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VoIP equipment for IP telephony. Equipment for IP telephony in the enterprise

IP telephony gives us excellent tariffs for intranet, domestic and international communications. To use it, we need a minimum of equipment - it is enough to have a computer or laptop at our disposal, as well as the simplest headset. The downside is that when you turn off the computer, accept incoming call will be impossible.

An IP phone will save the situation - a device that connects to IP telephony servers via the Internet and operates in offline mode (without computer). IP phones are really very convenient, both at home and in the office. You need to connect it to the router, enter the connection settings into memory and distribute your contact phone number (direct or additional) to everyone.

The device will automatically connect to the servers of the selected operator and allow you to make and receive calls at any time. What are the advantages of a VOIP phone?

  • Autonomous operation without a computer - you only need initial setup using a computer, after which the phone can work in independent mode;
  • Support for other types of telephony – individual models can work with traditional telephony and make calls via Skype;
  • Availability of models with wireless handsets - ensure communication anywhere in your home or office without getting in the way of wires and a computer buzzing over your ear;
  • The ability to work with several providers is an excellent opportunity to save money on certain areas of communication;
  • Availability of additional office functionality - video calling, communication with the secretary, holding conferences and much more.

An IP phone is also good for home - you don’t need to keep your computer on while waiting for incoming calls or turn it on when you need to call somewhere. In addition, buying a simple IP phone is cheaper than installing a telephone line from Rostelecom.

IN this review we will analyze the most popular models of VOIP phones for home and office. We will cover not only simple models, but also the most complex ones with advanced functionality. Also, in conclusion, we will give recommendations on choosing a particular model for a particular case.

Popular VOIP phone models

We offer the following VOIP phone models for our readers to choose from:

Let's consider them in order and designate the most important differences and functions.

This model is aimed at both home and office users. Its main advantage is that it is developed by a leading brand that inspires respect among many people. The model features support for SIP telephony and the ability to connect to wired city telephone networks. The device consists of three parts:

  • Stationary base;
  • Charging glass;
  • Cordless handset.

The Panasonic KX-TGP500 IP phone supports additional voice services, can generate comfortable noise and save traffic. To make local calls, you can use a connection to a city network, and for long-distance calls, use the SIP protocol. By the way, this model can handle eight accounts and three lines. To configure the device, a web interface is used. Numbers are stored in the built-in phone book.

An additional advantage it will be possible to connect additional handsets– this will be useful not only in the office, but also at home.

By additional voice services we mean conference calling, call holding and waiting, and caller ID. Comfort noise is artificially generated noise that fills empty pauses in conversations.

If you need a great phone for your home or office, you should take a closer look at the Gigaset C530A IP. It can work with city wired telephony and connect to SIP operators. Among the additional functions, we can highlight the presence of a built-in answering machine, which can record up to 30 minutes of incoming calls in those moments when you cannot answer the phone. To store numbers, there is a notebook designed for 150 contacts.

What else is attractive about this model? It supports additional voice services, allows you to receive calls on three lines, and can connect to several servers. Also, the model has access to some social networks and can work with a special application for remotely uploading contacts. Aesthete users will be pleased with pleasant polyphony, elegant screensavers and personal sound profiles, as well as a color display.

Additional advantages are 14 hours of talk time, support for up to 6 handsets and the ability to make calls in HD quality.

This is a great phone for office use - a bit pricey for home use. The range of this model is up to 300 meters, which is already a significant advantage. In the list of useful functions, we note the following points:

  • Availability of intercom - you can communicate between connected handsets (you can connect up to five additional handsets, and each of them can be assigned its own Account SIP telephony);
  • Large address book – up to 500 numbers on the base and up to 100 numbers in each connected handset;
  • Customizable sound profiles and screen savers;
  • Exercise speed dial and simplified dialing;
  • Support sending/receiving text messages;
  • Supports four conversation lines.

The functionality is really interesting and quite suitable for a small office for 5-6 people. By the way, the Yealink W52P SIP phone has DECT support, which is useful for making calls through the local telephone network. Maximum time The talk time when the handset is fully charged is 10 hours.

The Cisco SPA303-G2 SIP phone is a fairly advanced phone that can be used both at home and in the office. Its main advantage is that it is produced by a well-known brand specializing in the production of network equipment.

The model is made in the form factor of a regular telephone with a wired handset and has a typical office appearance. Its front panel has clear buttons and a small LCD display. The Cisco SPA303-G2 VOIP phone supports additional voice services, can identify caller numbers, and is equipped with notebook for 100 telephone numbers. It can be configured remotely using a secure connection.

The phone is aimed at business users and is characterized by stable operation, like all equipment from Cisco. The maximum number of supported lines is 3, there is no DECT support.

The next model is a typical IP phone without DECT support. The model is made in a classic case with a push-button keyboard and a wired handset. The Yealink SIP-T19P phone is designed for use in offices. It is equipped with support for additional voice services, can make emergency calls and work in intercom mode.

Also, there is a phone book on board for 1000 numbers with the ability to import and export content. An additional advantage will be support for reading remote phone books. Other advantages and useful features Yealink SIP-T19P SIP phone:

  • Blacklist – protects against unwanted calls;
  • Personal sound profiles – customize melodies to your taste;
  • Automatic software update;
  • Ability to configure from the keyboard;
  • Speakerphone;
  • Traffic savings.

More detailed list functions can be found in the handset's passport.

