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What is a VoIP Phone? | WhichVoIP

What is a VoIP Phone?

Using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) carries with it several advantages in terms of lower cost and greater features, but to take full advantage of all it has to offer, you must use a VoIP phone, or use an adapter that plugs into your regular phone. A VoIP phone plugs directly into your broadband modem, and works and looks just like an ordinary telephone.

Of course, many VoIP services allow you to make calls directly on your computer using an attached headset or microphone/speaker combination. When making a call in this manner, you don't need telephone hardware at all, rather, you are using what is referred to as a "soft phone," which is just a piece of software that allows you to talk on your computer. Using an actual hardware IP ready phone does have some advantages. The greatest advantage is that your computer does not need to be on for making a call; you can use your VoIP phone at any time.

Other Advantages of a VoIP Phone

Another small difference is that your IP ready phone may need to be configured, although this is typically a straightforward process. Configuration can usually be done either through a Web interface, or directly through the VoIP phone keypad. You may also need to adjust your firewall settings to allow the phone to work.

An IP ready phone is typically quite feature-rich, including features such as phone books, which can be accessed either through the phone directly or on a Web interface; the ability to see missed calls, and caller ID. Home users with a need for multiple lines will also be pleased to know that it's easy to attach multiple VoIP phones with multiple lines into your home router. For larger business installations with dozens, or hundreds of lines of course, the requirements are greater and you will need an IP PBX; but SOHO and home users have it made. Ordinarily, with standard telephone service, it is necessary to call the phone company, which then has to come out, open up the junction box, and then physically install multiple phone jacks in your home. Of course, they charge you for this. If you are using VoIP on the other hand, this is not necessary. If you prefer, you can even get a multi-line VoIP phone for your home.

In terms of cost, IP ready phones are comparable with similar feature-rich standard phones. In addition, wireless IP ready phones are also widely available to connect with your wireless network, giving you maximum flexibility in terms of placement. The wireless option would for example, allow you to take your VoIP phone anywhere in the house, the yard, or garage, even where there is no phone jack in sight, since the phone jack is no longer relevant.

You may also be able to take your VoIP phone with you when you travel, depending on the service you use; giving you the flexibility to continue making and receiving phone calls using your regular phone number, from anywhere in the world.

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