Taking Advantage of Automation Features

VoIP automation features can help businesses optimize their VoIP performance by automating tasks such as call routing, call forwarding, and voicemail management. Automation features can also be used to monitor the performance of VoIP systems and identify areas for improvement. Automation features can also ensure that VoIP calls are routed efficiently and that users have access to the resources they need for optimal performance. By taking advantage of automation features, businesses can ensure their VoIP systems are running optimally and providing reliable service to their users.

VoIP Optimization Challenges 

Some common issues when Optimizing Business VoIP systems include:

1. Poor internet connection: If your internet connection is slow or unreliable, it can lead to poor call quality and dropped calls.

2. Outdated hardware: If you’re using outdated hardware, such as headsets or microphones, it can cause audio issues and reduce the overall quality of your VoIP calls.

3. Lack of Quality of Service (quality of service) router: Without a quality of service router, your VoIP traffic may be competing with other types of data for bandwidth, which can lead to poor call quality.

Some other common VoIP issues are latency, jittery voice communication, and voice packet loss. Latency is the time it takes for a signal to travel from one point to another. Jitter is the variation in latency over time. Voice packet loss occurs when data packets are lost or corrupted during transmission. If you experience a voice packet loss issue, you should check your router settings and make sure that VoIP traffic is being prioritized over other types of data. These issues can cause poor call quality and should be addressed as soon as possible. 

If you’re using a wireless network, you should also make sure that your router is up-to-date and secure. Wireless networks can be vulnerable to interference from other wireless devices, which can cause poor call quality. Using a wireless network should not be a problem if everything is configured correctly.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, businesses must carefully consider their needs when selecting a VoIP provider, equipment, and software. By considering factors such as scalability, compatibility with existing systems, user experience, and mobile device requirements, businesses can ensure they have the right tools for optimal performance. Furthermore, utilizing cloud-based solutions and taking advantage of automation features can help companies to optimize their VoIP performance and provide reliable service to their users.

SkyNet and StarLink are not the same, but they do share some similarities.

With all the data capping and bandwidth throttling going on, this concept is great. Musk has started launching hundreds of small satellites into a giant constellation known as Starlink to create an ISP unmatched by any other service (and a constant uptime). There are to be about a total of 12,000 of them shipped out just in this year alone. But is this good or bad? We’ll let you decide!

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly (and the Wonderful)!

The bad thing about all of these satellites? It’s hurting astronomy. Many people and astronomers complain that numerous satellites flying over the sky are ruining telescopic imagery, star observations, and much more. This can be daunting because one of these days, we’re going to have a massive asteroid crash into earth, and we’ll need to send a team of construction guys out to save the planet. They won’t be able to because they might get hit by a 500-pound satellite! We’re just kidding, folks.

StarLink is launching a ton of satellites into space to one day bring affordable always-up internet to people worldwide.

While this may be causing strife among the public groups of astronomers, there are probably many benefits, and it’s not going to ruin things completely. All of these are visible because they haven’t wholly floated out into their orbit line. By the time it does, it will be virtually invisible. Right now, some Starlink satellites are being shown on videos across various spots of the planet. One such place is the Netherlands, as they’re making their way into orbit.

When it’s all said and done, the StarLink satellites should be invisible once they get set in position.

What Will Starlink Do?

While there was speculation in the past that Starlink would provide a satellite wi-fi hotspot unlimited for free, this isn’t going to happen. Elon Musk didn’t become a billionaire by NOT charging people – no business truly succeeds this way other than non-profit organizations. We know that the average price of satellite companies charge about $100 a month for their exclusive packages. Starlink states that they will be around $50 measly bucks a month during their initial startup and $60 later on.

This means for businesses, though, that even rural companies can capitalize on this – getting internet service without being charged an arm and a leg. Some are stating that for around $80 a month, you’ll get high-speed internet service. You’ll still have to spend almost as much on installation costs, of course, vs. competitors.

On the level of speeds available, the massive amounts of connectivity and the satellites’ proximity are being promised to provide those who have to rely on rural connections the same speed as fiber internet companies can offer – up to 1GB per second. This is a huge leap compared to the slow DSL speeds that many satellite internet providers can achieve.

VoIP Will Benefit from Starlink Services

With constant uptime, StarLink will be the only choice for VoIP.

Many know that voice over the internet is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s not going anywhere. However, the downside is that VoIP needs reliable internet connectivity to have constant uptime. Fortunately, with the right managed services and a great connection, the lesser parts of the country (and those with slower connections in the world) can finally get “superfast” internet service speeds without the mobile structure they need for other types of connections.

What Do We Think?

Of course, we are all about VoIP services and internet connectivity, but we also care about the environment. It’s a wait-and-see process. However, it’s proving to be somewhat sufficient so far. Yes, astronomy is fundamental, but businesses can’t make everybody happy. It’s how they can convert the good, the bad, and the ugly to make things beautiful enough for success for their supporters and clients that makes a business truly excel!

