Note: This is the 2nd installment in the Wireless VoIP Office Systems series. Click here for Part I.
When you’re designing a wireless VoIP office system there are two types of wireless VoIP phones to consider, as outlined in the previous post; DECT and Wi-Fi.
Since we have DECT installation details already covered in a guest post series by Polycom, I’d like to specifically highlight Wi-Fi phones.
Fans of DECT systems like that the phones run on their own frequency and are more resistant to interference from other wireless devices. If you’re happy with your WLAN the way it is and would like to get more use out of it, have no interest in adding new infrastructure specifically for DECT, and just need a quick wireless solution than Wi-Fi VoIP phones might be for you.
Here now is a look at the phones with a built-in Wi-Fi transceiver unit that will connect to your access point or base station allowing either the freedom for you to move freely around your home or office while on a call or, allow you to install phones in areas where you can’t or don’t want to run Ethernet cable.
The Cisco SPA525G looks like any other ordinary Cisco desktop VoIP phone. It’s appearance belies its surprising feature of how it connects to your network.
The SPA525G has dual onboard ethernet ports with Power Over Ethernet (PoE) support including a built-in 802.11G WiFi client supporting multiple AP profiles, WiFi Protected Setup, WEP and
WPA authentication/encryption. Wired or Wireless ethernet connectivity make the SPA525G a lot more versatile, making this feature popular with users. In our testing the SPA525G quickly scanned for available WiFi networks, and was a snap to configure.
Firmware updates will add new features to keep the SPA525G2 future proof. And when employees are added or moved, simply plug the phone in anywhere on the network and the change will be automatically recognized. And with wireless network connectivity, phone and workspace placement won’t be restricted to the costs of running cables.
The Cisco SPA525G2 stays ahead of the curve with enhanced Bluetooth integration with mobile phones (including Bluetooth headset support) and a high-resolution color video screen than can monitor IP cameras, multimedia functions, wideband audio for superb voice and speaker quality. This Cisco Wi-Fi VoIP phone also supports up to two Cisco SPA500S Expansion Modules (32 button attendant consoles).
- Price Range: $420 to $3,700 (Bundles)
There are a number of Polycom SpectaLink Wi-Fi models to choose from. They differ from the Cisco SPA525G above in that they aren’t corded desktop phones rather, they are cordless handsets that will let you walk and talk (and chew bubblegum at the same time if you’re more coordinated than I am).
Polycom SpectraLink Wi-Fi phones are designed for use in healthcare, retail, manufacturing, hospitality, and general office applications. They are lightweight and slim, feature rugged ABS plastic casings, include a large graphic display, noise suppression technology for use in loud environments, and instantaneous “push-to-talk” (PTT) on high-end models.
With a range of models and bundles to choose from, there’s a SpectraLink handset with the right features and price point that you’re looking for from entry level business grade wireless solutions for small businesses up to high-grade mobile unified communications (UC) for frequent communications.
Like any mobile phone SpectraLink phone accessories include several power options to keep your phone charged and clips, holsters, and cases to keep your handset protected and within reach.
- Price Range: $200 to $320
If you’re into combining style with functionality you’ll like these desktop VoIP phones from snom that have Wi-Fi cabalities. The four snom models I’d like you to consider are the 821, 870, and the new 720 and 760.
With these snom VoIP phones (models 821, 870, 720, 760) an optional USB stick can be used to connect the phone over Wireless LAN. Here’s the breakdown of what they offer.
The snom 821 is the entry level model of snom’s business phones while the snom 870 is the bigger version of the 821 and has a touch more technological innovation; the 870 includes a touch screen.
Both of these phones have TFT color screens that display all manner of pertinent information, HD voice quality, PoE, secure VPN which is great for remote workers, and of course a USB port that with the addition of the snom USB lan card can connect to your PBX via your existing WiFi network.
The snom 821 and snom 870 are available in black and light grey (almost white). If that’s not a good enough choice for you, this phone series offers printable skins so you can personalize your phone with your favorite color or design.
