I. Introduction
CenturyLink is a major US-based telecommunications company that provides internet, VoIP phone services, network security solutions, and cloud infrastructure to residential and enterprise customers.
CenturyLink VoIP refers to their suite of business Voice over IP solutions delivered over managed private network connections or public broadband infrastructure. It serves as a reliable, cost-efficient alternative to traditional analog PBX systems.
Let’s explore what sets CenturyLink VoIP services apart.
II. CenturyLink Business VoIP
Features of CenturyLink Business VoIP
Some standout aspects of CenturyLink’s VoIP Phone offerings are:
Unified Communications – Tightly integrated VoIP phone system with video meetings, chat and SMS capabilities for collaboration.
Mobility – Softphone app allows call control and transfers across smartphones, laptops etc while on the move.
Auto Attendants – Sophisticated call routing to direct customers to appropriate departments using interactive voice menus.
Analytics Dashboard – Provides insights on call volumes, wait times, missed calls and agent productivity KPIs to improve service.
CRM Integrations – Links with popular CRM software tools like SalesForce to speed up workflows.
Enhanced Support – 24/7 technical assistance, onboarding guidance and proactive network monitoring for optimized uptime.
Comparison with other VoIP providers
Here’s how CenturyLink VoIP measures up against alternatives from top providers:
Verizon – Closer feature parity as both are large telco incumbents with extensive infrastructure and enterprise focus. Verizon edges ahead with global footprint.
Dialpad – Leads in AI powered capabilities like transcription, notes, hold-time alerts. But CenturyLink superior for large contact centers.
Ooma Office – Very cost effective for smaller businesses but lacks complex call routing logic and automated workflows of full UC suites.
Pricing and packages
CenturyLink provides flexible VoIP plans tailored to business size:
Essential – Starts $23/month per user. Includes mobility, auto attendants, hunt groups, basic call center features.
Advanced – $28/user/month. Adds integrated messaging, single sign-on and CRM integrations.
Elite – $37/user/month. Includes more sophisticated call center components like call recording, wall boards, advanced reporting.
These represent excellent value given the enterprise-grade capabilities on offer.
Availability for small businesses only
An important point to note is that CenturyLink only focuses VoIP solutions at small businesses with less than 100 employees currently.
So while features and reliability prove a major upgrade over consumer VoIP options, medium and large enterprises with bigger teams or advanced needs are recommended to evaluate more specialized UC platforms.
III. CenturyLink Cloud Security
Security features, processes, and best practices used to secure the cloud platform and its data
CenturyLink manages security across their VoIP and public/private cloud solutions through rigorous controls validated through compliance certifications:
- Hardened data centers with restricted physical access to limit risks from unauthorized insiders. Video surveillance systems in place across locations.
- Sensitive data encrypted in transit and at rest using AES 256-bit algorithms to render intercepted data unreadable.
- Hardened virtual infrastructure provides network security enforcements between different cloud subscribers via microsegmentation, packet filtering etc so vulnerabilities in one customer environment can’t impact others.
- Stringent background verification requirements for engineers before granting production environment access. All access attempts monitored through audit logs.
- Frequent penetration testing simulations conducted on infrastructure attack surface to proactively discover and plug vulnerabilities through timely patches.
Shared security responsibilities for CenturyLink and client
CenturyLink is responsible for the underlying cloud infrastructure, including:
- Physical data center controls
- Network controls up to the hypervisor boundary
- Cloud platform protections against DDoS attacks etc
The client retains responsibilities for:
- Endpoint security protections for managed devices
- Account privileges, application security configurations
- Encrypting sensitive data at rest beyond platform measures
Security services offered by CenturyLink
To ease security management overhead for clients, CenturyLink offers add-on services like:
- Managed threat detection – Helps quickly recognize and block advanced persistent cyber threats.
- Web app firewall – Protects Internet facing apps and APIs from exploits through input validation checks, rate limiting etc.
- Vulnerability scanning – Uncover weaknesses in client environments by emulating attack patterns.
Such offerings simplify staying protected on cloud environments without huge upfront investments into security teams.
IV. CenturyLink® QC (C)
CenturyLink® QC (C) refers to the official branding associated with their network services and voice product portfolio after the merger of CenturyLink communications and Level 3 networks.
Outline structure of VoIP service
The CenturyLink® QC (C) VoIP Phone Service packages enterprise-grade Private Branch Exchange (PBX) functionality delivered through their dedicated global Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network backbone:
- Connectivity choices encompass MPLS, Broadband, Wireless connections for last mile redundancy.
- Solutions integrate call control, instant messaging, audio/video meetings, and receptionist console.
- Packages tier from Essential to Advanced plans based on capabilities needed.
- Network service SLAs provide assurances around quality, reliability and issue resolution timeframes.
Compliance with location requirements
As a top facilities-based carrier in North America and Europe, CenturyLink maintains compliance with local Public Utility Commission regulations around services offered in respective geography.
This encompasses aspects like:
- Registering as an authorized Telecom Service Provider.
- Adhering to number administration guidelines when provisioning new Direct Inward Dialing (DID) phone numbers to Enterprise clients.
- Staying current on Interconnection agreements that cover financial settlement rates for call termination through incumbent local exchange carriers.
Such diligent compliance helps ensure steady, uninterrupted VoIP functionality.
V. Interconnection, Transport, and Termination of Traffic
As a large Tier 1 Internet Backbone and MPLS network operator, CenturyLink can seamlessly partner with regional facilities-based carriers for interconnecting Voice traffic.
Services covered
CenturyLink maintains dedicated teams focused on supporting interconnection agreements that cover:
- Bilateral Voice over IP (VoIP) traffic exchange to extend customer reach.
- VoIP call transcoding between Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) and IP domains.
- Emergency service networks connectivity and caller information verification.
- Number porting and allocation management in coordination with national regulatory databases.
Network interconnection methods
CenturyLink offers flexible physical and virtual interconnection mechanisms:
- Dedicated Transport – Private, high capacity fiber links between networks.
- MPLS Service Interconnect – Tunnel voice traffic between Virtual Private Network (VPNs).
- IP Peering Exchange – Streamlined internet traffic exchange through regional Internet Exchange Points (IXPs).
Inter-carrier compensation
As legally mandated, CenturyLink honors Inter-carrier Compensation agreements with connecting local and ILEC networks that cover:
- Reciprocal Compensation (Call termination fees)
- Access Charges (Subscriber line charges)
- Universal Service Fund contribution
This maintains fair, cost-recovery mechanisms for call handovers.
Network interface device
To ease onboarding, CenturyLink offers Multi-Service Access Platforms (MSAPs) as demarcation units with built-in channel banks bridging TDM and IP domains for seamless voice services launch.
VI. Conclusion
In summary, CenturyLink VoIP delivers reliable, enterprise-grade Voice services with unified communications capabilities like video, chat to boost business productivity. Their integrated suite sits on an inherently secure global private MPLS backbone network honed over years of serving large Institutions.
While smaller businesses with under 100 employees represent their current target segment, the high quality infrastructure and customer support provides assurance against outages at competitive price points. For medium enterprises seeking sophisticated call center features, exploring industry UC leaders like RingCentral or 8×8 may be preferable.
Overall, as businesses accelerate cloud adoption strategies, CenturyLink provides compelling options for transitioning voice workloads confidently based on their cloud security credentials and compliance track record.