Enabling QoS for VoIP on UniFi Gateways and Routers

Quality of Service (QoS) is essential for ensuring that voice over IP (VoIP) communications are clear and uninterrupted. On a UniFi gateway or router, configuring QoS to prioritize VoIP traffic can significantly improve call quality in a business environment. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to allocate bandwidth for VoIP, with recommendations tailored to your business size and expected call volume.

Step 1: Determining Bandwidth Requirements

To effectively configure QoS, it’s crucial to understand your available bandwidth and the necessary allocation for VoIP:

Conduct a Speed Test:

  • Use an online speed test tool to determine your internet upload and download speeds.
  • Perform this test during different times to gauge variations during peak and off-peak hours.

Estimate VoIP Bandwidth:

  • Typically, allocate between 1Mbps to 10Mbps for VoIP, depending on the size of your business and the number of concurrent calls.
  • As a general rule, allocate about 100Kbps per concurrent call. For instance, for 10 concurrent calls, allocate 1Mbps.

Step 2: Configuring QoS on UniFi Gateway/Router

Follow these steps to set up QoS in the UniFi interface:

Access the UniFi Controller:

  • Open a browser and navigate to your UniFi controller’s IP address.
  • Log in using your credentials.

Create Traffic Rules for VoIP:

  • Go to Settings > Networks > Edit Network for the network you wish to configure.
  • Scroll to Advanced Options and find the section for User Groups.
  • Create a new user group for VoIP:
    • Set the Rate Limiting to your previously calculated VoIP bandwidth.
    • Optionally, set higher priority.

Apply the QoS Settings:

  • Assign the VoIP user group to devices or VLANs that handle VoIP traffic.
  • This prioritization ensures VoIP traffic takes precedence over other types of traffic, maintaining call quality during high network usage.

Configure Ports for VoIP (Optional):

  • In the UniFi Controller, navigate to Settings > Routing & Firewall.
  • Under the Firewall section, create new groups for SIP (5060 TCP) and RTP (10000-60000 UDP) ports.
  • Create rules that prioritize or allow traffic specifically for these port groups to ensure that VoIP traffic is prioritized on your network.

Step 3: Monitoring and Adjustments

After applying QoS settings, it’s important to monitor their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments:

Monitor VoIP Traffic:

  • Regularly check the performance of VoIP traffic through the UniFi Controller.
  • Look for any signs of packet loss or dips in quality that could indicate inadequate prioritization.

Adjust as Necessary:

  • Based on your observations, you may need to adjust the bandwidth allocation for VoIP or other services to balance the overall network performance.

Conclusion

By prioritizing VoIP traffic on your UniFi gateway or router, you can achieve better call quality and ensure smoother communication across your network. As network conditions can vary, periodically reviewing and adjusting your QoS settings is recommended.