Forget about handsets and copper lines. With a computer linked to the Internet, a headset, and voice-over IP (VoIP), you can now make phone calls from anywhere and anytime.
VoIP technology enables you to make calls directly from a computer, a VoIP phone, or other data-driven devices by converting your voice into a digital signal. It is just a phone service supplied online, and it may also be called broadband phone service, IP telephony, or internet telephony.
Beginners frequently ask us what VoIP is and how it functions. Non-technical users might have heard that VoIP can be used to add a business phone line to your website.
VoIP is a more affordable solution than a traditional phone line to get a business phone number for your website. But you must thoroughly comprehend the technology to make any decisions.
What is VoIP Phone?
A VoIP phone is a hardware- or software-based telephone designed to send and receive calls over an IP network using voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. The phone transforms incoming digital phone signals from the internet into standard telephone audio and transforms analogue telephony audio into a digital version that can be delivered over the internet.
VoIP phones, commonly called IP phones, have capabilities and features, unlike conventional analogue phones. Because internet-based public-switched telephone networks have replaced the old public-switched telephone networks, they also have different performance requirements (PSTN).
VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is a type of phone technology that enables you to make and receive calls online instead of conventional phone lines.
It also allows you to make and receive business phone calls from your laptop, tablet, standard smartphone (using an App), and even VoIP-compatible office phone sets, in contrast to landline systems restricted to a single desk phone at your workplace.
All calls are placed online, which is cost-effective for local and international calls. Most corporate VoIP providers provide unlimited minutes at no additional charge.
You get all the modern phone capabilities, like call waiting, call routing, caller tones, auto-attendant, numerous phone numbers, and more, in addition to the cost savings.
VoIP Phone vs. Traditional Phone System
Because VoIP phone systems rely on IP networks rather than a physical connection to the PSTN network or cellular networks, they differ from conventional phone systems like landlines and mobile phones.
VoIP phone systems cost substantially less than landline phone systems installed on a comparable scale and come with more functionalities besides voice calls. Poor connections, however, can affect performance because VoIP phones rely on IP networks like the internet.
Moreover, VoIP phone systems are far less expensive than comparable-scale mobile phone deployments. While many VoIP phone system elements may be present in modern mobile phones, business-oriented features like analytics, CRM, and software integration are typically absent.
How Does a VoIP Phone Work?
Thanks to VoIP technology, traditional telephony services can now use packet-switched protocols to operate across computer networks. VoIP that uses packet switching encapsulates voice signals inside what seems like an electronic envelope. Any VoIP-compatible network, including a local area network, can transmit VoIP packets (LAN).
We shall examine what transpires throughout a call on a VoIP phone to comprehend how VoIP genuinely functions.
When you make a VoIP call, the VoIP adaptor or business phone number software converts the analogue audio signal into a digital signal.
Following a transmission through your internet to the business phone service provider, the message is sent to your customer's phone.
Due to the virtually instantaneous nature of this procedure, VoIP conversations occasionally have sound quality that surpasses traditional phone calls.
VoIP Phone Features
VoIP phone's key feature is the ability to place voice calls over the internet or other IP networks. Further features and functionality on VoIP phones could be the following:- A video call;
- Instant messaging;
- Group chat
- Sending texts;
- Electronic faxing
- Speech-to-text voicemail transcribing;
- Records and call logs;
- Bluetooth connectivity with speakers, microphones, handsets, and headsets;
- Quick access to conference calls;
- Vehicle attendant
- Desktop and mobile apps;
- Portability of local and mobile phone numbers, which permits customers to switch phone providers without getting a new number;
- Call directing
- Recording calls;
- Analyse calls; and
- Integration with other software, including customer relationship management (CRM).
The characteristics of VoIP products differ between suppliers and services.
How to Make a Call Using a VoIP Phone
You first need a VoIP business phone service like Nextiva to make a VoIP call. Also, it would be best to have a strong internet connection, which typically entails connecting to a broadband internet connection.
Afterwards, you may use any of the following devices to make a VoIP phone call:
Your current phone device
An ATA (analogue telephone adapter) can connect this to the VoIP system, giving it an IP address. You connect your phone to the ATA rather than directly to your power socket.A special IP phone
It functions and appears like a typical phone, with a button-equipped handset that fits into a charging cradle. The IP phone, however, uses an RJ-45 connector rather than an RJ-11 phone connector, indicating that it connects to your router's ethernet port rather than a phone connector. Depending on the time of year, you might receive a free phone handset from some VoIP providers.Your laptop
An app enabling VoIP calling is required, often referred to as a "softphone." Of course, a sound card, a headset, or a microphone and speakers are also necessary. Moreover, you will want ethernet or Wi-Fi for internet connectivity. Most well-known VoIP providers have Windows and Mac apps.Your smartphone
Once more, you'll require the proper app and a Wi-Fi connection. A mobile data plan with 4G or faster speeds is also an option. Most VoIP applications are compatible with all smartphones, including Apple iPhones and Android mobile devices (iOS).
Switch to VoIP Phone in Singapore!
You might reduce the cost of your communications services by switching to VoIP. With VoIP service, long-distance and international calls are typically free, and the cost of your internet access is the only expense.Only some employees must utilise phones with IP capabilities if VoIP phone is used. Even if you have analogue telephone stations, the top VoIP providers – like Dacon – will install IP telephony in a way that safeguards your investment in current telephone equipment.
Learn more about Dacon VoIP phone products and the communications opportunities they can provide for your company.