When it comes to discussing matters either in business or even in individual capacities, then the use of different tools can greatly influence the results. Some of the leading choices include VoIP services and the WhatsApp application. Although both provide methods for calling and video communication utilizing the internet, they are relatively distinct in terms of their target audience and functionality.
In this article, the focus is on the fundamental differences between VoIP and WhatsApp calls, their functionality, international call services, and security. This will help you establish which one of them could be the best depending on your preference or the kind of business you are operating.
Understanding VoIP technology
VoIP is an abbrevation of Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP defines a revolutionary communication technology, where people make voice calls by over Internet connection instead of a regular analog telephone line.
To simplify it, VoIP technology is all about not just using the Internet to surf the Web or to carry out an e-mailing campaign, but to make your phone call to anywhere in the world at a considerably less price than a traditional phone service.
This technology reduces your voice to an electronic signal that can be distributed through the Internet. For businesses and individual professionals, it allows them to deal with huge call volumes more effectively and with lower expenses.
What is this WhatsApp call?
WhatsApp calling has the functionality of Voice and video call which is on the basis of the messaging application over the internet. It means that like any regular VoIP call everything you say is translated to digital signals that are sent over the Internet.
It also provides you with voice communication and makes it convenient for you to do this without the need of developing new hardware or software for internet calling.
This makes WhatsApp call especially suitable for individual use and in the informal context as an effective and cheap means of communicating with the people close to us irrespective of the geographical location provided that both the caller and the recipient have the application installed on their device and a stable internet connection is present.
The primary distinction between VoIP and WhatsApp Calls is that the former is a complete communication software that can handle all of a business’s telecommunication needs, while the latter is a feature in an otherwise fully-featured messaging app.
1/ Quality of Service:
Quality of Service means a number of fundamental parameters of the telecommunication network that significantly affect the quality of VoIP calls. It encompasses delay which is the time taken before the data is transmitted, variability in that delay, and packet loss, instances when data packets are not transmitted properly.
On the other hand, the Quality of Service of the WhatsApp calls remains lower, with bandwidth and the connection playing crucial roles in affecting the calls’ quality.
2/ Features and Functionality Comparison:
While VoIP is based on simple call functions it does offer a variety of enhanced functions. The features such as video calling , voice mail, and phone extensions are incorporated in this technology to help improve your communication solutions. This setup can also be built up further with added features of call recording, voicemail transcription, and customer relationship management as per your need for communication.
Unlike moments of conventional VoIP solutions, WhatsApp offers voice calls and messaging at the core of a protected and intuitive interface. Thus, using this approach, every person even with an ordinary smartphone with an internet connection can dial a call and connect with a person in the other corner of the world without the need of having special technical knowledge or coming up with additional settings.
3/ Privacy and Security
Business VoIP systems again use enhanced security features of end to end encryption, Secure Real time Transport Protocol SRTP and Transport layer security TLS. These are among the measures intended to enhance the security of data through ensuring data integrity as well as the privacy of data through communication channels. In addition, VoIP services can be integrated with an organization’s internal security and policies to provide stringent detail to data protection and user permission.
On the other hand, WhatsApp calls leverage from one of the company’s security features, that of end to end encryption, which makes the user’s call a private and encrypted conversation that cannot be heard by a third party, not even WhatsApp. However, it is worth mentioning some minor concerns, such as the fact that WhatsApp call security also relies on the security of the user’s device as well as on WhatsApp’s ability to follow the rules and regulations of privacy services and standards changing over time.
4/ Cost Factors of Voice Communication
VoIP solutions which can be implemented within a business organization may have certain one time cost, like procurement of VoIP enabled, Hardware and Software and IP Phones if necessary. However, benefits that include long term benefits like reduced call rates especially on the international front plus the eradication of fixed telephony lines can go a long way to cause Ministry ‘s a good amount of dollars.
On the other hand, persons who need to make voice calls should consider using WhatsApp calls as this is cheaper. They do not rely on telephony networks, instead they rely on the data carried on the internet thus freeing the users from call charges. The direct costs of voice communication can consequently be close to zero for some users who are subscribed to unlimited data or have full access to Wi-Fi.
5/ Infrastructure Needed:
Most of the businesses call for an elaborate setup such as the SIP trunks or the IP-PBXs that work towards ensuring that the VoIP solutions facilitate the business’s communication most efficiently.
On the other hand, the application, WhatsApp calls, are also based on VoIP technology but IT environment is much more limited and caller orientated. These calls are made only possible through the mobile application, which implies internet connection without requiring any unique infrastructure.
6/ Protocol Used:
Since data and therefore voice transmission occurs digitally, protocols act as the medium in this process. H. 323 and SIP are two primary protocols that VoIP predominately operates under. These protocols define how calls and multimedia communication sessions will be controlled within the IP network.
However, where WhatsApp uses its own end to end encryption with transport layer security (TLS) for the voice calls evidences that it has a good working commitment directed towards privacy and security.
Is WhatsApp is a type of VoIP Call?
Yes – in terms of definition, WhatsApp would probably class as a VoIP call. Indeed, it works through an internet connection to perform a voice or video call rather than through cellular. VoIP services are the implementation of this idea of using internet based calling services to talk to people.
Since VoIP phone systems are being used for business purposes, WhatsApp can be utilized significantly to establish relationships with people. It helps the users to have certain phone systems at their disposal at any place they prefer using the internet connection. That means you can receive & make WhatsApp calls from your smartphone or an iPad too. It also means that one can go for a journey or even relocating from one place to another but all the friends and the family members are easily accessible I have learned.
Final Thoughts:
WhatsApp undoubtedly employs VoIP technology for the calling features. Thus, it has its benefits that include factors such as cost relevance, simplicity, and accessibility, which makes it to be the choice of many. VoIP technology has done a significant change in communication through adoption of internet, similarly WhatsApp has incorporated it to provide efficient calling. In terms of features, the VoIP integration assists the users to eliminate the reliance on regular cellular networks to make costly international or more extended calls.
In conclusion, WhatsApp’s utilization of VoIP technology shows how digital communication technology can revolutionize interpersonal communication. As a messaging or a call app or even as a tool for communication in everyday life and business, WhatsApp is flexible and constantly developing due to technological progression.
FAQS
Unfortunately, WhatsApp actually does not have this option of call-recording right within the app’s interface. To achieve this, the users require third-party apps, all the while observing the privacy laws regarding privacy.
The WhatsApp calls are secure since they are encrypted end to end which means only the users of the call are the only people who can access the content of the call.
While voice calls are said to consume very minimal amounts of data, video calls can be a bit heavier. Telecommunications depend on the length of a call and, correspondingly, the use of data.
Indeed, a surprising number of companies run their communications through WhatsApp for voice or video calls because of its convenience and omnipresence.
Make sure the Internet connection is stable, prefer using Wi-Fi, avoid other apps while using WhatsApp and ensure the app’s version is updated.
Indeed, WhatsApp relies on the use of internet connection to provide voip service where one is able to calls people all over the world through data as opposed to needing physical networks. Primarily, it serves as an inexpensive and readily available mode of communication in most parts of the world today.
Yes, it is possible to use a VoIP number for creating WhatsApp account, or for registering and using the application. This would essentially involve obtaining a virtual number from the VoIP service provider and using the obtained number for the WhatsApp verification and activation following which the various features such as messaging, voice calls, and video calls can be used.
