How To Choose Your VoIP Router?

When implementing VoIP telephony, a router is a key piece of equipment you should invest in. No matter how small or large your business is, a quality router can make your experience with IP telephony not only smoother, but also more secure. Follow these quick instructions to make sure you are bagging the optimal deal to meet your business and personal needs.

What is a VoIP Router?

A router is in charge of forwarding data packets to their final destination. This can be done over the Internet from one sender to another, or between different devices connected to the same network.

Routers are also responsible for optimizing VoIP traffic when multiple devices are connected to avoid interruptions and jitter. They are also equipped with firewall and additional softwares to enhance your network security and online experience as a whole.

Modems vs. Routers: What’s the Difference?

Many people use both terms interchangeably, they are responsible for two distinct processes. Even though in some cases Internet service providers (ISPs) will combine both in one device, their jobs differ greatly:

• Routers direct and prioritize traffic.
• Modems convert analog signals from your ISP to digital format that can then be interpreted by another device.

Types Of Routers

By interacting with modems, routers connect LANs (local area networks) to the internet and there are different ways this is done:

1. Wireless

Wireless routers can be found in most homes and offices. They manage data packets using an antenna by carrying and converting the data from binary code (1s and 0s) to radio signals. Your
hardware devices usually come with a pre-installed receiver capable of interpreting these signals and making this exchange successful.

However, when opting for this option you should take note that physical obstacles such as walls and furniture will weaken signal strength. Ideally, your working area should be located nearby to assure the best possible quality.

2. Wired

These are the traditional, box-like devices equipped with ports to connect to the modem and computer. Ethernet broadband routers have network address translation (NAT) technology, allowing many devices to connect at the same time. Until present, they are the leading option for many users.

3. Virtual

Virtual or vRouter, is a software that can be run to enable your chosen hardware device to direct and prioritize traffic. It can also come with a Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) to boost security of your network while reliability is assured by a group of physical routers.

How To Set Up A Router

The setup process can differ depending on the type and model you use, but here are some general tips that can give you a brief overview of the process that takes place:

1. Ask Your Provider

You’ll need a router that works well with your device, thus consulting your VoIP provider should be the first thing on your to-do list. Aside from suggesting the recommended hardware, you can also inquire about the list of models that are a no-go and continue your search for the perfect one through the niche forums.

2. Connect Your Cable

You’re supposed to make two connections, one to a modem and the other to a laptop or your VoIP device. Ensure you have the right Ethernet cables in the appropriate ports, and use a Gigabit Ethernet for higher speeds in case you’ve chosen a wired option.

3. Choose A Good Location

The average range of your WiFi signal is about 45m. With walls and furniture lying around, the signal gets weaker as you move away from the router. That’s why, you play around with different locations and run speed tests to determine places with the highest speed.

4 Features To Look For In Routers

It can be confusing getting through all the technicalities and jargon when skimming through the options. To simplify, here are four features worth taking into account before making your purchase final:

1. Quality Of Service (QoS)

QoS is a technology that measures network performance. It allows you to limit the bandwidth for certain types of traffic so you can prioritize IP packets. You’ll probably be doing other things on your phone apart from just calling clients and team members. The right QoS settings reserve more bandwidth for VoIP traffic, so your voice doesn’t sound jittery on calls and you don’t have latency or packet loss issues.

2. Dual/Tri-Band Frequency

Wireless routers work by converting voice packets into radio signals and transmitting them to a VoIP device, remember? Dual-band routers transmit these frequencies at 2.4GHz and 5GHz so you can allocate VoIP traffic to the 5GHz band. Tri-band routers are even better, they transmit at 2.4Ghz, 5Ghz, and 5Ghz so you have an additional 5GHz band for other important tools or downloads.

3. 802.11ac And Mu-MIMO Support

802.11ac is a WiFi standard that offers speeds of up to 433 megabits per second (Mbps). Ac is only a suffix and there are others like a, b, g, and n that indicate the speed of your router on a WiFi network. 802.11ac broadcasts are the best performing, but you need at least an 802.11n for IP traffic.

Mu-MIMO stands for multiuser-multiple input. Multiple output is a technology that prioritizes VoIP packets when multiple people are using a network at the same time.

4. H.323 and SIP Support

H.323 and SIP are both VoIP protocols that support voice and video communication. H.323 is very important particularly if you are looking to elevate your video performance. Most routers will usually support both protocols anyway, but you should double check just in case.

Final Words

Routers are an important part of your communication system. Knowing how they work, the different types and the key features to look out for will help you make the best decision. This guide and others on VoIP-info.org can help you with the setup process and getting the best performance on your calls.