Upgrade your Internet connection
VoIP is highly dependent on Internet upload and download speeds. If you have experienced any call quality issues during a VoIP call, your first stop should be with your current Internet Service Provider (ISP). Many ISPs will upgrade your connection speeds for free simply to keep you as a customer. If not, you should either consider paying for a faster Internet connection or moving to another ISP that offers greater connection speeds for the same price.
Improve your Contention Ratio
The more users there are connected to a server, the slower your connection and the higher your contention ratio. To improve your QoS, look for a low contention ratio. Some ISPs offer a 1:1 contention ratio, but you may have to pay a high price for the privilege. Request for an upgrade to a contention ratio that is as low as possible.
Get a new Headset
Consider upgrading to a higher quality headset if you use the RingCentral Call Controller with SoftPhone to make calls. Aside from sound quality, be sure to consider ergonomics and comfort if you will be using the headset for extended periods.
Improve your WiFi Signal
If you are using a WiFi phone for your calls, improve your WiFi signal to enhance your VoIP QoS. Range-extending and signal-improving antennas and devices are available on the market.
Switch from WiFi to Ethernet
WiFi networks can be patchy if you make VoIP calls in an environment where you are surrounded by concrete walls and floors. Other electrical devices can also interfere by broadcasting a signal on the same frequency as your WiFi device. Try using an Ethernet connection – a wired solution greatly reduces the possibility of interference and can handle data intensive calls.
Pause any large downloads while on a call
Often, a call can drop out or you can experience delays if you are simultaneously downloading large files over the same network. This is because your Internet connection may not have enough bandwidth and cannot handle the increased load. Therefore, it would be a good idea to pause any non-essential downloads while you make your calls.
Consider using a QoS-enabled Router
QoS-enabled routers prioritize voice traffic on your network over normal Internet traffic. The router will improve call quality by prioritizing data traffic for your voice call over lower priority network traffic, e.g., large downloads. There are several QoS-enabled routers on the market.