Fixed vs Non Fixed VoIP – What’s the Difference?

Since 70% of US employees work remotely at least some of the time, it’s important that businesses like yours get communications services that reflect that. VoIP technologies make remote work and office connections easier than ever, so you’re in luck- a solution is right there!

However, choosing the right VoIP system is easier said than done. Here, we’re going to help you distinguish and choose between fixed and non fixed VoIP systems. Read on to learn which is right for you!

How Does Fixed VoIP Work?

As you likely already know, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications systems are Cloud-based and connect directly through your WiFi network. Unlike PBX landlines, there is no need for cables that connect point A to point B. You can place voice and video calls, send messages and multimedia, and even send faxes directly over a network.

Fixed VoIP is a VoIP system that’s associated with a specific physical address. This means that if you’re installing a VoIP system into your office building, the system will be directly associated with your business. No one who doesn’t work for you will be able to access the network. They’re unattainable to those outside of a certain geographical area.

Additionally, fixed VoIP is only available to users that are in the same country as the provider is located.

However, make no mistake: fixed VoIP systems are still portable, and if you move your workplace to a new location, you can take them with you. Many people use fixed VoIP systems as a replacement for landline technologies. This is simply because they connect faster, save money, and have fewer opportunities for broken connections.

Pros and Cons of Fixed VoIP

There are many benefits to fixed VoIP systems. Some of the most common are:

• Contrary to popular belief, fixed VoIP can be set up on many different devices- as long as a user is authorized and associated with the physical address given, they can connect their Smartphones and tablets assuming that they’re within the country
• It’s more secure than the alternatives because hackers/scammers can’t sign up without a physical address
• Additionally, criminals tend to avoid hacking into fixed VoIP systems because users are easier to trace
• It’s easier to make emergency calls over fixed VoIP systems since the address that the emergency services need to know can be traced via the network
• You can port numbers from your old PBX provider easily to fixed VoIP systems, which is difficult with non-fixed VoIP

There are also some downsides to these communications technologies:

• International calls are very expensive with fixed VoIP, so businesses that deal all around the world will struggle with these services
• This is also a problem for your international clients since they’ll need to pay international calling fees to reach out to you
• In many cases, taxes are higher on fixed VoIP systems

What Is Non Fixed VoIP?

Non-fixed VoIP is another type of network communication technology, but it isn’t connected to a physical address. It can be accessed in any geographical area around the world, which makes it easily portable and accessible from any number of devices. This makes it ideal for international remote workplaces and those who anticipate needing access from many different devices around the world.

Non-fixed VoIP is also available to all countries, including those where the provider is not based.

Unlike fixed VoIP systems, non-fixed VoIP is almost never used as a replacement for a PBX landline. It’s used instead to supplement the preexisting communications services around the workplace. The system that it supplements can be either a PBX landline or a fixed VoIP system.

Non-fixed VoIP numbers, since they aren’t associated with a physical workplace, are also extremely difficult to trace. This is good for those who want to maintain their privacy, but it also can make your devices easy prey to malicious cybercriminals.

Pros and Cons of Non-Fixed VoIP

Some of the biggest pros of non-fixed VoIP include:

• It’s easy and inexpensive to make and receive international calls (which means that you can take on more clients from around the world)
• It’s really quick and efficient to sign up for non-fixed VoIP, so you won’t need to wait before making calls
• Small businesses/startups won’t need to enter any personal information during the sign-up process, which means that there is less information for hackers to steal in the event of a breach
• Taxes are lower on non-fixed systems than they are on fixed ones

There are also many disadvantages to using these systems:

• Anyone can sign up for a non-fixed VoIP number, which makes it a breeding ground for hackers and other cybercriminals
• These cybercriminals will be untraceable and nearly impossible to catch
• Generally, because security breaches are (realistically) inevitable, non-fixed numbers are generally considered disposable
• It’s impossible to access E911 services without a physical address, making non-fixed VoIP less useful in emergency situations

Fixed vs Non-Fixed VoIP: Which Is Better for Your Needs?

As you may have guessed, neither fixed nor non-fixed VoIP is inherently superior to the other. Which system you get should depend entirely on your needs.

If you’re a large business that has a lot of personal, financial, and location-based information that you want to safeguard, a fixed VoIP system is likely the right option for you. This is also the case if your operations and partners are primarily local. Fixed communications are generally considered to be superior for those who don’t care about the ability to access international clients of have remote workers in other countries.

However, if you’re a small startup, you may like the anonymity and flexibility that non-fixed VoIP provides. If you’re a business that operates internationally, the use of non-fixed services is also a no-brainer. This is totally understandable, but make sure that you remember how easy to breach these systems are and keep personal information off of your network.

Get Started

While there are many advantages to both fixed and non-fixed VoIP, you should assess your individual communication needs carefully before making a decision. After all, there are pros and cons to each, and you need to know what’s important to you if you want to accurately weigh these benefits.

Now that you know the distinction of fixed vs non fixed VoIP systems, it’s time to get started. Contact us to schedule a free consultation or simply to inquire about any lingering questions that you may have. Our experts are happy to help you find the perfect Cloud-based communications technology for your workplace so that you can get work done more efficiently.