Cracking the Code: VoIP Troubleshooting Hacks Revealed!

VoIP phone systems are the most reliable and cost-effective telephone service nowadays. But with every ease comes some challenges. Today, we are going to share some of the most common VoIP troubleshooting issues with you. Anyone can experience these issues once you have a cloud-based system that offers flexibility to end users.

When you compare these VoIP phone systems with the traditional phone system, you see a dramatic change in the entire dynamics of the telephone industry. With this, you can enjoy a perfect crystal clear voice quality with the least amount of payment if you compare that to a traditional telephone system.

A lot of businesses that have shifted to this latest system are now experiencing some issues. For this reason, we bring you a topic that will clear all your misconceptions and issues if you are a VoIP phone user. So, without further details, let’s start with the common issues every VoIP phone user faces.

H2: Facing Troublesome VoIP Calls? Most Common VoIP Problems

The VoIP phone system uses your Internet and sends calls over the same medium, bringing you the best service at a minimal cost. With this VoIP Troubleshooting Flowchart, you will get complete information on the issues you might face during VoIP calls.

·       Jitter

·       Data Packet Loss

·       Broken Or Choppy Audio

·       Dropped Calls

·       Latency

·       No Audio

·       Echo

·       WAN And Internet Connectivity

·       Security Breaches

·       Unable To Make Calls

·       Calls In Voicemail

·       Only One Voip Phone Works

·       Phone Doesn’t Ring

H3: Jitter  

In layman’s language, a jitter is referred to as fluctuations in the sound over VoIP phones. It is something that you experience during the calls. During this issue, your call will feel like you have a jumbled speech; there will be dropped words, and you and the receiver will speak over.

The main reason behind this issue is that calls are sent into packets, and once these packets are on the router, they can take different paths or routes to reach the destination. The difference in time will let you face these issues.

H3: Data Packet Loss

Data packet loss is another key issue users report while operating VoIP phones. This issue occurs because the audio call is transmitted into small data packets; some packets never reach their destination once they are transmitted. The result of these packets not reaching their destination will cause issues in the voice quality or the form of dropped words.

H3: Broken Or Choppy Audio

Broken or choppy audio voice calls are experienced when the data packets are disrupted. This issue is because the data packets are lost during the transmission from sender to receiver.

H3: Dropped Calls

Dropped calls issues appear if you have too much traffic on the system. The internet bandwidth is distributed among the VoIP system and the company’s general usage.

H3: Latency

Latency is known to have a delay in the audio data. This is due to the lag between the data transmitted and received. The main reason behind this type of VoIP issue is due to outdated devices and overcrowded networks.

H3: No Audio

This issue is where no data is transmitted, and the voice disappears. All you do is ask another person if they can hear you. The main reasons behind this issue are misconfigured VoIP phones, lost wirings, and overloaded network systems and QoS settings.

H3: Echo

Echo is the name of the issue in which one hears one’s voice. The voices over the system revert, making it very difficult for the users to communicate. It is among the top issues that VoIP phone systems have to face.

H3: WAN And Internet Connectivity

Connectivity is the major issue during communication over the Internet. For this reason, most service providers ask for a better internet connection and the dedicated bandwidth that ensures perfect voice quality. Once the network is low bandwidth, the overall voice quality and the services these VoIP phones provide become useless.

H3: Security Breaches

All the VoIP phone systems are prone to hacking. The term man in the middle is used to hack data packets by cybercriminals. By doing so, they charge your company international charges that do not belong to them. The main reason behind this type of hacking is the lack of encryption.

H3: Unable To Make Calls

There are times when VoIP phones are unable to make calls. In this case, an “X” appears on your screen, mentioning that you cannot call anyone. The main reason behind this type of issue is when your router starts dropping the packet data.

H3: Calls In Voicemail

Here is another common issue being faced by all the VoIP phone users. It is when you stop receiving your calls.

H3: Only One Voip Phone Works

Sometimes, one of your VoIP phones works, and upon checking, the other one doesn’t. This is an issue that relates to your VoIP phone MAC address.

H3: Phone Doesn’t Ring

Sometimes, you notice no calls on your VoIP phone, but others complain that it keeps ringing and you are not picking it up. This is a simple case of VoIP Phones Not Working, But the Internet Is. There can be many reasons behind this, such as an outdated router that drops packet data or bandwidth that does not match the requirements of your VoIP phones.

