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Voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) phone systems use the internet to transmit calls, video conferences, and messages, but you’ll need a strong internet connection to interact properly. Before you sign a contract, do our free VoIP speed test to see how fast your internet is. It will calculate how many lines you can add to your system by measuring your ping, internet, and jitter rates.
In this article, we will provide suggestions on how to improve your speed if it isn’t up to standard.
What Do the Numbers on VoIP Speed Tests Mean?
The quality of your VoIP conversations is determined by the amount of bandwidth you have available. Jitter, ping, and latency, on the other hand, have an impact on the quality and stability of your calls, which is why it’s a good idea to test your network’s performance and understand what these metrics imply before signing up with any service provider.
Uploading Time
Uploading time indicates how much data you can send from your computer through your internet lines (like uploading video files or emailing large documents). It’s measured in megabits of data per second (Mbps). Your Uploading time is usually the same number used for bandwidth. VoIP providers, like RingCentral, suggest a bare minimum of 90 Kbps—but higher rates support higher call quality.
Speed of Download
Speed of Download refers to the amount of data you can receive per second. Similar to the Uploading Time, Speed of Download is measured in Mbps (megabits per second). Download activities include watching videos online, browsing the internet, or listening to music. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), a single VoIP call requires a minimum Speed of Download of less than 0.5 Mbps.
Ping (Latency)
All online activity generates data packets. The amount of time it takes for your data packet to reach the server is measured in milliseconds (ms) and is referred to as ping. The ping time is added to the return travel time to calculate latency (also called a pong response). Ping or latency data may be provided by VoIP speed testing.
Your ping results should be less than 60 milliseconds for high-quality VoIP conversations. Latency, on the other hand, should be less than 150 milliseconds. Higher numbers result in lag time or delays during calls, which may lead to poor communication, particularly through video chat.
Jitter
Jitter is a term that describes how your ping speed changes over time. It refers to interference that lowers the precision of your data packet arrivals and is measured in milliseconds. Congestion created by too many devices using the same network might cause interference. You’ll get choppy, low-quality calls if your jitter findings are more than 30 ms.
How to Manually Test VoIP Speed
If your Uploading Time isn’t listed on the chart above, you can perform a manual VoIP speed test. This gives you accurate and custom results based on your capacity at the time of the test. To start, find your Uploading Time. Then use this formula:
- Multiply your Uploading Time by 1,000: This formula uses Kbps (kilobits per second), so you must convert Mbps speeds to Kbps. If your results show Kbps, skip this step.
- Step 1: Multiply your result by 445: The overall number of phone lines your connection can handle is determined by this result.
- Multiply your first-step result by 100: If no additional devices are connected to your network, this number represents the total number of phone lines your connection can support.
The following findings indicate conventional internet services with several connected devices, as seen in a small workplace where tablets, phones, and PCs share bandwidth:
The Uploading Time of 11.01 Mbps translates into a maximum of 110 phone lines, but the recommended number of VoIP phone lines is 24.
What is the maximum number of phones that my Internet connection can support?
Your internet speed determines how many phones your internet connection can support. Faster services provide more bandwidth. You can add more phone lines while maintaining call quality. Typical Uploading Times range from 500 Kbps to 30 Mbps, but fiber-optic networks deliver Uploading Times up to 100 Mbps.
A standard internet connection with an Uploading Time of 500 Kbps supports up to five lines, whereas you can connect up to 500 lines with speeds of 30 Mbps. Compare your VoIP speed test results with our chart showing the recommended number of phone lines to determine how much speed you need.
Internet services usually offer a higher Speed of Downloads, as internet providers prioritize data retrieval over sending capabilities. However, phone lines use your internet’s bandwidth, which is typically your Uploading Time. If your Speed of Download is slower than your Uploading Time, then the smaller figure equals your bandwidth.
Knowing the Difference Between Maximum and Recommended Lines
To execute operations such as making video calls or streaming webinars, each phone line and gadget consumes bandwidth. Consider how many devices will be accessing the network and what sorts of activities your workers will be conducting before deciding on a small company phone system.
