Different VOIP phones use different power for their service. For example, some IP phones consume ten watts of power while others consume 7 watts. It depends on what you need and which device you have.
An IP phone uses the Internet to transmit voice calls. Some people get confused by considering it a physical device. Remember, it may or may not be a physical device. Sometimes, VOIP phones are virtual software that only takes the Internet Protocol, converts the voice to digital forms, and transmits the call.
In this article, we will elaborate on VOIP phones and help you get a detailed description of their power consumption.
What is a VOIP phone, and how does it work?
A VOIP phone is a Voice over Internet Protocol phone that uses the Internet to make calls. Unlike a traditional telephone, this phone system might be hardware or software, depending on system requirements.
We also call it an IP phone and determine how it works. VOIP phones require different performance perspectives to get advanced features, unlike standard phone features.
So, how does the VOIP phone work?
The working mechanism is relatively straightforward for a user to cognize. Here are three fundamental steps to discern the operating protocol.
- Step 1: When you call someone, the device, either physical or virtual, takes the audio.
- Step 2: It converts the audio into data packets to transfer it.
- Step 3: The VOIP phone then transmits data packets into the destination device and converts the data packets again into audio form.
Networking protocols are essential for transferring voice calls. The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol assigns IP addresses to devices and configures the network.
2 Fundamental Types of VOIP Phone
Relying on IP phones’ physical and virtual presence, we categorize them into two types. Both types have only one difference regarding the virtual and hardware device facts.
Here are two types of VOIP phones.
VOIP Hard Phones
VOIP rugged phones are like traditional phones, which you can place on your table or hang on the wall. You can make use of it for a variety of purposes, such as:
- Direct Calls
- Conference Calls
- Accessing Voicemails
- Communication through handsets, headsets, Bluetooth, and speakerphones
VOIP Soft Phones
Using mobile or desktop applications can help you better understand VOIP softphones. Softphones are applications on your laptop or smartphone that help you call other devices. Nowadays, you can find many such devices or mobile applications.
Due to advanced uses, they serve better and are at the top of research for future purposes.
19 Key Features of VOIP Phone
When discussing physical VOIP phones, we consider their different features and components. If you choose the best VOIP phone, you can view these fundamental characteristics and decide on your next device.
Here are the different elements of the VOIP phone.
Line Keys
Line keys are available on your IP phone to determine a call’s status.
If a call arrives at your device, the line keys will blink and deduce the number of calls lined or parked. The number of line keys blinking also tells you the number of lines available on your IP phones. Moreover, you can program these buttons with speed dial access to configure calls to your important clients.
Reversible Tab
A reversible tab helps hang the IP phones on the walls without them falling. You can also hook them up to the wall to suspend them.
Speaker
Speakers are components of your IP phone. The phone converts data packets into voice, which you can listen to through your speakers.
Back Key
Everyone knows what a back key does, but it can also take you back to the previous menu with a single click.
Transfer Key
The transfer key helps in transferring calls from one VOIP phone to another.
There are two different types of call-forwarding methods.
- Warm Transfer: It facilitates users in checking the destination recipient number.
- Blink Transfer: It can transfer the call without determining whether the receiver will answer.
Messages
You can quickly access the advanced VOIP voicemail features through the messages button.
Hold
The hold button can hold the phone calls until you return to the call.
Volume Keys
There are two keys to the volume. One is Volume Up, while the second is volume down.
- Up is a louder voice
- Down is the softer voice
Dial Pad
The dial pad helps you dial the number you want to call. It comprises numbers from 0 to 9 and other signs for contacting other users.
Mute Key
The mute key plays a significant role in silencing a call. Using the same key, you can mute your call, make confidential comments, and unmute the phone.
Speaker Phone Key
You can deploy it for multitasking purposes or use the phone for conference calls.
Headset Key
You can switch to your headset with the key.
USB port
A USB port can help you use the USB headset or plug in the flash drive.
Home Key
The primary key allows you to go back to the main option. You can get all the options available on the main screen.
Navigation Keys
Navigation keys are also crucial because they make navigation to a specific point more straightforward and quick.
- Up-and-down navigation can move the cursor and take you to the contact directory.
- Right and left options move the cursor and help choose options like ring type for each contact.
Soft Keys
Soft keys are the side buttons that perform specific actions. For example, they can take you to the speed dial and similar activities. These options are usually available when the phone is active.
When the phone is active or you are calling, you can get the following:
- Transfer
- Blind Transfer
- Conference
- Park
- Redial
- Directory
- Speed Dial
When the phone is inactive or you are not calling, you can check the following:
- Redial
- Directory
- Call Pickup
- Call Forward Activate / Deactivate
- Do Not Disturb
- Last Call Received
- Missed Calls
- Speed Dial
- Soft keys
You can set up your keys accordingly to dial the specific data.