H3: Networking Issues

Networking issues are among some common issues that might create hinderness in connectivity.

H3: VoIP Device Won’t Make And Receive Calls

Here is another common issue that arises in different organizations from time to time. Some major issues are VoIP Incoming Calls Not Working or VoIP Outgoing Calls Not Working. These issues are due to internet connectivity, issues with the router, or the bandwidth.

H3: Other Devices

In the end, we have VoIP Not Working On WIFI. This means that the bandwidth with which your organization maintains its business cannot cope with your organization’s overall requirements.  

H2: VoIP Troubleshooting Strategies

There are many VoIP Troubleshooting Tools. These tools or strategies are simple, and you can easily sort your issues with them. Further, Troubleshooting VoIP Call Quality Issues is not complex, and they do not require excessive time or resources. Here are some of the issues which may affect your VoIP phone services.

·       Jitter Issues

·       Data Packet Loss Issues

·       Broken Or Choppy Audio Issues

·       Dropped Calls Issues

·       Latency Issues

·       No Audio Issues

·       Echo Issues

·       WAN And Internet Connectivity Issues

·       Security Breaches Issues

·       Unable To Make Calls Issues

·       Calls In Voicemail Issues

·       Only One Voip Phone Works Issues

·       Phone Doesn’t Ring Issues

H3: Jitter Issue

If you are experiencing jitter issues, connect your phone system with a wired setup. This might bring a solution to your jitter problems. But if the issue remains the same, you must check your internet connection. Internet congestion is also a major reason your data packets drop. Installing a monitoring tool for the flow of internet data saves you with all the problems.

H3: Data Packet Loss Issues

There are so many network issues. Among them, the most important issue is the data packet. This issue arises when the data packets of your VoIP phone drop completely. To counter this issue, you must implement a network monitoring tool that ensures complete data packet streams and their protection.

H3: Broken Or Choppy Audio Issues

For all the issues relating to call quality, the reason behind all those will be insufficient bandwidth. All VoIP phone requires steady speed internet that ensures high-quality calls. Once the bandwidth is full, the audio quality and the overall quality of the call fades. Then, you need to check and run the speed tests on your system. The next step would be to address the latency and jitter issues of your phone system.

H3: Dropped Calls Issues

The main reason behind every dropped call is the firmware of your device, which is not up-to-date. By keeping your network firmware updated, you can easily resolve this issue. On the contrary, UDP Timeout is another reason you have dropped call issues.

In addition, you can reset your phone so that it can re-register over the Internet and settle all issues. You can also perform checks on the firewall of your system and VPNs along with the router to sort this issue.

H3: Latency Issues

To counter latency issues, one needs to opt for wired headphones. These wired headphones reduce the lag. These systems come with a recommended set of equipment that allows seamless data transfer and compatibility with the network. Once this equipment is removed from the devices, they start to show latency and jitter issues during the calls.

H3: No Audio Issues

Sometimes, you do not hear any sound or audio from your VoIP phone system. It is when you have certain issues. These issues include plugging your headset into your phone. Above all, you also need to check the volume level on your system to ensure the audio level is set to maximum.

Furthermore, configure your system for the perfect audio input/output settings. Sometimes, codecs start showing compatibility issues. Rebooting the system might let the system start performing. Ultimately, you need to update your system’s firmware to check on the calling algorithms.

H3: Echo Issues

When it comes to echo issues, three major issues affect the overall efficiency of your system. These three issues are headset lagging, audio configuration, and network latency.

H4: Headset lagging:

The headset lagging is due to its design. The VoIP phone headsets are designed in a way that the speakers of the headsets are kept away from the mic. These headphones also come with echo cancellation features.

H4: Audio Configuration:

In the audio configuration, the main issue comes when there is a misconfiguration. All you have to do is calibrate the volume, gain, and other essential parameters in order to enjoy the best performance of your phone system.

H3: WAN And Internet Connectivity Issues

When your IT department sees a WAN or internet connectivity issue, all they need to do is disable SIP ALG. With this, there will be no issues relating to NAT, and the flow of packets remain intact. Further, they need to check the DND settings, which are the Do Not Disturb mode of the system.

