Virtual PBX Phone
Virtual PBX phones are a key component of IP-based phone systems. They serve as the physical hardware you speak into during a phone call, and transmit your audio signal over a data network through standard internet protocol.
There are three main types of virtual PBX phones available:
A VoIP phone is a telephone that “plugs” into the internet and lets a hosting company place the phone call for you. Their primary distinguishing factor is a socket on the telephone that can be directly wired to a data network. They also have a general purpose processor and ADC and DAC converters.
USB phones resemble an ordinary telephone, but have a USB port that connects them to your VoIP provider. They also require computer software in order to function and a computer that is kept on at all times. The audio processing is managed by a dedicated ASIC that is built into the phone.
Wi-Fi phones make use of a wireless network to connect to the internet and your hosted VoIP company. This allows people to make and receive phone calls while moving around a physical area, much like a cellular phone (keep in mind they have to stay within the confines of the wireless signal).
You can also obtain a softphone to serve a similar function. These are downloadable computer programs that run in the background of your computer (often the same software that is used by USB phones) and require either a microphone and set of speakers or a telephone headset.
Before it became a necessity during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, many companies had already begun realizing the benefits inherent in embracing remote work. These benefits are substantial and signal that (even when the pandemic is but a memory) remote work will continue to flourish and become a mainstay in the redefined workplace - particularly when it comes to VoIP. This guide will demonstrate how the workforce is changing and leaning toward remote work as a permanent business choice, explain the critical role VoIP will continue to play in supporting remote work, and highlight some of the new trends and innovations coming in 2021 for VoIP. more
