What is the difference between fixed VoIP and non-fixed VoIP, and why do we differentiate between the two? We get this question often. Many competitors will just have a linetype of VoIP and will not differentiate between the two, but at Trestle, we do. Let’s start with the basics.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology has become an integral part of modern communication. Within this domain, there are two primary types of VoIP phones: fixed and non-fixed. Distinguishing between them not only helps in understanding their operation but also plays a pivotal role in fraud detection and prevention.
1. Fixed VoIP Phones:
- Definition: Fixed VoIP phones are associated with a specific physical address. Registering for this service necessitates providing a verifiable physical address.
- Trestle tracks 110+ fixed VoIP carriers today.
- Advantages:
- Reliability: Tends to offer more consistent connection quality.
- Emergency Services Integration: Can provide exact location details in case of emergencies.
- Quality: Often boasts higher voice clarity with fewer disruptions.
- Disadvantages:
- Mobility: Limited to a specific location, making it less versatile for frequent travelers.
2. Non-fixed VoIP Phones:
- Definition: Non-fixed VoIP phones aren’t tied to any given physical address. They can be procured without presenting a verifiable address.
- Trestle tracks 750+ non-fixed VoIP carriers today.
- Advantages:
- Portability: Suitable for users on the move, offering the ability to use the number anywhere with an internet connection.
- Easy Set-Up: Minimal verification leads to quicker setup processes.
- Cost-Efficiency: Typically more affordable, especially for international communication.
- Disadvantages:
- Emergency Services Integration: Difficulties in pinpointing exact caller location.
- Potential for Misuse/abuse: Increased risk due to easy accessibility and anonymity.
- Anonymity: The absence of a fixed address offers users anonymity, potentially making these numbers attractive for misuse.
- Ease of Acquisition: With lax verification, malicious entities might obtain and discard these numbers frequently, complicating trace efforts.
Importance of Differentiation for Businesses:
- Misuse/Abuse Prevention: Recognizing the nature of a VoIP number allows businesses to apply relevant abuse detection techniques. For instance, a sudden spike in traffic from a non-fixed VoIP might be treated with more suspicion than from a fixed one.
- Avoiding False Positives: Proper identification between these two types ensures that genuine users, especially on fixed VoIP lines, aren’t wrongfully flagged for regular activities, ensuring seamless service.
- Tailored Security Protocols: Differentiation helps in applying security measures suited to the nature of the VoIP. For instance, non-fixed VoIP numbers might undergo more frequent behavioral analysis or additional 2FA (2-factor authentication checks).
- Improved Customer Trust: By effectively identifying and minimizing fraud, service providers enhance their reputation, instilling greater trust in their user base.
To conclude, the distinction between fixed and non-fixed VoIP extends beyond their operational characteristics. For businesses, this differentiation is pivotal in crafting effective fraud detection strategies, ensuring consistent service quality, and fostering trust among their clientele. This is why we recommend businesses check the linetype. If the phone is non-fixed VoIP, we suggest appropriately adjusting the workflow to de-prioritize or reject those leads.