In addition to the standard telephony features both the snom 720 and snom 760 support HD Voice, have dual Gigabit LAN ports, built in full duplex speaker phones, USB ports for the snom USB wireless dongle or Bluetooth headsets, and have 4 variable function keys in addition to the programmable LED keys.
As with other snom VoIP phones they will work with most SIP based systems and are Unified Communications ready.
Both the snom 720 and 760 phones also feature snoms’ new audio subsystem that “was designed for excellent performance in office environments” and “supports a large range of codecs, wideband audio, handset and hands-free operation according to TIA-920 standard.”
The QuickPhones QA-342 is a true “Next Generation” WiFi VoIP phone. Supporting a wide range of calling features including Phonebook, Call History and Caller ID, the QA-342 has been tested with Asterisk Open Source PBX, Trixbox, Elastix, FreeSwitch and other SIP based IP PBX platforms.
The QuickPhones QA-342 boasts a bright, backlit LCD display, durable form factor design and high-clarity, hands-free speakerphone.
With much improved battery performance, the QuickPhones QA-342 claims 14 Hour Talk Time and seven Day Standby. The QA-342 comes with an additional desktop charging cradle.
- Price Range: $180 to $350
With their sleek design, large color displays, and G.722 HD audio support the Wi-Fi VoIP handsets from UniData are an interesting and affordable option.
The UniData WPU-7800 features WPA2/WEP/UMA wireless security, automatic roaming, power saving technology for longer battery life, 802.11 broadband (data, video and voice network in converged service), and multimedia service.
The Unidata SQ-3000 handset has an easy-to-use, mobile phone user interface, and includes a phonebook with up to 1,000 contacts, muting and call waiting capability. The SQ-3000 has a full range of Wi-Fi security options, including 128-bit WEP and WPA.
Uniquely, the Unidata SQ-3000 handset supports high-resolution H.264 video telephony (with up to 30 fps) on its 2.8-inch touch screen with 320
February 3rd, 2012
What is it?
The new Digium phones are High-Definition IP Phones designed by Digium specifically for Switchvox UC System and Asterisk-based phone systems. There are 3 phones in the series, the Digium D70, D50, and D40.
What does it do?
The Digium phones connect seemlessly to any Asterisk-based phone system, including Switchvox, Digium’s UC System. When connected to an Asterisk Phone System, Digium Phones offer a user friendly calling experience complete with HD Voice Wideband and access to user created apps and call rules, directly from the phone.
Being created by Digium specifically for Asterisk, Digium phones may very well have the easiest plug and play of any IP Phone. Simply plug the Digium phone into the network and the phone will automagically discover the Asterisk server, identify the phone user, and start communicating.
Who is it for?
Digium phones are great for anyone using an Asterisk or Switchvox IP phone server. For its initial launch, Digium released 3 models, the D70, D50, and D40 which suit different types of phone users.
The Digium D70 being most feature rich is best suited for administrator or executives. This phone has 6 SIP lines, a 4.5in screen, and busy lamp indicators (BLF) for up to 100 contacts. Perfect for someone who is watching employee phone time or doing many call transfers. This model also is the only phone in the lineup with a dual Gigabit switched Ethernet ports.
The D50 is a 4-line phone with 10 rapid dial keys with BLF. With a 3.5in backlit LCD
screen and dual 10/100 switched ports, this phone is perfect for mid-level or call center employees.
The D40 is a budget friendly 2-line IP Phone with a 3.5in backlit LCD. With its dual 10/100 switched PoE Ethernet ports, full duplex speakerphone, and 4 feature keys as well as access to Advanced Phone applications through the context sensitive softkeys, this phone is a perfect fit for just about any light to medium phone traffic office worker.
Availability?
So here is the ugly part…. Now that we are all hyped up and ready to try these phones out, they will not be available for shipping until April 2012. You can place your preorders now, though and as soon as we get some, we will send them out to you!
Want to try them all? VoIP Supply has created a handy dandy Lab Pack including one of each phone so you can sample each of the new Digium phones in your environment before you buy them in bulk.
This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.
Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!
Source:
First Look: New Digium Phones for Switchvox and Asterisk
February 2nd, 2012
