Choosing the Optimal WAN Network for VoIP Transmission Services

When a company decides to run VoIP transmission services, selecting the appropriate Wide Area Network (WAN) is crucial. The choice of network can significantly impact the performance of VoIP, which primarily relies on low latency, stable transmission speeds, and minimal packet loss. This article will explore how to evaluate different WAN networks, focusing on Frame Relay and other options, to ensure the best VoIP experience.

Understanding VoIP Requirements

The two primary VoIP requirements are low latency and jitter, which are critical for high-quality voice communication. Secondary requirements include minimal dropped packets and consistent transmission speeds. These factors ensure smooth audio quality and reliability, making the VoIP experience seamless for users.

Network Evaluation and Testing

To compare different WAN networks effectively, you should use diagnostic tools such as JDS Auto Speed Tester for free automated pings. Ping tests help in measuring the quality of network connections and identifying potential issues. Quality of Service (QoS) features are essential in resolving conflicts between voice and data traffic. These features prioritize VoIP traffic over other types of data, ensuring that voice quality remains consistent even when bandwidth is limited.

When comparing network specifications, focus on the third layer (network layer) of the OSI model, where switches handle traffic prioritization and manage network congestion. Purpose-built corporate WANs offer the most sophisticated QoS features, followed by the widely used internet. Traditional telco technologies like Frame Relay, X.25, ISDN, T1, and ADSL lack modern QoS capabilities, making them less suitable for VoIP.

Bandwidth Considerations for VoIP

VoIP requires only 64k bits per second (bps) per phone, which means bandwidth would generally not be an issue if the network carried nothing but voice. However, in real-world scenarios, VoIP services often compete with other data packets. QoS mechanisms are crucial in managing this competition to maintain consistent performance.

There is ongoing debate about whether overprovisioning bandwidth or using QoS is the superior approach. The internet backbone primarily relies on overprovisioning, but bottlenecks often occur in telcos and cable companies. To determine the best approach for your business, it is essential to conduct comprehensive testing across different times and days to gather accurate data.

Optimal Solutions for VoIP

Consumer-grade cable or fiber internet connections often provide the best solution for VoIP transmission services. These connections are reliable and offer the necessary QoS features to ensure consistent performance. Wireless networks, unless they are point-to-point setups, should generally be avoided due to potential unreliability and interference.

Personal experiences and studies show that consumer-grade internet connections can be highly reliable for VoIP services. For instance, when shifting from traditional landline phones (POTS) to VoIP services, reliability can be around 96%, which is still very good. Corporate VoIP services in large companies generally exhibit higher reliability, often reaching 100%, comparable to POTS.

Conclusion

Selecting the optimal WAN network for VoIP transmission services is a critical decision that can significantly impact the quality of voice communication. By understanding the requirements of VoIP, utilizing proper diagnostic tools, and conducting thorough testing, businesses can ensure reliable and high-quality VoIP services. Whether it's consumer-grade cable, fiber, or a well-configured corporate WAN, the key is to choose a network that prioritizes QoS and offers consistent performance.