There are 5 main issues that can hurt your VoIP sound quality. Here is a list of the issues, what may be causing them, and what needs to be done to fix them.
Low Bandwidth
In order to have a quality VoIP call you need to have an Internet connection which supports the level of data transfer or Bandwidth your system demands. Some services offer a specialized connection to provide reassurance that the data will be transferred at an optimal rate. Other providers allow you the luxury of choosing your own Internet Service Provider. While there are pros and cons to either decision, in the case of call quality, you must ensure that you choose an Internet service which supports the data transfer which your VoIP PBX demands. If you are going to be using your own Internet service, make sure you take a VoIP speed test to verify your connection is good enough for VoIP.
Hosted VoIP Network Equipment
If you’re going to have a quality service, you’re going to need excellent network infrastructure. This depends on the investment in equipment, software, and level of maintenance provided by your ITSP (Internet Telephony Service Provider). This also depends on the quality of the VoIP phone you are using. There are many VoIP service providers out there who do not invest the amount of money necessary to offer business quality VoIP. Make sure you choose a hosted VoIP PBX which has invested the capital necessary to provide quality network equipment.
Packet Loss
Packet loss occurs when an Internet connection becomes overloaded with data or traffic. Packet loss sounds like an echo, similar to having a conversation in a big empty room. Your VoIP system should not allow for more than 2% of packet loss. If you are experiencing packet loss than you should consider cutting down on tasks which overload your VoIP service. You can also look into a higher quality VoIP services which allow for less packer loss. Less expensive VoIP services often have issues with packet loss. When you are choosing your service remember that you get what you pay for.
Latency
When you make a call using a VoIP PBX the data is transformed into little packets and dispersed through the Internet. Eventually, that call will reach its destination. Latency basically refers to the distance that call data must travel to reach your VoIP service provider. Latency occurs because those packets of information have to travel too far and take too long. Also, often times the packets are forced to travel over slow network links. This causes a delay and finally an echo in your call. When choosing a provider, it is important to ensure that latency will not affect your service. Make sure you choose a provider that has worked to eliminate latency from their system.
Jitter
When you hear a delay in sound or speech on your VoIP call you are most likely experiencing Jitter. This can make it very hard to communicate effectively. Jitter occurs because the packets of voice data are received at the wrong time. Power surges, bandwidth congestion, or other irregularities in the system are the main reasons for Jitter. If your hosted VoIP service provider has not perfected their system, there is a good chance you could be subject to jitter. Really the only way to eliminate Jitter from your service is to send the request to your service provider. If the problem does not go away you should consider switching services.
Author: John E Lincoln
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: WordPress plugin expert
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