But let’s not get started on the quality and dependability of satellite internet. However, anyone who has had satellite knows it’s one of the least dependable and bandwidth throttling forms of the internet you can get, almost as bad as mobile data. We’ve dug into the pit and found the top two internet service providers, and the results may vary, but there are a couple of high-quality solutions. Before you keep reading, know that it’s not just because we use a particular internet service provider, but we lack choices regarding internet service providers.

The “Best” Internet Service Providers in Phoenix

The best internet service provider is hardly an understatement, but two direct ISP’s are available in and around the city. They’re better known as CenturyLink and COX Cable. While we understand that both of these companies have some of the most substantial amounts of complaints, according to the Consumer Affairs website, it’s all we’ve got – two of the nation’s most notorious ISP’s duking it out for the limelight.

Which One is Better?

Before we conclude this, we will look at some valuable data between the two companies and give a proper analysis of every detail. In the end, we’ll disclose our best network solution. Of course, it’s ultimately up to you to decide, though!’

And in This Corner: CenturyLink Business Internet!

CenturyLink is not our choice for the best internet service provider in Phoenix. They have horrible coverage and tons of downtime. Before you move to a new office, you should make sure that you’re not stuck with CenturyLink.

There is a small number of people who are eligible for CenturyLink’s Fiber+ internet. However, it’s only about eight percent of the city can get it. They claim that users can get up to 1 GB (Gigabyte) download speeds, but the truth is that the speeds are rarely above 50 Mbps (Megabytes per second). Add that to CenturyLink’s constant problems with random disconnections and some of the worst IT Support (which is all outsourced out of the country); it’s not even worth your time. Many users complain that it takes weeks after signing up to get a technician out to install the services if they even install them after coming out.

Let’s look at what CenturyLink DSL can offer, however, for businesses. 

• Fastest Reported Download Speeds: 140 Mbps
• Average Download Speeds: 50 – 100 Mbps
• Upload Speeds: Up to 20Mbps.
• Price: $65 per month.
• Modem Included: Nope! It’s $10/month or a $100 purchase.
• Deposit Required: They say NO, but that’s not true. You pay for the first month before you ever even get service.
• Modem Wi-Fi: Yes. Their modems feature Wi-Fi.
• Dedicated IP: No. You have to pay extra for that.
• Port 80 Unlocked for Local Website Hosting? No, and they can’t do anything about it.
• Business Security: None. Companies have to provide that themselves.

This is essentially the same high-speed internet people can get for their homes. If you’ve ever looked at the outage map at DownDetector for CenturyLink, though, you’ll notice not only is the whole country continually having problems, but there is ALWAYS a big yellow or red dot over Phoenix – they’re always having problems. Plus, if you’re ever late with an advanced payment (keep in mind you pay for your internet a month in advance), they’ll tack on an excellent little late charge (even if it’s the next day). 

And the Returning Champion: Cox Cable

If your business is in the Phoenix area, Cox is an excellent internet service provider. Much better than the alternatives.

Cox is the internet service provider that’s been around much longer than CenturyLink, and there are many advantages that you can get with Cox Cable. The only downside? You have to sign a contract with them for a minimum of a year. They’re also a little more expensive, but you get much faster speeds on average with cable internet over DSL, and many people know that cable internet is often more reliable. It also gives a dedicated IP address (all you have to do is ask for it if you are using DHCP first).

Let’s look at the best basic business package a person can get.

• Static Ip Address: Yes. It’s only $10 per month.
• Local Website Hosting: All you have to do is contact them. They don’t allow home connections to do so (although many say they aren’t strict about this).
• Average Speeds: 100 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload (consistent).
• Wi-Fi: Yes, but cheaper to provide yourself. See “Prices” below.
• Business IT Support: Yes. They have bad reviews for some home users but not as many for businesses.
• Reliability: 99% Guaranteed Uptime
• Wi-Fi Hotspots: Yes. Up to 10 employees at once can access Cox Wi-Fi Hotspots with their login credentials.
• Computer Security: They have hardware-level security and Cox Business Security Suite powered by McAfee. You get 25 Licenses with this service.
• Prices: $134.99 and a 1-time charge of $25 for their modem. Only $130 if a user provides a Motorola DOCSIS 3.0 modem themselves (It’s much cheaper to purchase the modem and Wi-Fi router yourself than to pay for the one they offer). Tack on $99 if you want a modem and Wi-Fi router, and 9.99 per month (Totaling $238.99 to get started).

Let’s Talk About Security

Cox offers some great security features for local businesses and is our internet service provider of choice.

Security is everything, and Cox doesn’t let down with that. Of course, they aren’t the perfect managed solution for your business. Both companies can also provide VoIP services, but they are costly to add to your plan, and many people complain about problems as soon as they switch to Cox Communications for their phone services.