The undoubted disadvantage of this model, aimed at business users, is the lack of an answering machine.

The Grandstream GXP2200 IP phone has powerful functionality, because it runs on the operating system Android systems. The device supports six voice lines and can connect to several servers at once.

This is typical office phone with a built-in phone book for 1000 numbers and the ability to connect additional modules with quick dial buttons - thereby organizing the ability to quickly call certain subscribers with displaying the status of the current call (on line, on hold). It is quite natural that there will be support for additional voice services on board, the ability to install additional software, caller ID and speakerphone system.

Other features and properties:

  • Access to voicemail;
  • Built-in power supply;
  • Touch color screen;
  • Supports connection to the Skype network;
  • HD audio support;
  • Possibility of connecting Wi-Fi modules or 3G modems for Internet access.

Thanks to the Android operating system, the functionality of the system can be significantly expanded - to do this, you just need to visit the Playmarket and download the necessary applications there.

The Grandstream GXP2200 model is not suitable for home use– its functionality is aimed at business users.

The Gigaset A510 IP is a typical VOIP phone for the home. The device is affordable and equipped with a phone book for 150 numbers. Also, there is DECT support, which is useful when making local calls. Support for multiple SIP telephony servers and additional voice services are provided.

If necessary, users will be able to connect up to six additional handsets to the phone, which is important for multi-room apartments and two-story cottages. The main advantage of the Gigaset A510 IP phone is Long battery life - up to 23 hours talk time. The device is configured via a web interface. Numbers and data from the phone book are displayed on a small monochrome display.

If you're looking for an inexpensive and reliable VOIP phone for your home, the Gigaset A510 IP optimal choice– this is an excellent phone from the famous trademark, which has proven itself in the production of mobile and landline phones.

This IP phone is aimed not only at business users, but also for those who value the comfort of communicating on the phone at home. And there really is something to appreciate here - the device is equipped with a large color display and a camera for video communication sessions. If necessary, the session can be turned into a video conference in which three subscribers can take part at once.

The display diagonal (touch screen, by the way) is 7 inches, and to ensure high performance it is equipped with a powerful dual-core processor. Other features and advantages of the Yeaplink VP530 SIP phone:

  • Support for external IP cameras and IP intercoms;
  • High quality audio support;
  • Echo suppression function;
  • Support for additional voice services;
  • Intelligent number search;
  • Fast and simplified dialing;
  • Ability to display the status of several subscribers (busy, available);
  • Identification of numbers with display of the assigned photo;
  • Possibility of connecting to a TV.

This device can be called universal, but its price is steep - home users will have to fork out a lot.

WiFi IP phone Grandstream GXV3275 has solid functionality provided by working on the basis operating system Android. The device can connect to several servers and work with several accounts; there is support for additional shortcut modules (for offices). The maximum number of active lines is up to 6.

To make video calls, the phone has a camera on board, and on its front panel there is a solid 7-inch diagonal display. The device is equipped with a Bluetooth module, which allows you to connect wireless headsets to it and transfer/receive files. Contacts are stored in the built-in phone book, designed for 1000 numbers.

There is support for voice services, and it is possible to install additional software from the Playmarket. The Grandstream GXV3275 phone has a classic case with a single wired handset - and it can be installed on a table or mounted on a wall. Connection to the network is made via LAN or Wi-Fi.

Despite the fact that the manufacturer claims that there is no support for Skype, nothing prevents you from installing the corresponding application from the Playmarket and communicating with your contacts through this network.

The compact SIP phone Panasonic KX-TGP600 is universal solution for home or small office. The device can work with both city telephone networks and IP telephony operators. The maximum number of lines is 8 pieces, the maximum number of connected handsets is 8 pieces. It is also possible to expand the coverage area of ​​the base using connected repeaters. On board there are:

  • Support for additional voice services;
  • Echo compensation;
  • Headset support;
  • Phone book for 500 subscribers.

Time battery life talk time is up to 11 hours – a quite acceptable result for such an inexpensive device. The range is up to 300 meters. The base is made in the form of a small box with connectors and power indicators - all information is displayed on wireless handsets with color screens. In general, this device can be characterized as a reasonable solution for a small office or apartment with a large number of residents.

Which IP phone to choose

The choice of device depends on the purpose of its use. For example, you can buy a Gigaset A510 IP IP phone for your home - it combines reliability, functionality and affordable cost. If there are many users at home, we recommend purchasing the Panasonic KX-TGP600. This device has an attractive design and decent performance. Besides, it can work with many lines and accounts– each household member will communicate using their own number or line.

For office use within a small office, we recommend using the Cisco SPA303-G2 IP phone. It is characterized by reliability and good performance, so it will not fail even at maximum load. If you need to provide quick selection subscribers and communication over multiple lines, you should take a closer look at the Grandstream GXP2200 model.

Replacing a VOIP phone - program

If IP telephony is needed only for periodic long-distance calls (without accepting incoming calls), you can get by with a softphone altogether. A striking example of this is the Zoiper program - it distributed absolutely free and has all the necessary functionality for home use. The program is also useful in a small office, if it is more convenient to make calls through a computer.

VoIP equipment for IP telephony

What equipment is needed for IP telephony (VoIP)? In principle, to make calls via IP telephony, a headset and a softphone program installed on the computer may be sufficient.