Security Slot
Security slots can hook around the desk or table and enable a link with the security cable.
Screen
The screen is the first interface available to users on IP phones. The interface might vary from phone to phone. Some may have a touch screen, while others require buttons to do all the tasks.
However, there are two essential screen types.
- The simple VOIP phone device shows all the buttons and related info for your calls.
- Advanced IP phones have a touch screen like the smartphone screen.
Message Waiting Indicator
It is a simple light indicating you have received a message or mail on your IP phone.
Advantages of VOIP phones
VOIP phones contribute to many tasks and help increase our ease by making online direct calls. You don’t have to rely on the PBX for the call transfer. Instead, you have power over Ethernet and IP phones, that’s all. You can dial and connect with others.
However, we can come up with numerous advantages of using VOIP phones. Here are these:
Lower costs
Price matters. Every business plans to save money and invest in the right project. This is why we consider VOIP phones a powerful solution to our cost problems.
If a traditional phone costs $50 for a complete connection, the VOIP will charge you $20. Imagine saving more than 50% on your investment. You can achieve more business benefits with higher cost savings on a bigger scale.
The cost savings can be either direct or indirect. When implementing phone systems, it is better to make a strategy. It also depends on the business and the total cost. Invest wisely and save some bucks.
Increased accessibility
Apart from the deployment cost, the VOIP phone has increased our accessibility in various ways. You can:
- Direct calls from one user to another if you are busy with other tasks.
- Receive voicemails to know the purpose of phone calls.
- Access to a smartphone app that enables fast and efficient calling.
If you have a smartphone, you have your IP phone no matter where you are. It would be best if your phone had a data connection. There is no need for network signals or anything else that can hinder the calls.
The advanced features of softphones have increased the ease of calling with IP phones.
Complete portability
Officials and private company workers on business tours rather than at the office might face serious challenges. One of them is that they can not carry the phone with them every time. However, with the VOIP phone, forget this problem completely.
You can carry your VOIP phone wherever you want. Technology and artificial intelligence have made it possible to install the app, customize your phone, and take it with you.
Higher scalability
One of the biggest challenges for businesses is to advance their system with the increasing requirements. The phone systems in your office will participate equally in this case. If you have a VOIP phone, they have higher scalability and adjusts according to your preferences.
You don’t have to worry about upcoming challenges with mobile applications or hardware forms of IP phones.
You can upgrade your networks with a high-speed data connection, and your VOIP phone will work accordingly. No extra expenditure!
Advanced features for small and large teams
VOIP phones offer higher scalability and various advanced features to control calls. A single employee can control the whole process, which increases enterprises’ approach to remote customers.
For example, if you have a business branch in another city, you can operate it remotely.
- Choose your service provider.
- Get the VOIP phone number in the business city area.
- The local area code and number will show you are operating the business locally, but we all know the business operations are remote.
It is precisely how the VOIP phones’ advanced features help in remote business operations. Most importantly, the auto-attendant part of the VOIP phone makes it easy to operate and run your business.
Supports multitasking
A VOIP phone is like a smartphone where you do all your tasks. However, it has limited activities that are only related to calls and messages. Otherwise, the VOIP phone supports all types of communication.
Whether you send images, documents, or videos, it is a one-stop shop. You can call all the tasks without any hassle.
That’s why most enterprises purchase local numbers and communicate with their customers to operate their business successfully.
Maximum Power consumption by the VOIP phone
It depends on the VOIP phone you have. Some devices charge up to 10 watts per 24 hours, so the energy consumption would be related to this scenario.
But, we consider three main categories of VOIP phones according to their power consumption. Here are these:
- Class 1: The power consumption in the class 1 VOIP phones is less than 4 watts, making it easier for smaller power units. Significantly few phones fall into this category.
- Class 2: The power consumption in class 2 VOIP phones is around 7 watts. Most VOIP phones are part of class 2, with intermediate power consumption.
- Class 3: In class 3, the power consumption is more than 7 watts, leading to a few devices related to this group. Most color screens, power over Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet-supportive VOIP phones fall into this category.
Which VOIP phones are you using? Your power measurement can show the phone’s power consumption. The device even has a detailed description of the phone.
Final Words
Do you need the Ethernet technology installed in your system to get the data connection? Here is a Gigabit Ethernet that will make fast calls possible. You can grab the Gigabit Ethernet switches or use the Power over Ethernet technology to power up your devices and data supply.
Do you want to purchase the Power over Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet switches? HoweVision Professional has all you need to solve your power and data supply problems. Call us to get your business’s full Power over Ethernet tools and PoE injectors.
