Are you still stuck with the conventional phone system that drains your budget and offers limited functionalities? VoIP phone system comes with numerous advanced features and allows you to make local and international calls affordably. It has become trendy among individuals and businesses due to its flexibility and mobility. It uses the internet to connect you with others all across the globe. However, many people do not switch to VoIP because they think it is complex to set up, but with the right approach, it can be seamless and smooth for you to transition to VoIP. Surprisingly, VoIP setup is easy and works similarly to conventional phones, providing access to more advanced features. If you want to know how to set up VoIP phone systems at your home, stay with us till the end and know about each step.
Things You Need For VoIP Set Up
Although VoIP is easy to set up, it is essential to know beforehand what you actually need.
A Reliable Internet Connection
A high-speed and reliable internet connection is the most essential requirement of VoIP. If you are setting up this advanced digital phone system for your home, high bandwidth may not be necessary, but for businesses, it is vital to have a high-bandwidth network. Typically, a bandwidth of 100 KBps is enough to support one concurrent call. If you want to enjoy a smooth, jitter-free call quality, you must have a stable internet connection.
A Reputed VoIP Service Provider
To begin making calls with VoIP, you’ll need to sign up with a VoIP service provider. In the UK, there are numerous service providers, so it is essential to compare them and choose the right one. Your provider will host the VoIP platform and route your calls online. When you register with a provider, you’ll get a VoIP number, or you can move your existing number to VoIP. You have to pay monthly or annual charges for the service as per your provider’s requirements. The charges vary with the features, so always choose features that are essential for you.
VoIP Phones Or Headphones
You will need VoIP-compatible devices to make and receive calls. It is better to get IP phones, VoIP headphones, or a softphone application, but VoIP allows you to make and receive calls using any device. Moreover, you can make calls using your analogue phone by attaching an analogue terminal adapter (ATA) to it.
Steps To Set Up VoIP Phone
Now that you know the requirements for setting up VoIP, let’s move on to the next part. Follow the simple steps for a quick and easy setup:
Test Readiness Of Your Network
Before you use a VoIP system, it is important to make sure your internet connection is up to the task. To avoid any disruptions, you will need at least 100kbps of upload and download speed for each call happening simultaneously. Begin by performing a speed test to assess your internet connection speeds. Look for factors like jitter and packet loss, which can impact call quality. Use a wired ethernet connection instead of WiFi whenever possible, as it is more stable and less prone to interference. Setting up Quality of Service (QoS) on your router can make a big difference if you have multiple users or other bandwidth-heavy applications running. It ensures VoIP traffic gets priority, so your calls stay crystal clear and uninterrupted.
Get The Right Hardware
Getting started with VoIP does not require specialized equipment, but a few tools can make the setup more accessible and versatile. For example, an IP phone offers the familiarity of a traditional desk phone while working seamlessly with VoIP. These phones come in various brands and models, often with unique features. If you want to keep using your existing landline phones, you can purchase adapters that convert them for VoIP use. Most IP phones connect to computers via Ethernet cables, which provide a fast and reliable connection. While you can use VoIP over WiFi, wired connections are typically more stable and better suited for ensuring consistent call quality.
Find the Right VoIP Provider
Once you have sorted out the networking and hardware requirements, the next step is choosing a VoIP service provider that meets your business needs and offers the features you value most. Prioritize providers with advanced call routing options to ensure calls are efficiently directed to the right person or team. Features like auto-attendant and interactive voice response (IVR) systems help create a professional impression by greeting and guiding callers seamlessly. Call analytics and reporting tools are also necessary, allowing you to track call performance and monitor agent productivity. Many VoIP providers offer integrations with customer relationship management (CRM) platforms and collaboration tools like video conferencing, screen sharing, and team messaging to streamline communication. Finally, do not overlook security. To keep your communications secure, look for providers that offer end-to-end encryption and adhere to key data privacy protocols.
Connect Your Equipment And Get Started
Now that you have all the things required to get started with VoIP, you are ready to put everything together to get the VoIP phone system up. Remember that specific steps may vary depending on your step; most VoIP phones involve the steps we described. You may need to replace your old phones with IP or connect analogue phones to them. VoIP adapters. Some routers and IP phones support power over the ethernet which means you need to power the phone and connect to the internet with the same ethernet cable. Some providers also offer preconfigured devices, which you can use with VoIP just by connecting to the internet. You plug the device into your router through ethernet and wait for it to show up in your VoIP software. However, this process can be different depending on your provider, so it is essential to carefully follow the setup instructions. Typically, the setup goes smoothly for most users, but some may have a technical problem. It is always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions about the products, or in some cases, you may need help from IT experts.
Test Your VoIP Line
Even if you have a stable or high-speed internet connection, testing your newly set up VoIP line is critical before you fully start using it. When testing your new phone line, pay attention to the following factors while making test calls:
Call quality: The audio should be clear without echoes, jitters, or other issues that indicate low quality.
Latency: When you make a call, keep in mind that there should be a minimal delay between when you say something and the person on the other side hearing it. The higher the latency, the more disruption of natural conversational flow will occur.
Connection Stability: Monitor your calls and find out if any of them disconnect or drop temporarily, which may happen when firewall settings terminate calls after a specific duration. It is essential to test calls at the peak network activity when others at your home are using bandwidth. Network jitter can cause choppy audio, dropped calls and other issues. You can avoid such issues by using a wired ethernet connection directly to your router instead of WiFi.
Conclusion
Setting up a VoIP phone system at home is easier than you might think. It offers a cost-effective, feature-rich alternative to traditional phone systems. With a reliable internet connection, the right hardware, and a reputable VoIP service provider, you can quickly transition to a system that provides flexibility, mobility, and advanced communication features. By following the outlined steps, ensuring network readiness, selecting compatible devices, connecting your equipment, and testing your setup, you can enjoy clear, reliable calls without disruptions. While adjustments may be necessary, particularly with network settings or hardware configurations, the process is generally straightforward. VoIP modernizes your communication and sets the stage for seamless connectivity in today’s increasingly digital world.
