In recent years, VoIP (voice over internet protocol) has become extremely popular. For those of you that aren’t already familiar with VoIP, it is a technology that enables you to make voice calls using a broadband internet connection, instead of a regular phone line.
Many people work exclusively online these days, some from the world’s most remote regions. For these people, phone lines are an impossibility. VoIP enables them to still get in touch with the people that they love or their colleagues, from any device, anywhere in the world.
This article will explain how you can set up your own VoIP in five easy steps:
Requirements for VoIP
Before you can get started setting up and implementing your VoIP, you need to first research the requirements. To make it easier for you, we have compiled all of them right here. The requirements are:
High-Speed Broadband
Ideally, if you want VoIP to work, then you need to make sure that you have high-speed broadband. While it is technically possible for VoIP to work on slow broadband, your connection may drop, and the people on the other end may not be able to hear you. For this reason, and for the sake of the people that you are talking to, you need to make sure that your broadband’s fast. You can do this by paying for a new broadband contract with a high-speed provider or upgrading your current package.
Ethernet Connection
It can’t be denied, VoIP devices work much better when they are connected to an Ethernet connection than they do when they are wireless. Again, while it’s possible for your device to work when it is wireless, its performance may be stunted, depending on the speed of your Wi-Fi. Another reason that Ethernet is better is that it is connected directly to your device, meaning that it can’t be interfered with by other people’s devices sharing the same Wi-Fi connection. It’s very common for multiple people in one household to be connected to a Wi-Fi router at the same time. This can lead to lag, delays, and downtime. Too many people on a network can sometimes cause it to crash.
Prioritizing Usage
If you want your VoIP device to run as efficiently and effectively as possible, then you need to prioritize data usage, so that your VoIP device gets the most. While you can’t always predict when you are going to need to use the internet, or when automatic updates might take place, bear in mind that activities that require a lot of data can significantly hinder your VoIP device’s performance, so try to get these things at a time when you don’t need to use your device. If you have other people in your household then make sure that they are aware of this so that they do not unintentionally end up using up a lot of your broadband’s data at a time when you are trying to use your device.
Device Manufacturer
If you want to get started with a VoIP system, then the first thing that you need to do is to find a provider. With the help provided here, finding a VoIP provider has never been easier. Make sure that in addition to reading reviews published on independent sites, you conduct your own research into the provider that you are considering working with The best way to do this is to read their reviews online and ask other users what they have to say about them. If reviews are bad across the board, then it’s probably best to avoid them.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Before getting started, you need to choose VoIP equipment that’s right for you. If you decide upon software-based VoIP, then you won’t need a desk phone, and instead can use your mobile phone or a microphone attached to your computer. You can still have a desk phone, however, just in case you prefer using them and don’t want to part with them.
If you intend on exclusively using software and don’t want a desk phone, then you will definitely need a headset that has a microphone. As already mentioned, you can use your mobile telephone for making and receiving calls.
If you intend on using a desk phone, then carefully consider the desk phone that you are going to use and try to get the one that’s best for you. You need a phone that’s comfortable to use, convenient, and that isn’t corded. While corded phones are a rarity nowadays, they do exist. Corded phones can get in the way and be very difficult to use. Additionally, they can’t be carried around the same way that a wireless phone can.
As mentioned earlier, you also need to make sure that your Wi-Fi router is high-quality and will allow different types of traffic. When you are selecting your Wi-Fi package, your Wi-Fi provider will likely give you a bunch of different options, allowing you to select which type of router you have. If you live in a very remote area and your internet’s going to be slow, then you should also consider investing in a Wi-Fi booster. Wi-Fi boosters are very affordable and give you an opportunity to boost your Wi-Fi signal, no matter where you live. Make sure that the provider you choose to use allows you to download a VoIP app on your phone so that you can use it remotely.
Five Steps to Get Started
Place Your Order
When you have done all of the research that we have recommended in this article, then you can go ahead and place your order. Before you place your order you should research different packages so that you can find the one that’s right for you. Some manufacturers and service providers offer different packages depending on the price range that you are looking in. You always need to bear in mind the price range. If the phone package that you are looking for exceeds your budget, then you can ask the provider if they offer any financing plans or programmes. A financing plan will allow you to pay for the service in monthly instalments. Make sure that you have enough disposable income to pay these instalments before agreeing to the provider’s package deal.
Request Your Number
When you have placed your order, you can go ahead and request your number. Each number is unique. You can request a specific number, although there’s no guarantee that it will be available. You may be able to use the same number that you are currently using after you cancel your phone contract or the subscription that you use to pay for the number. Make sure to conduct research into this beforehand, however, just so that you don’t end up being unable to proceed with your current number. Requesting a number is a very straightforward process and information on this will be provided in your welcome package. If your welcome package doesn’t include any information on your new number, then you should contact the service provider and ask them what your number is. You will not be able to use your device until you know what your number is.
Set Your VoIP System Up
When your device arrives, you can go ahead and set it up. If you are using software, then your software will be instantly downloadable once you have paid. The link will be sent to you by email. Setting up the software is straightforward. Setting up a device can be a little more complicated, especially if you haven’t got any experience in it. Fortunately, the service provider will include a handy instructional guide in your device’s parcel, which will tell you exactly how you can set your new VoIP device up.
Test Your Lines
When your device is plugged in and you are ready to use it, you can go ahead and test your lines, as well as your Wi-Fi router’s performance. You should make sure that your router is not obstructed in any way, and that it is in a place where it can receive a clear signal. If it is plugged into the wall, then this is unnecessary, although you should still ensure that your VoIP device is not anywhere where signal to it can get blocked. Ideally, you should keep your VoIP device next to your Wi-Fi router, for maximum performance.
Get Familiar
Once you have set your device up and tested your lines, you can play around with it. Call your friends, family, and loved ones. You can also go ahead and hand your number out to people. Make sure that you are comfortable using it before you make any phone calls, however. It can take some adjustment and get used to, switching from wired phones to VoIP services. If you have any issues with your device, then you should be able to approach the VoIP service provider and ask them for their advice or insight into your problem. Your problem may also be covered in your device’s instructional pamphlet.
VoIP devices are becoming extremely popular, and it’s not hard to see why – they are efficient, easy to use, and don’t require a phone contract or wired connection. If you intend on using a VoIP device, make sure that you research it beforehand so that you know what to expect.
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