Therefore, you’re better off going with an MSP (Managed Service Provider) on your own. Their most significant vital points are reliability and uptime, making them a suitable choice as an internet service provider. They do have better package options for small businesses and even corporations. Unfortunately, the “cons” is that users must sign a contract, and that contract bounds them until it expires (meaning, you have to pay for service, and you can’t get away from that even if you find a different internet service provider, or go with CenturyLink).

What Do We Think?

Phoenix’s clear winner for the best internet service provider is Cox, and it’s not even close.

While both of these internet service providers do kind of suck, according to many people, CenturyLink has been notorious for years for having the worst possible support and a complete lack of dedication. Not only that, but their IT Support representatives can’t do anything for you, and they are full of genetically engineered pat responses for everything. Also, good luck if you need to close the language barrier gap. We’re sticking with Cox Cable because they provide guaranteed uptime, privacy features, managed services, and quality file backup services to our customers!

No matter what, though you can increase your network speeds with some great tips on hardware, and then we’re going to point you in the right direction to give you some excellent ways you can boost your browsing experience as well! We’re also going to provide you with insights into what many people who have slow internet do to cause their connectivity problems.

Problem One: Too Many Obstructions

One of the biggest problems that people have today is having way too many firewalls. What?! Yep! We said it!

Almost all of the antivirus software out there to date has a firewall attached to it, and should you be on a Windows system, guess what? There’s another firewall there. Most of the time, this can be turned off so you can use just your antivirus software, but even then, some people still have problems. Want to know what the culprit is? You still have a firewall that you often forget about.

If you’re in a workplace environment, you’re going to have a main network modem that is connected to whatever connection (if you have corporate T3 or even fiber), you can end up getting slower speeds because not only do you have your computer’s firewalls on, but you have your router’s firewall on.

While you should have at least one firewall, then you’re fine. However, you often don’t need to have more than Windows Firewall and your router’s firewall on at the same time. This can cause multiple problems with connectivity as well.

Problem Two: Your Antivirus is Just Mean

Having the wrong antivirus installed can slow network speeds considerably. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the right antivirus solution.

Aside from the firewall thing we said earlier, you may benefit from uninstalling and reinstalling your antivirus. Most of the time, though, people prefer one over the other, and then over time, an update will break your connection. When this is the case, you’ll want to disable this quickly and restart your computer. There are some great hacks that you can do yourself back online if you remove your antivirus before you re-install/re-enable it. Another thing you have to realize is that for every single file that is popping up in your web browser, your antivirus is scanning it.

Therefore, if you go to media-heavy websites frequently, you can slow your connection down as well. However, you also want to scan for viruses regularly and be safe when browsing.

Wi-Fi Gone Wrong? Check Your Modem Placement

If your Wi-Fi signal is obstructed or on the other side of your office or business, your network speeds will be slower.

Many people choose one spot in the house and then expect to connect throughout your home. While you may have a good signal, many things may cause interference diminishing your network speed.

For example, if you have your modem in the kitchen as some people do, you may end up experiencing internet interference due to things like running the microwave, having multiple televisions on, and other things that may cause congestion in your connection via the airwaves. This is when the signal gets congested in between the modem and your actual device. If all else fails, you may end up suffering a lot less if you use Ethernet cords instead-but; believe it or not, this can have its downsides too.

Use Shorter Cords

Using cords that are unnecessarily long could hurt your network speed.

We know what you’re thinking. How in the world can this affect connectivity and network speeds? Well, fortunately, you’re not losing momentum. However, having a hundred-foot cord on your computer when you’re 10 feet away from your router is not only silly. It causes many cable management problems, but you’ll also be increasing your latency, which will ultimately appear to be loading slower. The data is transferring just as fast, but your computer and server’s communication will be a little delayed, thus affecting your network speed.

Try This DNS Hack

What is DNS? It stands for Dynamic Name Server. All of our internet connections have one. Aside from resetting your DHCP settings, firewall, and other areas, you can change your router’s DNS or even your computer’s (if you have a direct connection to the internet) by just simply changing the DNS to a designated name server. But if you don’t know what you’re doing, you can cause more problems than good unless you use one of the most popular DNS’s out there. There are currently two: Google’s DNS servers and Cloudflare – a close second.

Log into your router/modem, and change the primary DNS and second DNS to the following:

• Cloudflare

Primary Name Server: 1.1.1.1

Secondary Name Server: 1.0.0.1

• Google DNS

Primary Name Server: 8.8.8.8

Secondary: 8.8.4.4

Just changing your DNS to one of these can significantly increase your page loading and network speeds and even help with your latency problems a little bit, as they’re swift.

If You Want the Best Networking

When you’re hoping to get the most out of your ISP, you may want to consider hiring a professional if you should have any problems. This includes having all of your services inspected and includes building reliable and secure networks in your home or place of business. By hiring the right networking solution for your needs, you can create an unstoppable force and even then apply the hacks we showed you to increase your network speeds and lower latency levels as much as possible!