Two technologies are primarily available in the market for business telephony. One is the traditional landline, and the other one is VoIP. The choice between these two largely depends on business needs.
Nevertheless, there are three key factors to consider when choosing any system for your business – Cost, Infrastructure, and Reliability.
That being said, it can still be a challenging task to choose the right technology.
Don’t worry. We are here to help you out.
What is VoIP?
Abbreviated for Voice over Internet Protocol, the tech uses an internet connection to make voice calls. It is also sometimes known as internet calling or IP telephony.
There are various delivery methods used in VoIP connections. For example, some enterprise voip providers use traditional landline phones while some prefer VoIP-enabled phones. The other delivery methods include computer and mobile-based software solutions.
How does VoIP Transmission Work?
To put it simply, the VoIP breaks up the conventional analog signals into digital packets. These packets are then sent over the internet to the receiver.
Internet Calling Using Traditional Landline Phones
In earlier days of the internet, this used to be one of the most common methods of making internet calls, and it is still in use. A standard phone is connected to an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter) device, which converts the analog signals from the traditional telephone to digital signals. These digital signals are then conveyed over the internet.
VoIP Calling Over A Computer Device
One of the more convenient options for making internet calls is with the help of computer applications. Programs like Skype, Facetime, and Google Voice are some of the most common examples of such tools.
Through Smartphone Applications
Quite similar to how computer programs work, smartphones can also be used for VoIP calls. Many of the programs available for computers are also available on smartphone platforms, including Skype, Google Meets, Hangouts, Google Voice, etc.
Over A Dedicated VoIP-Enabled Device
The most uncommon of all is using dedicated VoIP-enabled devices. These certainly look the same as traditional phones. However, instead of using telephony networks, these devices can be directly connected to the internet.
It is worth mentioning that VoIP-enabled devices offer the most reliable connection quality compared to all the other technologies.
VoIP vs. Landline
Landline networks, since their invention in 1876, have largely remained unchanged. The technology uses physical switch boxes and a series of relay signals to transmit information. One key thing to note about landlines is that they use copper wires (recently replaced with optical fibre) to make fast and reliable communications. However, the use of physical components increases the cost of maintenance. This reason alone makes it a lowly competitor for VoIP telephony.
On the other hand, VoIP networks do not require any physical setup. You can also use a simple handheld mobile phone to make internet calls. And as mentioned several times, all that’s needed is a good internet connection. It also means that if there is any disturbance in your internet connection, you might not be able to make VoIP calls.
Nonetheless, when you’re choosing between VoIP and Landline, there are some key factors that you should consider.
Infrastructure Needs
The first thing you need to consider is the infrastructure needs. For instance, if you already own several landline phones, switching over to VoIP technology might not require you to replace the entire system. Or, if you have a good internet connection, you can use any of the alternatives to using a VoIP network.
Cost
When determining the right telephony solution for your business, the cost plays the most vital role. Going through voip reviews can enable you to compare different plans available to you subjectively. Apart from this, you would also need to consider the recurring costs and features you add to your plan.
Scaling And Maintenance
It is noteworthy that analog systems are neither easy to upgrade nor offer many scalability options. On the other hand, a digital strategy is easy to upgrade as well as maintain. If you own a rapidly growing company, internet calling might be the right solution when it comes to scaling up your communication systems.
Summing It Up
Landlines, as well as VoIP systems, have their own pros and cons. It solely depends on your company’s requirements which method would meet your needs the best. While landlines are traditionally reliable, VoIP systems are more advanced and technically backed.
Nonetheless, by now, you would have a ballpark idea of both the technologies and the differences between them. And hopefully, it should ease your decision and help you choose the best plan for your business.
