How to Run a VoIP Speed Test (And Why It Fixes Most Call Issues)

Do you experience dropped calls or poor sound quality when you make a phone call? These issues tend to occur since your internet is not in good shape for using VoIP calls. But how can you tell that is the problem?

The answer is to run a VoIP speed test. The test measures key things like delays, lost data, and how fast your internet sends and receives information. Knowing this helps you find and fix problems so your calls stay clear and steady.

In this blog, we’ll show you how to run a VoIP speed test and explain why it is important for clear, reliable calls.

Understanding VoIP Speed Test

A VoIP speed test is a specialized type of test to determine the extent to which your internet connection supports VoIP calls. The test takes a deeper focus on the quality of the connection, unlike a regular internet speed test, whose primary focus is on the download and upload speed.

VoIP calls are based on the network’s ability to transmit voice data in small units called packets. Such packets must enter the network quickly and in the correct order to maintain a clear audio signal. When they arrive late or get lost, the consequence can be echoes, lags, or even audio losses.

A VoIP speed test simulates a voice call by sending packets across your network. It captures the time they take to arrive and how many fail to make the journey. The measurements would be helpful to determine whether your network is suitable for high-quality communication using VoIP.

Understanding the results of a VoIP test can help identify issues that might not appear during browsing or video streaming. Voice calls, especially those linked to a virtual number, require more punctuality, and even a stable internet connection may not guarantee good call quality.

How to Run a VoIP Speed Test? (A Simple Step-by-Step Guide)

A VoIP speed test is not that complicated, but it is worth making the right preparations in order to get accurate results. Misconducted test results will cause misunderstanding and issues that evade detection.

The following steps will guide you to improve VoIP speed and identify the root cause of poor call quality.

Step 1: Choose a Reliable VoIP Speed Test Tool

Not all speed testing platforms are made for VoIP tests. Free speed tools are commonly provided on the websites by many VoIP providers. An effective VoIP speed test determines values like packet loss, jitter, and latency, which have a direct impact on voice performance and audio quality of the voice calls.

Many VoIP providers offer free speed test tools on their websites. A proper VoIP speed test evaluates metrics like packet loss, jitter, and latency, which directly affect audio quality and voice call performance.

Look out for tools created by VoIP providers or recognized tech companies. For example, Dialaxy, 8×8, and VoIP.ms provide dedicated VoIP quality test tools. These platforms simulate voice calls during testing, giving a more accurate view of how your internet connection handles data packets in real-time.

Step 2: Prepare for an Accurate Test

To obtain accurate results of the VoIP testing, make sure that you prepare your system before clicking the “Start” button.

First, disconnect any application or browser tabs using the internet. It can result in a poor connection, which you may have because of some background apps like cloud storage or message apps.

Connect your computer directly to your modem via the Ethernet cable in order to obtain the most accurate results. Wi-Fi may vary, yet a wired connection is a stable foundation to determine the quality of VoIP.

Step 3: Run the Test

Now it’s time to open your speed test tool. The majority of tools have a single start test button, which initiates the response to analyze your download and upload speed, latency, jitter, and more. The test usually takes less than a minute, yet the outcomes are strong.

After running the test, save the results. Your VoIP provider or internet service provider (ISP) may be provided with these in case needed, affecting call routing or call quality.

Step 4: Run multiple tests at different times for accuracy

One of the tests demonstrates how your VoIP system is functioning at that moment. It is always best to execute the tests at different times of the day in order to gain a detailed insight into the performance.

If you’re using Wi-Fi, conduct tests in different rooms. The signal might reduce when you move farther away from the router.

For example, a voice call in a back office could get poorer quality in VoIP compared to someone in the same room as the router.

Key VoIP Metrics to Understand Your Results

After running a VoIP speed test, you can see multiple technical terms and numbers. At first sight, these results can create confusion; however, they contain the solution to your VoIP call quality.

