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The cloud is a place for all the servers, data, and services on the Internet. So, if the Internet fails, users are shut out. Servers are still there, and the data — provided no malware or sabotage is involved — is still accessible. Users have to either reinstate their connections using what is known as failover capabilities. Failover is when standby equipment or systems come to the rescue and restore service.
Do VoIP phones work without internet?
A: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a cloud phone system. When the network fails users will lose telephone communications. However, with alternatives like emergency rerouting and mobile service, VoIP phone services can continue without the internet.
What are some VoIP failovers if the internet crashes?
A: Planning can be the insurance against interrupted telephone services. The internet can fail through natural disasters, service provider outages, hardware breakdowns, human error, cyber-attacks, etc.
If a business experiences an internet outage, it can have bigger continuity issues that could only be addressed through restored telephone services. So, restoring telephone services must be the first step in disaster recovery planning.
Here are three things a business can do to get their VoIP phones back online:
1. Have a backup or alternate Internet service provider (ISP)
Having a separate broadband Internet connection is a popular and safe solution to losing VoIP telephone service if the connection goes down. In these days of almost total reliance on the Internet, most businesses simply cannot afford any Internet downtime.
With two ISPs, the business can split network loads into service to the VoIP and another for business computers. If the VoIP-supporting ISP loses the load, the business can switch to the ISP that is still online.
At Voicecom Plus, we can send calls to cellphones as a backup service and alternate ISP Routing.
2. Select a system that has built-in call continuity and redundancy.
Look for features that automatically send calls to pre-positioned mobile phone numbers if the Internet service fails. This feature is known as mobile-ready VoIP and allows employees to access the VoIP system regardless of what kind of mobile device the user has.
Mobile-ready VoIP systems have all the call features available on VoIP handsets. When the calls are routed to the mobile device, caller ID, call forwarding, and call-waiting features appear on the user’s smartphone.
Then there is disaster routing. When the system detects a failed connection to the VoIP, the call can be routed to other systems. The routing can be to another private telephone network or cell phone numbers specified by the user.
3. Set up a VoIP backup between the private telephone network and the local internet cable.
Again, businesses need redundancy in their connection to the Internet. In the same way as having an alternate ISP can provide another path to the cloud, having a backup at the point where the private telephone network connects with the local Internet cable safeguards against the loss of Internet service.
The cable that runs into the local business can be damaged. The redundancy ensures that there is not just a single point of connection between VoIP and the internet service.
What else to look for besides redundancy
VoIP can be the anchor of a unified communications system to give teams every tool they need to communicate throughout their actual or virtual working environment. Look for flexibility in supporting a mobile or telecommuting workforce. Calls should be routed based on the presence of the employee. Calls should be integrated with instant messaging, video conferencing, and popular applications like Microsoft Outlook.
Key Takeaways:
- A VoIP phone system can work without the internet with alternatives like emergency rerouting and mobile services.
- Having a backup or alternative ISP and selecting a system that has built-in call continuity are some of the VoIP failovers to have installed if the internet fails.
Thinking about upgrading to VoIP?
Voicecom Plus is here to help! Contact us today and we will be glad to discuss your business needs and create a customized package to fit your business goals.
