4 Different Types of VoIP Technology: Which One Should You Buy?

1. 4 Different Types of VoIP Technology: Which One Should You Buy? VoIP phone systems are used to provide voice services. These instruments are able to do so by sending communications as data packets over the internet. Yet, there are several ways through which this process can be managed. This guide introduces and explains the different types of VoIP technologyand why a business needs to understand these different types of technology. VoIP phone calls are made over the internet as opposed to traditional phones. VoIP phone systems enable the voice signal to be transmitted digitally due to which the call quality is enhanced. Some VoIP solutions are computer-to-computer, while others allow calling any number, local, long-distance, or international via computers, special VoIP phones, or traditional phones that use a VoIP adapter. Having addressed the various VoIP solutions, there are four main types of VoIP technology available in the market. And, each option has varying levels of complexity that can impact the ease of implementation and maintenance. Let’s dig in and study each one carefully. 1.Integrated Access Device (IAD) An IAD is a customer premise device that is used to provide access to wide area networks and the internet. Specifically, it aggregates multiple channels of information and data across a single shared access link to a carrier or service provider. IAD provides FXS ports for connecting to analog phones and FXO ports for connecting to PSTN exchanges. It is also known as a voice gateway, access gateway, FXS/FXO gateway. With IAD, businesses integrate VoIP software and existing legacy phone systems. This service lets the business keep its old telephone number and equipment while gaining access to advanced telecommunication features of a VoIP Phone system.

2. 2.SIP Trunks Session Initial Protocol (SIP) transmits the voice and video information across a data network that allows VoIP users to take advantage of shared lines and increase their flexibility of communication. Because all data is sent over a network, businesses can use SIP trunks to replace conventional analogue phone networks and use a VoIP phone system to integrate SIP trunking with legacy phone systems. SIP trunks are flexible and work well with cloud technology. These are easy to integrate with PBX (Private Branch Exchange) telephone systems and can also lead to substantial cost savings because the businesses have to pay only for the minutes consumed. SIP trunks also reduces the need for hardware and physical phone lines. 3.Hosted IP PBX Hosted Private Branch Exchange (Hosted PBX) is a telephone exchange system that is built, delivered, and managed by a third-party service provider. Hosted PBX is an IP based telephony solution accessed entirely through the internet. It enables businesses to connect to a hosted cloud-based PBX network via its IP network.VoIP phone system hardware is maintained off-site by the hosted IP PBX vendor and all responsibility falls on the hosted PBX service provider. This helps reduce the maintenance and training requirements that businesses take on internally as well as decreases the initial investment into VoIP phone system hardware and setup. Typically, this VoIP solution offers small to medium-sized businesses access to a user- friendly control panel through which they can manage and monitor their phone systems while accessing features like on-hold music, call queuing, auto attendants, and much more. 4.Managed IP PBX Similar to Hosted Private Branch Exchange, this version of the unified communication solution is provisioned and managed by a third party that takes care of all management requirements. The only difference is, instead of phone hardware being off-site, the equipment is positioned on-premises by the business. The manager or service provider of IP PBX typically charges a flat fee based on the number of phone lines. The service provider is also responsible for installing any needed equipment, configuration, set-up, update, and upgrade of technology of the VoIP phone system. Which is The Right VoIP Technology for Your Business? Understanding these differentVoIP services helps a business determine which system best suits their needs. A SIP trunk, for instance, is more suited for those who want to install their own technology and manage it themselves, while still connecting to VoIP advantages. On the other hand, a managed IP PBX is a good option for those who don't have the resources to buy and operate their own VoIP phone systems. Furthermore, the Hosted Ip PBX solutions allows businesses to select both the hardware and the software that works for them and liberates them from the cost and administrative headache of maintaining both voice and data lines.

3. Ready to get started? Choose and evaluate which VoIP service suits your needs and find out more about how VoIP systems are an ideal replacement for traditional PBX systems, are packed with features, and are not tied to an internet service provider with proprietary equipment.