For those who are uncomfortable talking in a headset or who are too used to a handset, there are IP phones that connect to a computer or directly to an Internet line. There is also the option of connecting a regular phone to the IP network via an IP adapter or IP router.

It should be noted that hardware solutions (IP phones, adapters...), as a rule, provide higher sound quality than software solutions (softphones).

To deploy corporate telephony networks, IP-PBX (IP-PBX) software and hardware systems are used, to which several regular (or IP) phones can be connected.

2013. Oracle bought VoIP equipment manufacturer Acme Packet


Are investments in VoIP companies resuming? Only recently Roman Abramovich poured money into Truphone, and now Oracle himself has decided to enter a new market for itself and bought the American company Acme Packet, which produces VoIP equipment for telecom operators and enterprises. This vendor is especially known for its solutions for secure association communication networks between enterprises (Net-Net) and solutions for recording and storing audio/video communication sessions.

2009. Zebra Telecom will become a preferred VoIP provider for AGAT IP-PBX

Manufacturer of VoIP equipment "AGAT" and telecom operator "Zebra Telecom" announced the start of a joint project to promote IP-PBX of the "AGAT UX" series and services long distance communication Zebra Telecom. The companies offer a ready-made solution - a hybrid, multifunctional PBX "AGAT UX" and access via the SIP protocol to high-quality and inexpensive international and long-distance communications. In this case, the user does not need to waste his time and money on connecting the equipment and the operator. It is enough to connect the IP PBX “AGAT UX” to the Internet and configure an output to the Zebra Telecom communication center to reduce the cost of long-distance/long-distance communication. For the convenience of users, the delivery package for each IP-PBX of the AGAT UX series includes test access to Zebra Telecom services and configuration instructions. The delivery package also includes a contract form and tariffs.

2009. New VoIP gateways from AllVoIP


The Russian company AllVoIP presented two new models of VoIP gateways: AV4004 and AV4008. The new AllVoIP VoIP gateways are equipped with four FXS (RJ-11) and eight FXS (RJ-11) ports, respectively. In addition, each device has one WAN and LAN port and supports the NAT IP address conversion mechanism. IP gateways can be controlled via a Web interface and voice menu. To interface with telephone network devices, VoIP/SIP gateways can support three types of interfaces: analog FXS (for direct connection one or more telephone sets), analog FXO (for connecting a PBX), digital ISDN PRI / E1 (for connecting to a PBX or at the interface between a corporate and city PBX. The “in gap” option is good because it does not require reconfiguring the PBX).

2009. Sitronics created VoIP infrastructure for Astra Bank

SITRONICS company Information Technology» completed the project to create a VoIP infrastructure for OJSC Astra Bank. The bank's IP network is designed taking into account the installation and launch of equipment to connect more than 2000 user devices, including equipping more than 700 workplaces with IP phones. Interaction between remote offices occurs using dynamic multipoint VPN (DMVPN) technology, which provides a high degree of information security. Basis for construction network infrastructure became equipment and software from APC, Cisco, Citrix, IBM, Microsoft, VMware and R&M.

2008. Hybrid IP phone Siemens Gigaset C475 IP


New from Siemens is an attractive dual-mode Gigaset C475 IP phone for VoIP and landline, supporting up to 3 simultaneous calls and equipped with an answering machine. This smart hybrid phone is the last word in modern communications. It allows you to easily switch from Internet calls to landline calls by pressing just one button on the handset and works without a computer. By connecting additional handsets, you can expand your home phone system so that three family members can use the phone at the same time. If you suddenly miss any call, the Gigaset C475 IP alert system will send you an SMS and alert you new entry in the answering machine. When you need quick access to online information, this phone offers full set the latest features, including free information services such as RSS feeds, weather forecasts or access to an online phone book directly from the handset. The Gigaset ECO DECT energy-saving technology supported by your phone significantly reduces energy consumption and saves you additional money.

2007. Testing of the new Ooma IP telephony service with VoIP gateway has begun

The young company Ooma has begun limited beta testing of its IP telephony service of the same name. Unlike most existing services VoIP, which requires either a computer or a special phone, the Ooma service allows you to make calls over the Internet using regular landline telephones. True, for this you will have to purchase special device Ooma Hub costs $400. The device connects to a broadband Internet channel and a fixed telephone line, redirecting audio data from the Internet to a regular telephone. Moreover, if several additional telephone sets are installed in the house, then for each of them the user will have to buy a special Ooma Scout extender, which will be sold for about $40.

2007. Out fring for Windows Mobile


Mobile VoIP client fring received support for devices running operating system Windows systems Mobile. Now the fring program can be used on almost any PDA or communicator running Windows Mobile. fring for Windows Mobile is a full-featured analogue of the already popular fring client for Symbian OS, and allows you to free calls on fring networks, Skype, Google Talk, MSN and many SIP providers using 3G, GPRS or Wi-Fi connections. WM fring client also supports IM (instant text messages) and Presence – displaying the user’s online status in real time. Unlike Symbian, on the Windows Mobile platform it will be a little more difficult for this client to gain a place in the sun. Skype users have been using the native Skype client for Pocket PC for a long time, which has been actively developing recently.

2006. The IP phone market will grow 16 times by 2010

Today, about 10 million IP phones are sold annually in the world. The penetration of these devices into homes and offices is currently minimal. However, by 2010, sales of devices for IP telephony will increase more than 16 times - by the end of the first decade of the 21st century, the volume of phones sold annually will reach 164 million, according to In-Stat. The annual growth in sales of IP devices in Russia reaches about 20 - 25%. The customer is currently faced with a choice between IP and traditional telephony. The leader in the production and sales of IP phones is Cisco, occupying 43% of the global market. The next largest manufacturer in this market segment, Avaya, occupies about 12%.

