A Guide to VoIP Phones August 26, 2010
A Guide to VoIP Phones?
A VoIP phone uses technology of the same name – Voice over Internet Protocol. Simply put, such phones use the internet rather than conventional phone transmission systems to connect calls.
The technology for VoIP phones involves converting analog audio signals that are used on non-VoIP phones into digital signals used for internet transmission. The internet consists of a large network of servers that relay data packets from one server to another toward the packet’s final destination.
VoIP can be used with any standard internet connection, and the main advantage of this system is that there may be no additional charges, or reduced charges, in making VoIP phone calls. Whether the call is local or international, landline or mobile, with a VoIP Phone and an internet connection a user can experience free or as near to free calls which would usually be charged per minute by traditional phone companies.
As phone calls need a constant connection and as near to immediate transmission of voice as possible, VoIP relys on large of data transfers and as such, a broadband connection is required. While computers can be linked over the VoIP network, you can also establish contact with conventional phones that have a VoIP adapter.
VoIP software applications that allow businesses to implement voice over IP are offered by a number of companies. Nortel Phones, for example, provides a wide range of VoIP phones for all types of business setups. Nortel IP phones not only allow users to talk using Internet Protocol, but they can also create and publish live content on the screens of the advanced 5360 IP Phone.
VoIP providers may allow unlimited phone calls, both local and long distance, to others using the same service. There are VoIP providers who will charge for certain call types (international, mobile, etc.) and some that will offer flat rate for set amounts of time expended on calls. Since rates can differ significantly between service providers, one should always pay close attention to detail when reviewing service contracts.
Some providers may not let you make calls from your VoIP phone to non-VoIP phones. Either that or they may charge extra for such a call. Another possible disadvantage is that some VoIP services will not work when the power is out unlike traditional telephones. However, VoIP phones may offer services and features not offered on traditional phones, or only available with an extra charge.
It is always important to find out what is included in a VoIP services package as the range of features offered can vary between provider. For example, the Nortel 1150e IP Phone is a state-of-art system that provides superb features, but is still relatively easy to use. The phone comes equipped with 48 programmable, self-labeling keys, and excellent sound quality. The Embedded Gigabit Ethernet adaptor allows the phone to operate in 10/100/1000 Mb LAN Ethernet networks, and at full Gigabit Ethernet bandwidth when communicating from networks to desktops.
VoIP phones offer a variety of advantages that can boost and business’ productivity and improve return on investment. By connecting to the existing internet connection, any business can quickly benefit from VoIP’s easy to implement functionality.