Bandwidth and How It Affects Crystal-Clear Calls Over Hosted VoIP Systems

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services that are hosted in the cloud are becoming increasingly popular choices for businesses. If you’re thinking of doing the same and replacing your analog phone systems, taking that action could prove to be a solid investment. However, before you get too committed to that decision, it’s it is probably wise to understand how your internet bandwidth plays a role in call quality.

What’s Bandwidth?

Bandwidth refers to the amount of Internet data you can transfer during a specific window of time. If you decide to subscribe to a VoIP service, knowing how much bandwidth you typically use is important because a certain amount will be needed to handle the VoIP needs.

Why is Bandwidth Important for a Hosted VoIP Service?

Because VoIP calls are delivered almost entirely using a network based on Internet Protocols, you’ll need enough bandwidth to cope with your usual call volumes. If bandwidth is not sufficient, you could discover poor connections, lost voice packets, resulting in frustrated clients and employees. Other trying problems may result such as garbled voices and delays in the sounds that are broadcast across the system.

Approximate Amounts of Bandwidth Required in a Business Setting

The bandwidth needed for clear Internet-based calls depends partially on the codec used by the communication provider. A codec encodes digital data streams so they can be transmitted, then decodes them for playback purposes. In terms of the amount of bandwidth, we recommend you figure on about 100 Kbps per call.

For example, if your business has a call center where about five representatives are on the phones simultaneously through a VoIP system, you’ll likely need 500 Kbps of bandwidth. Business VoIP providers can evaluate your usage trends and determine whether you may need more or less than that.

Other Factors to Consider

Although bandwidth is a major factor that determines how well your hosted VoIP services can work, it’s just one of many things to think about. For example, you may want to inquire about things such as:

• The amount of time required to install and configure the VoIP system
• Whether your company will need to get upgraded physical phone equipment
• Methods of contacting customer service for troubleshooting purposes
• How easy it would be to obtain more bandwidth if you don’t end up initially getting enough

The more informed you are, the easier it will be to negotiate terms with business VoIP providers. Choosing a small business VoIP service that meets the needs of your business can be just as demanding on your carrier grade internet connection. Adequate bandwidth ensures your telephone representatives and customers can communicate clearly.