IP phone systems provide the utmost in home or business quality. They are more expensive than a standard phone to set up, but are much cheaper in the long run, as your monthly bill will be lower than the average phone company alternative. Also known as VoIP, this is technology that allows you to literally broadcast your voice over an internet connection. You can still manage phone calls just as if this were a standard phone, you’ll just need a few extra pieces of hardware.
In most cases you’ll need a cable modem, a network switch, and Ethernet cables in addition to the telephones themselves. The cable modem is important so that you can establish a broadband internet connection to ensure perfect phone service. Only a cable modem can connect to a cable input, in order to provide internet access. Typically a basic one will suffice, as you’ll only be using this for phone service. One of the most common types is the Motorolla Surfboard, which can be as cheap as $20.
Depending upon the number of phones that you’ll be using, you may need a network switch. A cable modem isn’t enough to facilitate IP phone systems, because they usually only provide a few Ethernet ports. Network switches provide several Ethernet ports, depending upon the size that you purchase. If you’re establishing a network of several phones for your home or business, you’ll want a network switch that provides a lot of Ethernet ports to facilitate every phone on the network. Remember also to check whether or not the ports offer power over Ethernet. Some phones require Ethernet power in order to function, for that you’ll need a network switch that provides enough power over Ethernet ports. Both Linksys and Netgear offer affordable switches for exactly this purpose.
From there you’ll need a phone, and Ethernet cables to complete your IP phone system setup. The average VoIP phone can cost anywhere from $30 for a simple model, to $200 for a deluxe phone. There are cordless, as well as hardwired options. Pay special attention to the phone’s requirements before purchasing however. If the phone requires a power over Ethernet port, you’ll have to make sure your network switch can facilitate this, otherwise the phone will be useless. Also make sure that the phone comes with long enough Ethernet cords for your planned placement. Otherwise you’ll have to purchase a longer cord separately to facilitate your phone’s use.
An office outlet store will have everything you need to outfit your home with all the necessary supplies to set up IP phone systems. Some of the best stores include Office Depot and Staples. In addition to the hardware you’ll need an IP phone systems service provider. One of the most common for personal use is Vonage.com. Otherwise for business purposes you can use a company like Vocalocity.com. They offer all sorts of discounts to get your company converted to VoIP as cheaply as possible, that way you save money without sacrificing company quality.