With the growth of VoIP internet telephones the need for its hardware has also increased. The hardware options let the VoIP phone user in a confused state as to which one to go for and which is suitable for him. Given below defines different types of VoIP phone systems available and one can choose any as per his requirements. They include USB handsets, also referred to as VoIP or IP handsets, Handsets with built-in interfaces to high-speed internet connections, referred to as hard phones and Adapters which interface regular analogue telephones to high-speed internet connections, referred to as ATAs (Analogue Telephone Adapters) or IP Phone Adapters.
USB handsets
USB handsets are the first category which includes a handset with earpiece and microphone and possibly a keypad and display. This type interfaces to a PC soft phone and handles analogue voice signals, touch tone generation and display of call id information and the soft phone application takes care of the internet telephone implementation.
Handsets with integrated interfaces are the second type of USB handset. Here keypad, display, earpiece and mouthpiece are provided. The handset is directly connected to the high speed internet with the included driver software. The functioning of this software is much similar to that of a printer or modem and works at the background. The functions are taken care by the handset. For this case a soft phone is not required.
Corded and cordless USB phones are available. With a USB cable the corded ones can be connected directly in to the included USB ports. Whereas in the cordless version the base station is connected to the USB port and the handset remain detached form the wired connectivity. The frequency required for the functioning are the same as in a regular analogue cordless phones.
The second category of handsets includes integrated interfaces to high-speed internet connections which operate separately from a PC. They enable direct connectivity to an Ethernet port on your DSL or cable modem or router. This one comes with enhanced features and varies from a corded handset to a complete desktop phone with speakerphone. In addition to the common features in an analogue phones this one offers special internet features like videophone capability, interface to SIP providers and built-in data ports.
In order to connect to high speed internet connection using WLAN or Wi Fi Hard phones can also be used. The unavailability of cables allows flexibility in usage as they require just an active wireless LAN connection within the range.
ATA analogue telephone adaptors
A regular analogue phone is required for obtaining internet telephone in the case of ATAs or IP Phone Adapters. If the one uses a complicated wireless analogue phone system with multiple handsets he can opt for ATA. ATA are cost effective systems than the hard phones and you can use the existing hardware system. ATAs are featured with WLAN and WiFi interfaces to your high-speed internet connection.
Enhanced features like video capability, handset speakerphone, intercom feature, colour LCD display, built-in data ports and selectable handset ring tones are included in the VoIP handsets. One aspect that needs to be considered while selecting the internet telephone system is the compatibility with that of the provider.
Vtech, Uniden, Philips, US Robotics and Radian Technologies are popular brands manufacturing VoIP handsets. In the areas of data networking that produce ATA-type equipment Linksys and Dlink have wide experience. Advanced cordless VoIP handsets and hard phones are manufactured by Vtech and Uniden. Linksys and Dlink provide qualitative support for ATA-type equipment including multi-port ATAs and routers or modems with built-in ATAs.
One should think twice before selecting equipment for implementing an internet telephone. Easy installation and configuration are two factors that need to be considered while making the decision. The VoIP handsets should be simple in operation and easy to use with regard to regular analogue telephone.
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