H3: Security Breaches Issues

To overcome security breaches, there are a few steps that need to be taken in order to enjoy a smooth, swift, and secure VoIP phone system. And for this, here are the reasons: keep your phone system updated with all the updates. Use VPN connections to secure your VoIP traffic.

H3: Unable To Make Calls Issues

If you are unable to make calls, then you need to disable the SIP ALG again. Above all, you need to ensure that there are no double NATs on your system. If they exist, then the flow of data packets will have a hindrance. In addition, you can also put your VoIP on a VLAN.  

H3: Calls In Voicemail Issues

This issue occurs when your system is on a Do Not Disturb (DND) mode. Or you can also configure the issue by making changes to the call forwarding configuration.

H3: Only One Voip Phone Works Issues

When this issue occurs, it means that one of your VoIP Phone MAC addresses is not registered. There are chances that the configuration requires an update.

H3: Phone Doesn’t Ring Issues

This issue occurs when your system requires an update or your VoIP MAC address of the phone is not registered.

H2: Elevate Your Calling Experience With These VoIP Troubleshooting Tips

There are times when your VoIP phone starts to make some random issues. Here is a guide that will let you resolve the issues instantly within no time.

·       Internet Speed

·       VoIP Configuration

·       QoS Setting

·       Router

·       VPN

·       Stability

·       Firmware

·       Software

·       Updates

·       Ping Test

·       Customer Support

H3: Internet Speed

The first thing you need to check is the current internet speed of your organization. There are many speed test tools available in the market that have the ability to analyze your connection metrics.

H3: VoIP Configuration

In the next step, you need to check the VoIP phone configurations over the network. These configurations allow you to enjoy high performance. Here are two steps that you need to consider. First, you need to prioritize SIP traffic with QoS. In this step, you will configure your router and switches to meet your VoIP traffic. In the second step, you need to check the cables. Mainly, there are CAT5e/CAT6 cables that have the same media type.

H3: QoS Setting

After you have checked all the above settings and gone through them, try setting the overall QoS settings for your VoIP system to mitigate your call quality issues. Or you can reset the default settings that the VoIP provider provides.

H3: Reset Your Router

There are times when your system responds to you slower than usual. After checking and performing safety measures, everything seems to be in perfect condition. It is time to reset your router. This step will allow the router to configure its operations altogether and start performing to its ability. Hence solving your issues.

H3: VPN

Check and set up a Virtual Private Network dedicated to your VoIP system traffic. This way, the installed VPN will separate VoIP traffic from general traffic.

H3: Stability

Checking the stability of your VoIP phone service can be done by making test calls. For this reason, you can call your remote offices, vendors, or partners. With these calls, you can eliminate any minor technical glitches found on these phones.

H3: Firmware

Often, it is noticed that the installed firmware of the system has a pending update. If so, you need to update the system firmware immediately.

H3: Software

In this section, you can check if an update in the system is required and if it is still pending on your part. The settings in this section include checking firmware, routers, and overall system settings.

H3: Updates

Whether you are managing your VoIP system over the desktop or on your mobile device. All you have to do is keep it up-to-date. This will allow your operating system to be equipped with the latest version of the files and codes.

H3: Ping Test

If you wish to determine the amount of load over your system and how it copes with it. All you have to do is start a ping test on your system. Ping tests are known to have the perfect ingredients to provide you with exact reports about your network.

H3: Customer Support

Finally, when you have checked and gone through all the above stages of restoring your VoIP system. In the end, you need to contact the customer support of the VoIP system provider so that their technical team may look into the matter and resolve your issue on a priority basis. Most of the companies are offering 24/7 services to their clients.

H2: Best Practices To Avoid VoIP Problems

Although many issues may or may not appear while operating VoIP phone systems, almost every issue that appears to hold the smooth operations for these VoIP phones is technical. We bring you some of the best options when solving these technical issues and glitches.

·       Cable Connections

·       Damaged Cables

·       Router Position

·       Replace Ageing Routers

·       Reset Router

·       QoS Settings

·       Business-grade Internet

·       Training

·       Backup plan

·       VoIP system provider

H3: Cable Connections

One needs to secure their cable connections so there is no issue with VoIP phones. It will allow you to enjoy seamless operation of your phones over the Internet with perfect audio quality.

