VoIP Issues to Consider

VoIP issues these days revolve around call quality which mostly leads to questions concerning IP dependability and stability.  Range of service can be from an ATA device used with most residential ISP's - to a hosted platform for single locations utilizing a dedicated circuit or multi-site locations deployed on an MPLS network.


Major complaints I'm hearing stem from users with residential service.  DSL / Cable, while should have more than enough bandwidth for a single phone or two, or so it seems.  What is not understood is that the stability and dependability of these types of circuits typically do not support what is intended.  Fine for normal browsing, when "nano-blips" occur, it does affect VoIP service with jitter, or even dropped calls.  These same problems usually occur with poor latency.



The biggest advantage with using a higher class of service in a business application is twofold.

1. A dedicated IP circuit 
2. Quality of Service.  

Normal standards with carrier SLA's, quality and dependability is assured.  The biggest factor of solid service is circuit stability.  Quality of Service (QOS) can also be assured with a managed MPLS network between multi-site locations, or with managed equipment provided by some hosted PBX services.  

Be careful and do your homework with both your service provider and ISP carrier.  Make sure you know what you're getting into - engage a consultant to help you make a good decision.