What is QoS VoIP? How Does it Improve Call Quality?

VoIP QoS is a system that helps clear and uninterrupted calls over the Internet. VoIP transfers small data packets and sends them through a network. For the call to sound clear, these packets need to reach their destination at the right time and in the correct order. During the busy network or heavy traffic, these data packets can be delayed, lost or arrive out of sequence.
 

Voice over IP QoS acts like a traffic manager that prioritizes voice data over other internet traffic. For example, if you’re on a VoIP call while streaming a video or downloading a file, QoS makes sure your voice data gets handled first. This helps improve the quality of your VoIP calls. 

VoIP QoS handles network issues like latency, jitter, network traffic congestion, bandwidth shortages, and packet loss. Let’s break down how QoS tackles the various network challenges during the VoIP calls:

Latency is the delay between when you speak and when the other person hears your voice during a VoIP call. When latency is too high, it causes awkward pauses in conversation. This can happen due to slow data transmission or network congestion. QoS helps you manage the latency by giving importance to voice data over others. It optimizes the routes so that the voice data can travel quickly and efficiently. As a result, calls feel more natural and responsive.

Jitter happens when voice data packets don’t arrive in a consistent flow. Instead of smooth audio, you hear distorted sounds that make it hard to understand what the caller is saying. It happens when data packets arrive out of order. VoIP QoS uses tools like jitter buffers, which temporarily store packets and release them in the correct order.

Network traffic refers to all the data transferred over an internet connection. During heavy usage, voice data can get stuck in the crowd, causing unclear calls. QoS prioritizes VoIP traffic over less critical activities. It ensures that your voice data remains unaffected by other sources of the data. So, your conversations remain clear and uninterrupted, even when you’re using the internet for other purposes at the same time. 

Bandwidth is the amount of data your internet connection can handle at a given time. VoIP calls require a certain amount of bandwidth to function properly. When there isn’t enough bandwidth, calls can suffer from poor audio quality. QoS for Voice over IP allocates a specific portion of the available bandwidth exclusively for VoIP calls, regardless of other network activities. By managing bandwidth effectively, QoS provides the voice packets with all the resources they need to transmit smoothly. 

Packet loss occurs when some of the data packets fail to reach their destination. When this happens, you can experience missing words or disturbing echoes during a call. Network congestion, hardware issues, or unstable internet connections are the main culprits for packet loss. QoS monitors the network to prevent data loss. In case there are missing packets, the date is retransmitted to fill in the gaps and maintain call quality.

When phone calls are difficult to hear or understand, it leads to miscommunication within an organization. In a business context, poor call quality can disrupt workflows, hinder teamwork, and even damage customer relationships. This is why VoIP Quality of Service (QoS) is so important. It ensures that calls are clear, reliable, and free from disruptions.
 

Gives Voice-Traffic a Clear Path: QoS ensures voice data moves smoothly through the network without interference from other activities like downloads or streaming.
 

Prevents Call Drops: Manages network congestion effectively to prevent calls from ending immediately without a connection.
 

Avoid Miscommunication: Delivers consistent call quality so conversations remain clear and easy to understand.
 

Handles Network Traffic: Maintains bandwidth and helps voice traffic to maintain call quality when network usage is high.
 

Reduces Downtime: Ensures that calls are stable and consistent so you’re never disturbed during critical conversations. 

While VoIP Quality of Service (QoS) improves call quality, it cannot fully resolve issues caused by insufficient bandwidth, poor internet service, or hardware failures.
 

Dependence on Internet Quality: QoS cannot fix problems caused by unstable or low-speed internet connections, which are critical for VoIP calls.
 

Limited Bandwidth Availability: If the total available bandwidth is insufficient, even QoS cannot prevent call quality issues during high network usage.
 

Hardware Compatibility: QoS relies on compatible routers and devices; older or low-end hardware may not support advanced QoS features.
 

Cost of Implementation: Upgrading equipment or hiring experts to configure QoS can increase costs, especially for small businesses.
 

Cannot Address External Issues: QoS cannot fix problems caused by external factors, such as internet service provider (ISP) outages or external network congestion.

Quick overview of the pros and cons of QoS for VoIP in the table:
 

Firstly, choose the best VoIP provider for your business. A reliable provider ensures your system is backed by robust infrastructure, advanced QoS features, and ongoing support.
 

Once you’ve selected a trusted VoIP provider, implement the following best practices to optimize your QoS setup:
 

Prioritize Voice Traffic: Configure your router to prioritize VoIP data over other types of network traffic.
 

Allocate Sufficient Bandwidth: Reserve adequate bandwidth specifically for VoIP calls to prevent competition with other internet activities.
 

Use QoS-Enabled Hardware: Invest in routers and network devices that support advanced QoS settings for better control over your network traffic.
 

Monitor Network Performance: Regularly check your network to identify and address congestion that may affect call quality.
 

Use Wired Ethernet Connections: Wireless connections are prone to instability and interference. Opt for certified wired Ethernet connections wherever possible.
 

Conduct Regular Testing: Test your VoIP system periodically to ensure that QoS settings functions are working well.

VoIP Quality of Service (QoS) makes VoIP calls clear and high-quality. It works by prioritizing voice data and managing network traffic. But while QoS plays a big role, the VoIP provider you choose matters just as much. A good provider ensures that your system is built on a strong foundation, making it easier for QoS to do its job effectively.
 

Calilio’s VoIP phone system has a robust network designed for high-quality calls. With us, you’ll rarely experience call drops, interruptions, and sound issues. VoIPQoS and Calilio, hand in hand, give you reliable, crystal-clear communication every time. Sign Up today! 

The two key requirements for QoS in VoIP traffic are low latency and low jitter. Latency should be under 150 milliseconds for transferring the sound in real-time. Likewise, jitter needs to be maintained to transfer voice packets in the correct order.

QoS identifies VoIP issues by monitoring network performance. It detects problems like slow data transmission, data loss, or bandwidth congestion to identify the issues during the VoIP calls. 

Some widely used QoS monitoring tools for VoIP include SolarWinds, Presser PRTG, ManageEngine OpManager, Obkio, and LiveAction.

The ideal bandwidth for VoIP depends on the type of calls you make. For standard calls, 100 kbps per call (both upload and download) is usually sufficient. However, high-definition (HD) calls may require up to 150 kbps per call.