Phone:
VoIP call quality depends on your internet connection and network configuration. Use this self-assessment checklist to evaluate your readiness before switching providers.
Each concurrent VoIP call requires approximately 100 Kbps of dedicated bandwidth (upload and download). Use this table to estimate your needs.
| Concurrent Calls | Bandwidth Needed | Recommended Internet | Monthly Cost (VoipPlus) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 calls | 200 Kbps | Any broadband (5+ Mbps) | $20-40/mo |
| 3-5 calls | 500 Kbps | 10+ Mbps cable/fiber | $60-100/mo |
| 6-10 calls | 1 Mbps | 25+ Mbps business internet | $120-200/mo |
| 11-23 calls | 2.5 Mbps | 50+ Mbps fiber | $220-460/mo |
| 23 calls (PRI equivalent) | 2.5 Mbps | 50+ Mbps fiber recommended | $368/mo |
* Bandwidth requirements assume G.711 codec. Actual usage may vary. Upload speed is equally important as download for VoIP.
Review each item below. If you can check most boxes, your office is likely ready for VoIP.
These common problems can cause choppy audio, dropped calls, or one-way audio on VoIP systems.
If your internet is saturated by file downloads, video streaming, or cloud backups, voice quality suffers. Solution: QoS settings to prioritize voice traffic.
Jitter is variation in packet arrival times. It causes choppy or robotic audio. Common with overloaded networks or poor-quality ISP connections.
Lost packets cause audio dropouts—words or syllables disappear. Usually caused by network congestion, bad cables, or failing network equipment.
Many routers have SIP ALG (Application Layer Gateway) enabled by default. This "feature" often breaks VoIP. Disable it in your router settings.
Firewalls may block SIP signaling or RTP media streams. This causes one-way audio or calls that won't connect. Ensure proper ports are open.
10/100 Mbps switches, old routers, or damaged cables can bottleneck your network. Gigabit equipment is inexpensive and essential for VoIP.
Most Chicago business internet providers work well with VoIP. Here's what we commonly see.
| Provider | Technology | VoIP Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comcast Business | Cable/Fiber | Excellent | Most common in Chicagoland. Request static IP. |
| AT&T Business Fiber | Fiber | Excellent | Symmetric speeds ideal for VoIP. |
| AT&T U-verse | DSL/Fiber | Good | Check upload speed. May need QoS. |
| RCN Business | Cable/Fiber | Excellent | Available in Chicago and north suburbs. |
| WOW! Business | Cable | Excellent | Available in select suburbs. |
VoipPlus works with any internet provider. We can help assess your specific connection during a free consultation.
Most Chicago business internet connections work fine for VoIP. You need roughly 100 Kbps per concurrent call. A 10 Mbps connection can easily handle 10+ simultaneous calls with bandwidth to spare.
A dedicated line isn't required for most small businesses. QoS (Quality of Service) settings on your router can prioritize voice traffic over data. Larger offices (20+ concurrent calls) may benefit from a separate connection.
VoIP phones need power and internet to work. For continuity, use a UPS (battery backup) on your router, switch, and phones. Call forwarding to cell phones provides backup during extended outages.
CAT5 cabling works for VoIP, though CAT5e or CAT6 is preferred. If you have very old CAT3 cabling (common in older Chicago buildings), you may need to upgrade the runs to phone locations.
Yes. VoipPlus can provide test phones and accounts to evaluate call quality on your network before you commit. We want you confident the system will work before porting numbers.
We troubleshoot issues during the trial period. Most problems are easily fixed (router settings, QoS, firewall rules). If we can't resolve quality issues, you're not locked into a contract.
Our team can evaluate your network remotely or on-site to confirm VoIP readiness.
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