2006. Plantronics Voyager 510 USB - Bluetooth system for VoIP


Plantronics has introduced a new Bluetooth system optimized for VoIP - Voyager 510 USB. The system consists of a Voyager 510 headset, which comes with a Bluetooth USB adapter. Installation of the adapter is done in plug-and-play mode and does not require special knowledge. Featuring PerSono Call® software, the Voyager 510 USB is perfectly compatible with the most popular softphones from Avaya, Cisco, Nortel and Skype. The function of answering and ending a call by pressing a key on the headset will allow the user to move freely within small room(10-20 meters). Multipoint technology allows you to use the headset simultaneously with a computer and mobile phone. The headset's talk time is 6 hours and standby time is 100 hours.

2006. Cisco and Citrix will collaborate on unified communications and business applications

Citrix and Cisco have announced a partnership to bring presence and call capabilities to a wider range of enterprise applications, working within the Citrix Application Delivery solution. As a result, customers will receive proven packaged IP solutions and will be able to eliminate the risks, problems and costs associated with the implementation of individual custom projects. In addition, new solutions with broad functionality based on the SIP protocol will increase communication efficiency and allow businesses to more quickly solve problems. Until recently, enterprises purchased converged capabilities that reduced networking and administrative costs by transporting only voice and data over a single network. Agreement between Cisco and Citrix brings convergence to the next level new level, allowing you to integrate communication and computer applications and increase business flexibility.

2006. Plantronics and SIPNET signed a long-term partnership agreement


Largest manufacturer telephone headsets Plantronics and the popular Russian Internet telephony network SIPNET have joined forces to promote Russian market wireless and wired Plantronics multimedia headsets as equipment for IP telephony. Plantronics wired headsets are high quality, modern design and reliability, which create comfortable conditions when making phone calls from a computer, and wireless headsets are the most convenient solution that provides freedom of movement when communicating via the Internet.

2005. Hybrid phone with VoIP

Centrepoint Technologies has released a telephone system that allows you to make calls both via a regular telephone line and using IP telephony. The TalkSwitch device is designed for small businesses that want to save money with VoIP service, but are not yet ready to completely give up their traditional telephone. The head of the company, Can Schieren, said that telephone service is evolutionary and switching to VoIP right away is almost impossible. TalkSwitch ensures normal telephone communication in cases where IP telephony may still experience problems such as a power outage or a 911 call, thereby ensuring a gradual transition from business as usual to advanced technology.

2005. Wireless IP phones for home and city

UTStarcom, one of the largest suppliers of access equipment to the countries of Southeast Asia (primarily China), has announced the F1000 VoIP handset for 802.11b (2.4 GHz) networks, i.e. compatible with most existing wireless LANs, including Wi-Fi zones. The machine uses SIP signaling protocol, which provides support intelligent functions, implemented in IP telephone network. It is expected to be distributed through VoIP providers, the first of which will be Vonage, the largest American alternative IP telephony service provider today. broadband channels access. In addition, VTech has released the 4106 VoIP Mini Gateway, which works only with the Vonage network. Its other cordless phone, the usb7100, allows the user to talk through popular system Internet telephony Skype, as well as via a regular telephone line. Wireless headsets (there can also be up to four of them) communicate with the base station at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. All of the listed VTech equipment should, as in the case of UTStarcom, go on sale during the spring-summer of this year.

2004. VoIP and telephone in one headset

Many offices are already starting to use both VoIP telephony and a regular telephone at the same time, and the question arises about the effective organization of the workplace. The ideal solution for the office is the special MX10 adapter from Plantronics. The MX10 allows you to connect a professional Plantronics headset to both your office phone and sound card computer. Using the controls on the adapter body, you can adjust the sound volume and microphone sensitivity. High quality sound transmission is ensured through the use of SoundGuard® Plus™ and Call Clarity™ technologies. The adapter is powered from the network. The power supply is included in the kit.

2004. Nortel opens SIP protocol

Nortel Networks has decided to open source code implementation of the Session Initiation Protocol used by the company in its products. Now SIP is the de facto standard signaling protocol in IP telephony systems. Nortel hopes that open source SIP will encourage manufacturers to make their VoIP systems interoperable with Nortel products. Uniden America plans to release IP telephony server compatible Nortel Multimedia Communications Server (MCS) cordless phones, at Texas Instruments - chipsets, at i3 Micro Technology - subscriber IP gateways, at Polycom - audio and video conferencing equipment. TI also plans to provide its customers with documentation for designing SIP devices designed to work with MCS. Nortel uses a SIP support stack developed by Radvision and modified by Nortel for its needs.

When connecting a telephone connection to an office, you need to select equipment. Variety of models, rare replacement and high price due to the fall of the ruble - all this forces you to choose more carefully. Our customer research will show you which equipment to purchase. Go to the sections “What to choose?” and “Where to buy” if you are looking for ready-made answers.

Initial data

We made a cross-section of users by user-agent and analyzed them. User-agent is a parameter that is sent to the PBX by each SIP phone or program. It usually contains the name and version, for example MicroSIP/3.1.11. This approach is limited: you won’t be able to find out the headset model.

