Having clear, reliable call quality with VoIP depends on having the right bandwidth. Too little bandwidth can cause dropped calls, delays, and poor audio, while more than enough bandwidth ensures smooth, uninterrupted communication. If you have 10 employees making simultaneous calls you need at least 1-1.25 Mbps for clear audio.
What is VoIP?
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that allows voice or video calls to be made over the Internet, rather than through a traditional landline or mobile network.
VoIP works by dividing information into small packets that are transported which then connect devices like computers and smartphones. These packets are then reassembled at the receiver’s end.
What is Bandwidth?
Bandwidth refers to how long it takes data to pass through your network. During low-traffic hours, data flows freely. Still, during peak times your connection may experience congestion, potentially impacting call quality which influences your business’s production throughout the day.
Each online activity, from web conferencing to emailing, uses data. Your devices transfer data packets across your network and bandwidth equals how many seconds it takes to send or receive data.
How Does VoIP Use Bandwidth?
VoIP uses your Internet network’s bandwidth to operate. Bandwidth determines how quickly you can send data through the Internet during a given period.
This is where VoIP comes in. VoIP systems transform audio data into codecs by compressing and decompressing it. Then, it sends it across the Internet to reach the other phone line. In order to do this, it needs a minimum amount of bandwidth from your network.
What is the Ideal Bandwidth for VoIP?
VoIP typically requires 80-100 kbps of bandwidth per concurrent call, but this can fluctuate depending on the audio codec used, desired audio quality, and other network traffic. High-quality audio codecs or video calls demand additional bandwidth.
Take a look at these bandwidth requirements and recommendations:
- If you only have one concurrent call you need a minimum bandwidth of 100 Kbps. However, the ideal bandwidth would be 3 Mbps.
- If you have three concurrent calls you need a minimum bandwidth of 300 Kbps. However, the ideal bandwidth would be 3 Mbps.
- If you have five concurrent calls you need a minimum bandwidth of 500 Kbps. However, the ideal bandwidth would be 5 Mbps.
- If you have ten concurrent calls you need a minimum bandwidth of 1 Mbps. However, the ideal bandwidth would be 5-10 Mbps.
- If you have fifteen concurrent calls you need a minimum bandwidth of 1.5 Mbps. However, the ideal bandwidth would be 10+ Mbps.
- If you have twenty concurrent calls you need a minimum bandwidth of 2 Mbps. However, the ideal bandwidth would be 10+ Mbps.
How Can I Figure Out My Bandwidth?
Figuring out exactly how much bandwidth your network allows is the first step to optimising your VoIP system. Your bandwidth depends on the following things:
- Router or modem
- Internet settings and configurations
- Internet Service Provider (ISP)
The type of service your Internet service provider provides you with is the number one factor in determining bandwidth capabilities. The best way to figure out your bandwidth is to simply call your provider and ask them. They will likely tell you that your bandwidth supports “up to” a certain amount.
You can also test your bandwidth by doing a simple test using online resources like internet speed test websites. This will tell you your upload and download speeds, as well as your functional bandwidth.
How Can I Fix Common Bandwidth Issues?
A common issue with VoIP is lagging also known as voice latency. This might be because of your bandwidth. If this happens to you, you can do the following:
Look Into Latency
Keep in mind that while some voice latency is normal for VoIP systems, too much will cause issues for your business communications. The normal amount of latency for VoIP systems is between 150-300 milliseconds. Any more than this window is considered too much.
Upgrade Your Bandwidth
It will cost a bit more, but upgrading your bandwidth is the single best way to get the bandwidth needed for VoIP. You should consider this a worthwhile investment since your Internet helps your business operate on a day-to-day basis.
Determine Your Type of Codecs
VoIP compresses and decompresses data using tools called codecs. There are a few different types of codecs, and each requires different amounts of bandwidth to operate. Your VoIP provider may use codecs that require a high amount of bandwidth.
You can always talk to your provider about what types they use and if it takes up too much bandwidth, you can consider switching providers.
Adjust Your Quality of Service Settings
Internet-based devices have built-in Quality of Service (QoS) settings through their routers. This allows you to prioritise bandwidth for some devices over others, depending on what you use regularly. If you are using your phone system regularly, you want to adjust these settings to give sufficient bandwidth to VoIP.
