Why Switching To VoIP Can Get You the Scalability You Need?

VoIP Phone Systems: Cutting the Cord and the Costs!

In a business environment legacy communication systems are no longer able to meet the corporate objectives of enterprise-wide sharing of information. This is where VoIP phone systems come in to increase productivity, lower costs and respond to the customer’s demands for better and faster delivery.

Reduced Operational Costs

Before VoIP took off, businesses used good old fashioned telephones that ran on a Public Switched Telephone Network or a PSTN. The network was costly to say the least, especially for small businesses which needed to use the telephone a lot, this resulted in having to deal with large overheads and huge monthly bills. Other expenses which small businesses have to deal with are installing additional lines for each phone, and having to pay for extra features and equipment. A VoIP phone does away with all of these unwanted expenses by using the internet to move data instead of individual phone lines.

By providing essential services, such as, call waiting, forwarding, virtual receptionist etc. free of cost, the VoIP phone system is able to dramatically reduce service costs of a business, making it the number one choice for business owners.

Unified System

The VoIP phone system is available all over the world and can easily be used via an internet connection. Regardless of your location, a user can log in to their VoIP telephone and get a dial tone after going through the costs, terms and conditions of the VoIP phone system provider. Furthermore, a VoIP phone system can be easily accessed while one is travelling via email. Aside from phone calls, users of a VoIP phone system can also conduct video conferencing, which allows you to stay in touch with employees, coworkers and clients. With the VoIP phone system, you will never miss important messages since voicemail is delivered via email. This also allows business owners to collaborate in any way they choose. For example, by using, soft phones, BYOD, chat, share desktops and so on.

Portability

Since a VoIP phone system is virtual there is no geographical limit, which means that a user does not need an area or country code and is not bound to a specific location. Subscribers can be living in another country and still acquire a U.S. phone number. So, all your phone calls to the U.S. are charged as domestic calls even if they are from another country. Now you can have one physical office and make your presence be felt in any city, area or country you want. Make new customers and stay connected, all with one VoIP PBX system.

Reduced Risk

A business that uses a Virtual phone system gets to enjoy better disaster recovery and resiliency when it comes to unexpected crashes. Users of the VoIP phone system also get to enjoy geographic redundancy and failover. VoIP phone systems leverage the decentralized design of the Internet by enabling adaptive routing and the distributed nature of a VoIP phone system makes it easier for businesses to disperse equipment throughout the network to improve redundancy. Efficient upgrades can be carried out using both active and inactive partitions, meaning minimal downtime, as well as, the ability to fall back if an upgrade fails.

Ending Note

A VoIP phone system is able to cut costs because voice calls are sent and received via the internet, rather than through the traditional phone lines. Secondly, service, maintenance and upgrade related costs are minimized due to internet telephony. And lastly, a VoIP phone system comes in various packages so that businesses can choose one according to their needs (and their pockets).

In the end, the question is not whether or not companies will migrate to VoIP phone systems, but when they will do it. The fact is that even if a business does not need all the benefits that come along with VoIP phone systems, TDM-based systems are eventually going to break and when that happens, businesses both large and small will have to replace their legacy systems.

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VoIP phone quick reference guide

 

Shortcodes to use with your VoIP Phone

With Cebod Telecom’s business phone system you can now access various system features by dialing Short Codes.

The table below lists the default Short codes for you to use.

Call Queue:	Call Forward
Incoming calls in a queue to be responded by the next available agent. *51 – Join Call Queue Dial * 51 Enter Queue #of the queue to join on the prompt *52 – Leave Call Queue Dial * 52 Enter Queue # on the prompt *53 – Pickup Call Waiting in a Queue	Call Forward allows you to forward your calls on any number. *72 – Call Forward from Extension *73 – Cancel Call Forward *74 – Call Forward on no answer *75 – Cancel Call Forward on No Answer *76 – Call Forward from Any Station *77 – Cancel Call Forward for other extensions
Blocked Number	Ring Group
Call Blocking allows an user to restrict calls from a particular number or extension. *60 – Delete Blocked Number *61 – Add Number to Block *62 – Check if the Number is Blocked	Ring Groups are the groups within your company created based on department, expertise or location. *80 – Remove from the a Group *81 – Add to Group
Intercom	Voicemail
Intercom allows to dial an extension within the company without leaving the company network. *84 – Intercom Between two phones	Voicemail box stores all the voice messages that were left while the user was unable to take the call. Dial your own extension *98 – Check Voicemail from Any phone Dial * 98 Enter extension # on the prompt
Call Parking	In Call Features:
*85XX – Pickup parked call Dial * 85 followed by XX where XX is number between 01 to 99 based on the number announced while parking	Features available to user while the call is active (user is on phone) *1 – Blind Transfer *2 – Start Recording *3 – Forward  *4 – Attended transfer to internal number *9 – Call Park

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Tips to Help you Choose between Static and Dynamic IP

The term IP address refers to a series of numbers responsible for the internal communication between different devices.

