How do VoIP Phones System work?
In this short guide we explain what a VoIP phone system is and how it works. But before that you should know about VoIP technology. Maybe you don’t know it but for several years already, all the main national telephony operators offer their services through Voice Over IP technology. VoIP or voice over Internet Protocol is an innovative digital transmission protocol that allows you to make and receive calls without the phone line. Let’s talk about the VoIP phone system.
What is a VoIP phone system?
VoIP telephones, also called SIP telephones, allow you to make calls to the traditional line and to cell phones through the use of voice over IP technology. In VoIP telephony the voice message is transmitted through the internet instead of via the PSTN system, typical of traditional telephony. The term “VoIP telephones” refers to telephone software but also to real hardware devices that have aesthetic characteristics very similar to those of traditional telephones. Therefore, VoIP telephones are common telephones, however, unlike the latter, they guarantee a whole series of advantages typical of internet telephone networks.
How do VoIP phones work?
Unlike older generation telephones, VoIP telephones do not have to be connected to the analog line in order to function but require a data network such as a LAN. Like a computer, VoIP telephones are equipped with specific Ethernet ports that allow their connection to the network; therefore, with a single network connection it is possible to simultaneously support the use of the computer and the telephone.
The main features of VoIP phones
Various brands and models of VoIP telephones are available on the market today. Apart from some specific details, all models have two common features, namely the support of the TCP/IP protocol and an RJ-45 connection port to interface with the network; the latter allows the telephone set to communicate with other devices based on the IP protocol.
As anticipated, the models of VoIP phones are varied and each one distinguishes from the other for specific characteristics and additional functions. The simpler models provide the basic functionalities for making and receiving calls on the VoIP line as well as on the analog one. The advanced models, on the other hand, offer additional features such as: handsfree, sms and mail messaging, call transfer, graphic displays, and much more.
The most advanced models of over IP telephones allow you to configure multiple VoIP accounts on the same device.
Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that VoIP telephones can also be wireless ; these cordless models are able to operate without any wiring that connects them to the telephone exchange.
VoIP cordless telephones resemble traditional cordless telephones but, unlike the latter, they must be connected wirelessly to a data line. VoIP cordless phones combine the advantages of VoIP, the convenience of a cordless phone and all the reliability of a traditional landline phone in a single device.
What advantages do they offer?
VoIP phones offer several advantages over traditional telephones:
- lower cost for calls
- simple configuration and zero wiring costs
- possibility to connect to the virtual switchboard
- advanced features such as automatic answering, call forwarding and the ability to manage web applications
- quality hardware (navigation display and configurable keys)