The first thing to note is that not a single IP telephony complex can fully work on a WiFi network. We also support this position, since there are a wide range of factors that negatively affect performance:
- Router load (depends on how many people are connected and how much traffic each uses)
- Signal strength (depends on the physical location of the access point in relation to end users)
- Signal frequency (depending on the compatibility of devices, someone supports 2.4GHz, and someone needs only 5GHz)
- Frequency channel load (depends on the total number of devices within the waves)
In addition, we should not forget that each program that uses traffic that is running on a laptop or phone reduces the overall throughput of the router, which will clearly affect the quality of other WiFi signals (and in conditions of live broadcasting of a telephone conversation, this is especially critical). Each device that emits waves will also have an impact on WiFi coverage and it is likely that they can also cause signal interruptions.
Therefore, before starting to work with IP telephony over a WiFi network, you should carefully check the overall network power (quality\level\speed), but even under ideal conditions (for example, the router is one meter away from you and you are the only employee who uses it, there is an open field around you and Gigabit Internet channel is connected) – we will not guarantee the stability and efficiency of work.
Due to the numerical causes of problems, the methods for solving them are also quite variable – from setting/replacing/rearranging the router to changing the channel/route/Internet provider and adjusting the flow of traffic within the network.
In addition to specific nuances, when working with telephony via Wi-Fi, the same problems can occur as with wired Internet. But if all of a sudden you don’t care about any troubles and you have firmly decided to use a wireless network, then we recommend that you conduct an initial check:
- To begin with, you should check if there are any problem nodes in the route from the end operator to the communication server. You can do this using the instruction: “How to check connection losses (using the WinMTR program)“
- Also check the speed and quality of the Internet according to another of our instructions: “How to independently check the quality of sound and connection to telephony“
- In rare cases, check the router settings, the signal frequency range (2.4 or 5 GHz). Each router model has different interfaces, so you should contact your system administrator at this step.
- And another point to consider is the physical location of the router relative to traffic users:
