How To: Optimize Call Quality in Microsoft Teams Using VoIP Gateways

Microsoft Teams has become a vital business tool, providing seamless communication and collaboration. However, to ensure optimal call quality, especially in VoIP environments, you need more than just reliable internet connectivity. VoIP gateways are key in improving voice transmission and ensuring calls are smooth, clear, and uninterrupted. Here’s how to optimize call quality in Microsoft Teams using VoIP gateways:

Choose the Right VoIP Gateway

Selecting the correct VoIP gateway is essential for optimizing call quality. A VoIP gateway connects Microsoft Teams to your telephony network, converting calls between digital and analog signals. Features to look for in a gateway include:

• Codec Support: Ensure it supports modern codecs like G.711 and G.729, which help maintain high voice quality over low bandwidth.
• Echo Cancellation: A built-in echo cancellation feature ensures crystal-clear conversations without delays or feedback.
• High Capacity: Choose a gateway that can handle the number of concurrent calls you expect to process without compromising quality.

Network Optimization and QoS Settings

VoIP call quality is heavily dependent on network performance. Implement Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your network to prioritize VoIP traffic, ensuring that voice packets receive the highest priority over data traffic. This minimizes issues like latency, jitter, and packet loss, which can degrade call quality.

Key Steps Include:

• Bandwidth Management: Allocate sufficient bandwidth for VoIP calls, especially during peak times.
• Traffic Prioritization: Ensure VoIP traffic has priority over general internet traffic, particularly if you’re using the same network for both voice and data.

Use Direct Routing for PSTN Connectivity

Direct routing allows Microsoft Teams to connect to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) using a VoIP gateway, providing seamless integration for external calls. This feature improves call routing efficiency and reduces latency, which contributes to better overall call quality.

To Set Up Direct Routing:

• SBC Configuration: Ensure that your Session Border Controller (SBC) is properly configured with Microsoft Teams. The SBC acts as an interface between Teams and the VoIP gateway, ensuring secure and efficient call routing.
• SIP Trunking: Use SIP trunking to connect your Teams environment to the external phone network, which helps in optimizing call delivery and reducing bottlenecks.

Monitor Call Quality Using Analytics

Microsoft Teams offers built-in call analytics that can help diagnose and address quality issues in real time. By monitoring metrics like latency, jitter, and packet loss, you can pinpoint the root causes of poor call quality and take steps to mitigate them.

• Call Quality Dashboard: Regularly review Microsoft Teams’ Call Quality Dashboard (CQD) to identify potential issues with call performance. This tool provides insights into the overall health of your network and helps fine-tune configurations.
• VoIP Gateway Monitoring: Many VoIP gateways come with their management tools that provide real-time analytics on call performance and traffic flow. Use these insights to optimize settings and ensure optimal call quality.

Regular Firmware Updates and Maintenance

Firmware updates for VoIP gateways often contain fixes for known issues and improvements in call processing. Ensure your gateway firmware is always up to date, as this can significantly enhance call quality. Regularly check for updates from the manufacturer and schedule maintenance during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions.

Here Are Just a Couple of the Microsoft Teams-Certified Gateways Available at VoIP Supply:

Patton’s SmartNode 4171 (SN4171/1E15VHP/EUI): An ideal solution for small and medium-sized businesses seeking a cost-effective way to link PBX systems across multiple locations or connect to a public Internet telephony service. SmartNode products ensure seamless network integration, reliable operation, and cost-efficient deployment.

Ribbon’s EdgeMarc 4808 24 FXS, No FXO – 50 Calls Gateway: Functions to support PRI and analog trunks as well as Enterprise Session Border Controller (eSBC) for security and Quality-of-Service (QoS) management of VoIP Services.

Looking to Learn More? Here’s Some More Resources!

Microsoft SIP Gateways

Partton Microsoft Teams Certification

A Guide to VoIP Gateways

Grupo Sigma Deploys MS Teams w/ Ribbon Direct Routing

By implementing these steps, you can enhance your Microsoft Teams environment to deliver clear and uninterrupted VoIP calls. Prioritizing network optimization, configuring devices properly, and monitoring performance metrics will significantly improve call quality. This proactive approach ensures your team experiences seamless and reliable communication, free from disruptions. If you have any comments or questions you can, leave them below, chat with one of our VoIP Experts at www.voipsupply.com, or call us at 1-800-398-8647.