Though many businesses do not pay much attention to IP addresses while designing their internet strategy. But there is no denying the fact that they can play an extremely important role in ensuring effective communication in any modern-day organization.

Based on your needs and preferences, selection of a dynamic or static IP address may significantly affect your business objectives and the type of technology that should be implemented to achieve those objectives.

IP Address Explained:

IP address or Internet Protocol (IP) address is defined as a unique number assigned to all devices that are connected to a given internet network. It is used for the identification of all devices across an internet network and helps them communicate.

In most of the cases, IP addresses comprise of four different number series with periods to break them up.

As mentioned earlier, dynamic and static are the two different types of IP addresses. A static IP address remains the same over a period of time. On the other hand, a dynamic IP address undergoes periodical changes. Both types have their own share of pros and cons and the correct choice for your business will be determined by your specific business requirements.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Static IP addresses:

Advantages:

• An uncomplicated server hosting process: A static IP simplifies the process of hosting an organization’s email,  SMS, web, or FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
• Remote access without any difficulty: The IP address is easily remembered and trusted by the Virtual Private Network (VPN), making it possible for all employees to work remotely without any complication.
• Reliability of communication: Easy and high-quality communication using digital services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Phone service
• Easy transfer of files: Quick transfer of data including large files, emails, faxes with high-speed upload and download facility

Disadvantages:

• Security Issues: Additional measures of security are required to keep the network safe from the hackers which requires to work with the right VOIP phone service provider.
• Additional Cost: Static IPs mean additional cost both in terms of the internet plan and hosting server
• Complicated setup: Businesses using static IPs often require an Internet Service Provider or Business Phone Service Provider that offers the necessary support for manual configuration of devices.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dynamic IP addresses:

Advantages:

• Automatically configured: Maintenance requires less time and money because the devices are configured automatically.
• No extra charges: No additional expenses over and above the internet plan
• Unlimited connectivity to devices: Several devices can be used without the hassle of disconnection or manual configuration.

Disadvantages:

• Higher Outage: The chances of getting thrown off the connection are considerably higher
• Relatively Inaccurate Geolocation: Businesses that need accurate Geolocation should think twice because this feature, in general, is comparatively less accurate.
• Remote Access Limitation: The remote access with dynamic IPs tends to be quite challenging with security issues.

What is Right for You?

A Static IP can be beneficial for businesses that use of are planning to use VoIP phone service or any other type of digital services for voice based communication. It is also the more appropriate choice for those hosting websites or servers, or has employees working remotely.

The businesses that don’t fall under any of the categories mentioned above may use a dynamic IP address without any difficulty. Regardless of what is the correct choice for your business, please contact us  at  Cebod Telecom for the support and service that can take your business to the next level.

Content Source: https://www.cebodtelecom.com/tips-help-choose-static-dynamic-ip/

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How to Setup a Basic Business Phone Service

 When you are running a small business, you want to make sure you have a solid telecommunications system. Many companies opt for a VoIP business phone service plan because there are no extra wires or installation hassles. You can make your company appear larger and handle customers around the world with ease, and all that is necessary is any type of phone (be it landline or mobile device). In addition, this business phone service takes less than an hour to set up.

Step One: Selecting a Plan

The first step in setting up VoIP for your business is to select the plan and phone system you need. As a small business, it is important to keep your costs low to help maximize your profits. However, you need to also make sure that the system you select is reliable because you do not want to be dropping calls. There are many VoIP companies that offer you the ability to tailor your service plan to have features that you need, and going with a plan that offers a hosted service gives you the ability to forgo installation.

Step Two: Deciding on a Number

Once you have decided upon the number of phone lines needed, its time to choose numbers. There are three methods you can go with VoIP numbers, similar to traditional phone service plans. You can let the hosting company randomly select a number for you, or you can choose or create a unique number, or port your own phone number from previous vendor for free. This number will then be forwarded to any phone that you decide to use.

You may want both a local and a toll-free number, or you can simply use a toll-free or vanity number that everyone will easily remember. The options are vast, so look at the price plans available and decide what works for your company. If you are an existing company, it is advised that you maintain your current phone number so customers can reach you without having to remember a new number (or re-program their phone).

