Can I set up a VOIP service at my home? Explained

The first version of Skype was released in 2003; however, VoIP has been available since before. In contrast to landline phones, VoIP systems use the internet to place and receive calls. Skype can establish calls with regular landlines and mobile phones, which sets it apart from other VoIP services and standalone apps like FaceTime and Slack.

Modern VoIP technology is surprisingly straightforward to set up, and it performs as well as (or better than) a standard cell phone or landline connection. In addition to reducing your monthly phone expense, VoIP phones at home give you access to more options.

In this article, we’ll demonstrate how to set up a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone at your house or place of business. If you’re ready to start using VoIP, you should look at the companies we’ve ranked as the best.

Setting up VOIP Service at Home:

Voice over IP (VoIP) is easy to implement and functional with most broadband connections (opens in new tab). Therefore, the only real preparation you’ll need to do is make sure your internet connection can handle the needs of a VoIP system.

If you’re planning to use VoIP in your house, you shouldn’t be concerned about your internet speed. On the other contrary, if you want to implement VoIP in your company, you may require a significant bandwidth increase.

Without putting the system through its paces, it’s tough to determine a precise requirement. Several parameters, such as the number of active calls and the codec used to encode and compress voice inputs, determine the ideal amount of VoIP bandwidth; Cisco provides helpful advice in this regard.

After using VoIP, you may be able to request a bandwidth increase from your VOIP service provider.

Step 1: Get the Correct Hardware

Beginning a VoIP service doesn’t necessitate a lot of expensive or specialized hardware. However, some investments can simplify life or present unexpected possibilities.

An IP phone replicates the feel of a regular phone while using VoIP. There is a vast selection of brands and features available for these phones. For IP phones, Cisco, for instance, offers models with up to 16 lines. Alternately, some businesses market adapters that turn regular landlines into VoIP-ready connections.

In most cases, an Ethernet cable links IP phones to personal computers. Though VoIP calls can be made over Wi-Fi, a cable connection offers superior speed and reliability.

However, with a VoIP system, a regular phone is optional. VoIP functionality can be enjoyed with digital phone apps without needing expensive extra gear.

To give one example, the Skype for Business service is now included in the Microsoft Teams package. Customers signed up for Enterprise can expand their service by purchasing additional Calling Plans. Another well-liked VoIP service, Nextiva, charges only $19.95 yearly per user. Small over-the-ear headsets are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional telephones.

Step 2: Find a VOIP Provider

Choosing the best VoIP provider for your individual or business needs might be challenging due to the abundance of available options. You should shop around and evaluate at least a few providers before settling on a plan, as their prices and offerings will vary greatly.

The way in which a new VoIP provider bills its customers, be it per user, per minute, or some combination of the two, is an important consideration. Higher prices often offset the value of premium features.

When purchased annually, a RingCentral Essentials subscription costs just $19.99 per user each month. This makes RingCentral one of the most affordable VoIP services in 2020. Even though Essentials plan members can make as many domestic and Canadian calls as they like, that number is capped at 20. In addition to 24/7 support, video meetings for up to 100 participants, and easy integration with tools like Slack, Office 365, and the G Suite, Standard users (who pay $24.99 per month when paying annually) get 10 times as many toll-free minutes.

In order to identify the “best” provider for your company, it is necessary to examine several strong contenders and evaluate them in terms of features and cost. While some businesses use VoIP only for calls to external numbers, some opt for a unified system that handles both external VoIP calls and internal communications to cut costs.

Step 3: Contact your equipment and get started

You can begin setting up the system when all the necessary hardware and software for VoIP installation have been acquired.

It’s possible that VoIP adapters will allow you to use your current phones, but in others, you may need to upgrade to IP phones. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a feature available on some IP phones and routers that enables both devices to be powered and connected to the network using a single Ethernet wire.

For instance, RingCentral provides VoIP-ready phones that just need an internet connection to begin making and receiving calls. The device connects to your network over Ethernet, and then you only have to wait for it to appear in your VoIP app. Be sure to follow the provider’s setup instructions carefully, as this process may vary. Most users won’t have any trouble during setup, although you could encounter some hiccups. Again, if you’re having difficulties with your VoIP setup, it’s best to contact the product’s maker for assistance. Many VoIP service providers have extensive manuals for both setup and general use, and Depending on the computer setup and software, they will be able to provide more tailored guidance.

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