VoIP offers plenty of benefits to businesses, including improved productivity, unlimited scalability, and mobile accessibility, among other things. VoIP platforms are also more reliable and cheaper than traditional phone systems.
However, VoIP users may experience some problems when placing calls. Fortunately, the most common VoIP issues are easy to solve, and learning to identify and fix these problems can save you a lot of hassle.
Here are four of the most common VoIP issues that can affect your business:
1. Echo
An echo during calls is usually caused by faulty equipment, or electromagnetic or acoustic interference. You will typically hear acoustic echoing in the earpiece or speakers, or the mouthpiece of your headset or phone. This may be because the earpiece volume is too high, which overpowers the mouthpiece. Meanwhile, electromagnetic echo effects occur when VoIP devices are too close to each other.
Reduce echo in your VoIP calls by trying the following:
- Check your VoIP system’s wiring to ensure that your cables are dry and long enough.
- Move your router away from your power strip, monitor, and CPU.
- Cover your phone’s mouthpiece. If the echo is reduced, reduce the volume of your speakers or earpiece.
- Consider replacing devices that are too old.
- Try using another smartphone with better audio quality.
2. Choppy audio
Choppy audio is typically caused by low internet bandwidth. But before you start blaming your internet service provider, check if there are any running applications that are hogging your internet bandwidth.
Try these other tips to troubleshoot and eliminate choppy audio:
- Turn off other computers connected to your network.
- Scan your system for malware, as viruses and spyware can use up a lot of your internet bandwidth.
- Test your internet connection speed using online tools like Speedtest.net and Fast.com.
- Configure your router’s Quality of Service (QoS), a feature that lets you prioritize VoIP traffic.
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3. Static
Some VoIP systems have an analog telephone adapter (ATA), a device/system that converts analog voice signals to digital signals. This conversion process sometimes produces static during calls, which is caused by incompatible power supplies or feedback from phones plugged into the ATA.
To fix this problem, unplug the ATA and/or the devices connected to it and plug them back in. You can also switch to IP phones, which use an Ethernet cable to connect to the internet instead of a phone jack. Because they do not require analog/digital conversions, your VoIP calls will be much clearer and less prone to static.
4. Jitter
VoIP relies on your internet connection to make calls and transmit voice data. But in order to send your voice as data, VoIP has to convert the sound into packets, or pieces of data traveling through a network. These packets are then sent from one device to another in regular intervals, ensuring a steady flow of communication.
But due to network congestion, some data may reach the recipient faster than others. This can lead to jitter, or when certain data packets are dropped or sent out of order, resulting in a jumbled conversation or unclear audio.
Here are a few ways to reduce jitter during VoIP calls:
- Use a jitter buffer. This is typically included in endpoints and desk phones, and ensures proper delivery of packets. You may need help from your IT team when configuring your jitter buffer, as a buffer that is too small results in conversation gaps, while a buffer that is too large causes audio delays.
- Switch to Ethernet. Your Wi-Fi connection may experience some connectivity issues often. Try switching to Ethernet, as it offers a more reliable internet connection and can significantly improve the quality of your VoIP calls.
- Upgrade network hardware. Consider buying a router that can prioritize VoIP data over other traffic.
You can also seek the help of reliable managed IT services providers like Safebit Solutions to solve your VoIP issues. Our VoIP service allows you to reliably and securely communicate with your vendors, clients, and colleagues. To learn more about our offerings, contact us today.
