{"id":32390,"date":"2022-03-15T08:00:14","date_gmt":"2022-03-14T22:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rcblogau.wpengine.com\/au\/en\/blog\/?p=32390"},"modified":"2022-03-10T22:41:18","modified_gmt":"2022-03-10T12:41:18","slug":"ip-phone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/au\/en\/blog\/ip-phone\/","title":{"rendered":"IP Phone: What Are They And What Are They Used For?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2018As a company grows, communication becomes its biggest challenge\u2019 – Ben Horowitz, US entrepreneur and author.<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to investment in growth, a business of any size has to prioritise communications. A <\/span>small business<\/span> has the additional challenge of prioritising communications while keeping a close eye on the bottom line. An IP phone system could be the answer. This is why IP use is growing so dramatically in popularity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Voice<\/p>\n

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A quality communications system can keep internal conduits functioning optimally and can revolutionise operational structure to the benefit of all concerned. Most importantly, it can be responsible for a huge step up in your customer communications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An IP phone system can deliver a raft of benefits and save your business a whole lot of money and trouble.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is IP Phone<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Phone calls<\/span> have been possible over the internet for some time. This technology, known as <\/span>Voice over Internet Protocol<\/span>, or VoIP, has had quite an effect on the workplace, whether that is primarily office-based, remote, or <\/span>hybrid<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>handsets<\/span> that are used with this technology are called <\/span>VoIP phones<\/span>, or more often, <\/span>IP phones<\/span>. They connect to the internet through an <\/span>Ethernet<\/span> cable or, increasingly, <\/span>WiFi<\/span>, and look on first inspection pretty much like regular phones. They have features akin to conventional phones, including voicemail, call forwarding and hold music. However, they work very differently.<\/span><\/p>\n

The basic way they operate is by transforming the analogue output of the user\u2019s voice into a series of digital sequences. These sequences are transferred via the internet and converted back into analogue sounds for the corresponding telephone user to hear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"VoIP:<\/p>\n

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There are a huge number of suppliers of <\/span>IP phones<\/span>, such as <\/span>Grandstream<\/span>, <\/span>Gigaset<\/span>, <\/span>Snom<\/span>, <\/span>Polycom<\/span> and <\/span>Yealink<\/span>. Which particular supplier to choose is dependent on the specific needs of your organisation, so well worth doing a bit of research first to establish <\/span>compatibility<\/span> before you take a leap.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Setup IP Phone<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1. Wired Ethernet Router<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You will need a router of some description. Which sort you opt for will be determined a good deal by budget. A wired <\/span>ethernet<\/span> is often preferred as it involves a smaller outlay, but you will be the best judge of what your business requires.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. IP Phones<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There is a good range of <\/span>IP phone<\/span> types available. Some will have full-colour <\/span>lcd touchscreens<\/span>, some will be <\/span>cordless<\/span>, for use with <\/span>WiFi<\/span>. The most important thing to make sure of in the first place is that the phones you choose must be compatible with the server you have.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. VoIP Provider<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Assuming you will want to do more than make calls to other people in your office, you are going to need a VoIP provider. This is a service that one subscribes to that makes it possible to connect to others outside the organisation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most of these are fairly economical, and you are often permitted to set up an account without charge in order to make sure that your system is working before you sign up to a plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. PBX Server<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>PBX<\/span> (Private Branch Exchange) server is the system\u2019s central processing hub. On to the server will be placed the software that will control the organisation\u2019s <\/span>telephony<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Internet Connection<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You can use your existing office <\/span>internet connection<\/span>, but, crucially, you will need a sufficient capacity <\/span>internet connection<\/span>. The more call volume you are envisaging, the broader the bandwidth, so don\u2019t be tempted to skimp.<\/span><\/p>\n

Features of IP Phone<\/strong><\/h2>\n