The Voice Over Internet Protocol or VoIP system has altered communication all over the globe, and is fast becoming the new standard. Most phone companies have committed to building out a digital infrastructure going forward, rather than upgrading the old copper wire and exchange infrastructure of landline phone systems.
While it resembles the classic phone, VoIP comes with some differences, the main one being that it works via internet through a LAN cable, but other models also exist. Thus, as long as you have a VoIP phone set and internet connection, calls can be made anywhere, while this means that the old phone is restricted to certain areas.
Traditional telephony is circuit switched, which means that you need to build the whole circuit path even if a person isn`t talking or using the line.
In VoIP systems, the call is effected as a packet via internet IP address, there is no specific path or circuits built, and if a person isn`t talking, there`s not even a packet existing, until one reconnects to make a call.
Hardware
Connections via internet IP address and satellite enable the VoIP system to work, while in traditional phones copper is used which provides energy through solid connection from Station to final point like home.
Years ago all telephony systems provided by suppliers were copper, today most are VoIP.
Communication
In traditional phones, systems use analogue signals to communicate. These signals are transmitted across twisted wires with a constantly changing frequency and altitude which are decoded at the receiver`s side.
On the other hand, VoIP makes it possible to make telephone calls via the internet, data is transmitted in digital form across wired or wireless networks.
If you want to install a new phone at home, the phone company will have to physically call at your house to install and connect you to the main grid, and the calls will all pass through that. Usually it may take up to 3 days, between booking an appointment and having your telephone connected.
Whereas using a VoIP system you only need to buy the set and connect it to the internet or to your broadband. Typically you will be set and done in 10 minutes.
Reliability
The one slight edge that traditional landlines have over VoIP phone systems is reliability.
However, as high-speed internet service providers continue to improve their offerings, the gap in reliability is getting smaller.
Benefits
Regular phone
- One line
- Reliable
- Usually clear sound quality
VoIP phone
- Cost effective
- High availability in emergency
- Flexible
- Fast-speed internet is closing the gap on reliability
- Various features (as per below)
Features
Landline traditional phones are limited to only the most fundamental features, while VoIP phones allow for a wide range of features.
VoIP features come handy, like the Virtual Receptionist to name one, an embedded software which ensures that no customer calls go unanswered, routing incoming calls, and also providing information.
Others:
- Automatic Call Forwarding
- Three Digit Dialling
- Caller ID
- Call Monitoring
- Call Recording
- Voicemail
- Text Messaging
- Call Analytics
Pricing
Which is the most affordable phone system VoIP or traditional? Well, you will be surprised to know that VoIP systems are considerably cheaper than traditional phone systems.
This might come as a shock, as cutting-edge technology is deemed to be pricey. It is not the case with VoIP, where we find that in some circumstances it may come even for half the price.
In fact, some companies have saved up to 60% on phone bills by simply moving to VoIP phone services, as VoIP simply converts the voice frequency to data which can be transmitted over any internet line.
While long-distance landline calls will always remain expensive due to the need of keeping hundreds of circuits open during conversations.
Traditional phone system providers have tried through the years to offer a better package, but as it stands they can`t match VoIP services and prices.
Recovery
Traditional phones are hardier and sturdier, thus they can survive power outages and disasters.
However, unlike traditional landlines, businesses using VoIP systems get to enjoy better disaster recovery and resiliency when it comes to unexpected crashes.
Unlike the regular phone systems, VoIP are monitored 24/7 and the transmission signal can be reduced in a matter of second to ensure that you never miss or drop a call due to technical malfunction.
Call Quality
At first the majority thought that an internet based telephony system will be messy, scratchy and low-quality, considering that traditional phones have been around for ages, and that the new kid on the block (VoIP) which was trying to enter in a tried and tested already working niche, had little or nothing chance to make it, or even take over.
Surprisingly the quality of VoIP sound was great, competing with that of the landline phones quite well. Given that VoIP does not use any circuits, it means that the chances to hear clicks and whirrs are inexistent.
It also means that long distance calls will have the same good quality as local calls.
VoIP boasts of having crystal clear HD call quality.
Security
So, we saw the obvious advantages of the VoIP telephonic system, but it also comes with its downsides.
Since the only mode of linking a VoIP is via the internet, it is exposed to cyber-attacks, which could happen if the IP address is public.
However, if the IP address is private, the VoIP system will be safer, as firewalls and security protocols are developed.
As regards to regular phone system, cyber-attacks can never happen as there is no connection to the internet, however this doesn`t mean that landlines are fool proof, phone tapping can always happen.
Concluding
Just as the vast majority of us have moved from typewriters to computers, telephone service is going all digital as well, and businesses that choose to take advantage of VoIP will find themselves reducing costs, and offering better communication options to both customers and employees.