Let’s have a look at the most critical metrics and what they mean for your calls.

1. Download/Upload: Minimum 100 kbps per call

The download speed and upload speed show the amount of data that your network can send and receive in Mbps. For VoIP calling, fewer requirements are needed as compared to video streaming. It has a speed of at least 100 kbps per phone call (up and down) to ensure clear audio quality.

For example, if your team manages 10 incoming connections on the line at once, your internet connection should have a minimum of 1 Mbps upload and download speed. But, do not forget that those speeds must be consistent not only during tests, but also at work.

2. Bandwidth

The bandwidth not only represents the upload and download speed, but also the capacity of your internet connection. In VoIP calls, each call typically requires about 100 kbps, so you need enough total bandwidth to handle all simultaneous calls without causing bottlenecks.

For example, a small office with 20 calls on hold call capacity would require a dedicated bandwidth of 2-5 Mbps to support VoIP. This ensures you have room for other business activities like video calls or cloud phone system operations.

3. Latency

Latency measures the time it takes to transfer a data packet containing the data you want in your device to the server and back. It is measured in milliseconds, and for VoIP systems, low latency is essential. The optimal value is under 150ms. More than this will have an echo, delays, or voice overlap when doing a voice call, and slow delivery of SMS messages.

For example, when you have a conversation with a foreign client and the latency is at 250 ms, you will feel a distinct gap in the communication in terms of voice. This breaks the chain of communications and leads to a misinterpretation.

4. Jitter

Jitter is the variation in the timing of data packets. High jitter can cause packets to be delivered out of order, even in the event of your being capable of very low latency. The end effect is choppy or robotic-sounding voices. The limit of jitter is under 30 ms.

This is a common problem in shared networks where network congestion occurs.

For example, a jitter will be experienced when multiple employees are on video calls, browsing, or using cloud apps, due to the varying delivery times. This is why businesses operating unified communications should pay attention to testing and checking the indicator periodically.

5. Packet Loss

Packet loss occurs when voice data packets are lost in transmission and never reach the recipient. Ideally, you want 0% packet loss. However, under 1% is usually acceptable for short-term performance. Anything higher will cause voice dropouts, missing words, or even full dropped calls.

The common cause of packet losses is damaged cables or weak Wi-Fi signals.

For example, a channel partner working from home may experience poor voice quality due to a faulty router. A simple switch to an Ethernet cable connection can solve the issue quickly.

6. QoS (Quality of Service)

QoS (Quality of Service) is a router feature that prioritizes important traffic, like VoIP calls, over less important data. With the ability to facilitate QoS, voice traffic is guaranteed to use the bandwidth it needs when other applications are using the network.

For example, a contact center may set QoS and give the VoIP used in the business higher priority than file downloads. This eliminates missed calls that occur during periods of high traffic.

Troubleshooting Based on Results

Once you have tested your VoIP speed test and analyzed the main measurements, it is high time to act based on the knowledge you have gained. This can lead to massive disturbances to your VoIP quality with the most minor error in these numbers.

Here are some common issues users face with VoIP systems, their causes, and what you can do to troubleshoot.

A. High Latency

When your test detects latency greater than 150 ms, you may notice that during voice calls, you will hear either voice delays or echo. This happens when the packets of data take longer to arrive at their destination.

To resolve this type of issue, restart the router and modem. This resets your site on the ISP. If the problem remains, test your connection with an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. Still slow? Contact your ISP and ask if there’s an issue in your area, or request a plan with lower latency.

Fixing latency helps in smoother VoIP calling and reduces awkward conversation delays.

B. High Jitter

When your jitter is higher (more than 30 ms), your voice will most likely be robotic and uneven. This is normally via your internet connection, which is not constant, or it could be due to network overload.

The ideal way to correct this is to enable QoS (Quality of Service) in your router settings. With this, the VoIP traffic is above other activities such as streaming or downloading either a video or a file. If you share your connection with many users or devices, consider setting a bandwidth limit on non-essential apps.

