What is traffic shaping and why do I need it?
Voice call-quality issues are challenging to troubleshoot because many factors can potentially affect audio. Some people believe simply increasing internet speed is the solution, but people who use hosted VoIP phone services might experience voice quality issues no matter their connection speed and bandwidth. It's more likely that your router needs a quality of service (QoS) modification known as traffic shaping.
Traffic shaping is a way to prioritize voice packets over other data packets, such as music or videos, going through a router. It boosts the reliability and clarity of your phone calls.
By default, routers handle data packets following a First In First Out (FIFO) order. This can create queuing issues across your network when bandwidth use is high. Traffic shaping solves this by dedicating network resources based on the type of traffic and device. Your IT department or consultant can prioritize the voice traffic in your router, so there’s plenty of space for your phone calls to get through first. It’s like adding HOV/carpool or “Exit Only” lanes to a highway. The voice data gets to cruise right by the rest.
Issues with Internet-based office phones are bound to happen; however, it should be the exception, not the rule. You may have a dropped call or voice crackling every once and a while, but if the issues persist, it’s time to contact your UpLync support team. We can partner with your IT department to implement traffic shaping.