June 10, 2012
Jive has a brief number of network requirements in order for their business VoIP service to properly function to maximum potential.
The following are network hardware requirements for hosted VoIP:
- Routers – Jive business VoIP phones are considered network devices. Thus, they each require a business-grade router with access to a broadband Internet connection. Each business phone requires an IP address assignment from the router via DHCP. Jive highly recommends investing in a Quality of Service device, which is typically is installed between the VoIP phone and router. This greatly improves audio call quality.
- Firewalls – Most routers have an internal firewall. A firewall protects your network and server from spyware, viruses and unwanted Internet attacks. The firewall should be set up to allow VoIP phones to access the following through the network: HTTPS, UDP and HTTP.
- Hardware – For a complete list of recommended hardware, please contact Jive directly.
Additionally, VoIP hosted systems also require Internet connection requirements. These include:
- Internet Service Provider (ISP) – For business VoIP telephones to work a Broadband Internet connection is required. Without the proper ISP, calls cannot be made or received. Jive recommends contacting your current ISP provider for more information based on compatibility requirements.
- Bandwidth – Jive’s service requires both upload and download speeds of approximately 100kbps. Some types of bandwidths will not support multiple concurrent calls so Jive recommends speaking to your ISP Provider for more information about possible capability issues and/or necessary upgrades.
- Network Quality – If a business’ network is not running sufficiently or has insufficient hardware to support a VoIP system, the following issues may arise:
- Latency – This is defined at the amount of time between a request to a network and the response given by the network. Optimal latency should be 100ms or less. Latency that exceeds 150ms will have negative results, leading to unclear, “choppy” calls.
- Jitter – Defined as the amplitude and frequency that latency operates at; Jitter occurs when latency either uncontrollably spikes or jumps beyond 20ms (either up or down), which results in very poor audio quality.
- Packet Loss – This is data send directly from a business’ network that is lost in the networking transit. This should never exceed 1%, as this will result in poor audio quality and/or dropped calls.
In a technology-driven world where business VoIP providers are becoming more common, most IT professionals are familiar with the basic hardware and software requirements to support these systems.