Step Three: Add Extensions if Desired

Even small business phone service plans should have a starting menu when customers call. With VoIP, the start menu includes reaching a person directly using a name directory. However, you can divide your company into departments and allow customers to direct their calls. This adds to the perception of your company, as the more departments you offer, the larger the company appears. Just remember that if you have your customers jumping through hoops to talk to a live person, they may disconnect the call and you will lose a sale

Step Four:  Make a Recording

When it comes to creating a recording for your answering service, you want to consider who does the voice. You have the option of paying for a professional recording, or you can have someone in your company make the message. The voice customers hear on the phone will give them an immediate perception of the company, and you want to make sure that it is easy to understand. Professional recordings often give customers the perception of a large corporation, while recordings done by an employee offer the perception of a small, friendly organization.

Once you have finished creating a menu and adding custom recordings, you are ready to start taking phone calls. In addition to standard calls, VoIP lines can be used traditional fax machines via ATA, allowing you to completely manage your telecommunications virtually. You will not have to wait for the phone company technician to come and make installations, allowing you to concentrate on getting your business up and running.

Content Source: https://www.cebodtelecom.com/how-to-setup-a-basic-business-phone-service/

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5 Benefits Your Dental Practice Management Software Must Come With

 Are you a dental expert?

Have you ever heard about dental practice management tools?

If not, chances are you still keep records in a cupboard, or your dental table is overflowing with a stockpile of files and folders.

In that case, now is the time to transform your dental clinic, making it more organized with good dental practice management software.

A dental practice management tool is a computer program that stores, organizes, and sustains a patient’s dental records. The software in your computer allows you to fetch patient’s information at a single click instead of wasting hours arranging the heaps of patients’ cards.

A dental practice management program gives you instant access to patients’ files and keeps them organized in an all-inclusive manner. It also performs various clerical or administrative tasks such as maintaining contacts and keeping track of income and expenses.

The significant advantage of a dental practice management tool is it enables your dental clinic to offer fast services and deliver 100% customer satisfaction. Additionally, it keeps your staff and patients smiling all day.

And that’s possible only when your dental practice management tool possesses some dental-essential benefits.

5 Benefits Your Dental Practice Management Tool Should Provide

So are you ready to invest time and money in purchasing, installing, and learning the dental practice management software?

Make sure it involves the below-given features for a better return on investment.

1. Scheduling at a Glance

A lot of your work processes rely on scheduling. You need complete information on who is taking care of your patients, what treatments are about to take place at which time, what’s the current status of the patient, and more.

A dental practice management system offers smooth scheduling where you get all the needed information at a glance. You don’t have to stress over your eyes to comprehend the information.

Some software programs even come with a color-coding system to draw out information at a glimpse. It also provides other scheduling elements that reveal a patient’s consultation status, label providers, or the type of treatment arranged.

Once you grasp the scheduling features, you will become able to put effective practices. As a result, you will enjoy high production and high-standard care for patients.

2. Treatment History & Future Plans

Do you know the dental practice tool also helps you communicate better?

As opposed to searching through hoards of files packed with papers, dental software easily and quickly displays a patient’s entire treatment history and future treatment plans.

Now let’s say, if you and your team get access to the patient’s history and future treatments within moments, you will communicate better with patients, knowing their current condition. In other words, the tool eliminates miscommunication.

Furthermore, continued innovation in dental software tools has led to quick treatment calculations accompanied by accurate estimation of the amount of insurance to be paid. It helps you pursue patients to accept treatments gladly and leave them satisfied once you solve financial queries and organize a treatment plan.

3. Organize Information on Dental Charting

A dental chart is a visual representation of all the information about a patient’s teeth and gums. It can be in any form like graphics or pictorial drawing of a patient’s mouth. It reveals almost all teeth and consists of free space to make shorthand notes.

Dentists generally draw charts after inspecting a patient’s mouth. They take notes on the chart concerning the essential information that they need for future references.

A dental practice management tool must come with a charting feature offering more precise and specific information on a computer or smart device instead of a piece of paper or an x-ray. Digital charts provide better clarity with colors and numbers. They help you answer patient’s questions during ongoing treatment, quickly and easily.

Once you install the software, you will never be worried about the fading charts or tearing X-rays.

4. All-in-One Note Taking

A dental practice management tool with a note-taking function makes it fast and straightforward to create, monitor, and find your dental notes. Additionally, the program keeps all your notes organized and secure in one place.

These days, with voice assistance, features blooming, you can look for software with an in-built speech dictation feature to add notes with your voice. The all-in-one note-taking feature keeps your hands free to work with a patient while producing notes.

