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Networking Guidelines

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Ernie Babinski
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Hosted Voice Over IP (VoIP) service differs from traditional phone systems because you are connected to the Internet instead of copper wires or analog phone lines. As such, your required network setup and equipment includes a high-speed Internet connection, a modem, a router, and digital VoIP phones. A switch is also needed, depending on how many of your employees are using the service.

Our technicians can provide you with recommendations, general installation support, and diagnostics, while your professional IT administrator can implement the solution, depending on the complexity of your environment.

A variety of Internet services and equipment are available. Here is a high-level overview of how to use these services and equipment in your environment.

High-Speed Internet

While options include DSL, Cable, Fiber Optic, T1, wireless, microwave, and more, not all of these are compatible with VoIP.

Recommended:

DSL, Cable, Fiber, and T1 connections deliver the clearest connection for VoIP service. Run this Speed Test to determine the bandwidth of your connection.

Not Recommended:

  • Wireless Internet is not a good choice for VoIP service because the transmission is not strong and consistent. This results in n poor sound quality.

  • Wireless adapters create problems with voice is real-time; anything that may slow down the VoIP traffic can cause noticeable call quality issues.
Routers

Offers a  private internet network that typically plugs into your modem, where our  Router Compatibility Guide lists recommended options. Consider how the following affect your services in a VoIP environment. 

Multiple Routers

Not Recommended. Multiple routers are not recommended as the individual settings on each router can impact VoIP traffic and more.
Modem/Router Combine

Not Recommended.. Some DSL and cable providers deliver a modem with a built-in router, which is often used in the home or small office environments. If you are also using your own router, this can cause problems with your Vonage Business service. To resolve, disable the router, which is referred to as bridging. 

Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to bridge the modem/router combination. 
Firewalls

Most routers include a firewall, which dictates traffic that is allowed in or out.

  • For smaller offices with off-the-shelf routers, these firewalls may need to be modified or turned off.
  • On enterprise-level equipment, certain rules may need to be added to allow Vonage Business’ traffic to flow through.

Our technicians can assist your IT administrator with making adjustments. If you have a complex setup, you may need a network administrator on-site to assign static IPs to the phones and static ports in your firewalls.
 

IMPORTANT: The amount of traffic that passes in and out of a router can cause synchronization issues. We recommend you restart your modem, followed by your router every two weeks. Many customers schedule a restart on a Friday evening when everyone is out of the office.
Switches vs Hubs

While these devices look identical, they operate in different ways.

  • Purchase a switch to expand the number of ports on your router. The switch must be placed after the router and not before.
  • Do not use a hub on a VoIP network.

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