In today’s world, it is easy to see the growth of VoIP technology in conference phones. With Voice Over IP communication, the ability to have a conversation with anyone is now possible with an internet connection. This also means that the ability to move around your environment without cords is incredibly easy. With voice over IP connection, you can opt for a more genuine service with more affordability.
Traditional method
Circuit Switching
In the past conference phones used traditional methods for audio conferencing. Today, audio conferences with Voice over IP (VoIP) operates similarly to the traditional conference ones when using an analogue phone.
The most important difference lies in the way the transfer of data across two different points is done. The traditional telephone uses circuit switching which directs calls through connected switches until the call reaches the conference bridge. In this case, the conference bridge acts as a connecting unit for the calls. Calls within the same building will be directed to the bridge through the (PBX).
VoIP method
Packet Switching
In contrast to the above, VoIP networks use a technique known as ‘Packet switching’ technique, that allows for a brief connection to be able to transmit a smaller amount of data (packet) from one system to another.
The above sections answered questions regarding the core differences between traditional and VoIP technologies. However, there are still areas to take in consideration. The differences between the two methods are:
Registration rewiring
Since VoIP calls work via the internet, the fact that if your office is already wired for Ethernet you will not need to invest in any copper wiring for your business phones. Therefore, in order to initiate calls, you will require to register VoIP to an account. This process can take up to 30 minutes and you will be set and ready to go.
General appearance
Although on the exterior there may be many similarities between VoIP and desk phones, we might need to take a look at the differences between these two. VoIP phones will use the same keypad as a landline phone, with nine numbers including zero as well as corresponding letters. In general, VoIP phones come with the ability to offer an audio quality of 3.4 kHz and the spread of 7 kHz. Landlines are able to manage multiple calls.
The Verdict
The principal reasons why you should consider using VoIP phones instead of more traditional options when initiating a conference call.
Cost-effective
Using traditional phones each minute can cost money and calling international can seriously increase this as well, while when using VoIP you have the ability to depend upon the internet for payment costs. This guarantees that the cost will decrease, despite the length of the call. Overall we can see that it will save you a lot of money.
For more than two people
The ability of the VoIP phone to allow a conversation of more than two people is a benefit to consider. Phone lines can only accommodate 2 speakers at once, while VoIP phones will maximise your reach for real-time conferences with several people.