5. Automated Billing and Appointment Reminders

A dental software with automation capacities can streamline a couple of processes, setting more free time for you and your staff to look after patients.

One of the most common automation features is billing and appointment reminders.

Automated billing generates invoices after patients receive treatment.
Automated appointment reminders send texts or emails reminding patients of upcoming dental visits.

Both features need little to zero human support once you set them up. They save you hours that you could have wasted behind creating bills or sending reminders to each patient per visit manually.

In Summary,

Getting the most out of your dental practice management tool lets you simplify procedures, conduct effective conversations, access information at one glance, maintain and secure patients’ records, get rid of writing and filing errors, save a plethora of time and money, set and achieve goals, acquire more customers and deliver excellent patient experience.

If this doesn’t improve your efficiency, productivity, and profitability, I don’t know what does.

Switch to dental practice software now to leverage each feature now. And don’t forget to come back and share your experiences through the comments below.

Content Source: https://www.cebodtelecom.com/5-benefits-your-dental-practice-management-software-must-come-with/

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Beat the Competition by Choosing the Best Dental Phone System for Dental Office

 In today’s highly competitive market, every professional encounters several challenges specific to their nature of work. The scenario is no different for a dental office. However, by opting for the best phone system for dental office, it is possible to overcome many of these problem areas.

Everyone understands the importance of communication in today’s business landscape. In case of a medical or dental practitioner, the phone system can be considered to be the nucleus of its operational process. The phone system of the office ensures the proper exchange of all critical business information. It is also the most effective way for the patients to remain connected with your dental clinic. Moreover, for many dental offices, the phone system is one of the largest components of their office expense. This is why it is of paramount importance to choose the right phone service for medical office or dental clinic.

Regardless of how old your dental clinic is or how many locations your clinic has, here are some common problems you may have faced at some point of time.

Attracting new patients and retaining them: This has always been a major concern area for all medical and dental offices. It is only possible to win new patients and retain the existing ones by delivering a high level of customer experience. Many dental offices accomplish this goal by providing greater facilities, and building a long-term relationship with their patients. Today’s advanced business phone systems provide an excellent opportunity to achieve all these and much more without spending a fortune.

There are many modern VoIP for office phone systems with excellent capabilities, including seamless integration with your CRM software. As soon as your office receives a call from a patient, the call recipient has instant access to his or her billing information, appointments, notes, and case history. At Cebod Telecom, we have created VoIP based phone systems that are tailor made for all leading providers of CRM solutions including the favorite of many dental offices, Curve Dental.

Ever increasing competition: Many of you must have noticed the mushrooming of new dental clinics around you. Have you thought of any plan that helps you stand out from this extreme competition?

A high percentage of prospective patients of a clinic contact them via phone. Therefore, every dental office needs to implement adequate measures to impress these callers. A good phone system will make your office look extremely professional, capable, and seasoned. On the contrary, issues like long hold times, dropped calls, or busy signals can shatter the image of your office in no time.

Following today’s business trend, you must figure out a way to ensure easy availability of your telephone lines by automation. Cebod Telecom offers several automated features that can be extremely useful for your office. No wonder many dental offices consider us to be the best practice management software and phone system for dental office.

Content Source: https://www.cebodtelecom.com/best-dental-office-phone-system/

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Useful Tips for Call Transfer

 Aside from being able to transfer calls with or without answering, you can also choose between warm and blind transferring. If you are transferring the call to other agents or other departments, this information can help you determine which will be best for each level of service and each department.

If a call needs to be transferred to another department. This can be due to the customer needing a different level or service or the call needing to be routed to a different service. You can answer the call prior to picking up the call if you are unavailable. You can also answer, then transfer if you wish to be the intermediary for callers and customer service.

There are also further options, including blind and warm transfers to use for call forwarding and transfer.

What is blind call transfer?

A blind call transfer is when you send a call to another phone number or person in the company without talking to that person first. You will simply answer the call, determine if the customer needs to be sent to another department, then shift the customer over by transfer.

Blind transfers work well when:-

• The customer is looking for basic help or information that any person would know in that department.
•  Saves you and customer time by being able to connect with someone else who can quickly answer the question, keeping the customer happy.

What is warm or attended call transfer?

Attended call transferring refers to warming the person up or providing information prior to transferring a call to a particular person. To perform a warm transfer, you will put the customer on hold, then dial up the agent. You can give them a briefing on the issue that the customer is having.

Attended transfer works best when:

• The customer requires some specific information related to a department or a product.
• There is an issue or a problem with specific features or services, making sure that the needs are addressed as quickly as possible.
•  It helps avoid customers from having to transfer multiple times.

