Benefits of Wireless VoIP

Most people have grown accustomed to having mobile communications through the use of a cellular phone. For many, the next logical progression is to find a way to have that same luxury but at a cheaper cost.

That’s where wireless VoIP comes into play via WiFi phones, which require a wireless access point, and DECT phones, which utilize a base station with a direct internet connection and a wireless handset.

Both of these methods of wireless VoIP have their advantages depending on the application required.  Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

WiFi phones, such as the Unidata WPU7700 or Linksys WIP310G, give the user the luxury of being able to make and receive calls through their VoIP service anywhere in the world, as long as there is a WLAN (wireless local access network) that provides internet connection for the phone to connect to.  Most WiFi phones will scan for an access point and connect to one that has the strongest signal and does not require authentication via a web interface.  If the WLAN is unsecure or if the user can enter the security settings of the access point onto the phone, then making VoIP calls is as easy as being at your home or office.  This is perfect for people who need to be mobile and don’t want to be paying huge cellular phone bills when they could be making VoIP calls at almost no cost.

Ease of use is a great benefit of WiFi phones as anyone who knows how to use a cellular phone can learn how to use a WiFi phone very quickly.  The obvious cost savings is a huge benefit as well, as users can use their flat-fee low cost VoIP service to make calls to and from anywhere in the world.  Many of today’s WiFi phones also allow the user to enjoy many of the calling features they have gotten use to on their analog or desktop VoIP phones.  Features such as speed dialing, call forwarding, call waiting, conference calling and others can be delivered with exceptional voice quality and mobility.  Not to mention the convenience of being able to experience these features virtually anywhere in the world.

Cordless DECT phones, such as the SNOM M3 or the Aastra MBU 400, also allow users to enjoy wireless VoIP, but in a different way than WiFi phones.  This type of wireless option is more suited for the user who will be staying in one general location, but are constantly on the move.

These phones have a base station that is connected to the internet via standard CAT5 cable, and a wireless handset that works off the base station through DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) technology.  This scenario is perfect for retail outlets, warehouses, schools, or for anyone who must have constant access to their phone but can’t be tied down to a desk.  Again, replacing cellular phones with a DECT phone can save a great deal of money as the calls are being placed and received through VoIP rather than the cellular network.

Additionally, the DECT phones allow for each base station to register up to 8 different handsets with unique DID’s for multiple users, and range extenders are available to increase the distance that the phones can move away from the base station.

While wireless VoIP is still comparatively in its infancy in the telecom industry, it is growing in popularity every day as more and more people want to have the convenience of mobility with the low cost of VoIP.  Don’t be left behind as this technology moves forward.  Remember, it was not so long ago that cellular phones were seen as a luxury for the well-to-do only, and now very few people go without a cellular phone.  This same wave of popularity will be exploding in regards to wireless VoIP sooner rather than later as well.

If you have questions or need help deciding what avenue of wireless VoIP is best for you please contact me at VoIP Supply anytime.  716-250-3873 or jshanahan@voipsupply.com.