Tek-1 Telecom Inc.
Effective Date: March 25, 2026
Overview
This document outlines the minimum network requirements necessary to support reliable telecommunications services provided by Tek-1 Telecom Inc. (“Tek-1 Telecom”), including hosted VoIP phone systems, SIP trunking, and cloud communications services.
Reliable VoIP service depends on the customer’s local network infrastructure and internet connectivity.
1. Internet Connection Requirements
VoIP services require a stable, high-quality internet connection.
Recommended minimum bandwidth allocation:
| Device Type | Recommended Bandwidth |
|---|---|
| VoIP Phone | 100 kbps per concurrent call |
| Softphone | 100–150 kbps per concurrent call |
| Video Calls | 500 kbps – 1 Mbps per session |
Bandwidth should account for simultaneous calls, not total users.
Example:
20 users with up to 10 concurrent calls
= minimum 1 Mbps dedicated to voice traffic.
For optimal performance:
- Minimum 10 Mbps business-grade internet connection recommended
- Symmetrical connections preferred (fiber or dedicated business cable)
- Avoid heavily congested consumer-grade connections where possible
2. Network Quality Requirements
VoIP traffic is sensitive to network quality.
Recommended thresholds:
| Metric | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Latency | Less than 150 ms |
| Jitter | Less than 30 ms |
| Packet Loss | Less than 1% |
Poor network quality may result in:
- call drops
- audio delay
- echo
- one-way audio
3. Router & Firewall Requirements
Customers should use business-grade networking equipment.
Minimum capabilities:
- QoS (Quality of Service) support
- SIP traffic handling
- VLAN support (recommended)
- firewall security
Consumer-grade routers may cause VoIP instability.
Recommended vendors commonly used in business environments include enterprise networking manufacturers such as:
- Cisco Systems
- Ubiquiti Inc.
- Fortinet
- Juniper Networks
4. SIP ALG Configuration
SIP ALG (Session Initiation Protocol Application Layer Gateway) should be disabled.
Many routers enable SIP ALG by default, which can interfere with VoIP signaling and cause:
- registration failures
- dropped calls
- one-way audio
5. Quality of Service (QoS)
QoS should be configured to prioritize VoIP traffic.
Recommended configuration:
- prioritize SIP signaling
- prioritize RTP voice traffic
- prevent voice traffic from being delayed by data transfers
This is especially important for networks with:
- heavy cloud usage
- file transfers
- video streaming
6. LAN Infrastructure
Internal network infrastructure should support modern data speeds.
Recommended standards:
- CAT5e or CAT6 cabling
- Gigabit switching infrastructure
- PoE-capable switches for IP phones (if applicable)
Older network infrastructure may cause voice quality issues.
7. Wireless Networks
VoIP phones should ideally use wired Ethernet connections.
Wi-Fi networks may introduce:
- packet loss
- latency
- interference
Softphones operating over Wi-Fi may experience reduced call quality.
8. Power Protection
VoIP systems depend on power availability.
Recommended protections:
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for network equipment
- UPS for PoE switches
- UPS for internet modem/router
Without backup power, VoIP services may not function during power outages.
Customers should also review the VoIP 911 Emergency Disclosure page for additional information regarding emergency calling limitations.
9. Network Security
Customers are responsible for securing their network environment.
Recommended practices:
- firewall protection
- secure administrative access
- strong passwords
- firmware updates for networking devices
Network compromise may lead to service disruption or telecommunications fraud.
Customers should review the Toll Fraud Liability Notice for further information.
10. Pre-Deployment Network Assessment
Tek-1 Telecom may perform a network readiness evaluation before service activation.
This assessment may include:
- bandwidth testing
- latency testing
- firewall compatibility review
- VoIP quality simulation
Additional network upgrades may be recommended based on results.
11. Customer Responsibility
Tek-1 Telecom is not responsible for service degradation caused by:
- customer network misconfiguration
- insufficient bandwidth
- ISP congestion
- outdated networking equipment
Customers are responsible for ensuring their network meets the requirements outlined in this document.
12. Support
For assistance preparing your network environment for VoIP services, please contact: Tek-1 Telecom Inc.
Support Department
support@tek1telecom.com
416-869-3972