WHAT IS VOIP CABLING AND HOW CAN IT BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS?

What is VoIP and why is it becoming so popular with businesses? Let’s look at the advantages that make it so attractive.

The Voice Over Internet Protocol, commonly known as VoIP, is a technology that delivers phone service over the same data network as your internet service or local area network. Instead of needing one network to connect your computers to each other and the internet, and a completely separate network for your phone system, VoIP allows you to use the same network for your phones and eliminates the need for a dedicated phone network/wiring.

VoIP can work with traditional analog phone systems using an analog terminal adapter (ATA) but you get the most value out of this technology by using IP phones designed to connect directly to your data network. We use the term VoIP cabling to refer to data cabling that is used primarily to connect IP phones to your network.

VoIP cabling offers several advantages over traditional landline phones. The biggest is the potential cost savings. Because it uses the same network as data transfer, you won’t need to install separate phone cabling. One network will handle both services using the same type of cables.

If you aren’t currently utilizing all your network capacity, adding VoIP may not incur any more cost at all. And if there are extra costs, they’ll be lower than traditional phone systems, particularly with hosted phone systems where you don’t need to pay for a phone system yet can use all the features they offer.

Better Functionality

VoIP phones are portable – the number “belongs” to you and is linked to your IP phone or a hosted phone system, not the jack it’s plugged into. This means you can usually move the phone to a different spot in your office or even a remote location and once it’s connected to the network and internet, it will receive calls coming through the same number. You can even tie it to a smartphone so calls get routed there automatically. If your business is moving to a new location, having a VoIP system can save you a lot of headaches and means you can keep your phone number no matter where you are moving.

Some VoIP phones also support conferencing, letting your staff attend meetings and other events remotely by calling in a conference bridge and sharing the same call. This can also tie into the cost savings, avoiding travel costs.

A single number can also ring on several VoIP devices as well. This reduces the number of missed calls since your staff can be reached in more than one location by using a single phone number.

VoIP is More Secure

Because VoIP uses existing data networks, it can take advantage of the same level of encryption as data transfers and offer a more secure means of communication. This isn’t possible on traditional landlines.

For example, if someone gains the necessary access to traditional landlines, they’re able to intercept any calls made through those lines whereas the same feat would be almost impossible with an encrypted VoIP call even if somehow the attacker could gain access to the VoIP cabling.

Automation Possibilities

Because VoIP calls operate through data networks and can run through a computer system (hosted PBX), it’s easier to build in automation functions. Automation is possible with traditional landlines but is labor-intensive, not as flexible and is dependent on prohibitively expensive on-premise phone systems. VoIP phone systems come in different flavors and it is vital to learn more about them before you commit capital to a solution in order to avoid costly mistakes.

Automation lets you create self-service options for your callers or automated after-hours support. The flexibility of VoIP lets you create much more user-friendly systems than traditional landlines can offer.

What are the requirements in the way of infrastructure for VoIP cabling? It partly depends on the physical size of your network. There are two types of cabling to consider – Category 5e and Category 6.

Cat 5e cabling supports up to 1Gb/s at 100MHz while Cat 6 supports up to 10 Gb at 250MHz. This means Cat 6 will support longer cable runs than Cat 5e, giving you more flexibility, less interference, a higher throughput of voice and data.

If you’re looking at upgrading your existing network or installing new voice & data network cabling, Network Cabling Montreal can help. We have the experience and expertise to complete any cabling job, large or small. Contact us today for a free quote.