10 Proven VoIP Call Quality Optimisation Tips for Crystal Clear Communication

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17 December 2024

Hollie Agombar

VoIP technology is essential for business communication, offering flexibility and cost savings. However, maintaining clear call quality can be challenging. This blog provides practical strategies for VoIP call quality optimisation tips and addresses common issues.

What is VoIP?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology that enables voice calls over the Internet instead of traditional phone lines. It converts audio into digital signals, offering businesses a flexible, cost-effective, and scalable communication solution. It has been found that a staggering 70% of businesses have already integrated VoIP into their communication strategies, meaning that having it optimised is key if your business uses this as its primary phone system.

What Affects VoIP Call Quality?

Several technical and environmental factors can influence the clarity and reliability of VoIP calls. Understanding these factors is essential for maintaining high-quality communication:

Bandwidth Availability

VoIP calls require a stable and adequate internet connection. Insufficient bandwidth can cause delays, choppy audio, or call drops, especially during peak usage times or when multiple devices share the same network. For high-quality calls, ensure your connection meets the bandwidth requirements of your VoIP system.

Network Congestion

When too many devices or applications are competing for bandwidth, your network can become congested. Activities like large file downloads, video streaming, or heavy application usage can interfere with VoIP traffic, leading to poor call quality or interruptions.

Hardware Issues

Outdated or low-quality hardware, such as routers, headsets, or VoIP phones, can negatively affect call quality. For instance, a poorly functioning headset may produce muffled or static-filled audio, while an old router might struggle to handle modern VoIP traffic efficiently.

Jitter and Latency

A jitter occurs when data packets arrive at irregular intervals instead of in a smooth stream, causing audio distortion. Latency, or delay in packet transmission, can result in frustrating gaps in conversation. Ideally, jitter should be below 30 milliseconds, and latency should stay under 150 milliseconds for smooth communication.

Packet Loss

VoIP relies on data packets being transmitted and received accurately. If packets are lost in transmission due to network issues or insufficient bandwidth, it can create gaps in audio, making conversations hard to follow. A packet loss rate below 1% is generally acceptable for VoIP.

By addressing these factors proactively, businesses can ensure consistent and professional-quality VoIP calls.

10 VoIP Call Quality Optimisation Tips

Achieving high-quality VoIP calls requires a combination of the right tools, proper network management, proactive maintenance and a lot of troubleshooting. Here are ten proven strategies and best practices to ensure clear and uninterrupted communication:

Upgrade Your Internet Connection

Business-grade broadband or dedicated fibre connections can significantly reduce latency and dropouts and reduce VoIP call quality issues. For optimal performance, ensure you have a minimum upload and download speed of 100 kbps per VoIP line.

Prioritise VoIP Traffic with QoS

Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router allow you to prioritise VoIP traffic over other network activities. By giving voice data priority, you can minimise interruptions caused by bandwidth heavy tasks like file downloads or video streaming.

Use High-Quality Hardware

Invest in professional grade routers, headsets, and VoIP phones designed for business use to improve call performance. Look for noise cancelling features in headsets and ensure your router supports VoIP optimisations to improve sound quality.

Minimise Network Congestion

Encourage employees to avoid high-bandwidth activities during business hours, such as streaming videos or large file transfers. Alternatively, consider implementing a separate network for Voice traffic.

Regularly Update Firmware and Software

Ensure all VoIP hardware and software are updated to the latest versions to have the best call experience possible. Updates often include bug fixes and enhancements that improve call quality and security so yuo can retain a reliable phone system/

Monitor Jitter and Latency

Use tools to measure jitter and latency on your network to create a seamless VoIP. Ideally, jitter should remain below 30 milliseconds, and latency should not exceed 150 milliseconds for optimal call clarity.

Utilise Ethernet over Wi-Fi

Ethernet connections provide more stability than Wi-Fi, reducing the likelihood of dropped calls or interruptions which in turn causes quality problems. If Ethernet isn’t an option, consider investing in a high-quality Wi-Fi access point for better coverage so you don't face an unstable internet connection.

Conduct Regular Network Assessments

Periodically review your network’s performance. Identify potential bottlenecks and resolve them before they impact call quality.

Secure Your Network

Protect your VoIP system from potential security threats like SIP trunk hacking. Firewalls and encrypted data transmission protocols can safeguard sensitive communications while maintaining optimal performance.

Work with a Reliable VoIP Provider

Choose a VoIP provider known for its reliable service and robust customer support. Many providers offer Service Level Agreements (SLAs) guaranteeing high uptime and low latency.

How Silver Lining Can Help Optimise Your VoIP System

At Silver Lining, we understand that seamless communication is critical for your business success. With years of experience in delivering tailored VoIP solutions, we provide the tools, expertise, and ongoing support needed to ensure your call quality meets the highest standards. Here’s how we can help:

Customised VoIP Solutions: We work with you to design a VoIP system that fits your unique business needs, whether you’re a small office or a multi-site enterprise.
Proactive Network Optimisation: Our team ensures your network is configured to prioritise VoIP traffic through advanced QoS settings, minimising latency and packet loss for crystal-clear calls.
Business-Grade Hardware: Silver Lining provides high-quality VoIP phones, routers, and headsets designed for reliability and performance, giving your team the tools they need to communicate effectively.
24/7 Monitoring and Support: We offer round-the-clock IT support to monitor your VoIP system, resolve issues quickly, and keep your communication running smoothly.
Scalable and Secure Systems: As your business grows, our scalable solutions adapt to your needs while maintaining top-tier security through encryption protocols and firewalls.
Reliable VoIP Providers: Silver Lining partners with leading VoIP providers, ensuring high uptime and consistent call quality backed by SLAs.

Whether you’re looking to install a new VoIP system or enhance your existing setup, Silver Lining offers a complete service package to keep your business connected. Contact us today to learn more about our VoIP solutions!

FAQs About VoIP Call Quality Optimisation Tips

What factors influence voice quality in VoIP calls?

Voice quality in VoIP calls is influenced by factors like internet bandwidth, network congestion, hardware quality, jitter, latency, and packet loss. Ensuring sufficient bandwidth, prioritising VoIP traffic, and using reliable hardware can help maintain clear and consistent audio.

What is the best way to test VoIP call quality?

The best way to test VoIP call quality is by using network assessment tools or VoIP-specific testing software to measure metrics like jitter, latency, packet loss, and MOS (Mean Opinion Score). These tools provide insights into network performance and identify potential issues affecting call clarity.

How can I improve VoIP call quality without upgrading my internet connection?

You can improve VoIP call quality without upgrading your internet by prioritising VoIP traffic using Quality of Service (QoS) settings, minimising network congestion by limiting high-bandwidth activities, and switching to a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi. Additionally, ensure your hardware, like routers and headsets, is high-quality and up-to-date.

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