Heard a lot about IP phone system services, but still not sure what exactly they are or how they could benefit your business? Read on for everything you need to know and more…
What is an IP Phone?
IP phones are simply cloud-based phones, which means you don’t need to stock, run, and maintain your own server room in your office space. It also means you don’t have to worry about masses of cables ruining the aesthetic of your office any longer.
IP phones work like any other phone insomuch that you can accept incoming and outgoing phone calls via any working internet connection in your business.
IP phone system services work using Voice over Internet Protocol, which you might know better as VoIP technology. This just means you make calls using the internet instead of a traditional copper wire phone line. Other than that, you would hardly notice the difference, except for the price!
What Equipment Do You Need to Run an IP Phone System?
You don’t need any special equipment other than an IP phone or SIP Phone, and a device that connects to the internet whether that be a PC, laptop, or smartphone, and the right VoIP software package for your business.
How do IP Phone System Services Work?
Your IP phone will convert any voice calls you make into digital signals. Those signals will then travel, via the internet, over the IP network to reach the desired destination. You can use both physical IP phones and virtual IP phone software on a computer or similar device to make calls depending on your preference.
A number of networking components, including unique IP Addresses, are needed to ensure that IP phone systems work, which is why it is often better to use dedicated third-party IP phone system services than it is to use your own setup which has not been designed and is not maintained, by IP phone experts.
The main components of IP phone systems are as follows:
1. A Virtual PBX
This is a server that’s used to manage incoming calls, turning them into listenable audio files. A cloud-hosted server is required to run a virtual PBX.
2. A Voice Gatekeeper
This is used to control who can and can not access your IP phone system.
3. Gateways
Gateways are responsible for managing how connections to your business phones are made. Many of them will automatically find the fastest way to connect calls, and most will let you call non-VoIP phones from your IP phone.
4. IP Phone
You will need an IP phone or IP phone software to make calls. You can even use analog Telephone Adapters to turn your existing phones into internet-ready IP phones.
What are the Benefits of IP Phone Systems?
IP phones are a good business choice, not only because they take up less space and fewer resources, but also because they are cheaper than traditional phone systems, In fact, you can set up a single line for as little as $20 per month, which means, if you run a busy business with lots of phones, you could save a not-insignificant sum.
