VoIP Phone Setup A Step-By-Step Guide For Small Businesses

VoIP phone systems offer several advantages for small businesses, including cost efficiency, call quality, accessibility, and productivity. To get started, assess your communication needs and learn about the different types of VoIP systems.

Number porting enables you to preserve your business number when changing service providers. Before asking for the transfer, there are a few things to remember, which a comprehensive VoIP phones resource from Ooma will assist you in understanding.

Identify Your Communication Needs

Existing phones can be used by connecting them to adapters, or VoIP devices that use Wi-Fi to connect to the Internet can take their place. Most VoIP service providers sell compatible gear, and most installations only need connecting an ethernet wire. VoIP devices like RingCentral phones support power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, allowing them to be powered through an Ethernet connection.

Identifying your communication needs before deciding on a VoIP provider is important. You’ll want to consider the number of anticipated call minutes and how much data each minute of talk consumes. Also, ensure you have a reliable internet connection; this should be wired to avoid slow or unstable connections.

Test Your Internet Connection

Because VoIP phone systems run over the Internet, their quality depends on your network’s speed and reliability. A bad connection will result in call delays, jitter, and other issues that impact your business productivity.

A simple speed test is the first step to determining how well your current network works. It can also help you determine the bandwidth requirements for your upcoming VoIP deployment.

Your Internet connection can be tested by launching an online speed test or by connecting a wired device to your router and trying to load a web page. It is generally recommended that you use a wired connection over a wireless one, as these are more stable and less likely to be affected by other devices on your network.

Connect Your Phones

VoIP service requires specialized hardware to work properly. Most vendors will supply you with an ATA device that can be connected to your router via a wired ethernet connection. Most home VoIP users will also need a new phone. Luckily, most smartphones are compatible with VoIP and can be used as replacements for traditional landlines.

VoIP mobile phones are often more affordable and easier to use than their traditional counterparts. They also offer greater flexibility and support mobile working. They may include features such as group SMS broadcasting and integration with CRM, help desk, or project management software.

When choosing a VoIP mobile phone, consider the cost, functionality, and customer support. Ensure that the vendor has a clear refund policy and offers subscription plans that allow you to upgrade as your business grows.

Port Your Numbers

When you’re happy with the VoIP system and ready to switch, inform your new provider and ask about number porting. They should be able to give you an estimate for when your number will be ported over. Toll-free numbers may take longer to port over.

Test your VoIP phone setup once your devices are synced by picking up the handset and listening for a dial tone. If you hear one, your business is ready to switch to a smarter, cheaper solution.

Luckily, top VoIP vendors have made the process as easy as possible. Most offer a “get started” user guide or customer support hub with helpful articles and tools.

Test Your Network Strength

The quality of VoIP calls depends on the strength of your local network. As such, it’s important to test your network and make sure it can handle the call traffic before you switch over.

In most cases, this is as easy as plugging in your hardware. Most VoIP phone hardware supports power over ethernet (PoE), meaning you can connect your IP phones to the router directly using a single Ethernet cable.

You’ll need a device that supports PoE, such as an IP desk phone or an ATA with pre-configured VoIP settings. Once you have the equipment, follow your provider’s instructions to complete the setup process. Then, you’re ready to start making and receiving calls!