A Simple Guide: Replacing Analogue with VoIP

Big changes are coming to the UK’s phone systems. Replacing Analogue with VoIP is now a necessity for businesses looking to stay connected. BT is phasing out traditional landlines and moving all customers to digital, internet-based services. This switch is expected to be fully complete by January 2027.

For businesses, this means that if you still rely on a traditional phone line, you’ll need to start Replacing Analogue with VoIP sooner rather than later. Waiting too long could leave your business without a working phone service. The good news? VoIP brings plenty of advantages—clearer calls, better flexibility, and a lower cost in the long run.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

Replacing Analogue with VoIP means businesses will no longer be able to use copper phone lines. Instead, all calls will be made over the internet using VoIP technology. This change is already underway, with Openreach rolling out fibre broadband and BT stopping the sale of old copper-based services in many areas.

If your business isn’t prepared, Replacing Analogue with VoIP could become a rushed and stressful process, leading to service disruptions. Even if you’re already using broadband, your current network might not be ready to handle the increased demand that VoIP will place on it. That’s where NetLinx can help by ensuring you have the right networks for VoIP.

How Can VoIP Phone System Experts Help?

Transitioning to VoIP isn’t just about plugging in new phones. Your network infrastructure needs to be ready to handle the change without compromising call quality, security, or reliability. At NetLinx, we specialise in ensuring that small and medium-sized businesses have the right internet setup to support VoIP.

Network Assessment and Recommendations

Before making the switch to VoIP, it’s important to assess whether your current network can handle it. NetLinx offers a full network assessment to evaluate:

• Internet quality and capacity: VoIP calls require stable, high-speed internet. We check your upload and download speeds, latency, and jitter to ensure a smooth transition.
• Existing hardware: Not all routers, switches, and access points are optimised for VoIP. We assess whether your current equipment is compatible or if upgrades are needed.
• Network configuration: We identify potential bottlenecks and ensure that your network settings prioritise VoIP traffic for the best call quality.

Once we’ve conducted our assessment, we’ll provide recommendations for any necessary upgrades to ensure Replacing Analogue with VoIP is seamless and your system runs smoothly.

Installation of Ethernet Ports for VoIP A strong Wi-Fi connection might be fine for general office tasks, but VoIP calls require a more stable and consistent connection. That’s why hardwired Ethernet connections are the best option for VoIP.

Does VoIP use Ethernet?

Yes, and in fact, Ethernet is the preferred method for ensuring stable, high-quality voice calls over a network. NetLinx can:

• Install high-quality Ethernet ports at strategic locations.
• Ensure that your network setup minimises interference and downtime.
• Set up VLANs (Virtual LANs) to separate voice and data traffic, improving performance.

This means fewer dropped calls, no lag, and a more reliable system overall.

Ensuring Call Quality, Security, and Scalability A VoIP system is only as good as the network it runs on. NetLinx ensures that your Cloud-based phone systems is optimised by implementing:

• Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritise voice traffic over other types of data.
• Network security measures, including firewalls and encryption, to protect against cyber threats.
• Failover solutions so that if one internet connection goes down, your VoIP system remains operational.
• Scalability planning so that as your business grows, your VoIP setup can grow with you.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance Once your VoIP system is up and running, it’s important to keep it that way. NetLinx can provide ongoing support, including:

• Regular network health checks to ensure your system is performing optimally.
• Troubleshooting and maintenance to prevent issues before they affect your business.
• Future-proofing advice to keep your network and phone system up to date with the latest technology.

Replacing Analogue with VoIP: Why Act Now?

The UK’s switch to VoIP isn’t happening overnight, but the deadline is fast approaching. If your business waits until the last minute, you could face disruptions, rushed installations, and unnecessary stress. Getting ahead of the transition means you can make informed decisions and ensure a smooth, hassle-free upgrade.

Let NetLinx Help You Stay Connected Whether you need a simple VoIP setup or a complete overhaul of your network infrastructure, NetLinx is here to help. We take the technical stress out of the process, ensuring that your business stays connected with a VoIP-ready network.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your business’s IP telephony solutions and find out how we can help you stay ahead of the changes.