The costs of transitioning an elevator telephone landline to a VoIP elevator phone line | Exploring the pros and cons, and cost-effective cellular alternatives

VoIP Elevator Phone Line for Emergency Communications

While VoIP Elevator Phone Lines can offer cost-saving benefits by eliminating the need for conventional landlines, it’s crucial to acknowledge that VoIP is not a universally applicable solution. Certain circumstances may render it non-code compliant, and elevator phones fall into this category. Ensuring compliance with elevator code requirements is of utmost importance to mitigate potential liabilities for building owners.

Elevator phones are subject to specific safety and regulatory standards to guarantee the safety of passengers in case of emergencies or entrapments. Traditional landlines have been a reliable and well-established technology for this purpose, but the transition to a VoIP Elevator Phone Line requires careful consideration and adherence to relevant codes.

To ensure code compliance and minimize liability, it is imperative to set up VoIP elevator phone line in accordance with the prescribed elevator code requirements. This may involve implementing specific features, such as location tracking, call prioritization, and ensuring uninterrupted communication during power outages through UPS battery backups. Additionally, the network infrastructure must be robust, reliable, and meet the necessary security measures to protect sensitive communication data.

Building owners, elevator contractors, and IT professionals must work together to design and implement a VoIP elevator phone line that complies with all relevant codes and regulations. Regular testing and maintenance of the system are essential to ensure it remains reliable and compliant over time.

By approaching the integration of a VoIP elevator phone line with caution and attention to code compliance, building owners can leverage the advantages of this modern communication solution while upholding the safety and security standards required for elevator systems.

Why you should be looking to replace conventional telephone landlines:

Due to this mandate, carriers are no longer obligated to offer or support traditional landline services. Consequently, there have been significant price increases, with some reaching as high as 60-100%. Many customers have received notices that their conventional old telephone landline service will soon become unavailable. This is the carrier’s way of encouraging customers to transition away from outdated technology.

The use of traditional elevator telephone landlines faces a critical decision point. Building owners and users must now choose between continuing to pay higher fees for traditional dedicated phone lines or switching to a more advanced and cost-effective communications solution. The transition away from traditional copper landlines marks a significant shift in the telecommunications landscape and emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt to the changing technology.

Approximate VoIP Elevator Phone Line Setup and Installation Costs:

VOIP Elevator Phones

Non-Proprietary

Viking E-1600-IP Red
VoIP Emergency Phone

It is crucial to note that reinspection fees can amount to over $1,500 per elevator. Therefore, it is imperative not to compromise on the proper setup of VoIP elevator phone lines to avoid any additional expenses. Investing in a reliable and compliant VoIP system ensures the safety and efficiency of elevator communication for both passengers and operators.

Important: Beware of Proprietary Elevator Telephone Equipment

It’s important to be cautious when dealing with certain elevator phone equipment that is manufactured by OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) in a proprietary manner. This means that the equipment is solely produced, serviced, and contains mechanically proprietary components by the OEMs themselves.

This situation presents significant challenges for building owners and managers. Other companies are unable to work on such proprietary equipment due to restricted access to the necessary aftermarket tools and diagnostic software required for effective troubleshooting, reprogramming, maintenance, and repairs.

As a result, customers who opt for the OEMs’ preferred phone equipment at a discounted rate may find themselves locked into using their proprietary system for an extended period. This lack of flexibility can lead to limited options and reduced control over operations, potentially resulting in higher costs. Unfortunately, these hidden expenses associated with proprietary equipment are often overlooked during the initial purchase decision.

At MyLinkLine, we prioritize our client’s long-term interests by exclusively using non-proprietary elevator phone equipment with a proven track record of durability, reliability, and ease of service. Our approach ensures that you have all the information needed to make the best decision for your specific needs. Trust the MyLinkLine way for reliable and flexible elevator telephone solutions.

VoIP Internet Router

This prioritization is vital because voice traffic demands consistent and low-latency data delivery to maintain clear and uninterrupted conversations. Additionally, the router should be capable of providing sufficient bandwidth to support VoIP operations effectively. Voice data requires more bandwidth than standard data, and a robust router ensures that there is ample capacity to accommodate the communication demands of the VoIP elevator phone line system.

Purchase a Dedicated Internet Connection to Ensure Adequate Bandwidth for VoIP Elevator Phone Line

It is crucial to have your IT professional verify that the dedicated VoIP elevator phone line network possesses sufficient bandwidth to function optimally. Inadequate bandwidth can lead to various issues, especially with call quality, particularly during peak usage periods or in locations with weak internet signals.

A robust and stable internet connection with adequate bandwidth is essential for supporting clear and uninterrupted communication through the VoIP elevator phone line system. Insufficient bandwidth may cause fluctuations in call quality, leading to dropped calls, delays, or distorted audio. This becomes particularly noticeable during times when the network experiences high traffic, such as busy office hours or when multiple people are using the network simultaneously.

