Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Disabling SIP ALG on your router or switches
3. Updating firmware on switches and routers
4. Deploying packet prioritization on your router or firewall
5. Considering SD-WAN for packet prioritization and intelligent load balancing
6. Knowing the number of Ethernet jacks at each workstation
7. Performing a pin test on Ethernet jacks
8. Daisy chaining desk phones to PCs
9. Checking for VoIP Readiness tests from service providers
10. Conclusion
Introduction
📌 Moving from an on-prem phone system to a cloud PBX phone system can be a significant transition for any company. As an IT professional, it's crucial to ensure a smooth installation and avoid any potential issues that may arise. In this article, we will discuss six essential steps to prepare your local area network for a cloud phone system installation. By following these steps, you can minimize voice quality issues, dropped calls, and other network-related problems. So let's dive in and explore the necessary preparations for a successful transition.
1. Disabling SIP ALG on your router or switches
📌 One of the first things you should do to prepare your local area network for a VoIP install is to disable SIP ALG (Application Layer Gateway) on your router or switches. SIP ALG has been known to cause problems during VoIP installations, impacting voice quality and overall performance. By disabling this setting, you can avoid potential issues and ensure a smoother transition to a cloud PBX phone system.
2. Updating firmware on switches and routers
📌 Keeping your network devices up to date is crucial for optimal performance. Before installing a cloud PBX phone system, make sure to update the firmware on all your switches and routers. Outdated firmware can lead to various issues, including voice quality problems. By updating the firmware, you can address any known bugs or compatibility issues, ensuring a stable network environment for your cloud phone system.
3. Deploying packet prioritization on your router or firewall
📌 To prioritize voice calls and ensure a seamless communication experience, consider deploying packet prioritization on your router or firewall. Packet prioritization allows you to assign higher priority to real-time applications like voice calls, ensuring they receive sufficient bandwidth and minimizing the impact of other non-essential internet traffic. By implementing this feature, you can enhance voice quality and reduce the chances of call drops or interruptions.
4. Considering SD-WAN for packet prioritization and intelligent load balancing
📌 Another option to optimize your network for a cloud PBX phone system is to consider deploying SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network). SD-WAN offers advanced capabilities such as packet prioritization, intelligent load balancing, and VoIP session reassignment. With SD-WAN, you can prioritize voice traffic, balance the load between multiple internet circuits, and automatically reroute calls in case of an internet connection failure. This technology can significantly improve the performance and reliability of your cloud phone system.
5. Knowing the number of Ethernet jacks at each workstation
📌 Before implementing a cloud PBX phone system, it's essential to know the number of Ethernet jacks available at each workstation. This information is particularly relevant for desk phones, as they require a dedicated Ethernet connection. By understanding the number of jacks, you can plan the installation accordingly and ensure that every desk phone has a proper network connection.
6. Performing a pin test on Ethernet jacks
📌 To avoid potential call quality issues, it's advisable to perform a pin test on all the Ethernet jacks in your office. This test helps identify any faulty or misconfigured jacks that may affect voice quality. By conducting a pin test, you can proactively address any issues before the installation, ensuring a smooth and trouble-free experience with your cloud PBX phone system.
7. Daisy chaining desk phones to PCs
📌 If you have limited Ethernet jacks at workstations, you can consider daisy chaining your desk phones to PCs. This means connecting the phone to the wall jack and then connecting the PC to the phone's Ethernet port. This setup allows you to share a single Ethernet jack between the phone and the PC, reducing the need for additional network infrastructure.
8. Checking for VoIP Readiness tests from service providers
📌 Some cloud PBX phone system service providers offer VoIP Readiness tests to assess your network's suitability for their system. These tests evaluate factors such as download speed, upload speed, packet loss, latency, and jitter. If available, it's recommended to take advantage of these tests as they can provide valuable insights into your network's readiness for a cloud phone system installation.
9. Conclusion
📌 Transitioning from an on-prem phone system to a cloud PBX phone system requires careful preparation of your local area network. By following the six essential steps outlined in this article, you can ensure a smooth installation and minimize any potential issues. Remember to disable SIP ALG, update firmware, prioritize packets, consider SD-WAN, assess Ethernet jacks, perform pin tests, and explore VoIP Readiness tests. By taking these measures, you can create a robust network infrastructure that supports a reliable and high-quality cloud phone system.
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🌟 **Highlights:**
- Disabling SIP ALG on your router or switches
- Updating firmware on switches and routers
- Deploying packet prioritization on your router or firewall
- Considering SD-WAN for packet prioritization and intelligent load balancing
- Knowing the number of Ethernet jacks at each workstation
- Performing a pin test on Ethernet jacks
- Daisy chaining desk phones to PCs
- Checking for VoIP Readiness tests from service providers
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**FAQ:**
Q: What is SIP ALG, and why should I disable it?
A: SIP ALG is an Application Layer Gateway that can cause issues during VoIP installations. Disabling it helps avoid voice quality
