If a delay in conversation is occurring, network issues or defective equipment is typically the culprit. Delays in audio with VoIP calls can make it seem like both parties are talking over each other, or increase response times making conversations awkward. Common symptoms of audio delays on VoIP devices include:
- Callers hear their voice through the device.
- Audio arrives late.
- Calls appear to drop and reconnect.
- Parties talking over each other.
To begin troubleshooting delays in conversation, verify the integrity of the local network. VoIP devices require an upload and download speed of 0.1 Mbps each. Computers and connected devices such as wirelessly connected cellular phones, printers, etc. need an upload and download speed of 0.3 Mbps each. Jitter must be less than 15 – 20 ms, and packet loss must be 0%. To run the Nextiva Network Quality Speed Test, click here. Compare the results with the chart below.
Recommended Network Quality Speed Test Results
Firewall Access Rules control the flow of inbound and outbound Internet traffic from the local network to the public Internet. Improperly configured networking equipment is a common cause of delays experienced with VoIP call audio.
Nextiva recommends that a local Network Administrator whitelist the following rules in the firewall:
Nextiva’s Firewall Access Rules