Are you tired of your traditional phone system’s clogged lines and poor connection? A new, internet-based phone management system might be the improvement you need! Voice over Internet protocol, or VoIP for short, is a method of routing telephone network calls through your internet connection to provide a more consistent connection and improved quality to your customers’ calls.
Suppose you want a private telephone network, toll-free phone numbers, video conferencing, or other benefits that traditional phone systems can’t provide. In that case, an experienced VoIP service provider like us can provide you with all the solutions you need. So call us if you are a small business in the Scranton or Wilkes-Barre, PA, area to get started. However, before you start the process of setting up VoIP telephone systems, you should consider some of the below questions.
1. What Do You Need in a VoIP System?
One of the most important things to consider before you start a new venture or investment is simply asking what you want to get out of it. Many things might interest a business in VoIP systems:
- Reliable connection without a landline
- A single number for multiple locations
- A system that can grow with your business
- Features beyond basic phones, such as call queuing and voice forwarding
List out all of the needs and wants that you can think of that a phone system like this one might present to your business phone system. With an Ethernet cable and a top VoIP software provider, you can completely revolutionize your calling system for better client and employee experiences!
2. Can You Separate Voice and Data Traffic?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) connections utilize your Internet connection to funnel voice calls from cell phones to your computer. This process has dozens of benefits for your business but poses many risks. If you don’t separate your voice data from other data traffic, your phone calls can be at greater risk of being hacked into or exploited.
The most common method of doing this is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking, which creates virtual phone lines that are more secure and separate your VoIP calls from your data lines. Another option is a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN), which isolates traffic between devices for a secure connection. Ask your VoIP phone system provider if these methods of separating your VoIP phone line are appropriate to your situation.
3. How Strong Is Your Password Management?
Your third consideration should be the security fundamentals of passwords. Strong password management should be the first step in any security system. You might assume your business passwords are protected, but now is the perfect time to reassess your cybersecurity tools and password management techniques.
Investing in a vital password management tool will ensure that your employees won’t use bad password management techniques like sticky notes around their desktops or weaker but easier-to-remember passwords. Weak passwords are major security weaknesses that can quickly lead to damage.
4. Are You Aware of Your Security Flaws?
There are many simple tools and access methods that are convenient but also risky. For instance, port forwarding is a remote access method that allows remote workers to access your VoIP phone system from afar. However, this can also pose a risk if not well secured because it creates an opening in the firewall.
It’s best to utilize a VPN so that you and your employees can enjoy a safer, more secure connection. These kinds of conveniences and drawbacks are a constant back-and-forth in security. The most secure system in the world wouldn’t be very accessible. When setting up VoIP systems, you should discuss your security needs with your provider.
5. How Strong is Your Firewall?
Firewalls are another foundational tool in your VoIP phone’s security. VoIP phones and phone systems often come with pre-configured firewall rules and tools. However, these rules can be updated to be more appropriate to your needs. You can allow in or filter out specific threatening addresses and sources.
Using the same system, you can also block unauthorized web access or whitelist certain trusted users. You can even set up trusted hosts and sources so that anyone connecting via specific platforms can reliably connect to your network. This feature allows you to enact tighter controls over who is using your VoIP system.
6. Can You Stay Up to Date?
Are you prepared to make the necessary updates throughout the lifetime of your VoIP system? Regular updates are critical to staying ahead of hackers, competitors, and criminal actors. But staying up to date means more than just pressing a ‘confirm’ button once a month. It requires consistent management and focus.
Staying up to date on VoIP system security means regularly researching the latest in VoIP hardware, services, software, and attacks. Maintaining a VoIP server requires constant vigilance, which can often be too much bandwidth for small businesses. But when you work with us for VoIP services, we can handle these updates for you.
7. What Is Your Budget?
Lastly, but most importantly, you should consider your budget. The phone lines are relatively cheap for their value, but VoIP setups can be as inexpensive or comprehensive as you like.
Ethernet cables to VoIP headsets, IP phones, VoIP adapters, and other equipment might be necessary to upgrade your existing phone system. While a VoIP phone service provider can help provide all of these at lower costs, ensure you come to them with a good idea of how much you can spend on this investment, keeping in mind that you will eventually no longer have a monthly phone bill.
Let InnoTek Help Keep Your Channels Open by Setting up VoIP!
If you want to improve your call efficiency, ditch your desk phones, and keep incoming calls rolling in, VoIP service providers can answer your most challenging problems. With a specialist VoIP provider who focuses on small businesses, your VoIP installation can go smoothly, with all your needs and goals in consideration.
Let our experienced providers at InnoTek help when you start setting up VoIP phone systems. We have helped businesses throughout the NEPA area see incredible results! From the planning to the first test call, we want to be there to help you get your new VoIP systems online! Call us today to get started, and call us again when we’re done to hear the difference VoIP phone systems can make!
