Quality of Service can affect the Quality of VoIP…


Businesses that are selecting to change their communication means to Internet or VoIP phones have several important factors that they must consider prior to choosing a provider.  Here’s a little information that can make your decision process a wee bit easier.  It’s all a matter of QOS or Quality of Service!

There are basically two ways a business can receive phone calls over the Internet; the first is via a private network or VoIP provider that runs QOS software.  The second is via a public and open Internet connection.  Private VoIP providers can basically guarantee business VoIP to their customers must like your local phone company can- however, the VoIP providers are much more cost efficient than traditional land line phone service- no long distance, no technicians, no phone lines, etc…Another advantage to privately owned networking services to business VoIP customers is the QOS software.  Quality of Service Software is basically a program written that will tell the Internet servers which information has precedence over the other.  For example, phone calls should always be categorized as more important than data traveling on the same Internet connection.  After all, you can wait for an email and never know you were even waiting…but when someone calls you; waiting may mean a missed call.  This software ensures that calls are answered first – data second and this ensures everyone is happy!

If you choose to go with the public Internet option for you business VoIP needs; phone calls will not be prioritized- information will come in as it is received on the Internet Connection.  As well, you’ll find that quality phone service will be lacking; clarity will basically be out the window.  Although much cheaper- you get what you pay for with this option!  For small, large, even tiny business- the public option for business VoIP would not be a smart move.

Some Business VoIP providers run on public Internet networks, believe it or not.  So, it’s important that when you make the decision to enter into a contract with a business VoIP provider, you ask if they are networking on a private network running QOS.  Furthermore, you need to ask questions regarding their QOS management.  Factors to consider include traffic classification and scheduling as discussed above.  As well, QOS management needs to include Bandwidth or the capacity at which the provider has to transmit your information in a timely and speedy fashion. 

QOS management practices should always be put into writing for the client.  This means often asking for what is known as a guaranteed “Service Level Agreement” or SLA.  This guarantees a businesses VoIP systems up-time and also guarantees business VoIP systems availability on the actual network; as well as, performance parameters including bandwidth, delay, and lost data.  Most business VoIP providers will have some type of SLA available for their customers to review prior to signing any contracts- it’s important for businesses, even small business VoIP users to understand what they are signing and what they can expect in service- otherwise, you have wasted money instead of saved money.