Table of Contents
G.729 is the standard voice codec of Skype, while G.711 is the standard used by many ISPs and companies like Google and Facebook Messenger. Which one should you use? This article examines which VoIP codecs are most widely used in order to help you choose between them for your business or personal needs..
G.711 is a very popular codec that is used for voice and video calls. G.729 has been released as an alternative to G.711, but it’s not as widely used.
Modern voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) systems employ G.729 and G.711 as two of the most common codecs for transmitting calls as data over the internet. Phone systems must strike a compromise between audio quality and bandwidth requirements, which is why these two codecs exist.
G.711 offers better audio quality, but it requires greater network capacity. G.729 uses less bandwidth, however calls are of worse quality. The codec used by most mainstream VoIP companies isn’t advertised, however services like Ooma support both G.729 and G.711. This allows your company to make modifications on the fly in order to keep growing without losing call quality or network traffic.
- G.729: For big teams with a lot of calls.
- Small teams with low-to-medium call volumes should use G.711.
At a Glance: G.729 vs. G.711 VoIP Codecs
Takeaway: Neither VoIP codec is inherently better than the other—depending on your network capacity, call volume, and required call quality, they both serve various commercial goals. Even better, some VoIP-based business phone systems offer both codecs, giving you the back-end flexibility you need to provide your staff and customers with consistently excellent calling experiences.
However, before you sign up for any VoIP service, double-check that your internet connection can handle numerous VoIP lines. For additional information, we suggest performing our free VoIP speed test.
How Did We Compare G.729 with G.711?
We wanted to test which of the two standards, G.729 and G.711, would be best for small enterprises. Both codecs are royalty-free now that their patents have expired, therefore there is no pricing difference between them. We looked at the following factors to determine the optimum solution:
- Audio quality: We examined codecs to discover which had the greatest audio quality, as well as determining what was acceptable and non-detrimental.
- Required bandwidth: We looked at several codecs to determine how much bandwidth they needed and whether one was more appropriate for small businesses.
- Simultaneous call support: We wanted to check whether codec could handle several calls at the same time in both low and high volumes.
- User input: We analyzed user reviews and comments on several VoIP services to see how codecs affect the user experience.
When Should You Use G.729?
Small companies with large call volumes, limited network capacity, or a mix of the two will benefit from G.729 technology. Large sales and customer service teams that handle several calls at the same time may need a VoIP provider that employs the G.729 codec, particularly if the network connection isn’t fast or dependable.
G.729 Pros & Cons
Why Is G.729 a Better Option for Large Teams?
- Scalability: With the G.729 codec, you won’t have to worry about your network being overburdened as your company grows and additional lines are added.
- Support numerous phone calls: When you need to make an essential call, don’t be concerned about who else is on the network.
- Make dependable phone calls even if your internet connection isn’t lightning-fast or consistent from a distance.
When Should You Use G.711?
For small teams that choose quality over quantity, G.711 is the preferable VoIP codec choice. It gives excellent audio quality on every call, so you’ll never have to worry about being heard or not being heard. However, to handle simultaneous calling, you’ll need a fast internet connection, particularly if you wish to anticipate call volume variations.
G.711 will provide you the greatest bang for your money for solopreneurs, freelancers, small teams, and enterprises that don’t make many phone calls.
G.711 Pros & Cons
Why Is G.711 a Better Option for Small Businesses?
- High-quality audio: If you’re wanting to expand your staff and add extra lines, Google Voice’s plans scale well.
- Google Voice interacts seamlessly with Google Calendar and Google Meet, allowing you to optimize your processes.
Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly is a codec?
A codec is a piece of software that encrypts and decrypts digital data streams. A codec compresses (or encodes) your voice into a digital packet that is transmitted to the recipient’s device while using VoIP. The data packet is decompressed (or decoded) when it arrives, and the recipient hears your voice.
Are G.729 & G.711 the only VoIP audio codecs?
No. G.722, G.723, G.726, G.728, and a slew of others are among them. The majority of them are free, however some of them are patented and need a license. Each codec has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that make it suitable for certain circumstances.
G.711 vs G.729: which is the superior codec?
Neither. Both are capable codecs that serve a variety of applications and meet a variety of requirements.
What is the difference in bandwidth requirements between G.729 and G.711?
The maximum pace at which your network can transport data is referred to as bandwidth. G.729 uses around 8 kilobits per second every call, whereas G.711 requires about 64 kilobits per second per call (eight times as much). However, you’ll very certainly be doing other online activities that will deplete your bandwidth. For example, if you’re on the phone with a customer while using your internet browser, you’ll be consuming a lot more than the predicted 8 Kbps or 64 Kbps.
Conclusion
When it comes to picking a VoIP solution for your company, there are a lot of factors to consider, but VoIP codecs may take precedence. The codec that your VoIP system employs has a considerable influence on the quality and dependability of your phone conversations. G.729 uses less data but compromises audio quality, while G.711 provides high-end call quality at the price of your bandwidth.
Fortunately, you don’t need to go too far into your network’s capability or prospective VoIP provider codecs—solutions like Ooma Office support both G.729 and G.711 codecs. Additionally, you will get access to multilayer auto-attendants, video conferencing, CRM interfaces, and much more.
G.729 is a VoIP codec that was designed by the ITU-T and has been in use since 2001. G.711 is a VoIP codec that was introduced in 1999 by Cisco Systems, but it hasn’t been as widely used as G.729. Reference: g711 codec.
Related Tags
- g729 codec bandwidth calculator
- g729 codec download
- a-law codec
- g711 vs opus
- g711 u-law
