Interkom

Not all companies will need a readiness assessment. Usually just having a couple of test phones ahead of time to try for a few weeks can determine if your system is ready for a VoIP system.

In some circumstances and in busy networks where there is a lot of data traffic already, a Readiness Assessment can be invaluable.  

Factors such as the upload and download Internet speed, and excess traffic related to large uploads can cause voice traffic to be interrupted.

For this reason, for a small fee, we will temporarily install a tool on one of your PCs that will run in the background for a few days. After the test period, we will check the status and let you know if your network is ready for VoIP traffic.

Other items to consider is the availability of a power outlet and an Internet enabled network jack. Most offices and cubicles have this already in place. Our phones are connected inline with the network cable coming from the wall and then your PC is connected to the phone. 

For larger systems, there may be a second network jack involved or your network may be able to use VLANs.  Our phones can be programmed with VLAN IDs.  VLANs separate network traffic even when PCs and phones are sharing one network cable.  

We have drawings and videos to help you along with live support should you need it. You will also need a power outlet available, either on a strip or wall outlet.

If you do not have network or power available at some of your phone locations, talk to one of our reps and along with your network tech or maintenance person, and together we can find a solution.

If our test indicates your Internet bandwidth is insufficient, we can provide you with an alternative quote for faster Internet service or a network upgrade. Often, carriers in your area have more bandwidth available for a lesser cost per month. Current Internet providers do not typically inform their customers there are lower rate schedules available – often with more bandwidth. We’ll help you explore all the available options.

Geek Corner

In case you want to know what our readiness check includes, read on! 

• Upload and Download Speed of the Internet (upload speed should be greater than 8 Mb – download speed should be above 10Mb)
• Packet Delay – delay times inherent in the network – over time (the voice signal is delayed and two way conversation is not as fluid)
• Packet Drop outs – over time (this manifests as stuttered or dropped calls)
• Ports – Check if the proper Internet ports are open and available (this is generally fine, but sometimes a blocked port can result in one way or no audio – even if the call sets up fine at first and the phone rings)
• The presence of any special Network settings, such as VLANs
• Jitter – (how smooth a call sounds to caller and originator)
• Check the IP addressing scheme to ascertain if the phones will be on the same network as the workstations
• Check the DHCP scope to make sure there are enough IP addresses for the phones