Deciding which type of transfer to use

For basic information or if there is another department necessary in the beginning, a blind transfer is a good option. This will allow you to get a customer the information that needs immediately. Blind transfers also work when you are shorthanded and need help handling customers who need information or services that all agents are able to help with.

If a client is having an issue, escalating to a warm transfer offers a higher level of service. Utilizing this transfer also means that the agent can quickly find information on hand, clearing up the use of the phone lines and shortening customer wait times.

Also Read:-

• 5 Benefits of Auto Attendant
• Call Mointoring

Content Source: https://www.cebodtelecom.com/useful-tips-for-call-transfer/

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5 Reasons to use Conference or Conference Bridge phone feature?

 Conferences should be quick and easy. With the right technology they are. Conference bridge feature is one of the best ways to connect with employees, vendors, customers, and anyone else you must make contact with to make sure your business runs smoothly. Being able to conduct conference calls with people anywhere in the world shouldn’t be hard.

1. Conferencing without the wait:- 

You can elect to set up a conference any time that works for you. When you set up the conference, an automatic email will be sent out to those who are invited to participate in the conference. Once the time for the conference starts, they can log in with a pin to gain access to the conference. This way each person receives a message about the conference prior to it beginning and gains proper access information that can be accessed via email.

2. Instant email:- 

Instant email makes sure that the conference can begin on time. Having a reminder about the beginning of a conference at the very beginning will provide better attendance rates. Most workers check their emails all of the time, which is the perfect way to keep in touch. The email will provide all necessary information for accessing the call and provide the reason for the conference.

3. Mobile conference bridge:- 

Conferences do not have to be accessed from a work phone. A work conference can be accessed through mobile phones or even digitally. This means that workers who are on the road or at home can access a conference just as easily as those who are in office. Virtual phone line are easy for some employees, as these can be pulled up from a tablet or a computer with ease. When using a virtual phone line, their mobile phone line can be left open for possible business call forwarding if customers call during the conference.

4. Entrance and exit sounds:- 

Knowing when people are entering the conference can give you an update on who has showed up. You can have those who enter the conference announce themselves, plus set up the conference to play a sound when people enter or exit. This will allow you to wait for everyone to arrive, so that everyone receives pertinent information, rather than needing to recap at the end.

5.No restrictions, Manage large groups:- 

If you need to have a large number of conference participants the conference bridge is the best way to make this happen. As the administrator you can mute all participant lines, so that there is no distraction and information can be distributed all at once. A large, controlled conference through conference bridging can keep all workers up to date instantaneously.

Choose Cebod Telecom Business Phone Service and take all powerful PBX calling features like conference bridge with you.  Several plans and pricing options are available.

Content Source: https://www.cebodtelecom.com/conference-bridge/

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Can I Use My Existing Phone Number if I switch to VoIP?

Most of the offices tend to use the same phone number for many years. As a result, this phone number often becomes the identity their business. This is why most of the companies are not willing to abandon their old phone numbers while switching to VoIP

Fortunately, it is possible to continue using the same existing phone number while switching over to a VoIP phone service.

The feature that allows users to retain their old phone number even after a change in service provider is called portability. 

What is Portability?

The Federal Communications Commission, an independent body that regulates television, wires, radio, cable, and satellite communication in the US, requires all US-based VoIP service providers to offer number portability. Most of the VoIP service providers now offer this facility for free. 

How much does it cost to port phone numbers to a VOIP phone service provider?

However, it is important to note certain things while porting a number from a traditional or VoIP service provider to another VoIP service. Though porting is always possible, some service providers may charge for porting the existing number. On the other hand, there are companies like Cebod Telecom that offer free porting facility to all their customers.

Business is moving to a new location, can we keep the same phone number?

Number porting is not possible for the traditional phone numbers when shifting to a new location because this will result in a change in the area code. With VOIP, you can move business from New York to Chicago and still keep existing phone number with New York area code.

About Cebod Telecom phone service

Cebod Telecom provide its customers with preconfigured VOIP phones and once the phone numbers are  ported, phone service starts working without any additional configuration.  There is zero downtime when switching to them. In case of emergency, Cebod Telecom can also provide with temporary phone numbers until the porting process from the previous business phone service vendor is completed.

Content Source: https://www.cebodtelecom.com/can-use-existing-phone-number-switch-voip/

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8 Most Common VoIP Problems and How to Solve Them on Your Own

 If you are here, chances are you’re an active VoIP user who is having some problems while making VoIP calls and is looking for hassle-free solutions.

