If you are using a VoIP system for your phones, you probably know that your call quality and how many lines you can have varies by your overall internet bandwidth. You can speed test mobile capabilities to see how much your system can handle with our VoIP Test for Quality for free.
The test is really simple, takes just a few minutes at the most (assuming you have a relatively decent connection), and will give you all the information you need to see where you stand with internet connectivity. So, what will you learn when you take this mobile speed test?
Bandwidth is the rate that your connection can transfer data both to and from the internet. These are called your upload and download speeds.
Since the upload speed is usually the lower of the two (it takes more to send data to the internet than it takes to get data from the internet), your overall VoIP capabilities are primarily limited by this number the most. It’s also the main number most providers refer to when determining your bandwidth. However, it’s possible that the lower number could be your download speed, in which case this number would then be used in determining your overall bandwidth.
The better your upload bandwidth is, the more VoIP lines can be supported. A typical VoIP phone call runs about 100 Kilobits per second (Kbps) upload and download. As an example, a bandwidth with 10 Megabits per second (Mbps) upload capability will support up to 100 lines, while a lower bandwidth of 500 Kbps supports only up to 5 lines.
However, you also have to take into account your other bandwidth needs aside from the phone system. You have to consider your email, use of the internet, any software that might use bandwidth, and other systems. This could reduce the overall line capacity for a 10 Mbps bandwidth to 20 down from 100 lines.
A good business VoIP provider will make sure your recommended number of lines takes your total bandwidth use into account when designing your system. This means looking at your mobile speed test at different times throughout the day.
Peak use times may reduce your bandwidth capability considerably so it’s important to check the speed at all times (for instance, end of month versus beginning of the month). It’s also important to check the speed test when everything is in use that could theoretically be in use during a typical business day. This means having all of your tabs open, software running, email being processed, and other internet functions going while the test is run.
Latency or ping time measures how long it takes information to be sent to the intended recipient. The data is quickly encoded but there could be a delay sending it to the destination network. This would result in a phone conversation where the timing isn’t quite right. You might talk over each other or feel a slight delay when waiting for responses, similar to when news reporters patch in to the networks from very rural, distant locations. We want the latency to be below 100 ms, but you probably wouldn’t notice a delay under 250 ms.
When data packets don’t reach to their destination, this is referred to as “packet loss.” Usually, it’s because a network is overused and can’t support all of the data you are trying to move. Packet loss on a VoIP call would come across as a choppy connection or your caller gets cut off and on.
Our mobile speed test tells you exactly what you need to use VoIP. If you receive an excellent speed test result, we’ll let you know “The quality of your connection looks great and is ready to run multiple high-bandwidth applications, high-quality video streaming, and VoIP. Contact Fusion to learn about Fusion VoIP and Managed Network & Security services for your business.” If your speed test is lower, we can make recommendations to get your capacity where it needs to be to take advantage of the savings VoIP can offer.
Your VoIP service provider can also affect the results of your internet speed test. This is because some providers have different ways of handling your calls or how they encode signals from voice to data and data to voice. If you work with a provider that has multiple data centers, they will be able to manage your volume better than a provider that only works with one data center. This means more reliable service and less potential for outages.
Bandwidth is just one important consideration when determining your VoIP capabilities. Be sure to use a mobile speed test that measures a variety of metrics that can tell you not only the speed, but also the quality - the reliability and accuracy that your system is likely to experience.
Not having a system that delivers on the promises of your business can mean lost customers and lost revenue. Take the time to learn more about business communication solutions and VoIP solutions from a leading service provider that can give you the flexibility you need to manage all of your communications successfully.