To ensure smooth and reliable operation, your IT professional will assess the network’s bandwidth needs by considering factors like the number of VoIP lines, the expected call volume, and any other data usage that could potentially affect the network’s performance. By optimizing the available bandwidth or upgrading to a higher-capacity internet plan, they can ensure that the VoIP elevator phone line operates within code requirements and provides dependable communication for passengers and users at all times.

Securing VoIP Communications for Elevator Phone Line

The security and privacy of a VoIP elevator phone line is critical considerations, as they can be susceptible to various threats, such as hacking, cyber-attacks, eavesdropping, and interception of sensitive information. To safeguard against these potential risks, it is highly recommended that the VoIP elevator phone line operates on a dedicated router and internet line, separate from other systems.

Isolating the VoIP elevator phone line on its own network provides an added layer of protection, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized parties gaining access to sensitive communication data. By employing a separate router and internet line, potential vulnerabilities in other systems connected to the same network are not directly linked to the VoIP system.

To ensure comprehensive security, your IT professional will conduct a thorough evaluation of your current system. They will identify potential weaknesses and implement robust security measures tailored to your specific setup. Network encryption will be employed to safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of the data transmitted over the VoIP network.

Encryption is a process that encodes the data exchanged during calls, making it unreadable to unauthorized individuals. This way, even if someone manages to intercept the communication, they won’t be able to decipher the information without the encryption key.
Additional security measures like firewall configurations, intrusion detection systems, and regular software updates will be implemented to fortify the VoIP elevator phone line against potential threats. Regular security audits will also be conducted to ensure ongoing protection and to address any emerging vulnerabilities promptly.

By following these security best practices and working closely with your IT professional, you can maintain the privacy and integrity of your VoIP elevator phone line, providing secure and uninterrupted communication for elevator users while mitigating potential risks.

Invest in a UPS Battery Backup System for VoIP Elevator Phone Line

When selecting a UPS system, it is advisable to opt for one that provides sufficient standby time to support the VoIP system during extended power outages. A recommended standby time of 48 hours and a talk time of 4 hours would ensure that the elevator’s communication capabilities remain available for an extended period, allowing ample time for any necessary actions during power disruptions.

It is also essential to consider ongoing maintenance costs associated with the UPS system. The UPS batteries will need to be replaced every 2-3 years to maintain optimal performance. This regular battery replacement is a necessary investment to ensure that the UPS system continues to function effectively and provide uninterrupted power support to the VoIP elevator phone line.

By proactively implementing a UPS battery backup system and adhering to regular maintenance practices, you can safeguard the reliability of the VoIP elevator phone line, ensuring that it remains operational even during power outages, and enabling seamless communication for elevator users in any situation.

Why cellular is the best option for your elevator phone line

When it comes to elevator emergency communications, relying on cellular networks rather than Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) can offer several advantages. Here are some reasons why cellular emergency communications are preferred:

Our elevator cellular phone line also meets all applicable ADA, IBC, and ASME A17.1 code standards Get a free online quote and see how MyLinkLine can provide a complete cellular installation that will result in immediate savings.

Reliability and Safety

Cellular Connect™

Security and Privacy

Connecting to a cellular network is absolutely safer than using a VoIP internet connection. Most internet connections are not secure because the data sent over the internet isn’t encrypted. When you use a secured internet you can encrypt your data, but it’s still less reliable and automatic than cellular signal.

Most cellular connections use a private key are made up of 256 bits in length. All data being transmitted through the network is coupled with the private key and can only be decoded by the recipient.

Quality of Service

Cellular networks are designed to prioritize voice calls, ensuring a high-quality and stable connection. VoIP calls, on the other hand, depend on the internet’s bandwidth, which can lead to fluctuations in call quality, especially during peak usage times or in areas with weak internet signals.

Future-Proofing

As technology advances, cellular networks are continuously upgraded to support higher data rates and improved reliability. By using cellular phone lines, elevator communication systems can be future-proofed, ensuring compatibility with the latest advancements.

Power Independence

Cellular devices operate on battery power, making them more resilient during power outages. MyLinkLine cellular phone line transceiver includes four hours of talk time and 48 hours of standby time. In contrast, VoIP services often rely on an internet connection and may require backup power sources, such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), to remain operational during power failures.

While VoIP services have their own benefits for regular communication, when it comes to emergency situations, cellular networks provide a more reliable option. Most IT professional and elevator service companies advocate using elevator cellular phone lines whenever possible. The majority of elevator passenger entrapments are caused by power outages and VoIP elevator phone line are often susceptible to disrupted communications. Cellular makes sense because in most cases they are more dependable than VoIP connections, especially in the event of natural disasters.