Whether dropped connection during important discussions, low-quality audio, or any other issue that makes it impossible to complete the conversation, this guide will help you solve all of them on your own.

In this guide, we are going to breakdown the 8 most common VoIP problems and their solutions to help you find peace of mind as fast as possible.

Let’s get to work!

1. Dropped Connections

We’ve all been through this situation.

Somebody is saying something crucial, and the words cut off in the middle of their sentences. We have to say, “Sorry, I didn’t hear you,” and the individual on the other line has to repeat themselves multiple times.

How to Solve Broken Audio?

This typical VoIP issue is most likely the result of your bandwidth capacity. Bandwidth evaluates the amount of data that is sent over a connection within a given time.

While using the internet — either for VoIP or browsing — small units of data are delivered in packets. When these packets don’t reach their targeted destination, packet loss takes place.

The outcomes are connection interruptions, slow performance, and low-quality audio issues.

Your solution to broken audio relies on who is cutting in and out. Is it you or the other person?

If the other person is cutting in and out, then your download bandwidth is not enough.

In any case, packet loss is the primary reason.

Try closing streaming applications like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or YouTube, which occupy plenty of network space. Also, ensure that you’ve made VoIP service your first priority on your router’s Quality of Service (QOS) settings.

2. Dropped Calls

Dropped calls are the calls that suddenly end halfway through the conversation. They are a massive cause of frustration for callers.

Additionally, you may also have faced sudden dropped calls after a specific amount of time (e.g., 11 minutes into the call).

How to Solve Dropped Calls?

Usually, this problem occurs during outgoing calls on high-volume networks.

The root cause is not having updated firmware on your device. A brief call to your service provider will verify this.

Another issue could be a UDP Timeout. This is the amount of time a UDP route remains open on a router or firewall.

To resolve this VoIP issue, you need to readjust your router settings to enable lengthy UDP timeouts or switch to TCP (Transmission Control Protocol).

TCP is a connection-oriented protocol that specifies how to build and manage a network conversation in which application programs can exchange data.

The UDP connection timeout is 30 seconds, whereas the TCP connection timeout is typically 15 minutes. You can increase the connection timeout from the firewall access rules.

3. Echoes on the Call

Echoes trigger repeated voices at different intervals and volume levels. They make it hard to follow the conversation.

How to Solve Echoes?

There are two potential culprits behind this issue:

The device

Headset lag

You have to examine both.

Begin with the device itself.

Is your device up to date? Is everything connected appropriately? Is anything broken?

Have you applied the universal technique of unplugging and plugging everything back in?

Check your calls after you take care of your device. Usually, this permits the buffers to vacate and re-sync with the VoIP services.

The type of headset you use may cause a problem. To evaluate this, place a call using your handset and headset only to see if the echoes occur — specifically, on the headset. If yes, then it’s time to replace it.

Additionally, make sure that your wall jacks, Ethernet cords, and cables are not bent, damp, or damaged.

If you still experience echoes, then you may need to improve your network latency and instability.

4. Latency – Voice Delay

Latency is the amount of time one data packet takes to travel to its intended destination — in other words, the total time it takes for words to exit the speaker’s mouth and arrive at the listener’s ear.

You have a good chance of experiencing higher latency during business hours, which will affect your customer communications and conference calls.

How to Solve VoIP Latency?

Latency can be the result of network congestion.

Network congestion happens when a network node or link carries overloaded data.

Routers have a huge task to sustain today’s weighty bandwidth requirements, like video calls. It’s a nice idea — until everyone watches streaming services and joins video conferences at the same time! Plus, don’t overlook all those laptops consuming Wi-Fi data.

The solution to this VoIP problem is to prioritize VoIP traffic on your routers.

Another option is to choose QoS (Quality of Service), which may require advancing to a business-class router that keeps VoIP data a top priority.

5. Jittering

Jittering is when portions of your VoIP phone calls sound garbled, out of order or completely missing, therefore causing important conversations to vanish or become difficult to understand.

Call jittering that lasts 30+ milliseconds affects the overall call quality, resulting in dropped calls and misunderstandings.

How to Solve VoIP Jittering?

Jittering occurs due to the millions of data packets travelling altogether across the same IP network.

The quick and obvious fix is to try upgrading your Internet connectivity via your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your internet may not have sufficient bandwidth to take on the load of all your connected devices.

If you’ve gotten rid of network congestion, and the problem still lingers, then examine the internet connection you’re using. Wireless networks are user-friendly and durable enough to support basic internet access; however, they are not optimal for VoIP phones. Try shifting to an Ethernet internet connection instead.

