What is a VoIP Phone?

How does the handset improve my efficiency?

By Sheila Shanker
Updated: December 19, 2011

Many businesses have moved from the traditional phone service to VoIP -- voice over Internet protocol, also known as voice over Internet. A VoIP phone works and feels like a regular phone, but it’s different. While an ordinary phone uses a phone company, a VoIP system utilizes the Internet to connect with others. VoIP’s calls go through the web in digital format, which often improves clarity and speed of communications.

A VoIP handset can be handy, usually improving the quality of the phone calls. Many businesses choose VoIP over regular phone service because it is easy to use and doesn’t require expensive equipment. Other noteworthy efficiencies are:

Cost

VoIP is cheap and cost efficiency is a major feature of this type of system. Its cost, starting about $30 per user a month is very attractive to many businesses. VoIP services may provide free phone numbers and extra-lines among other standard features. You can select a number in any State and convert your long distance calls into local calls. Usually businesses already have an appropriate Internet connection and can start using VoIP with no major expenses. Wi-Fi handsets can be pricey, but they can save firms money when comparing with cell phones.

Mobility

Connecting a VoIP handset is a simple process, increasing efficiency remarkably -- you just connect the phone to an Ethernet cable, if you’re using a network. If you have a Wi-Fi connection, you turn the phone on, access a wireless internet connection and you’re ready to go.. You can receive VoIP anywhere within the computer network by connecting your phone to the Internet. If you move offices, there is no need to move phone equipment – it’s all there ready to be used.

Connections

You could use your computer and microphone to use VoIP, making it very convenient and inexpensive. However, you could connect using VoIP by using an “Analog Telephone Adapter,” also known as “ATA”. Using this system, you bypass your computer and access the Internet separately, and you get your calls without the need of computers being on at all time. You connect a specific handset to the ATA and you’re connected – a great efficiency.

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