The sample includes 3210 users. Only those users who turned on the SIP client on the day of data collection were included here. Those who were in a different time zone or were on a day off were not included in the analysis.

The assessment was carried out only by quantity. Duration of use was not taken into account. If one user worked in different SIP clients, then both were counted.

General conclusions

The devices are used O in greater demand than programs with a headset. Analog gateways occupy a small share; they are needed when connecting previously purchased simple phones. The “Other” category included FMC, software and hardware PBXs.

Two thirds of all devices are wired and only a third are wireless. Softphones - softphones - are almost never used on mobile phones: their share is only 4%, and 1.5% of the total number of SIP clients.

Wired IP phones are twice as popular as cordless ones. If we look at SIP clients as a whole, their shares are 31.5% and 16.1%, respectively. Now let's look at the equipment in more detail.

IP phones

Let's find out which SIP equipment manufacturers customers prefer.

As expected for us, Cisco/Linksys/Sipura IP phones and gateways took first place. We have combined the companies into one brand because they are owned by Cisco. note: Cisco is developing its own line of equipment incompatible with SIP - take your pick specific models(more details below).

Next, with a gap of two percent, are Yealink, Panasonic and Gigaset (Siemens). Every tenth device is Grandstream, this is the fifth place. At the end of the list is D-Link, we basically have their devices. The “Other” group included Eltex, Escene, Fanvil, Flyingvoice and Greenlite - there are too few of them to draw conclusions.

Wired (landline) IP phones

Separately for wired phones the situation changes slightly. In demand landlines Cisco and Yealink companies are the best devices on the market. Behind them are Grandstream and D-Link, 10% each.

Cordless (DECT) phones

We recommend Panasonic more often, but Gigaset (Siemens) phones are used O In greater demand - their share is 49%. Gigaset has a larger selection, so it's easier to find the right option. The third and fourth places are occupied by Grandstream and Yealink, respectively.

Device models

We will also divide telephone models into wired and wireless. The most popular stationary was the Cisco SPA 303. This is an excellent model: reliable and easy to use. It entered the market in 2011 and is still on sale. We have created a configurator for it - you can configure any phone in three clicks.

The second most popular model is Yealink SIP-T21P. After the price increase for Cisco phones, we began to actively recommend Yealink - this good replacement at half the price. If for some reason it does not suit you, look at the entire SIP-Txx line.

The leader among cordless phones was the Panasonic KX-TGP500. We have also been working with him for a long time and recommend him to our clients. Behind it are two Gigaset models - A510 and C610A. If you are a Yealink supporter, then check out the SIP-W52P model. So far, few clients use it, so statistics have not accumulated.

Softphones and headsets

The chosen research method does not allow us to find out which headsets customers prefer. Therefore, we will consider softphones (softphones), and offer recommendations on models based on our experience.

The absolute leader is PhonerLite. PhonerLite is used by 82.3% of our customers. The fact is that we offer to download ready-made program, which does not need to be configured. If you're looking for an alternative, check out the chart below.

Zoiper is implemented by our integrators, and sometimes we advise if PhonerLite is not suitable for some reason. Telephone is a very simple client for those running Mac OS X. There are practically no alternatives to it.

Those who use softphones need a headset. We will talk about them below, now we will look at SIP clients for smartphones.

Smartphones

Too few customers use SIP on smartphones - there will be no charts, tables or graphs. Let's just list the clients.

CSipSimple- the most popular softphone in Android. Immediately behind it is the SIP client, as it turned out it does not work in all mobile phones. Clients use iPhone Acrobits And Bria.

Other equipment

Gateways

Owners of analogue telephones prefer to save money and not change working devices. In this case, IP gateways are suitable. They connect to the Internet and are configured like IP phones, but have connectors for connecting regular phones. There are also disadvantages: IP gateways are limited in the number of connected lines, the organization of telephony becomes more complicated - the quality decreases.

The most popular gateways are manufactured by Cisco. Models: SPA8000, SPA112 and SPA2102. In second place is Grandstream and its four-port model GXW-4004. We do not touch upon GSM gateways in this study; we do not recommend their use or provide advice.

PBX

Some clients register existing hardware PBXs in the virtual PBX. Panasonic has the unconditional leadership here, but the reason for such popularity is not entirely pleasant. Panasonic uses incompatible equipment. Those who have already bought a Panasonic PBX and phones for it are forced to continue using it so as not to buy new equipment.

If you are thinking about purchasing a mini-PBX, think again so as not to find yourself in a similar situation.

What to choose?

Let's make a summary that will help you choose. We distinguish four categories of SIP equipment: headsets, gateways, fixed and wireless IP phones. Each has its own purpose and the choice is yours.

Headsets

Use headsets when employees talk on the phone a lot: receive incoming calls or make calls themselves. In our understanding, “a lot” is 5-6 hours a day, that is, more than half of the working time. If they say less, then the headset is inconvenient - you will have to constantly take it off and put it on. The second advantage is the price. A USB headset is cheaper than any IP phone, but requires a computer. If you work in CRM, then you already have it.

Desktop IP phones

They're wired. It’s convenient when you don’t need to talk much, and the employee sits in one place. A reliable device will last for several years, will survive moving to another office, will not get lost, and if necessary, you can connect a headset. It is easier to assign such a phone to an employee.