Old, outdated modems and damaged Ethernet cords can also have a hand in jittering. The same can be said for your phone’s frequency, too. Consider aiming for a frequency that is no more than 2.4GHz.

Another solution is installing a jitter buffer. It temporarily holds arriving packets to reduce delay variations. If packets don’t reach you on time, then they are removed.

6. Silence After Call Connection

Sometimes, you don’t face any problems with connecting calls, but you may have an issue in which you hear nothing once the call is successfully connected. These voice issues can be one-way (i.e., one party doesn’t hear the other), or two-way (i.e., neither party hears anything).

This causes frustration and the meaningless back-and-forth of “Can you hear me?”, which can ruin the entire conversation.

How to Solve a Silent Connection?

In many cases, silent connections happen because of problems with firewalls hindering RTP packets.

This makes voice packets able to pass through only one direction or block both sides from receiving data packets. One solution is to check out the SIP ALG (Session Initiation Protocol Application Layer Gateway), which is a software component that manages specific application protocols, like SIP.

Most of the time, disabling it will fix the problem, as it opens ports to allow traffic to flow.

Another problem that may cause a lack of audio is incompatible codec between two connecting phones. If that’s the case, then calls can connect completely, but they don’t allow package exchange — meaning a complete absence of audio.

In this case, the solution is to make sure that both phones share a common codec.

7. Straight to Voicemail

Have you ever faced a situation in which you’re waiting for a call from a client or a coworker, and your phone sent the call directly to voicemail instead of ringing?

Such missed calls can trigger major setbacks in productivity — not to mention potentially losing high-paying clients.

How to Solve Missed VoIP Calls?

Fortunately, this big problem has an easier solution.

First, make sure your phone is still connected with your existing VoIP service provider. If not, then contact the company and reconnect your devices.

Also, check your settings. You may have mistakenly switched your phone to Do Not Disturb.

Lastly, double-check your call forwarding settings. You may have changed the configuration or forgot to reset it back to your basic setup.

8. VoIP Not Working, but Internet Is

Often, your VoIP system may not allow you to make calls. Although your internet is working, VoIP is not — it may either fail to connect or display a big “X” on the screen.

This is a common problem in call centers. It generally shuts down business until the issue is resolved.

How to Solve VoIP’s Inability to Make Calls?

Again, SIP ALG can be responsible for this.

Although it is found in most routers, it can create major problems for VoIP users. When it arises, two routers cannot operate or transmit packets because firewalls disturb the internal network and VoIP traffic.

To resolve this, you’ve got to disable SIP ALG.

If that doesn’t work, then try relocating your VoIP telephones on a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN).

In Summary

Most of us experience VoIP issues every now and then. We hope that our guide to VoIP solutions will come in handy the next time you encounter any of the problems mentioned above. If not, then you can always count on our top business VoIP service providers for a consistent voice connection, high audio quality, popular software, updated solutions, and error-free service.

Content Source: https://www.cebodtelecom.com/8-most-common-voip-problems-and-how-to-solve-them-on-your-own/

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What is Patient Appointment Reminder Software?

 Do you know what one of the biggest unnecessary expenses is for any dental practice? Missed appointments and no-shows cost your business thousands of dollars every year. If you can improve those numbers even a little bit, you’ll be able to make a big difference to your business. Patient appointment reminders software have been shown to reduce no-show numbers dramatically. And there’s software to make this an automatic process.

How Software Reminds Patients of their Appointments

The latest software can remind patients of their appointments in any way you please. Patients typically refer to receive SMS messages, but you also have other options on the table.

Let’s look at how it works:

SMS Reminders – The name and date are automated. And you can even include customized messages, if you so wish.

Phone Reminders – Your staff members can record a message and the date/name/time is automated.

Email Reminders – In an email reminder, the name, date, and time are fully automated, but you can also include a customized message.

The best option is to ask your patients which method they prefer. It’s relatively easy to do this with new patients who’re filling in their information for the first time. With the number one reason for missed appointments being forgetfulness, automated reminders can be a big boom for your business.

Prioritize Incoming Communications

Sometimes a patient might send you a message that demands your urgent attention. For example, they may be cancelling an appointment. If you get to it early enough that slot could be given to another patient. But you need to know which communications to read first.

Patient appointment reminder software has the capacity to analyze incoming messages and to categorize them. And on the patient side there’s no need for them to register for a service or download an app. All they must do is send you a text and you’ll know what you need to respond to personally in good time.

Ongoing Care Reminders

Once you get your patients to attend their scheduled appointments you must go further than that to make sure they continue to book follow up appointments. Your regulars are what keep you profitable.

