WebRTC and VoIP are both modern alternatives to traditional wired landline phone systems. Since internet connections are easier to set up compared to the physical infrastructure of landlines, more businesses are opting for internet-based options for communication. Among the many digital calling solutions available today in the UK, VoIP and WebRTC are the two popular choices.
In this blog, we’ll break down what each one is and explain how they differ. You don’t need any prior knowledge of VoIP to follow along. We will start with the basics and build up to the key differences.
What is VoIP technology?
A VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system allows its users to exchange calls over the internet. A VoIP device doesn’t need to be connected directly to a PSTN network via wires as seen in a landline phone system. In this case, the copper wire connection gets replaced by a wireless IP connection. So the basic requirement for its working is an internet-connected device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, IP deskphone, or an application softphone) that uses 3G, 4G, or 5G internet.
Apart from digital calls, VoIP offers multiple advanced features like call forwarding, call analytics, call queuing, instant messaging, and more. A VoIP system also allows for international calls at an affordable price.
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How does VoIP work?
Three basic components make up a VoIP system:
- An internet connection.
- Hardware device or software IP phone.
- A VoIP service subscription.
When a call is initiated at one end, the voice signals of the person speaking into the mouthpiece are converted into digital signals. Digital signals travel faster than analogue signals and preserve the quality of the call. These signals are then sent to the VoIP provider. Here they are converted into IP packets via compression and decompression algorithms called codecs. The codecs lower the data requirements per call, which means more data is exchanged in less time. Lastly, the digital signals are converted into voice signals, which can be heard in clear quality at the receiver’s end.
Understanding the advantages of VoIP
VoIP brings in multiple advantages for a business’s communication system. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of VoIP in detail. Let’s talk about some of them briefly.
- VoIP is a cost-effective option to reduce phone bills for businesses. Whether that be local or international calls, you can save yourself the hassle of paying per-minute charges for calls.
- The VoIP system grows with your data needs. Adding or removing lines for each user is simple and time-saving.
- VoIP doesn’t require any device to be physically plugged in for usage, so remote teams can handle calls from anywhere, just with an internet connection.
- High-end features like voicemail to email, video conferencing, call scheduling, queuing, and forwarding get highly accessible with a VoIP system.
- High-speed internet and fewer interruptions help in making the call quality clear.
What is WebRTC technology?
WebRTC is an extension of VoIP technology that works specifically over browsers. In simpler words, we can say that WebRTC uses the VoIP model to operate a newer technology with real-time communication methods.
How does WebRTC work?
VoIP usually requires a subscription to a VoIP software or service to make digital calls. However, that’s not the case with WebRTC. It allows you to share media and make audio or video calls directly through your browser, without being redirected to another application. This makes the process quick and efficient.
WebRTC technology uses a combination of APIs and JavaScript to enable direct and real-time communication between browsers. These components are already built into popular browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. This means your data doesn’t need to go through an external server. Instead. It can travel directly from one user’s browser to another. In this case, there might be security concerns when using WebRTC. To protect user data, the built-in data protection mechanisms like encryption and security tokens of the browsers are used. We’ll talk more about the security aspect of WebRTC in detail later.
The quality of communication depends on two things: your internet bandwidth and your browser’s built-in security features. As long as both ends have a stable connection, WebRTC offers a smooth communication experience.
Understanding the advantages of WebRTC
There are multiple advantages when it comes to using WebRTC for sending files, audio, and media between two users. We have discussed some of them below:
- It aids instant communication between two users without the need for additional steps of downloading a different application.
- It also works on all major browsers.
- Mobile and desktop views are both supported by WebRTC, as long as the device is connected to the internet and using a browser.
- It is cheap to set up and use because of the widely available source code.
- WebRTC doesn’t require its users to have high IT literacy to use the technology.
5 differences at a glance: WebRTC vs VoIP
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What are the differences between WebRTC and VoIP?
Now that we have explained the basic terminologies along with their working, it’s time to highlight the differences so you can differentiate them easily.
1. Security methods
VoIP
A VoIP system offers high-end security mechanisms to protect user data. These include using firewalls and security tools like IPS (Intrusion Prevention System). To avoid major threats like eavesdropping, denial of service, and call interception, you need to choose a VoIP provider that provides DDoS protection. They use DOS filters that separate real and fake users and limit VoIP traffic to only verified users.
WebRTC
WebRTC secures all the data with end-to-end encryption. In case of firewalls of any one of the users, STUN or TURN are used to connect the two users behind firewalls. Additionally, the in-built security of your browser also comes in handy. Security tokens for double authorisation are also used as a one-time passkey or a dialogue box to confirm a connection.
2. Setup requirements
VoIP
Setting up a VoIP on a basic level is simple. You need a stable internet connection, VoIP service and a device. The device you use for VoIP can either be a physical deskphone, smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or a software-based IP phone. The common factor in both the device options is the use of a VoIP application.
WebRTC
To set up WebRTC communication, you need a minimum of two devices with browsers. With an internet connection, you can directly connect with the other user automatically. To improve the quality and speed of your call, a stable connection is recommended. Lastly, allow your browser to use your device’s microphone or camera.
f you're using Discord on its application, the voice calls are handled using VoIP. But if you open Discord in Chrome and start a call, you're using WebRTC.
3. Pricing
VoIP
Different factors contribute to determining the cost of a VoIP package. It includes the monthly cost of a VoIP service subscription, internet connection, buying and maintaining hardware, and installation and maintenance of the complete system. Learn in detail about the cost breakdown of a VoIP system.
WebRTC
From a user’s perspective, WebRTC is comparatively cheaper to use than a VoIP system. A browser is completely free to use without any paid features. The only expense incurred in this case is the cost of an internet connection.
4. Ease of integration
VoIP
VoIP offers easy integration with a business’s existing systems. For example, it can integrate with your customer support program to keep track of calls and then generate a call analytics report. With VoIP, you could also queue your calls, forward them to a relevant department of your business, and use the email integration feature to directly send emails by using customer data from the call center.
WebRTC
WebRTC is already built into most web browsers, so you don’t need to install anything to use it. But that’s pretty much all it can do. It doesn’t connect well with other tools or your business might be using outside the browser, which makes it less flexible for bigger setups.
5. Usage instances
VoIP
VoIP is used by business teams looking to maintain a wireless and efficient communication system. In-house office teams can use landline desk phones connected to a fixed internet connection to utilise VoIP. Team members can also forward calls within the system efficiently. For remote teams, VoIP can work on mobile data or public WiFi connections by using a software-based IP phone.
WebRTC
WebRTC is a perfect solution for quick or occasional calls for small teams. It can prove to be cost-effective since it only requires basic internet connectivity at the least. However, it is only a temporary solution for sending files and receiving calls since it can’t provide the same scalability, security, and advanced features that a VoIP system can offer.
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While WebRTC is great for quick browser-based calls, VoIP offers long-term benefits like better integration, stronger security, and flexibility for growing businesses. At ComparedBusiness UK, we streamline the process of linking businesses with VoIP service providers. Just share your business requirements in under 2 minutes, and we’ll connect you with trusted VoIP providers across the UK.
FAQs
WebRTC provides user security while simultaneously supporting real-time communication. This is achieved by implementing different security methods like encryption, two-factor authentication, firewalls, and using your browser’s built-in security features.
WebRTC alone cannot meet the communication needs of a mid-sized business team. It can be used in combination with a VoIP system to support occasional WebRTC calls and file exchange.
The biggest difference between VoIP and WebRTC is how you use them. VoIP needs special software to make calls. But WebRTC works right in your browser, so you don’t need to download anything. You can just open a website and start talking.