Wireless IP phones

If employees talk a little and you need mobility within the office, cordless phones (DECT) are suitable. Also use cordless handsets when you do not need to assign an extension to an employee. For example, one phone for the entire department.

Gateways

Focus on gateways if you already have regular phones. But don’t try to save money on them - you’ll lose more in quality. Our recommendations depend on the number of telephone ports you need. For two - Cisco SPA112, for four - Grandstream GXW-4008, for eight - Cisco SPA8000.

What do we use?

Technical support talks a lot with clients, so they use USB headsets with a softphone. All Plantronics Audio series headsets, models 622 or 628.

The manager and technical support manager use Cisco SPA303 IP phones, although the manager’s phone is complemented by a Plantronics W730, Savi wireless headset.

A common office phone is the Panasonic KX-TGP500 cordless handset. There is only one and is used as a duty phone to order pizza to the office, for example.

Where can I buy?

There is no supplier that suits all our clients. Therefore, we recommend buying equipment for IP telephony on Yandex.Market - this is a large storefront with which different stores work.

Select the appropriate equipment model, use the Yandex.Market search to find stores, find out the delivery date, terms of delivery/pickup and payment. Use filters by region, rating and other parameters.

Nikita Lyalin
Marketing Director onlinePBX

Tell us in the comments if we missed something or made a mistake. Ask if anything is unclear.

Telephony for business with integration into any CRM

In this article we will look at VoIP technology, analyze the main advantages and disadvantages VoIP telephony, as well as equipment and programs that are used in VoIP networks.

Over the course of more than a century of development, wired telephony, due to technical and economic obstacles, could not become the universal property of mankind. In developed countries, telephones were installed in all government agencies, commercial firms, in almost every city apartment and rural house, but here we have a landline telephone communications even at the end of the 20th century it remained inaccessible to many, not only in remote and sparsely populated areas, but also in large towns. But for people prompt solution For many private and business issues, it is necessary to be able to communicate by voice “here and now.”

Mobile telephony, which began its expansion about forty years ago, has significantly increased the availability of voice communications, especially in areas not covered by landline communications, and in a short time has become a technology of mass application.

Wired and wireless technologies had settled into their niches and coexisted happily, undisturbed by competitors, just ten years ago, when suddenly a third “rival” appeared - VoIP technology. And this rival turned out to be dangerous, first of all, because it provided the opportunity to pay significantly less for the same minutes of voice communication that could have been spent in the networks of its predecessors. Moreover, it can easily be “infiltrated” into both stationary and mobile zones, communicating with subscribers of both the first and second speech communication technologies. Not to mention “our own contingent on our own VoIP territory.”

VoIP technology: why is it cheaper?

To provide landline telephony services, it was necessary to create an infrastructure in the form of cable communication lines of enormous length. For mobile - build base stations for radio signal transmission. And the Internet became the physical environment for VoIP technology, that is, providers of the new telecommunications direction did not have to create their own infrastructure: there is the Internet - there is the possibility of offering VoIP services, which is reflected in the “name” of the technology - Voice over Internet Protocol - “voice over Internet Protocol” "

Construction costs base stations are returned to the operator as payment for calls on mobile phones. Providers of VoIP technology that were integrated into the “ready-made” Internet network did not incur such expenses for VoIP equipment, and, accordingly, they are not included in the tariffs for communication services.

True, the name VoIP does not fully characterize the technology that allows for the reception and transmission of not only speech (this segment is given the name “IP telephony”), but also video content and, in general, any data presented in digital form. However, since IP telephony is the most in demand today, using its example we will consider all the main technical and economic indicators of VoIP, noting at the same time that this technology, in addition to working on the Internet, can be implemented in any dedicated digital channels that support the Internet protocol and components IP network.

So, the first component of the cost-effectiveness of IP telephony (it would probably be more correct to say “deductible”) is the lack of investment in the creation of infrastructure, which for fixed and mobile operators must pay off, for which they are “invisibly present” in their tariffs.

The second circumstance that allowed IP telephony providers to set a minimum level of payment for their services is that in telephone networks common use(PSTN, PSTN), payment for a call is determined by its duration and the length of the allocated channel. And in IP telephony you only pay for the Internet connection and the amount of transmitted traffic.

The third cost item for landline communication providers, included in the tariffs, as paradoxical as it may sound, is payment for pauses in conversations. The fact is that in traditional circuit-switched networks, payment is calculated for the duration of the “rent” of the channel. And the billing system does not take into account the fact that pauses in a conversation are essentially a waste of time, but simply counts the minutes of “rental” channel and multiplies them by the tariff. And in IP telephony there is a mechanism for blocking the transmission of pauses (dialogue, syllabic, semantic, spent by the subscriber searching for the right words, distractions from the conversation, etc.), which can account for up to 40-50% of the time the transmission channel is occupied.

VoIP telephony: equipment and programs

VoIP telephony terminals: wired and cordless phones, fax machines, USB, WiFi, soft, IP and video IP phones.

VoIP telephony provides speech transmission and reception between computers (with connected microphones and headphones or speakers), a computer and a landline (analog and digital) telephone, mobile and IP telephones, as well as between any of the listed types of telephones in arbitrary combinations. Note that the familiar analog telephone set can be converted into an IP phone by connecting an analog telephone adapter (VoIP ATA) between its input and the Internet socket.

Each IP phone (with wired and wireless input/output or built-in analog modem) is connected to the Network by an Internet provider, then registered with an IP telephony service operator, receiving a login and password.

