Our top 10 technical Q&A's, Answered.

Whether it’s for your business or home, arranging and managing internet connections, communication services and phone systems can be a complicated maze for many. But there’s no need to worry, you don’t have to be an expert. The team at Redline have the expertise to answer any technical questions.

Businesses turn to us because of our expert knowledge and experience. Our team are always here to answer any questions clients might have, from differences in FTTC and FTTP broadband, to using phone packages in Europe after Brexit.

In this article, we are tackling some of the most common technical questions we were asked in the last year. And, who better to answer them than our experienced telecom engineers!

Keep reading to find out their best advice and answers to our top 10 technical questions.

1.????How can I improve my Wi-Fi coverage?

If you want to improve your Wi-Fi coverage, we’ve got a few tips and tricks you can try!

Consider moving the router to a more central location to maximise coverage and reduce the number of dead spots. You could also use additional access points, if your home or office is large, you can use additional access points to extend Wi-Fi coverage to other areas. Redline telecoms supply routers that usually come with detachable antennas, these can be replaced with higher-gain antennas to increase the Wi-Fi signal strength.

2.????Is there a way to link my mobile to our phone system?

Yes, it is possible to link your mobile to a phone system!

There are several solutions offered by Redline Telecoms that allow you to connect your mobile device to your phone system and use it as a business phone.

One common solution is Mobile Extension, which lets you use your mobile device as an extension of your office phone system. This allows you to make and receive business calls on your mobile as if you were at your desk.

Another solution is Softphone, a software application that lets you make and receive calls using your mobile device. The software runs on your device and connects to your phone system through the internet.

3.????What’s the difference between my broadband upload and download speeds?

Broadband upload and download speeds refer to the amount of data that can be transferred over your internet connection in a given time. Upload and download speeds can impact the quality of your online experience.

Download speed refers to the rate at which data is transferred from the internet to your device, such as your computer or mobile phone. Download speeds are typically higher because most internet activities, such as streaming videos or downloading files, require more data to be transferred to your device than from it.

Upload speed refers to the rate at which data is transferred from your device to the internet, such as sending an email with attachments or uploading a video to YouTube. Upload speeds are typically lower than download speeds.

The actual speeds you experience can vary based on several factors such as your internet service provider, the quality of your equipment, and the number of people using your network at the same time.

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4.????Does it cost to use my mobile phone package In Europe after Brexit?

After the UK's exit from the European Union (Brexit), roaming charges for using your mobile phone in the European Union (EU) were abolished in 2017. This means that you could use your mobile phone in EU countries without incurring additional charges for making calls, sending texts, or using data, as long as your mobile phone package includes these services.

However, after Brexit, some UK mobile phone service providers have reintroduced roaming charges for customers travelling in the EU. We’d recommend checking with your provider to understand the costs associated with using your mobile phone in Europe.

Some providers offer international roaming packages, which can be more cost-effective than paying for data, calls, and texts on an individual basis.

5.????Is it possible to record our calls?

Yes, it is possible!

Redline Telecoms solutions include call recording capabilities as a standard feature or as an optional add-on. Call recording is useful for things such as training, quality assurance, or compliance.

The exact method for recording calls depends on the specific solution you are using. Some solutions use software to record calls on the device, while others use hardware-based call-recording systems.

Call recording may be subject to legal restrictions and regulations, and it's recommended to check the laws in your jurisdiction before recording calls. Additionally, informing call participants of the recording may be required by law in some areas.

6.????What’s the difference between FTTC and FTTP broadband?

FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) and FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) are two types of broadband technologies that provide high-speed internet access to a property.

FTTC broadband connects a fibre-optic cable from the exchange to a street cabinet, from there, it uses copper cables to connect to homes and businesses. The distance between the cabinet and the premises affects the speed of the FTTC broadband. The closer the cabinet, the faster the broadband.

FTTP broadband, on the other hand, uses fibre-optic cables all the way to the premises, providing a direct connection to the internet. This results in faster and more consistent speeds, as the connection is not limited by the distance between the cabinet and the premises.

In terms of speed, FTTP is generally faster and more reliable than FTTC. FTTP broadband can offer speeds of up to 1 Gbps, while FTTC broadband is usually limited to speeds of up to 80 Mbps.

The availability of FTTC and FTTP depends on your location and the infrastructure in your area.

7.????What does a hunt group mean?

A hunt group is a feature in telephone systems, also known as call routing. It distributes incoming calls to a specific group of extensions, telephones, or employees. The purpose of a hunt group is to ensure that incoming calls are answered promptly and efficiently, even when the primary recipient is unavailable.

A hunt group works by directing incoming calls to a specific set of extensions in a pre-determined order, until the call is answered. The order in which extensions receive calls can be based on various criteria, such as skills-based routing, round-robin, or longest idle time.

Hunt groups are useful for businesses as they help manage call volume and ensure that calls are answered by available staff. They also provide callers with a more professional experience by reducing wait times and increasing the likelihood of speaking to someone.

Hunt groups can be set up through cloud-based phone systems using software. The configuration of hunt groups can also be customized to meet the specific needs of a business.

8.????What’s the difference between a standard home router and a business grade router?

Standard home routers and business-grade routers are both designed to supply internet access, but they differ in terms of features, performance, and network security.

Standard home routers are designed for personal use and typically have a limited number of features and lower processing power. They are generally less expensive and easy to set up but are not designed to handle a large number of users or devices.

Business-grade routers, on the other hand, are designed for use in business environments, where there is a higher demand for network security, reliability, and performance. They have advanced features, such as support for VPN (Virtual Private Network) connections, Quality of Service (QoS) prioritisation, and greater network security options.

Business-grade routers are typically more powerful, with faster processors, more RAM, and more ports, allowing them to handle a larger number of users and devices. It makes them ideal for small to medium-sized businesses.

In summary, standard home routers are suitable for personal use, while business-grade routers are designed for more demanding business environments.

9.????Is there a way we can link multiple offices on the same phone system?

Yes, it is possible to link multiple offices on the same phone system.

This is typically achieved through the use of a PBX (Private Branch Exchange) system, which allows for inter-office communication and call routing.

Redline offers a range of PBX solutions, including traditional hardware-based PBX systems, as well as cloud-based PBX solutions. With a cloud-based PBX system, multiple offices can be connected over the internet, allowing seamless communication between locations.

Linking multiple offices on the same phone system, employees can make and receive calls as if they were in the same office, and transfer calls between locations. This can increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve overall customer experience.

We can assist you in selecting the best solution for your business needs and help you with the implementation process.

10.?Will a VoIP system work if my broadband goes down?

A VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system relies on an internet connection to make and receive calls. If your broadband goes down, your VoIP system will not work. This means that you won't be able to make or receive calls, and any incoming calls will go to voicemail or be redirected to another number.

It's important to have a backup internet connection, such as a cellular data plan or a secondary broadband connection, to ensure that your VoIP system remains functional during a broadband outage.

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If you have any more questions or would like to know more about the topics we’ve spoken about in this article, please get in touch!