The latest in appointment reminder software also has the capacity to indulge in proactive messaging. That means it will analyze patient records and send a reminder to book a maintenance care appointment after a certain amount of time has passed. This can be customized according to the needs of each patient category, as defined by you.

Getting Paid at the Right Time

Some of your patients may have the option to pay later or to pay in installments. Reminders for payment or that another installment date is coming up can be sent to each patient. The frequency of these installment reminders can also be controlled by you. There’s even the option to escalate cases where the patient hasn’t responded, or you’ve received no payment for a specific period.

Professional Branding and Marketing

Patient appointment reminder software goes further than sending out reminders. It also offers professional branding at the same time. That means you can include logos, color schemes, and relevant promotional slogans and messages simultaneously. You may think it’s a relatively minor issue, but ongoing branding can improve patient retention rates.

Improve Patient Satisfaction Rates

Overall, we know this is primarily about improving patient satisfaction rates. Another feature of patient appointment reminder software is the ability for your dental clinic to remind patients when they have products to pick up. Whether it’s a mouth guard or a pair of dentures, there can be serious delays in patients getting the care they need if they forget to pick their delivery up. Patients are always going to appreciate you reaching out to them, so they don’t need to remember when their product was expected to arrive.

That’s the level of service that improves patient satisfaction rates.

The Big Picture

Keep this sort of addition to your business in context. You’re using features like this to gain a competitive advantage in your local market. Software like this demonstrates attentiveness, and that’s the sort of thing you want to see in reviews. Over time you’ll gain a positive reputation and that will lead to more business for you.

Last Word – Why Patient Appointment Reminder Software is For You

Patient appointment reminder software has never been more important in this modern age. With most people using technology to manage their lives, conforming to that will only improve the reputation of your practice. It’s an easy feature to implement into your business and it will revolutionize the way you deal with patients. This is an investment that will repay itself repeatedly.

Do you believe that patient appointment reminder software or the dental practice management software has the potential to improve your dental practice?

Content Source: https://www.cebodtelecom.com/patient-appointment-reminder-software/

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Choose the Right VOIP Phone System Provider for Your Business

Technological advances have made it necessary for all businesses to update their way of doing business. The era of mass digital marketing has risen and business tools like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) may make it easier for you to do business with your clients. Here are some of the advantages you can add to your business by looking into VoIP Phone System Providers.

Increased Mobility Within Your Company

VoIP Phone System Providers help with making your entire team mobile. If you’re finding that you and other members of your team are constantly traveling, VoIP can offer them the solution they need for doing more than just making phone calls. Cebod Telecom is one of the VoIP phone system providers that continues to impress with their services.

You are able to e-mail, e-fax, and even participate in conference calls on your mobile device. This is because you and your team members are offered an integrated platform that brings all forms of communication into one place. Being on the go no longer has to be a hindrance for you or anyone else in your company when you employ services from VoIP phone system provider.

Increase Your Employees’ Productivity

Beyond just giving you and your team mobility, VoIP services have enhanced since their earlier releases. You can now get telephone services without the worry of calls dropping, lagging in the transmission, or distorted phone calls. Cebod Telecom offers you more, for less with their innovative services, unlike most other VoIP Phone system providers.

Your employees can now organize themselves without much of a problem with an excellent VoIP phone service provider. In addition, everyone will be able to communicate with one another easily, so you can conduct virtual meetings, attach documents through a web server, or even share video conferencing data in the blink of an eye.

Increasing your business productivity is the only way to increase your profit margins. Employing the best company out there from the abundance of VoIP Phone System Providers could be an advantage for your business. That’s why so many people believe in the services of Cebod Telecom.

Easy to Install, Use, and Even Troubleshoot

Let’s face it – any business owner dealing with a new program is going to be scared of the learning curb involved. However, VoIP installations tend to require the least amount of know-how when it comes to installation. It usually involves a download link and everyone with the download can access the integrated server.

VoIP phone system providers have made it significantly easier to install and use their products. Even those who aren’t as tech-savvy can easily adapt and understand a VoIP internet service. VoIP reduces the amount of technology involved by eliminating the need for cables and other technological devices. Not only is this going to make it easier to use for you, your VoIP phone system providers help you reduce the fire hazards in your building. This is just an added bonus to the service.

Consider all Your Options

VoIP phone system providers tend to offer you a range of features that can differ from package-to-package and company-to-company. There are many advantages to employing the services of VoIP for your business, so look into all of your options to find the one that will fit you and your business the best.

Content Source: https://www.cebodtelecom.com/choose-right-voip-phone-service-provider/

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