But to use this technology, it is not necessary to have a special device if you install a client program on your computer that simulates a phone and connect headphones and a microphone or a USB phone that performs the functions of headphones and a microphone to the PC. Such a computer-software complex is called a softphone (softphone). SoftPhone software can be downloaded for free on the website of your IP telephony provider, and then you can register your device there. The most popular free VoIP telephony program in the world is Skype.

Variety softphones are dual-mode GSM/WiFi (cellular/VoIP) mobile phones used in two “guises”: in the GSM network they behave like cellular telephone, and in the WiFi zone (with SoftPhone software installed on the phone) - in the IP network. Moreover, in the second mode, roaming on the mobile network is practically free.

Videophone - equipment operating using VoIP technology provides the effect of the presence in the office of a subscriber who is “on the other end of the line”, thereby increasing the effectiveness of business negotiations.

To organize voice communication between computers, IP phones and video phones, just connect them with a cable to an Internet outlet and log into the Internet. And to connect an IP network to the PSTN, you need to use analog VoIP gateways FXS or FXO. In the case of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) digital telephone networks, their connection to the World Wide Web is provided by digital VoIP gateways.

VoIP gateways allow you to connect to the networks of several operators to create several traffic routes with minimal tariffs, reserve them for use in case of overloads and failures in fixed and mobile networks. At the same time, thanks to the availability of alternative routes, companies can achieve a significant reduction in costs for communication services, while also increasing the availability of subscribers located in networks that support various voice transmission technologies.

In VoIP gateways, virtual objects can be created that determine the routing of telephone calls, which allows the company to “limitlessly” connect direct numbers in any country on the planet (this technology is called Direct Inward Dialing, DID).

VoIP gateways - VoIP gateway equipment for translation voice traffic between traditional telephony networks and data networks.

Another advantage of IP telephony: the ability to simply increase the number of numbers in the office (the so-called “number capacity”), which, as a rule, can be done with great difficulty in the PSTN (and only if the landline operator has the technical capability).

As noted at the beginning of the article, the attractiveness of IP telephony for mass user is to save money on voice communication compared to payment for the same conversations in landline and mobile networks. This indicator, of course, is also important for the business segment, for which, it turns out, there is another “bonus” - low costs of creating corporate network IP telephony (hardware IP PBX, software PBX, virtual PBX) based on an existing PBX.

Pitfalls of VoIP technology

You have already heard about the advantages and benefits of IP telephony and have even repeatedly seen equipment and programs for VoIP in use by one of your friends. Liked. And so you decide to implement it yourself. But did they tell you about the couple “ pitfalls”, which can nullify all your expectations? But they exist.

vThe well-known saying that “disadvantages are a continuation of our advantages” can be applied to all technologies without exception. And, of course, to IP telephony. This technology lacks voice quality and security. But these defects can be eliminated if you understand their roots.

So, in PSTN the quality of speech did not cause any complaints because in this technology, based on switching communication channels, the “song flows” continuously in the same “pipe”. And VoIP technology transmits the same “song” in parts (in currently free channels) in accordance with the Internet protocol, switching data packets (as is customary in transmitting any information over the Internet). And if, for example, in the transmission of texts and photographs, this packet sequence can end “when it happens”, and we calmly wait for its end and open the “finished work”, then voice communication works in real time and does not wait for the next packet to arrive .

Therefore, if the delay time in receiving packages and their loss exceed the values ​​​​established by the standard, this inevitably affects the intelligibility, purity, volume level, the appearance of echoes, wheezing and other sounds that are uncomfortable for auditory perception. But, as the popular cartoon says, “we will survive this trouble.” Naturally, with the help of a system integrator who will be able to carry out all the work for intelligent processing of packet receipt delays, interpolation (partial recovery) of information contained in lost packets, echo cancellation and voice signal level control. And everything will be as good as your friend allowed you to see at his company.

Every year new, more modern, high-quality technologies appear in our lives. The communications sector was no exception: until recently, in almost any office you could find a regular mini-PBX, and in apartments they used exclusively traditional analog phones. But everything is changing: IP telephony is rapidly displacing its “competitors”, bribing both private and corporate users favorable tariffs, ease of connection and unique capabilities.

How does Internet telephony work?

It's safe to say that the idea of ​​transmitting sound over the Internet was in the air at the dawn of the World Wide Web. The first hundreds of thousands of users were already actively using the capabilities of audio data exchange, posting and downloading audio clips. But full-fledged telephony via the Internet could not exist at that time: primarily due to the low data transfer speed. Agree, it is impossible to communicate with your interlocutor when his speech is heard with a delay of several tens of minutes or even hours.

VoIP (Voice over IP) technology appeared more than two decades ago and consisted of transmitting speech in the form of compressed “packets” of information over the Internet. Initially, transfer was only possible between Internet users. With the advent high speed connection managed to eliminate delays and interference. Then special gateways were created that connected telephone networks with Internet networks. Thanks to this breakthrough, today we can make calls to any device: mobile and analog phones, desktops, tablets and special SIP devices, which we will talk about later.

What equipment is required to organize SIP telephony in the office or at home? First of all, you need a device connected to the Internet, and the speed of the incoming and outgoing connection for IP telephony must be at least 512 Kbps. To receive and transmit calls you can use:

  • a regular telephone with an IP gateway connected to it;
  • smartphones, tablets and PCs with special software installed or a SIP phone;
  • There are also models that combine the functions of an IP gateway and a modem, which allows you to use such equipment to organize telephony in the office and connect to the Internet at the same time.

