Types of VoIP Phones

Don't jam a square peg in a round hole

You've probably used the phrase, "jamming a square peg in a round hole" to describe a time when you got the job done without using the right pieces.

When it comes to VoIP you can jam a square peg in a round hole too. Like when you use desktop VoIP phones in your conference room.

Sure it works, but it's not the right piece.

You might not be aware that there exist different types of VoIP phones. Each type serves a different purpose or enables certain action making them all valuable pieces to a complete VoIP deployment.

Desktop VoIP Phones

This is your standard business class VoIP phone . It connects to your VoIP phone system or service provider via Ethernet and comes with all of the basic features you expect out of a phone.

USB Phones

A USB phone hooks directly to your computer using the USB jack. You can use a USB phone in conjunction with a soft phone application such as Skype.

Wireless IP Phones

A wireless IP phone is an IP phone with a built-in Wi-Fi or DECT transceiver unit that connects to an access point or base station. This allows you to move freely around your home and or office while on a call. You can even send and receive calls at a hot spot!

Softphones

A softphone is a software application that is installed onto you desktop or laptop computer that allows you to complete phone calls from your PC. Soft phones are great for road workers, mobile professionals and even call centers as they are extremely inexpensive.

Video Phones

A video phone is an IP phone with the added ability to capture video using a small camera that is attached to the unit. Video phones are a great substitute for face-to-face meetings making them an affordable way to keep in touch and see someone from anywhere in the world.

Conference Phones

IP conference phones take on the same purpose as their analog counterparts. IP conference phones are typically used in large offices and conference rooms where multi-party phone calls take place.

Read the next installment of our VoIP Phones Resource Series, VoIP Phones For VoIP Systems