The emergence of VoIP technology in the mainstream has resulted in the demand and need for an efficient hardware or VoIP equipment. Deciding upon the hardware seems to be a tough one as there are many aspects to be considered. Varieties of hardware are available and some times it leaves the user at a confused state as which one to select. Given below are some guide lines that will help you in the hardware selection process.Let’s look into the three broad classifications of VoIP phone systems
First in the list are USB handsets which also can be termed as VoIP or IP handsets. Next comes hard phones, it refers to the handsets that support built in interfaces for enhanced speed internet connections. Last but not the least is IP phone adaptors or ATAs. These adaptors interface with regular analogue telephones which result in high speed internet connections.
USB
USB falls on the very first category which can be divided further on the basis of their functionality and use. The first one is a handset provided with an earpiece and a microphone. It consists of a keypad and a display that interfaces to a PC soft phone, like in a Skype or Firefly. The soft phone application is responsible for the implementation of the internet telephone. These types of phone systems takes care of the analogue voice signals, touch tone generation and caller ID information.
Corded and cordless handsets are made available in the USB systems, whereas in corded ones, handset is directly plug in to the USB port and in the cordless one’s base is connected to the port. Wireless connection is made possible by the cordless one and it requires the same frequency as in an analogue phone to operate.
Handset with built in interfaces
This one comes with a keypad, display, earpiece and mouthpiece very much similar to that of the first systems. Driver software provided within this system links the handset directly to the high speed internet connection. Just like any of the printer and modem driver, it works on the background. In this case, PC software is an essential factor. Here the handset solely deals with the dialling, display and voice conversion.
Here the handsets have built in interfaces whereby they function without a PC and enables connectivity directly to an Ethernet port on your DSL or cable modem or router. Here the phones support added features and the handsets comes in a desktop phone with speakerphone systems. Features alike in an analogue phones are included in this system and at the same time supports features solely for an internet telephones. Video phone capability, interface to SIP providers and built-in data ports are the features included.
Using WLAN or WiFi, hard phones are used for connecting high-speed internet. Flexibility in operation is facilitated as one need not struggle with the cablings and wires and can use the maximum benefit out of the wireless LAN connection within range.
Analogue telephone adaptors or ATAs
These types falls in the third category that need a regular analogue phone for implementing internet telephone. ATA is best suited for those previously using a complicated wireless analogue phone system with a number of handsets. One can utilise the present hardware systems with ATA and it very economical when compared to that of hard phones. Just like the hard phones it features WLAN and WiFi interfaces that will boost your internet speed.
Video capability, handset speakerphone, intercom feature, colour LCD display, built-in data ports and selectable handset ring tones are the features supported. One factor that needs to be considered while choosing an internet telephone system is compatibility with the provider.
Some of the handsets available are Vtech, Uniden, Philips, US Robotics and Radian Technologies. In the case of ATA type equipments Linksys and Dlink are two companies that excel in the specific data networking. Cordless VoIP handsets and hard phones are manufactured by Vtech and Uniden. Their intense knowledge and experience in the field of traditional analogue cordless phones have resulted in better service and features.
Varieties of quality VoIP hardware are available and thus opt for one that will suit your requirements. Easy connectivity, flexibility and easy operation are the factors needed to be considered while choosing one. Be careful to choose a VoIP phone that excels the functions of an analogue one.
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