Although the chart displays a maximum number of lines, when you total up bandwidth use among your users and devices, this number drops dramatically. Using more lines than is suggested may degrade call quality and dependability, resulting in unsatisfactory call experiences.
Before you set up a small business phone system, go to your local internet service provider (ISP). Most firms offer higher-speed plans, which you’ll most certainly need to upgrade to if you want to increase your communications. Business internet services often include faster speeds, no data limitations, and office-specific features. If you’re unclear about your VoIP bandwidth needs, ask your ISP and VoIP provider for advice.
Bandwidth Requirements for VoIP
Simultaneous calls on multiple lines across your office devices will all demand bandwidth. Find your bandwidth to determine how many concurrent calls your network can handle—this is the lower number of your upload and Speed of Download.
Here’s how to figure out how many calls you can make at once:
Although a 30 Mbps connection can accommodate up to 500 simultaneous calls, this figure excludes other office operations (e.g., YouTube streaming, Spotify listening, and internet browsing). Keep the recommended number of lines, which is 67 for 30 Mbps, for optimum performance.
During busy hours, fluctuations may occur, resulting in reduced available bandwidth. Additionally, some activities need more bandwidth; for example, if your office workforce mostly utilizes software as a service (SaaS), email, and web browser capabilities, you’ll have a greater capacity for simultaneous conversations. However, if your staff spends a lot of time in video conferences or meetings, available bandwidth may be drastically reduced.
What to Do If Your Bandwidth Test Results Are Poor
Poor bandwidth test results might be caused by a number of factors. First, if you used Wi-Fi to complete the VoIP speed test, try it again using a wired device. If those values are significantly different, the low bandwidth might be caused by a problem with your wireless network.
However, before calling your ISP, if your hard-wired speed test is likewise low, do the following procedures to resolve the issue:
- Unplug your computer, modem, and router for ten seconds to restart them.
- Anti-viral software should be used to scan your devices and network for infection.
- Check your internet plan’s minimum allowable speeds.
If these methods don’t improve your speed, contact your Internet service provider. Additional testing may be performed by your provider to rule out any cable line issues. In most circumstances, you’ll need to improve your internet subscription or lessen the amount of traffic on your network. Despite the fact that internet rates and speeds differ by area, most providers provide a variety of packages to suit any budget.
What Should You Do If Your Call Quality Continues to Be Poor?
Check your router if your internet speed is consistent but the quality is bad. Routers that are old or out of date may need to be replaced. You may also set up your business router to prioritize traffic based on which services or applications are being used. If you continue to encounter issues, you might try switching to a different VoIP service.
Not every VoIP business phone service is the same. Some systems are better suited to workplaces that need several simultaneous calls, while others provide better call quality (at a lower cost) for businesses with fewer lines and extensions. Set up your VoIP phone service with your current provider (or locate a new one) for maximum performance.
RingCentral is a tried-and-true VoIP platform with a strong track record of providing high-quality conversations at scale. It gives your company the ability to phone, text, video chat, team message, fax, and exchange files.
Conclusion
A VoIP speed test will give you a good idea of how much bandwidth your network can handle. The majority of internet services can handle simultaneous calls from up to 10 lines, but a test on your own system will let you know if you need to upgrade your internet speed before switching to a VoIP phone system. Take your Bandwidth Requirements for VoIP seriously—don’t wait until your employees experience poor call quality to make a fix.
Consider RingCentral if you want a dependable service for high-quality calling. All RingCentral subscriptions include unlimited calling and texting, as well as the option to transfer an existing number or add a toll-free number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast should my internet be for VoIP?
A: For the best experience, your internet should be at least 20 Mbps.
How do I test my network for VoIP?
A: You can test your network with a VoIP service called Speakeasy.org that lets you know if you’re getting the best connection, latency, and jitter associated with voice chat software like Skype or Discord.
