How to Trace a Non-Fixed VoIP Number
Non-fixed VoIP numbers can sometimes be traced, although not perfectly so. This is because VoIP numbers can be assigned with any area code and without consideration for where a business or user is working or living. This makes it easier to do business in other places, although it can make it more challenging for people who want to find a spam user or locate where a business is calling from.
In this article, you can read more about how VoIP numbers are assigned and how you can ensure that you get the right VoIP number or have the resources to trace a number. You'll learn why it's hard to find the exact owner and user of a VoIP number and how easy it is to sign up for a number in another area code or an international phone number.
Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) uses IP phones, softphones or analog terminal adapters (ATAs) to facilitate communication. ATAs are devices attached to traditional telephone handsets that allow the user to make and receive phone calls over their internet networks.
This is how voice communications get transferred over the internet:
1. First, the voice is compressed into data packets
2. Next, the data packets get sent over data networks. Such networks include the internet and local area networks
3. When they arrive at the other end of the network, the data packets are again converted back into voice
All in all, the system uses a voice-data-voice cycle. The voice gets transformed into data, which gets transferred over a network. When the data reaches the other end, it gets turned back into an audio signal.
What Is a Non-Fixed VoIP Phone Number?
People wondering how to identify non-fixed VoIP phone numbers first need to understand what they are. A non-fixed VoIP phone number isn't attached to a physical address. Even smartphones have physical addresses associated with them. This isn't the case with a non-fixed VoIP number. It exists independent of an address.
What Is a Fixed VoIP Number?
Fixed VoIP services associate a phone number with a physical location. Calls are transmitted over cloud providers’ communication networks and are limited to the borders of a country. This means you may have a hard time making calls across international borders. This is particularly true if the communication happens only using fixed VoIP phones.
What Are the Differences Between Fixed and Non-Fixed VoIP Phone Numbers?
Using fixed VoIP services eliminates the likelihood of fraudulent activities. The weakness of the fixed VoIP is that it only works with specific devices. Non-fixed VoIP numbers aren't associated with an address. If the callers want, they can register their phone number using a location where they don’t live.
Steps for Tracing a Non-Fixed VoIP Number
Tracing a non-fixed VoIP number is very difficult to do and is perhaps technically impossible, although there are a few methods that you can use to occasionally reveal the identity of a VoIP caller. When using these methods, though, it's important to remember that you may not be able to actually trace the correct caller since VoIP number assignments can change and aren't tied to a specific location or even permanently tied to specific users.
Here are two methods you can try:
- Searching phone books and records: Online or offline, you can try searching phone book records for a specific owner or user associated with that number. Keep in mind, though, that the number may have already changed hands since it was registered in the phone book. So the user you see associated with that number may no longer use it.
- An identification service or caller ID: If you have an identification service, you may be able to trace the number that way or have the caller automatically show up through the system. Remember, however, that this information could be wrong if the number is being spoofed by the caller---this is common with spam calls, unfortunately.
While these methods frequently do work successfully to trace numbers, it's not always possible to accurately trace every number every time. This is because VoIP numbers can be so easily ported and changed around to different owners or spoofed by spammers.
How Do VoIP Numbers Work?
VoIP numbers are usually assigned based on geography within specific area codes, although the subscribers do not necessarily need to live or work within those area codes in order to receive and register them with their telecommunications provider.
Number assignments in the US and Canada are governed by NANP (North American Numbering Plan) which was originally developed by Bell Labs in the 1940s and in the US it is now overseen by the Federal Communications Commission. VoIP numbers, landlines numbers, and cell phone numbers are all covered by these regulations, and telecommunications companies must abide by these laws. This ensures that area codes and numbers are all assigned and used consistently.
When you register a VoIP number, it is assigned according to this plan. If you have an existing number through a cell phone or landline service, you can port your number into your new VoIP account so you can keep the same number you've always used.
Why a Hosted VoIP Solution Is the Best Choice
With a hosted VoIP service like 8x8's Business Phone Services, you can enjoy the benefits of internet calling. An added bonus is you don't have to install expensive equipment. Furthermore, monthly fees are minimal, lower than traditional landlines.
Here are some more of the benefits of 8x8’s Business Phone Services:
- Enterprise-grade communication features: These include auto attendant, extension dialing, ring groups, internet faxing and call recording
- Teamwork and collaboration: Web conferencing and video meetings make for easier collaboration no matter the location
- Easy mobile and worldwide access: These features enable the connection between people, places, and devices
- Continuous communication: Communication is available on all devices, desk phone, laptop, smartphone or tablet
- Unparalleled integration with your everyday CRM: You can also connect with productivity tools like Zendesk, NetSuite, Outlook and more
Getting Started with VoIP Number Tracing
If you're looking to trace a non-fixed VoIP number, you have a few different options. You can look up the number in a directory or you can also use an ID service. Keep in mind, though, that VoIP numbers can't be perfectly traced every time due to spoofing by spam callers and number porting by those who want to take numbers with them. Numbers are assigned according to NANP rules in North America and Canada, specifying area codes and number types, although you don't have to live or work in those places to get a number in the US or Canada. This makes it easier to do business in these places and get a local number even if you lack a local presence.
When it comes to VoIP, 8x8 provides a reliable and compliant cloud solution at a demanding level rarely seen by other cloud providers. Don't take your chances with a subpar cloud-based telecom system. Call 1-866-498-2316 or fill out an online form to request a no-obligation quote from an 8x8 product specialist.
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