What is a VoIP phone? Types and function

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Posted by admin September 4, 2021

A VoIP phone is a device that uses an Internet connection rather than copper wires. A VoIP phone offers almost limitless options for interoperability, connectivity and mobility. In this article, we will discuss the types of VoIP phones and how they work.

Types of VoIP phones

Hard phones: they are like traditional telephones because they are also placed on the desk. These phones can be used for:

  • Direct phone calls
  • Conference calls
  • Communication via headsets, handsets, speakers and Bluetooth.
  • Access voicemail

Softphones: they are virtual phones that live in an app on a device like a desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet. They can be used as a hard phone.

How does a VoIP phone work?

In the past, phones were wired to an on-premises Private Branch Exchange (PBX). The machine was rather cumbersome and handled all the routing to make sure every call reached its correct destination. However, the features offered by IP Phones exceed those available on a traditional PBX system.

Since a VoIP phone handles calls through an Internet connection or the cloud, VoIP technology uses the existing computer network or Wi-Fi to access phone networks. There is no need for copper wire. In addition, with VoIP, you can still keep your old phone number and there is no change in changing it. All of this makes a VoIP call simple. All you need to do is pick up a handset and dial a phone number. VoIP technology was designed to simplify things rather than complicate them. The same idea is applied to receiving a VoIP call. It’s like any other phone call.

So whatever phone your computer chooses, you can simply connect it to your VoIP phone system. All you need to do is plug in the phone and configure the system to your needs.

VoIP phone features

We will now take a look at a typical VoIP phone and discuss its features and functions. We will give a general description using a Polyphone diagram. Therefore, the location of buttons and specific functions will be slightly different from other models. of IP telephony systems. In order to make the right choice for your business, you need to understand the wide range of options available.

1) Line keys

  • These buttons usually light up to remind you that a phone call is on hold or that a call is parked on that line.
  • If you want to know the total number of lines available, count these buttons.
  • Typically, these buttons are programmed with speed dial access also for your valued customers.

2) Reversible tab

  • You can turn this part over in a hook that allows you to hang 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 in speakerphone mode. Remember that the quality of a phone’s speakers is essential for successful communication.

4) Key return

  • With this key you can return to the previous menu with just one button.

5) Transfer key

  • With 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 taken a call.
  • Blind transfer: you put the caller on hold while checking the destination number.
  • Hot Transfer: You send the call to a new device without checking whether or not the next person will answer the call.

6) Messages

  • With this button, you can access your voice messages. This button sends to your voicemail inbox where you can access all advanced VoIP voicemail features.

7) Hold

  • Same function as the hold button we all know.

8) Volume keys

  • Change the volume by pressing: Up = louder, down = lower

9) Numeric keypad

  • This is a standard number arrangement used for numbering.

10) Mute key

  • You use this button to quickly mute the microphone.

11) Loudspeaker key

  • Use this key to make speakerphone calls so that 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 USB stick or use a USB headset.

14) Home key

  • This key will help you get back to the beginning when searching for other options on your phone.

15) Indicator: Message waiting

It is a simple light to indicate “You have mail”.

Finally, if you are looking for VoIP UK then you should check a VoIP business which offers a wide range of phones so that you can find the best one for your office.

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