H3: Damaged Cables

Remove or change all the damaged cables if you find any. Any distorted cables end up holding a data pocket. These damaged cables hinder the transmission of data.

H3: Router Position

If you are facing issues with your phone system. The first thing you need to do is change the position of your router. It will allow the router to cover the maximum area, allowing maximum bandwidth transmission.

H3: Replace Ageing Routers

If the routers are old and they needs to be replaced. The best suitable option for the IT department is replacing or upgrading the routers with the latest routers.

H3: Reset Router

Sometimes, simply resetting your router will enable you to enjoy the desired results.

H3: QoS Settings

The IT department needs to check on your router’s QoS settings frequently. It will allow the IT department to have the complete information about the router.

H3: Business-grade Internet

It is recommended that every company must be in its IT department so that they are capable of countering everyday threats. For this reason, a dedicated internet solution is considered the most suitable choice for every company.

H3: Training

Every organization must train employees on how to use their gadgets and what to do if there is an issue.

H3: Backup plan

In the second last spot, we suggest a backup plan in case a technical issue arises. This step will allow your organization to continue its operations without any hassle. In the meantime, the company’s IT department can cope with the technical issues.

H3: VoIP system provider

The IT department, along with the procurement department, must choose those vendors who offer state-of-the-art solutions to daily and technical glitches issues.

Furthermore, there is one more thing that needs to be considered, and that is that the response or resolution time for any query must be minimal. This will ensure the company’s smooth operations in case any issue arises and it can be settled in a timely manner.

H2: Voip Phone System Internet Speed Requirements

Once you start using your VoIP phone system, you will notice a considerable increase in the monthly internet bill. This is because VoIP systems consume bandwidth. Furthermore, they also require strong internet connectivity to provide the best audio quality to the users.

For this reason, the minimum requirement for a VoIP system is around 512kbps. In addition, if the usage of the company is high, then you need to increase the internet speed to enjoy uninterrupted services.

H2: FAQs

1.     How do I troubleshoot VoIP calls?

There are many ways or methods from which you can Troubleshoot your VoIP phones. Some of the methods are listed below.

·       Secure cable connections

·       There are no damaged cables.

·       Router position

·       Installing a secondary router

·       Reset router

·       Adjust the router’s settings

2.     Why isn’t my VoIP working?

There are many reasons why your VoIP phones stop working. We bring you a list of issues one can encounter while performing normal operations.

·       Network Issues

·       LAN Issues

·       Switches Issues

·       Router Issues

·       Cable Issues

·       Bandwidth Issues

3.     Why is my VoIP phone not receiving calls?

The most common reason behind VoIP phones is that they stop receiving calls. The main reason is that the VoIP Adapter cannot register the server. Furthermore, you need to check your internet connectivity. Also, you need to go through the firewall settings. Moreover, if everything seems in place, you need to check the phone adapter.

4.     What is a common problem when using VoIP as a method of communication?

The list of common issues or problems one can face during VoIP communication are

·       Echo or latency

·       Jitter

·       Dropped Calls

·       Missed Calls

·       Unable to Make Calls

·       Calling System issues

·       Voice Compression

·       Caller ID issues

5.     How do you restart VoIP?

Restarting the VoIP phone system is simple. All you have to do is cut down the power to your personal computer. Cut the power to your telephone adapter, your network, your router, and, in the end, your DSL modem. Then, you must wait for these devices to be reset and operational.

6.     Where is VoIP blocked?

There are many countries that are currently blocking VoIP systems. The list of the countries is as follows.

·       Bahrain

·       China

·       Egypt

·       India

·       Indonesia

·       Iran

·       Kuwait

·       Mexico

·       North Korea

·       Pakistan

·       Philippines

·       Qatar

·       Saudi Arabia

·       Sudan

·       Syria

·       Thailand

·       Turkey

·       United Arab Emirates

·       Vietnam.

7.     What are the weaknesses of VoIP?

We have managed a list of VoIP weaknesses. This list includes

·       Dependence On Internet

·       If the Internet Is Disrupted, Emergency Calls May Fail

·       Latency And Jitter 

·       Security

H2: Conclusion

On the ending note, we would love to suggest that the issues and the troubles one faces while operating VoIP phones are addressed in the above sections. We tried our best to bring you all the issues on one table, along with the best-performing strategies that might help you save time and resources in addressing these issues.