What Is VOIP Phone? How does VOIP Phone work?

How’s your business doing with keeping up in today’s fast-changing communication world? In times where being efficient and connected is key to success, VoIP phones are changing the game. They turn regular internet connections into a way to make and get phone calls from anywhere you have internet. This article will talk about what is VoIP phone, how it works, and why it could be the great communication solution you’ve been searching for.

What is VOIP Phone

AVoIP phones allow you to make calls over the internet rather than traditional phone lines. They can be either software-based applications or real handsets. This clever gadget performs the opposite for incoming calls, converting your speech from analog to digital impulses that fly over the internet. Known as IP phones, they offer cool features that you won’t find on old-school phones, thanks to the versatility of internet connectivity. These phones rely on a robust internet connection rather than the old public switched telephone network (PSTN), stepping up both functionality and performance.

How does VOIP Phone work?

VoIP phones replace traditional phone lines with digital packets that carry what you say over the internet. VoIP can be utilized via software on gadgets like PCs and smartphones, or via a dedicated physical phone.

Here’s how it works: VoIP devices get their own IP addresses from something called Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which helps set up the network automatically. A system akin to a digital phonebook, the Domain Name System (DNS), then helps these devices find and connect to each other across the web.

VoIP phones use particular protocols, or established rules, that control the flow of digital speech data in order to smooth out the transmission of your voice over the internet. For example, these protocols ensure that your voice is heard properly and quickly if you are on the phone with a colleague who lives in a different city. To find out more about the various VoIP protocols and their functions, scroll down!

Types of VOIP Phones

Now that you know what VoIP phones are, let’s explore the two main types you’ll come across: hardware-based and software-based.

• Hardware-Based VoIP Phones: These look and feel much like the traditional phones we’re all familiar with, either hard-wired or cordless. They come equipped with all the usual features such as a speakerphone, microphone, touchpad, and a display for things like caller ID. Beyond making calls, these phones can handle call transferring, conference calls, and even support multiple VoIP accounts. Some are advanced enough to handle video calls, turning them into video telephones.
• Software-Based VoIP Phones (Softphones): These aren’t physical phones but software applications installed on computers or mobile devices. The interface usually looks like a classic phone with a touchpad and caller ID screen. To make calls, you’ll likely use a headset with a microphone, though many modern devices also work well with their built-in mics. Softphones can do everything a hardware-based phone can, like managing voicemails, call conferencing, and transfers. Plus, they often have extras like video conferencing and instant messaging.

With the use of an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA), you can even convert a traditional analog phone to a VoIP phone. Your analog phone may now make and receive calls over the internet, exactly like a VoIP phone, by simply connecting it to the ATA and plugging it into the internet.

Benefits of VOIP Phones

Switching to VoIP phones can bring a bunch of perks for any organization, not to mention making your accountant a little happier. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Cost Savings: First up, who doesn’t like saving money? VoIP services can seriously cut down your calling costs. While old-school analog phones might seem cheaper at first, they’re pricier to maintain and upgrade over time. VoIP phones, on the other hand, make long-distance and international calls way more wallet-friendly, since calls are charged at local rates, no matter where you’re dialing.

Performance: Moving offices? With VoIP, there’s no fuss over new phone lines; your phone system moves with you. Need to add new phones? Easy—just make sure your internet can handle it. And for those always on the go, softphones mean you can take your number wherever, without needing a physical phone.

Integration: Lastly, VoIP plays well with others. Imagine being able to dial customers directly from your CRM software or tracking call data to refine your sales strategy. VoIP phones can sync up with various business applications, streamlining processes and boosting your team’s efficiency.

Disadvantages of VOIP Phones

So, while VoIP can be a smart choice for many businesses, these are a few speed bumps on the VoIP highway to be aware of!

Performance Constraints: For starters, your VoIP phone is only as good as your internet connection. If your bandwidth is lacking, you might end up playing a frustrating game of “Can you hear me now?” during calls. This can lead to delays and the dreaded dropped calls. And if there’s a power outage or your internet goes down, say goodbye to making calls, because VoIP phones need the internet to function.

Emergency Calling: Another hiccup is when you need to make emergency calls. Since VoIP phones use IP addresses, they don’t automatically provide your physical location to emergency services. This can make it tough for 911 operators to figure out where to send help. VoIP providers have tried to address this with something called Enhanced 911 (e911), which helps by using third-party services to pinpoint your location, but it’s still not as straightforward as calling from a traditional phone.

The Differences Between VOIP Phone Systems and Traditional Phone Systems

VoIP phone systems and traditional phone systems are like night and day in how they operate. While traditional systems, like landlines and cell phones, rely on physical wires or cellular networks, VoIP dances to the beat of a different drum, using the internet to make calls.

Here’s the deal: VoIP not only costs less than running a bunch of landlines or a fleet of mobile phones, but it also comes packed with cool extras beyond just voice calls. Think features like analytics, CRM compatibility, and seamless software integrations—stuff that’s music to any business’s ears.

However, there’s a catch—since VoIP depends on your internet connection, a spotty connection can mean choppy calls. So, while VoIP can offer more bang for your buck, it’s only as strong as your WiFi signal.

Where to Buy VOIP Phones in Australia?

Using a VOIP phone to improve communication means choosing a trustworthy provider is essential. MyITHub in Australia is the place to go if you’re wondering exactly what a VoIP phone can accomplish for you and where to get one. They provide a large selection of excellent IP phones to meet all of your company requirements.

Check out their extensive selection, including sophisticated models from Yealink like the Yealink T43U 12 Line IP phone, robust POLY PHONES, and versatile CISCO PHONES. Each brand brings something unique to the table, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your communication style.

Visit MyITHub for a seamless shopping experience and discover why they’re a leading supplier of IP Phones. Get your hands on the latest in VOIP technology and start communicating smarter!