A Buyers Guide to Wireless VoIP Phones
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocal is a new type of communication which provides a number of advantages over the more traditional forms of communication devices. Rather than using a phone line, it actually works through communicating over your cable line. There are many services that provide this. For instance your cable company might offer it as a part of their package, and you might be able to get it by itself. You might have choices such as Vonage or even Magicjack.
When you choose to use VoIP however, you will also need to select a decent phone. Below we will outline the specifications of four phones that you could try out. You will more than likely find one that you like, and you will be making phone calls like never before.
Linksys WIP300: Linksys has long been a household name when it comes to networking either in the home or in the workplace. This phone uses wireless 802.11g, and along with that it is able to encrypt your phone calls, giving you the highest level of security possible with a portable phone.
Cisco 7920: The only major drawback to this particular phone is that it shines best when it is inside a Cisco network. Typically you will only be using this within a corporate environment, but if you have a Cisco router or other Cisco hardware then you should be able to make use of it. It has the security features of other phones, and is a solid communications solution.
Linksys CIT200: This is a cheap phone, and it can be used with skype, making it one of the better phones out there. The best part is that you can call other Skype users for free without using a computer. Of course there are many other devices that have this feature such as the Sony Playstation Portable has integrated Skype as well.
NetGear SPH101: This is another phone that is optimised for Skype, and the display is color. NetGear is a standard in home networking, and as with any other VoIP phone, it is capable of encrypting your calls.
When you are buying a VoIP phone, you need to ask the right questions. Ask what the phone is capable of, as well as how the security is. If you are a private person, or have a lot of confidential information, then you will of course want a phone that can handle encryption. Also ask whether it supports call waiting, and what type of display it has. This is a good starting point for any potential purchase. So long as you pay attention and look at the features, you will no doubt be able to locate a great phone, and you won't have to make a huge transition from your POTS phone.
VoIP is very much the up and coming technology in the world of communications. It has become an important part of many households and businesses right throughout the world. The low cost of calls and the flexibility of the technology has endeared it to many, whilst the proliferation of services such as Skype have helped to expand its influence. Voice over Internet Protocol might well also provide the perfect solution for you.
About the Author: Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information about Voice and IPT Solutions, he recommends Prodec Networks, a leading supplier of IP Telephony.
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