A VoIP phone is a device that uses an internet connection rather than copper wires. A VoIP phone offers almost unlimited options for interoperability, connectivity, and mobility. In this article, we are going to discuss the types of VoIP phones and how they work.
VoIP Phone Types
Hard phones: these are just like traditional telephones as they also sit on the desk. These phones can be used for:
- Direct phone calls
- Conference calls
- Communication through headsets, handsets, speakerphones, and Bluetooth.
- Accessing voicemail
Softphones: these are virtual phones which live in an app on a device like a desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet. They can be used just like a hard phone.
How does a VoIP Phone work?
In the past, phones used to be wired to an on-site PBX (Private Branch Exchange). The machine was rather bulky and would manage all the routing to ensure that every call has reached its right destination. However, the features offered by IP phones exceed those available on a traditional PBX system.
Since a VoIP phone process calls through an internet connection or the cloud, VoIP technology employs the existing computer network or Wi-Fi to access telephone networks. There is no need for copper wire. Further, with VoIP, you can still keep your old phone number and there are no changes in changing it. All of this makes a VoIP call simple. You just need to pick up a handset and dial a phone number. VoIP technology has been designed to make things simpler instead of complicated. The same idea is applied to receiving a VoIP call. It is just as same as any other phone call.
So, regardless of which phone your computer chooses, you can simply connect it to your VoIP phone system. You just need to plug the phone in and configure the system according to your needs.
VoIP Phone Features
Now we are going to look at a typical VoIP phone and discuss its features and functions. We are going to give a general description using a Polyphone diagram. Hence, the button location and specific functions will be slightly different from other models of IP phone systems. In order to make the right choice for your business, you have to understand the wide range of available options.
1) Line keys
- These buttons usually light up as a reminder when a phone call is on waiting or if a call is parked on that line.
- If you want to know the total number of lines available, then count these buttons.
- Generally, these buttons are programmed with speed dial access as well for your valuable clients.
2) Reversible Tab
- You can flip this part over into a hook which allows you to rest the VoIP phone on a wall without dropping the handset.
3) Speaker
- This is the part where the sound comes from when you put the phone on speaker mode. Remember, a phone’s speaker quality is very essential for successful communication.
4) Back Key
- With this key, you can return to the previous menu through a single button.
5) Transfer Key
- Through this key, you can send the call to another user.
- This is different from call forwarding because it can only be used when someone has picked up a call.
- Blind transfer: you put the caller on hold while you check the destination number.
- Warm transfer: you send the call over to a new device without checking if the next person will answer the call or not.
6) Messages
- Through this button you can get access to your voicemails. This button sends to your voicemail inbox where you can access all the advanced VoIP voicemail features.
7) Hold
- Same function as the hold button we all know about.
8) Volume keys
- Change the volume by pressing: Up = louder, down = lower
9) Dial pad
- This is a standard number arrangement used for dialing.
10) Mute key
- You use this key to mute the microphone quickly.
11) Speakerphone key
- This key allows you to put calls on speaker so you can multitask.
12) Headset key
- This key allows you to switch to your headset.
13) USB Port
- Through this port you can plug in a flash drive or use a USB headset.
14) Home key
- This key will help you get back to the beginning when you search through other options on your phone.
15) Indicator: Message waiting
This is a simple light to indicate “You have mail”.
Lastly, if you’re looking for VoIP UK then you should check out a VoIP business that has a wide range of phones so you can find the right one for your office.
You may be interested in: What Is a VoIP Number?
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By: Alexander Joe
Title: What is a VoIP Phone? Types and Function
Sourced From: marketbusinessnews.com/what-is-a-voip-phone-types-and-function/274856/
Published Date: Sat, 04 Sep 2021 21:17:08 +0000
