The Advantages and Disadvantages of VoIP

Today more than ever, it is essential to be connected anywhere and anytime. We are living in a world that is driven by connectivity and reach. It doesn’t matter where you are, what matters is how many people you can contact, and how fast. This is one of the main reasons why VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) has become so popular in recent years.

What is VoIP?

VoIP is a technology that allows the user to remotely make phone calls by utilizing local area networks, also known as LAN, or by using an internet connection. Interestingly VoIP has been around since the 1970s, but it did not fulfill its potential until recent years.

Several factors have led to this, such as widespread internet connection reaching more places than ever before. Also, companies are leaning towards working remotely, which is an indirect result of technology like VoIP.

In simple terms, VoIP allows you to make phone calls from anywhere in the world as long as you have a reliable internet connection. It provides the ability to move around freely while always being connected.

Disadvantages of Using VoIP

Let’s list the known disadvantages of using VoIP:

• Emergency Calling
• Lagging and/or interference
• Reliable Internet Connection Needed

Emergency Calling

When placing an emergency call while using VoIP, there is no way to track where a call is coming from, since it uses an IP address. This might not seem like such a considerable disadvantage, but when placing an emergency call like a 911, which could be life or death, this could be a difference-maker.

Reliable Internet Connection

There is no way around this issue: you need a reliable internet connection to use VoIP. Now with this being said, the bandwidth required to use VoIP is quite small, but it also needs to be a steady connection.

Lagging or Interference

This issue is tied to the previous point of a reliable internet connection. When you do not have a secure internet connection or enough bandwidth, your call can seem choppy or lagging at times, which can be very frustrating during conference calls and regular calls.

Advantages of using VoIP

These are some of the known advantages of using VoIP:

• Flexibility
• Cost
• Accessibility
• Improved Voice Quality
• Multitasking

Flexibility/Accessibility

The mere fact that VoIP allows you to pack your bags and work and be connected wherever you want in the world is one of its best advantages. This is amazing as a business tool, and it can help improve efficiency and lower costs.

It is equally advantageous for personal use since you do not have to worry if you need to travel and stay communicated with your loved ones. As long as you have a steady internet connection, you are ready to go. Be connected anywhere at any time.

Costs

It substantially lowers the overhead for a business, because you no longer need to have landlines. Now with your regular internet connection, your whole team can be connected at all times. This is a direct reduction to your bottom line, and also has an indirect effect on lowering a business’s costs. Using VoIP allows its users to work remotely, as well as enjoy several add-ons that are available at no extra cost.

Voice Quality

As long as you have a reliable internet connection, the voice quality while using VoIP is crisp and clear. The quality of the voice when using VoIP can be as good or even better than traditional phone calls.

Multitasking

VoIP allows users to be in different places using the same technology while working on different things. In today’s world where we need everything instantly, VoIP enables you to address any issue without losing any time or money.

Overall Experience

Just as with any other technology or tool, there are advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately, VoIP has too many clear-cut benefits to overlook. It would be an added asset to any business, small or big, so let VoIP help you reduce cost while improving efficiency.