IP, VoIP and SIP: the difference is in the details

In order to understand the peculiarities of the functioning of Internet telephony, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the concept of a protocol. A protocol is a set of rules and actions according to which data is exchanged between different devices. For example, IP (Internet Protocol) is the same internetworking protocol that united individual computers into the worldwide Internet. The most famous set of protocols is called TCP/IP. There are many other varieties used on the Internet for different purposes. For example, HTTP protocol used for hypertext transmission, SMTP protocol for mail transmission.

With the advent of Internet telephony, specific protocols were developed that are used to carry out telephone conversations and other multimedia interactions via the Internet. VoIP is the general name for a group of protocols that define how audio data is transmitted over the Internet.

SIP is the most common IP telephony protocol, one of its underlying ones along with the popular H.323. It has low connection speed requirements and supports not only voice communication, but also video data transmission. Experts call SIP the most promising protocol for further development Internet telephony industry.

The term “analog communication”, used to refer to the classic wired telephone network, is not entirely correct: since the 60s of the last century, city telephone exchanges began to convert audio signals “to digital” during transmission. Thus, long before the advent of the public Internet, we began to exchange “packets” of information, making calls to different cities and countries.

Internet telephony for home and office: opportunities and advantages

The largest telecommunications companies are gradually abandoning outdated classical telephony, replacing it with Internet telephony. This can be explained by several important advantages and the opportunities that Internet telephony provides in comparison with traditional telephony. The sound quality with an IP connection does not depend on the distance: there is no noise, echo or extraneous sounds, which cannot be said about an analog connection.

Virtual PBX easily and quickly adapts to the needs of both a private user and a large office: settings can be changed online in the “personal account”, additional lines can be added as the number of calls increases. At the same time, the connection is not tied to the location of the company, which is a huge advantage of IP telephony for business. You no longer need to be afraid of losing clients when moving your office: the number stays with you as long as you need it. Even if the company has many branches or remote employees, they can all use a common phone number.

Another important advantage of a virtual PBX is the low cost of calls and connections compared to an analog PBX. There is no need for expensive equipment - you can get by with regular PCs with a headset or mobile devices. Even if you decide to use special IP phones, their price is quite comparable to the cost of analog devices, but connecting and setting up will cost significantly less and take much less time. Tariffs for long-distance and international communications are 10–60% lower than analogue networks, and intra-corporate calls are free, regardless of the geographic location of employees or offices.

And finally, connecting telephony for your home or office via the Internet is fast. There is no need for lengthy coordination of connection with the operator company, or waiting for the installation of telephone cables: just connect and configure the service on the operator’s website.

For business, Internet telephony provides special opportunities:

  • Integration. IP telephony can be integrated with other communication solutions, for example with the 1C program, with the company’s website, with various Internet services and software. A popular solution, for example, is the “call from site” service, which provides additional convenience for visitors and allows the company to determine effective pages portal.
  • Multichannel number , allowing you to process many calls at once. The number of virtual lines, as already mentioned, can be easily and quickly increased, turning your office into a real call center.
  • Voice menu, auto attendant (extensions) and smart forwarding. For example, when setting up a menu, the client immediately contacts the specialist of interest, and if all lines are busy, the call can be directed to mobile phone backup operator.
  • Possibility of organization conference and video calls , conducting video presentations.
  • Recording conversations. Used to track employee performance and limit off-duty calls (very useful when servicing conflicting clients).
  • Constant access to connection statistics : allows you to track the effectiveness of marketing programs, the location of subscribers and adjust advertising campaigns taking into account the specific needs of clients.
  • Voice mail, email fax, blacklist and much more.

Organization and equipment for VoIP (SIP) telephony

Let's define the main stages in the process of connecting IP telephony for business. It all starts with choosing an operator offering a similar service. Experts recommend paying attention to the following factors:

  • Guaranteed security of transmitted data - full protection communication channels require highly qualified provider employees, so you should trust large operators with experienced security specialists on staff.
  • The provider has its own telecommunications network.
  • Competitive price. Of course, everyone wants to minimize communication costs, but you should still approach savings wisely: for businesses, it is not recommended to choose too cheap call rates, as there is a high probability of receiving services of reduced quality.
  • If you need to keep your existing company phone number, check to see if your operator can arrange for it to be transferred.

The next step should be to check the Internet connection in your office. In particular, for large call centers or when the quality of the existing connection is low, it is advisable to organize a dedicated Internet line for calls. This separation of voice traffic and regular data transmission will improve the quality of VoIP communications. Finally, on final stage a decision has to be made: what equipment will be used for Internet telephony. You can completely replace an analog PBX with a virtual one and use special SIP devices, PCs or smartphones, or upgrade existing phones using IP gateways. Experts recommend the option of replacing the PBX with a virtual one: in this case, you get the maximum functions and capabilities of modern communications, as well as flexibility of settings.

So, IP telephony is convenient and profitable. A virtual PBX, compared to an analogue one, provides the user with a completely different level of service and allows you to optimize costs, reducing the cost of calls by several times. According to subscriber reviews, minimizing communication costs is obvious already in the first month of use. Don’t forget about the cost of connection: organizing IP telephony will cost significantly less than classical telephone lines and does not require expensive equipment.