How do I choose a VoIP phone?
You’ve probably already heard of VoIP or voice over Internet protocol. This emerging technology is making waves not only in the corporate world, but in the home front as well.
VoIP comes in basically two variants. Software-based VoIP services use a program installed into a computer and a microphone and speaker system to transmit your phone calls via the Internet. The most popular VoIP software around is Skype, which is a free service if you make calls to users who have the same program installed on their own computers. The drawback to this is that if the person you wish to reach does not have the program, you cannot call them using VoIP. Hardware-based VoIP uses specialized peripherals connected to your high-speed Internet access that converts your phone calls into digital signals.
Despite their differences, however, both function as VoIP phones. It is up to you which kind you should choose. The bases for that decision rest on what your needs are and how much are you willing to pay for the service.
Here are some things you may want to consider when choosing your VoIP phone:
VoIP call control protocols
Protocols are basically rules a computer or a digital device follows when it communicates with other computers and devices. VoIP can be “played” in different sets of “rules”. In order for you to reach the widest number of people using VoIP, you would then have to be sure that your VoIP phone supports the more popular call control protocols such as H.323, SIP, MGCP and IAX2.
VoIP codecs
Codec is short for code-decode. Much like in a spy movie where a secret message can only be read by someone who knows the code, a VoIP phone needs to be able to communicate with devices that can decode a digital signal back to audio format. If the phone does not support the other party’s codec, it is possible for you not to hear the other person on the line.
Bells and whistles
While it may be nice to have an actual bell and whistle attached to your VoIP phone, what is really referred to here are the features supported by the phone you will choose. Not all are created equal and more often than not, the more features it has, the pricier it gets.
Features checklist:
- 3-way conferencing
- Do-Not-Disturb (DND)
- custom ringtones
- encryption support
Other things you need to consider when choosing a hardware VoIP phone are:
Supported connections
The choice of what kind of Internet access you use for VoIP is important because it can greatly affect not only the quality of the phone exchange, but also the features that are available to you as a VoIP subscriber. The most common choices are: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, dialup and ISDN
Videoconferencing enabled
Some VoIP hardware phones allow you to see the party you are calling (provided they have a similar device on their end, of course). If this is something you absolutely must have, then by all means, do so. But if budget is your most major consideration, you may want to skip out on this feature for now.
Cordless or corded? Handset or headset?
These are basically form considerations that also touch on functionality. Some people prefer to keep the phone on a cord and handset so as to prevent misplacing it. On the other hand, there are others who want the freedom to move around while taking a call so they prefer cordless units, headsets or speakerphone-enabled units.
Clear displays
Face it, no one wants to peer into a phone display just to read out the numbers. Convenience and ease of use also pertains to being able to read off the phone’s display unit. Make sure also that the presentation of information is clear and intuitive.
Ergonomics
Since the phone will be a frequently used item in your home or office, you might as well make handling the unit easy, if not fun. The way the unit accommodates to your body (in this case your hands, ears and mouth) is called ergonomics. The better a VoIP phone is in this area, the better it is for your body.
Price
Many make the mistake of just using price as the basis for making their decision of which VoIP phone to choose. You may get a unit for a very low price but if it fails to deliver your most basic requirements, then you are at a loss. While price is a consideration, make sure to weigh it against the features it carries – features that can make your VoIP experience easy and comfortable. That can only make the act of reaching out and touching base a more fulfilling experience than it already is.
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