Everything You Need to Know About Buying a VoIP Phone

Voice Over Internet Protocol or VoIP (as popularly known) is an advanced way to send and receive telephone signals over the digital network. The cost of VoIP calls depends entirely on the type of internet service a user is availing. However, the VoIP calls are definitely much lower in comparison to the conventional telephone calls. The working of conventional telephones is done through PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). The connection is done via a certain number through a cable network. A wall phone jack is used for connecting the cable. Although the VoIP phones are slightly more complicated in terms of installation and functions, but they are available from a wide range of service providers, retailers, and also through online stores. Before purchasing a VoIP phone, you need to understand the basic working of VoIP, the options available, features to take advantage of, and definitely, the starting point.

voip phone

The working of a VoIP phone

VoIP uses the data compression mechanism to convert speech into digital signal. Post data compression, encoding process takes place followed by breaking the encoded data into packets and sending these packets over the digital network like that of normal internet traffic. Speech CODECs are used for encoding of the speech data. The packets get reassembled and decoded using the necessary CODEC and then converted to the analogue audio for human hearing once they reach the destination. Using the VoIP three types of call can be made:

i) VoIP to VoIP (free of charge if both the caller as well recipient is using the same service)
ii) VoIP to conventional phones (a certain charge is incurred)
iii) Conventional phones to VoIP (Cost is borne only by the caller)

However, in all of the above call types, internet data is used. If you have an unlimited internet data package, then you will not have to pay for the bandwidth usage that happens during the call. Also, internet traffic that shares a call’s bandwidth may well be responsible for the call quality you receive. In case of limited bandwidth availability, you need to switch to lower bandwidth limit. This can result in slight delay, inaudible conversations, and calls being cut out. This may well be a big drawback for the VoIP services. However, if you have a stable broadband connection, then such sort of scenarios will hardly be a problem. Bigger organizations prefer using the SIP Trunking method to communicate with mobile and fixed telephone subscribers globally without causing any kind of bandwidth lagging or slow buffering.

The VoIP phone working part is not similar to that of the conventional phones. Unlike the conventional phones, VoIP telephone number is first assigned to a specific device instead of some cable over the telephone network. What this means is that VoIP device can easily be unplugged and then can be used anywhere else for making and receiving the calls. However, the assigned number needs to be active in order to make and receive calls. Reconnection delay will never take place during the relocation. The user can easily unplug the telephony device from the present place and use it in an entirely new location while getting the device plugged in. These devices are perfect to carry while traveling. They can be used with the hotel broadband connection. This will definitely save a lot of your money that could have been wasted as a result of cell phone roaming charges.

Things You Need To Start A VoIP Call

VoIP enabled telephony device or simply an internet enabled PC, Headphone, and Microphone
VoIP service provider like SKYPE.
A stable broadband connection in ON status
VoIP based Client software

Different Types of VoIP Phones

Softphone – basically refers to a VoIP software solution that runs on PC or Smartphone to make the calling through microphone and headphones
Hardware VoIP phones that look more like conventional phones but come with inbuilt VoIP software. They simply get connected to the internet without the need for any computer device
USB VoIP phone that requires a PC to get plugged in, and functions more like the conventional phone, are easy and convenient options to avail.
Wireless VoIP phones come with in-built Wi-Fi transceivers that allow the units to get connected to the access points. However, the working fundamental is not similar to cordless phones.
Video VoIP phones come with colour LCD displays and camera to make video calling easier.
VoIP Conference phones are very similar to that of the conventional analogue phones used for conference purpose.
VoIP Adapter can be installed in a conventional phone to transform it into a VoIP enabled phone.

Final Words

It can be somewhat confusing to purchase a VoIP telephone device and get the connection through internet to make and receive calls. However, reputed VoIP service providers will guide you through the process while providing you live training in order to clear all your doubts regarding this concept. Remember, without proper guidance and support from expert VoIP service providers, the entire process may just look extremely complicated.

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