Wireless VoIP Office Systems

Note:  This is the first installment in a three part series.

Like most people you’re probably accustomed to using a cell phone. So, why not have that same freedom of movement in the workplace?

Mobility is one of the major benefits of a Wireless VoIP solution.

However, wireless VoIP is not as mature as cellular technology so best practice is to have reasonable expectations of what to expect from these types of systems.

How Does Wireless VoIP Work?

Wireless VoIP, as the term suggests, is a VoIP phone freeing you from the constraints of wires.  It is similar in fit, finish and functionality to traditional VoIP phones expect that on the wireless versions, the Ethernet port on the phone is not required to connect to your LAN or your computer for VoIP phone service.

A wireless VoIP Phone is a VoIP 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 wireless hot spot.

Wireless VoIP allows you and your employees to: 

• Freely wander about the office while maintaining continuous availability.
• Leave the desk to assist customers directly from warehouse or sales floor.
• Increase efficiency and productivity by decreasing response time to events or questions. 

Types of Wireless VoIP Phones

There are two basic types of wireless VoIP phones.  Which type you choose will determine how it is connected to your network: 

WiFi VoIP Phones

A wireless access point is needed to connect and register with a service provider or PBX. These phones normally work with the 802.11b/g standard and will scan to find the nearest access point.  The majority of WiFi VoIP phones are cordless but, the Cisco SPA525G2 is a standard desktop model with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support.

DECT VoIP Phones

Operating with a wireless handset but, these phones have a base station that is hardwired to an internet connection and then the signal is transmitted wirelessly to the handset. These are single line phones, have a range of 300 square feet from the base station, and signal repeaters are available if you need to increase the handsets range from the base station.

Next Time

In the coming posts in this series we’ll take a further look at available wireless VoIP phones, the advantages of a Wi-Fi system, and how to set up such a system in your home or office.