Check your network configuration. Call quality can suffer if your network isn’t configured correctly, particularly if you’re routing both data and voice over the same internal network. The solution is to use a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) capable switch that is properly configured. In addition, many of these VLAN capable switches have Power over Ethernet (POE) built in, eliminating the need to plug each individual phone into an electrical outlet.

Prioritize VoIP traffic over a high-quality VoIP router to reduce latency.
In a network, latency equals delay. The delay is how much time it takes for your data to get from one designated point to another. It can also be the gap between when a call participant speaks and the time the other party hears them.

Evaluate whether it is equipment failure or a failure to configure the equipment correctly.
If your business uses its internet connection for both voice (VoIP) and data, you’ll need a router that prioritizes VoIP traffic. Without a VoIP-priority router, downloading a large file while you’re on a call can impact call quality.

De-jitter your VoIP.
Packets are sent in a continuous stream, spaced evenly apart. Jitter is the variation in the delay of packets received by the user. Problems like network congestion, improper queuing, varied packet delays, or configuration errors can make this steady stream choppy. You can compensate for the jitter with a router or Edge device that receives a Real-Time Protocol (RTP) audio stream for VoIP. This feature is most often referred to as the de-jitter buffer.

Check your cabling.
Legacy telephone systems used a CAT 3 cabling. Most of today’s cabling for telephone and data networking is CAT 5 or higher. Proper wiring ensures the best quality of service.

Avoid hubs on your LAN.
A LAN with hubs can lead to bad call quality. For best results, each phone should have its own connection to your switch. If your facility has multiple Ethernet switches for sharing single wiring drops, call quality will suffer.

Choose the right Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Your internet service provider may optimize for web surfing rather than VoIP phone service. The transportation of voice packets requires particular internet protocols that your internet service may not provide. For businesses that have up to 10 phones in use at any given time, cable high speed internet providers generally offer “business class” service that is configured for VoIP traffic.

Choose the right handsets.
We’ve all had the notorious phone-echo. Believe it or not, this remains a common problem for some people. Low-quality handsets can be the culprit, although turning down your hand set volume may be a simpler fix.

Determine whether “crackling” is due to wiring or hardware issues.
If you hear crackling on the line, see if it’s affecting all of the phones or just one. If it’s just one device, your phone may simply not be connected properly. Make sure that cord is plugged in tightly.

Have enough bandwidth to ensure call quality.
If a call participant experiences periods of silence or voices that sound “robotic,” the cause is generally insufficient internet bandwidth. You need around 100kbps in both directions to prevent packet loss and ensure good VoIP calls. Ensure that your internet connection has adequate bandwidth for your business’s calls and level of network usage.