How to Improve VoIP Call Quality

Performing a ping test

Though using VoIP doesn’t consume too much data, phone calls still have to go through the same cables as regular internet traffic. And if the internet connection isn’t stable enough or it is unable to handle the increased amount of data, then you could easily end up with inaudible, lagging calls.

That’s why performing a ping test to check the latency and jitter in your internet connection can be so advantageous. A service can be considered fully VoIP compatible if latency is less than 150 milliseconds, while jitter shouldn’t be any more than three seconds. Thankfully, high-speed internet services can easily handle traffic from cloud phone systems, especially if the service is provided via fiberoptic cables or the area’s net coverage is above the national average.

Saving on bandwidth

The problem with latency is that it’s something that cannot be controlled by end users and can occur at any time, even when the internet connection typically is of superb quality. VoIP providers are aware of this problem, which is why some of them provide so-called bandwidth savers to help clientele optimize the network for VoIP traffic. Unfortunately, the bandwidth saver isn’t a feature many cloud phone services provide, but it can be replaced by opting for a VPN that is capable of taking care of network latency just as effectively.

Echo cancellation

Echo is one of the most dreaded phenomena related to VoIP calls as it can easily ruin a conversation between either side of the two parties and can affect either the caller, the receiver, or both. However, unlike latency echo can be cancelled rather easily, especially if the problem is caused by the VoIP hardware. In fact, in many cases replacing the faulty device – whether that is a phone, an adapter, or a router – is often enough. However, the potential for echo can be reduced significantly by making sure that the device’s mouthpiece isn’t too close to the earpiece.

There are two things to consider, though. The first is that echo can also be the result of high internet latency, which can only be solved with those bandwidth saving tools. The other is that if echo isn’t experienced by yourself but instead by the other participant of the call, then that doesn’t necessarily mean the malfunction is on your side.

Quality phones and equipment

Aside from a strong internet connection, the most important aspect of improving the quality of VoIP calls is to be able to fully suppress any unwanted noise coming from the surrounding environment. Avoiding conducting the entire conversation via speakers is a good start, but it’s far from enough; you’ll also need the right equipment in the form of quality desk phones and headsets. Thankfully, not only are there a wide variety of business-grade IP desk phones and comfortable headsets with microphones, but these devices come with echo cancellation and noise suppression features, too.

With cordless phones, however, the situation is a bit more complicated as they are vulnerable to interference from other devices. However, this can easily be dealt with by opting for a DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Communications) handset. To make things better, certain cordless phone models like the AT&T TL88102 – and the complementary TL88002 – are equipped with DECT technology and audio jacks, meaning that you can enjoy the freedom of cord-free calls with the noise cancellation benefits of a headset.