The Flawless VoIP

So many people using various VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services come to me to try and figure out how to install or troubleshoot their new service. I will get questions anywhere from how to connect their VoIP equipment to wireless routers or to their existing home wiring, or for troubleshooting tips on how to get rid of static on lines, one way audio, voice delays, etc. I’ve even seen some try to use dial-up internet rather than broadband and then wonder why their calls sound so bad or can’t connect.

People get VoIP with the expectation that their service should be flawless, and for the most part it is, but what they don’t understand is that there are so many factors involved when using this type of technology. When having a voice call problem, many people will quickly point the finger at the VoIP provider or device manufacturer and say it’s your network or device that is the cause of the problem. But is it?

The very first thing I have someone check when they can’t figure out why the Internet light or phone light on their equipment is not working is how they have their VoIP device connected in their lineup of devices. I know it probably sounds like I am being condescending, but sometimes it can be as simple as an incorrect setup. This brings to my remembrance a story about incorrect setup.

My husband, an upholstery technician, works with wood, upholstery, and leather furniture. He received a call one day from a customer who said they needed him to come out and fix a lighting problem they said they were having with their new entertainment center. When he asked them what seemed to be happening, they said that the light in the entertainment center would only turn on periodically, and they were very quick to point the finger at the furniture store that they purchased this furniture from. My husband, diligent as he is, looks everything over thoroughly before replacing a part, and with this lighting system he couldn’t see anything wrong. He thought he would check the cord running from the system to the outlet and asked the customer where they had plugged the light in. The customer said that they had it plugged into the back of their DVD player rather than the outlet in the wall. My husband turned the DVD player on and…voila, the lighting turned on at the same time. The source of the problem: incorrect setup.

Incorrect setup is only one cause of VoIP related issues, but a problem with voice quality can come from any number of sources. The best thing to do before choosing any VoIP provider is to run a battery of tests to make sure that your network is suitable for that type of service. The three most important tests are a ping test, speedtest, and MOS test. If you get good results, then it’s time to contact a good VoIP provider. When you’ve done your homework, you may very well find that you can have a flawless VoIP service.

Lisa Evanock
VoIP Administrator
http://www.mconnectinc.com/

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