Disadvantages of VoIP and Ways to Mitigate Them

Disadvantages of VoIP and Ways to Mitigate Them

Throughout our blog posts we’ve discussed various topics about the VoIP industry. We’ve focused on everything from the different VoIP services, to products, to trends, and even the history of the technology. However, one topic we haven’t discussed is some of the disadvantages of VoIP services.

While VoIP has many more advantages than disadvantages, it’s still worth knowing the disadvantages so you can account for them when you set up a VoIP service.

Disadvantage: Internet Speeds

Now, the acronym VoIP is short for “voice over internet protocol”. What this essentially translates to is any voice communication over an internet connection.

The key term here is “internet connection”. VoIP technologies are heavily reliant on the internet, and having a good internet connection is required for VoIP to work most effectively.

Thankfully, most standard internet packages from an ISP (internet service provider) are generally sufficient enough for most VoIP services.

However, where there could be an issue with internet speeds is in very rural areas that don’t have many ISPs to chose from or the infrastructure to support high-speed internet.

If you’re concerned about your internet speeds, reach out to your ISP, they may offer much stronger internet packages for only a marginal price increase.

Disadvantage: Security Risk

Next, another drawback to VoIP technologies is they can be a network security risk.

Now, this is not exclusive only to VoIP. Any internet based service or technology you use poses the same risk.

Risks can include: hacking, phishing, malware, stolen data, etc.

While it does sound scary, there are many security precautions and systems out there to protect you and your network.

Anti-Virus or Anti-Malware Software

One of the most important is to have an anti-virus software installed on all your devices. Companies like Malwarebytes offer great software.

VPN

Another precaution to take is to use a VPN (virtual private network). VPNs are great because they encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address.

A VPN can go a long way to providing additional network protection, especially on public networks.

Firewalls

Lastly, one of the best and most effective types of network security are firewalls. Firewalls are interesting because there are multiple different types. Some are hardware based, some are software based.

Essentially, a firewall’s job is to monitor all inbound and outbound internet traffic. A firewall can then block traffic that it deems unsafe or problematic for your network based on predetermined rules you set for it.

Thus, this stops any harmful traffic from ever entering your network, providing you with ample protection.

Disadvantage: Cost (Sort of)

Finally, one of the great things about VoIP overall is it is a cost-effective method of communication. It allows companies to reduce their hardware expenditures by having all of the VoIP infrastructure hosted off-site. Hence the term “Hosted VoIP”. Many VoIP providers offer great service packages at affordable prices.

However, while all of this is true, VoIP can be expensive if you want it to be.

For example, if you choose to buy 30 of the best flagship phones from Yealink for your office, you can spend a pretty penny.

Additionally, let’s say you want to create a state-of-the-art boardroom with full video conferencing functionality for your whole team. The equipment needed to get this type of setup can be quite expensive once all said and done if you want a top-of-the-line solution.

Fortunately, this type of disadvantage is exclusive to you. If you can live without the the flagship Yealink phone, consider renting a lower tier phone with basic functionality.

Or, if you need a team conference room, consider investing in a cheap 1080p T.V with an external webcam on it. It won’t be as glorious as a full conference room setup from Poly, but it should serve your needs.

In the end, the disadvantage in this instance is set by you; it’s technically only a disadvantage if you want it to be.

Ending Thoughts

So, those are three of the disadvantages of VoIP: internet speed, security risk, and cost.

Thankfully, as you have read, there are also a whole host of solutions out there to mitigate the disadvantages that come with a technology like VoIP.

Everything from upgrading your internet speeds with your ISP, to implementing a firewall, to reducing your hardware expenditures.

Are there any disadvantages from this list that you see with your own VoIP setup? If so, what would you do to improve it?