Network Considerations

The role of the Internet

Office Connection uses the internet to function. A good quality network and internet connection that is adequate for the size of your business is crucial for the smooth functioning of Office Connection. There are three parts of your network you need to keep in mind:

• Your ADSL line provider: this is generally Telkom who provides the physical line
• Your ADSL account: this is from your ISP who provides you with bandwidth. The size of your ADSL account, should match the size of your ADSL line, for example if you have a 512k account, your ADSL line should allow for 512k. Office Connection provides a free account to use exclusively for your VoIP calls.
• Your office network: this is your internal local area network (LAN) cabling that connects all your computers/laptops and VoIP Phones to the internet.

If you are experiencing poor voice quality, the problem is often related to the capacity on your local area network in your office and/or your Internet connection.

If you are unsure of how your Internet connection performs, try testing your connection here.

Voice Quality – Internet Connection

Voice Quality is affected by how you use your Internet connection. You want to make sure that you have enough capacity on your internet connection for your voice calls as well as for your normal Internet traffic like emails, web browsing, file downloads etc. 

The key factor that decides the capacity you need, is the maximum number of calls you expect to have happening in your office simultaneously/concurrently. This is different from the total number of people working in your office. For example, you can have 8 people in your office, but you could estimate that up to 5 of them would ever be on the phone at the same time.

Recommendations for ADSL capacity required:

Minimum broadband speed recommended is: 512k ADSL.

• Up to 4 Concurrent Calls: 512k ADSL required
• Up to 10 Concurrent Calls: 4MB ADSL required
• Up to 20 Concurrent Calls: 10MB ADSL required

Office Connection provides free data account exclusively for your VoIP calls. Find out more.

Are you having problems with one-way audio or your VoIP phone not registering? Have a look at our suggestions.

Voice Quality - Your Local Area Network (LAN)

The networking and cabling in your office plays a significant role in ensuring good voice quality. It is essential that all the network cable points have been installed properly and that nothing interferes with the networks points. A VoIP phone can share a single network point with your computer and you do need additional points to support VoIP Phones.

Office Connection and/or one our agents can assist in assessing your LAN. Should you require an installation of network points, the cost can differ depending on the supplier and the configuration of your office, but an approximate price is R350 (ex VAT) per network point.