VoIP Phone

What is a VoIP Phone?

While both VoIP and traditional phones appear similar, traditional phones are hard-wired and can only be used from a fixed location. On the other hand, VoIP phones use the internet and aren’t location-bound.

As such, you can make calls using the app on any device. Overall, a VoIP phone offers more interoperability, mobility, and connectivity.

How Does a VoIP Phone Work?

With a receiver and a microphone, a VoIP phone will transmit sound into data packets that travel through your broadband internet connection to your VoIP provider’s servers.

The VoIP service will then route the calls to various telephone networks worldwide. Your VoIP phone will decompress the data and play it back to the other person’s phone.

What Does a VoIP Phone Look Like?

There are many types of VoIP phones. Here are the most common ones, starting with the desktop VoIP phone.

Desktop VoIP Phone — These are connected to the VoIP provider via ethernet cables:

USB Phones — They’re perfect if you’re looking for small business VoIP service. These phones can be plugged into your computer using a USB cable:

Cordless phones — These come with a built-in WiFi or DECT transceiver that you can connect to an access point or base station:

Softphones — This explains a software app that you can download on your mobile or laptop, and it isn’t bound to a physical location:

Video Phones — These devices have a small camera and let you hold virtual face-to-face meetings anywhere in the world:

Conference Phones — These are used in large conference halls or offices. They usually have multiple microphones to improve call quality.

Common VoIP Phone Features Explained

Almost all VoIP services offer basic features that are similar to traditional phone lines, such as call forwarding, holding calls, and call waiting. Here’s a list of others you’ll find:

• 3-way calling — Add more than one person to a call at once
• Auto-forwarding — Redirect incoming calls to another device
• Call waiting — Get notified about incoming calls while on another call
• Voicemail to email — Forward voicemail to your email inbox
• Speed dial — Quickly dial frequently called numbers using shortcuts
• Call queues — Put calls in a queue to answer when you’re free
• Do not disturb — Automatically send calls to voicemail when you’re busy

The Pros and Cons of VoIP Phones

Here are a few pros and cons of using a VoIP phone:

The Bottom Line

VoIP phones are a versatile, cost-effective, and feature-rich alternative to traditional phone lines. Make calls on the go and enjoy features like call forwarding, auto attendants, and high-quality audio.

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