- Enhancing Wi-Fi Coverage
To improve Wi-Fi signal strength and coverage, consider installing a wired or wireless extender near your workstation. While Ethernet over Power (EoP) adapters may be an option, their reliability can vary based on the specific configuration of your electrical system, so I would generally advise against their use.
- Why DECT Is Preferred Over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
In terms of voice quality, battery life, and coverage, DECT technology typically outperforms both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. DECT offers superior range and is optimised for clear voice communication, making it a better choice for VoIP calls. Although DECT devices tend to be more expensive than Bluetooth headsets, their performance and reliability are worth the investment.
- Diagnosing and Troubleshooting Voice Quality Issues
When troubleshooting voice quality issues, it’s helpful to take a systematic approach:
- Test with a wired phone: connect a wired phone to the network and see if the voice quality improves. This test serves as a temporary diagnostic tool to identify if the issue is related to your network connection.
- Introduce changes gradually: start by testing with a wired laptop instead of a wired phone. Then, try using a wireless laptop connected to a wired headset, followed by a wireless laptop with a wireless headset. This method will help identify which configuration works best.
- GSM vs. VoIP: The Difference in Call Quality
In terms of voice quality, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) networks generally offer better performance than VoIP calls. GSM connections, unlike VoIP, provide uninterrupted service, especially when transitioning between network towers (such as when driving and taking a call). VoIP calls, on the other hand, depend on a stable internet connection. If you move out of the Wi-Fi range during a call, the connection may drop, leading to interruptions until an alternative internet connection is established.
That said, GSM calls may incur charges, though many providers now offer free or low-cost calls, even with international roaming. For example, I use O2 when traveling in Italy, which allows me to make calls without extra charges.
Conclusion
To ensure the best possible quality for your VoIP calls, prioritising a wired connection, using the right devices (like DECT phones), and optimising your Wi-Fi environment are crucial steps. While VoIP offers convenience, understanding the nuances of your hardware and network setup can make a significant difference in the overall experience.
In our office, we test various phone systems, and they all exhibit the same behaviour. VoIP performance is not dependent on the specific system being used. Instead, network connectivity plays a crucial role and if your network connection is unstable, your VoIP experience will be affected negatively.
If you encounter quality issues with VoIP, consider the following recommendations:
- Use a wired connection whenever possible for your phones or computer (laptop/Mac) to ensure stability.
- If a wired connection is not an option, use a DECT phone for voice calls while managing calls via software.
- When using WiFi, stay close to the WiFi source (router or repeater), especially during critical calls. A weak WiFi signal can cause disruptions, leading to frustration when communication is unclear – there is nothing worst than having a call where you cannot hear what the other party is saying!
- If neither a wired nor a DECT solution is feasible, consider using a GSM connection. In this setup, data is used solely for running the software, while voice calls are routed through your mobile network. To enable this, the GSM mobile must be configured as an audio device. Please consider that mobile calls will get charged the mobile rate (contact your supplier) and ask our support team for assistance on how to configure it. This approach ensures that your office number is displayed to clients rather than your personal number, and calls remain recorded.
Voice calls are particularly sensitive to delays and jitter, unlike emails or text messages, which are less affected. From my personal experience, I have both a WiFi and a wired connection at home, supported by two Cisco Meraki routers. When making important calls, I always switch to a wired connection for reliability, although I could run the network cables in my house. I can easily tell when I am on WiFi, as my printer requires re-establishing its network connection before functioning properly.
By following these best practices, that come from my personal experience as well as hearing many users getting increasingly frustrated with VoIP calls, you can significantly improve the quality and reliability of your voice communication. Regardless of the VoIP phone systems used!
