
Have you ever tried to make an important business call, only to be interrupted by crackling audio or dropped connections? It’s frustrating, right? Plus, these issues can negatively impact productivity and client relationships. VoIP call quality issues, such as delayed audio and static, can affect exchanges and hinder decision-making. The good news is these issues are entirely fixable. This post will guide you through the common causes and solutions for clearer, more reliable VoIP calls.
These solutions will make your calls clearer and more reliable, so you can communicate better with clients and team members.
Several factors can impact the quality of your VoIP calls. Here are the most common reasons your calls may not be as clear as you’d like.
Insufficient bandwidth can cause poor VoIP call quality, leading to delays or dropped calls. The UK Government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy emphasises the need for reliable connections. It’s vital to ensure your network can handle VoIP in environments with high device usage. Calls should function without interference from other activities, such as streaming or downloads.
Latency refers to the delay in transmitting data across a network. High latency can cause awkward pauses or overlapping conversations, making communication difficult. For clear communication, ensure your network connection has low latency. This is particularly important if you are calling international clients. A stable, reliable connection is key to reducing delays.
Jitter occurs when data packets arrive at different times. This inconsistency can create choppy audio, making it difficult to understand what is being said. Network congestion or improperly configured systems often cause jitter. Focusing on VoIP traffic and optimising your network setup can help reduce jitter. This leads to clearer and smoother conversations.
Packet loss happens when voice data is lost during transmission. This leads to garbled audio or missing parts of a conversation. Similar to jitter, packet loss is often caused by network congestion or poor-quality connections. Ensuring your network is optimised and free from interference can help prevent this issue.
The quality of your equipment plays a major role in ensuring clear VoIP calls. Old or incompatible headsets, phones, and routers can result in poor audio quality or even disconnections. When you invest in business-grade equipment for VoIP systems, you can lower technical issues and boost call clarity.
Fixing VoIP call quality issues doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right approach, most problems can be resolved quickly and effectively. Winkworth Estate Agents adopted a new VoIP phone system. This upgrade resulted in improved call quality and enhanced communication. Now, their interactions with clients are clearer and more dependable.
Here are some practical steps to optimise your system and improve call quality:
Ensure your network has sufficient bandwidth for VoIP traffic and other tasks. Set up Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritise VoIP calls, even during peak usage. The UK Government’s Digital Strategy highlights that network optimisation is crucial for businesses.
Investing in quality equipment is essential for reliable VoIP performance. Business-grade VoIP phones, headsets, and routers offer features like noise-cancelling and HD audio. These features boost call clarity. Upgrading old devices or those that are incompatible with VoIP can resolve many call quality issues.
These include:
If your network consistently struggles with bandwidth, consider upgrading your connection. Switching to a dedicated leased line or full-fibre broadband provides your VoIP calls with a stable bandwidth. This upgrade prevents call interruptions and offers businesses far more reliable connections. For more information on broadband solutions, explore our business broadband page.
While Wi-Fi can be convenient, it’s not ideal for VoIP calls, as it’s prone to interference and fluctuating signal strength. Whenever possible, connect your VoIP phones and computers to the network using Ethernet cables. A wired connection provides a more stable, consistent signal. This reduces the likelihood of packet loss and network congestion.
Regularly testing your VoIP call quality can help you identify issues early. Utilise tools that measure latency, jitter, and packet loss to ensure your system operates smoothly. Keeping an eye on your system’s performance allows you to address issues before they disrupt your communication. This way, you can always ensure everything runs at its best.
Poor VoIP call quality can hurt your business. It can damage client relationships and make team communication harder. Whether it’s bandwidth issues, network congestion, or outdated hardware, these problems are fixable. With the proper steps, you can ensure clearer, more reliable communication. So why not start with the steps outlined in this blog?
Town & Country’s words of wisdom will help you optimise your VoIP setup and ensure your business communication is seamless and professional. Otherwise, are you ready to improve your VoIP system?
Call 01202 514444 or contact us for expert guidance and a complimentary consultation.