Conference Calling Audio Quality
The sound quality of conference calls can vary from one carrier to the next
. Among the many factors affecting audio quality is the technology used to deliver the calls. Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTNs) are clearer than ever while newer Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technologies are allowing for cheaper, though less clear, transmissions over the Internet. Today, most phone users are accustomed to crystal clear sound quality thanks to digital PSTNs. However, when it comes to low-cost conference calling plans, some are surprised at the lack of clarity. If you want the best audio quality possible, its crucial that you select a conference calling plan dedicated to providing it through a combination of state-of-the-art, high quality conference call bridges, telephony software solutions, and top tier telecommunications carriers.
PSTN vs. VoIP
Despite the alphabet soup of acronyms, PSTN and VoIP are relatively simply to understand. Public Switched Telephone Networks are also sometimes called Plain Old Telephone Service for good reason: thats what they are. Your traditional land line uses PSTN, which is a global network of circuit-switched telephone networks. These networks are nearly completely digital and now include mobile telephones as well as landlines.
Voice over Internet Protocol is a transmission technology used for delivering voice communications over the Internet. As with sending data files over the Internet, VoIP breaks the voice files into small packets which are transmitted and reassembled over the Internet. These packets take various routes to reach the final destination with some arriving sooner than others. While this occurs at lightning fast speeds, some audio delays, dropouts, and jitters can occur with VoIP conference calls.
While VoIP conference calling is emerging as a viable, low-cost communications method, call quality has yet to equal that of the higher quality, tried-and-true PSTN technologies where static, interference, echoes, and call delays are virtually unheard of.
Conference Calling Bridges
Conference call bridges are used to facilitate multi-caller conference calls. Using a bridge, hefty toll charges can be avoided and a group teleconference set up and managed. Though far out of reach pricewise for individuals and businesses, conference calling service providers provide access to their bridges as part of their service plans. Essentially, you are renting the conference call bridge when you sign up for a conference calling plan. However, not all bridges are created equally, and sound quality can be affected.
Telephony Software
Another factor that influences the quality of conference calls is the telephony software. Software allows for computer-based conference calling management. For example, a teleconference plan may or may not include Web-based account management tools and features such as autodial and call recording. While the software may not directly influence audio quality, software is available that allows the host to identify poor quality connections and as well as mute individual callers whose phones may be generating static and degrading the overall experience.
Telecommunications Carriers
In addition to the transmission method, conference calling bridges, and telephony software, the underlying telecommunications carriers used for conference calls can affect overall audio quality. Services offered, rates, and call quality can distinguish one carrier from the next.
With so many factors involved with conference calling, its no wonder that audio quality can suffer. For the ultimate in crystal clear conference calls, look for a provider that:
Uses PSTN rather than the less reliable VoIP
Offers state-of-the-art conference calling bridges
Offers feature-rich telephony software
Uses top-tier telecommunications carriers
Now is an exciting time when it comes to conference calling with emerging and existing technologies converging to deliver high quality conference calls at an affordable price.
by: michael framer
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