Minimization of jitter will greatly contribute to sound quality, particularly in shared offices.

C. Packet Loss

When your packet loss is beyond 1%, chances are, you miss sufficient words or entire conversations during your VoIP calls. Possible causes can include a broken cable, weak Wi-Fi signals, or a defective router.

First, upgrade the old Ethernet cable and switch from Wi-Fi to a wired connection. Instead, check if your router has firmware updates. Replacing your 5-year-old equipment may resolve the quality of the connection entirely.

Even a 2% packet loss can be enough to cause repeated dropped calls during client conversations.

D. Low Bandwidth

With such low bandwidth to work with, in comparison to the calls that you will be having at the same time, you might have voice delays or sudden drops. For example, you might have a download speed of 1 Mbps, and trying to make too many calls will overload your network.

To fix this, either upgrade your internet plan or use less of the network. Pause large downloads and request that others not stream during work hours. A dedicated VoIP can also isolate and protect business VoIP traffic.

Quality and reliability can also be ensured by providing sufficient bandwidth.

E. Low Upload or Download Speeds

Speeds below 100 kbps per call result in dropped audio, call failure, and long connection times. It may be due to outdated ISP plans or overloaded routers.

You can run a second VoIP speed test to confirm. If the results are consistently low, contact your ISP to check your plan. Ensure that your actual speeds are as per the package. Otherwise, you may be dealing with throttling, especially during peak hours.

To avoid ongoing call quality issues, consider switching to reliable VoIP providers like Dialaxy, which offer optimized networks and virtual number services.

Conclusion

A practical test of VoIP speed is not only a technical process but a straightforward and easy method of ensuring your business’s communication quality. Whether you’re running a small business phone setup or managing a full call center, in any business environment, poor voice call performance can harm productivity.

Knowing your test results allows you to take action early to fix hidden problems like jitter, packet loss, and low bandwidth. The fixes are easy to set, like using an Ethernet cable, setting up QoS, or enhancing your internet connection. The best part is that no expensive special equipment and advanced knowledge is required to conduct these tests.

FAQs

Why is my internet connection blocking VoIP calls?

VoIP calls may also fail as your internet connections may have strict firewalls or closed ports. Occasionally, your Internet service provider (ISP) may also block VoIP traffic to control network consumption. The kinds of settings that need to be changed on the router or even calling the ISP usually resolve the situation.

What are the performance metrics of VoIP?

The following are the most important metrics that define voice quality and the reliability of your VoIP connection:

• Latency: Under 150 ms for smooth voice calls
• Jitter: Below 30 ms to avoid choppy audio quality
• Packet Loss: Ideally 0%, max 1%
• MOS Score: 4.0 or higher for good call quality
• Bandwidth: Minimum 100 kbps per call for upload and download

What is the minimum internet speed for VoIP?

A single VoIP call should have at least 100 kbps upload and download. With multiple simultaneous calls, you should have 1 Mbps per 10 calls. Planning should always include some additional bandwidth to accommodate background activities such as video conferencing or file transfer.

Can running a VoIP speed test at the wrong time give me misleading results?

Yes, testing during low-traffic hours may hide real problems with call quality. Run your VoIP speed test during business hours or peak usage. This shows how your VoIP system performs under normal network congestion.

Can too many devices on my network affect VoIP call quality?

Yes, too many devices sharing bandwidth can degrade VoIP quality through jitter, latency, and packet loss. Set QoS rules to prioritize voice calls and limit heavy usage during working hours. Upgrade your internet connection if needed.

Are free VoIP speed test tools reliable?

Yes, a lot of free tools are precise, provided they are designed to test VoIP. Select reliable services among VoIP providers, e.g., Dialaxy, 8×8, or Nextiva. Avoid large publicly shared speed testing websites as they may not verify packet loss, MOS score, or jitter.