Calls Dropping/Disconnect

Call stability is crucial, so it is no surprise that having calls dropped unexpectedly would be on top of the most common, and most annoying VoIP problem list.

This issue can disrupt important meetings not just between business employees, but potential partners and customers, leading to quite a lot of frustration on both ends which never amounts to anything good.

Why It Happens

The main reasons behind dropped calls tend to be UDP timeouts and outdated firmware as well as, once again, poor internet speeds or disruption of service.

A firewall could also be causing an issue due to an incorrect configuration as well.

A potential power outage could lead to a dropped call too.

How To Fix It

While there is not much that can be done about power outages aside from businesses reinforcing their network, the others have very straightforward solutions which a lot of these common problems share.

Restarting the VoIP phone itself can help refresh its connection with the VoIP server in case the source of the issue stemmed from congestion.

Checking router settings and general internet speeds as well as bandwidth limits should be common practice with VoIP issues as keeping that in check usually clears most problems away.

Relying on ethernet connections rather than wireless where possible, especially during important calls also helps minimize call drops.

Finally, ensuring that the company’s firewall is properly configured should help clear out any random call drops due to false flags by the firewall in question.

You’ve highlighted the significant issue of dropped calls in VoIP telephony and provided insightful reasons and solutions. Ensuring call stability is indeed crucial for effective communication. Let’s delve a bit deeper into the causes and potential solutions you’ve mentioned:

Causes:

1. UDP Timeouts and Outdated Firmware:
   • UDP (User Datagram Protocol) timeouts can lead to dropped calls, especially in real-time applications like VoIP.
   • Outdated firmware on VoIP phones or network equipment can result in compatibility issues and call disruptions.
2. Poor Internet Speeds or Disruption of Service:
   • Inadequate internet speeds and disruptions in service can cause dropped calls, as consistent and reliable connectivity is vital for VoIP.
3. Firewall Configuration:
   • Incorrectly configured firewalls may block VoIP traffic, leading to dropped calls.
4. Power Outages:
   • Power outages, while not directly controllable, can result in dropped calls if network equipment or VoIP phones lose power.

Solutions:

1. Restart VoIP Phones:
   • Restarting VoIP phones can refresh their connection with the VoIP server, resolving issues related to congestion or temporary glitches.
2. Check Router Settings and Internet Speed:
   • Regularly inspect router settings to ensure they are optimized for VoIP traffic.
   • Monitor internet speeds and address any bandwidth limitations that may impact call quality.
3. Ethernet Connections:
   • Use wired (Ethernet) connections whenever possible, especially during important calls. Wired connections are generally more stable than wireless connections.
4. Firewall Configuration:
   • Verify that the company’s firewall is properly configured to allow VoIP traffic. Adjust settings to prevent false flags that may lead to dropped calls.
5. Regular Maintenance and Updates:
   • Conduct regular maintenance on network equipment and update firmware on VoIP phones and other devices to ensure compatibility and performance.
6. Power Backup Solutions:
   • Implement power backup solutions, such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), to mitigate the impact of power outages on VoIP infrastructure.
7. Quality of Service (QoS):
   • Implement Quality of Service (QoS) settings on routers to prioritize VoIP traffic, ensuring a smoother and more reliable communication experience.

By addressing these potential causes and implementing the suggested solutions, businesses can minimize the occurrence of dropped calls in their VoIP telephony systems, leading to more reliable and effective communication.