IN Lately All large quantity subscribers, both private and corporate, are trying to use VoIP telephony services. This is due to a number of technological advantages that IP telephony offers over regular telephony. wired connection. When IP telephony technology has already been implemented in the office or as a home solution, any user is faced with the question of what is better to choose: a softphone or a hardware IP phone? We will try to give a number of tips and recommendations for choosing communication terminals, as well as determine the pros and cons of each of these solutions.

So, we will begin our research into the market for VoIP telephony devices directly from softphones. Softphone- this is actually a software product that allows the user to make calls over the Internet or through any IP network. The softphone does not require additional hardware solutions, with the possible exception of a computer headset or webcam for making video calls. Softphone software is typically developed based on the open communication protocols SIP or H.323. But there are certain companies that have developed their softphones based on specialized closed communication protocols, for example, such as Skype, ICQ or Mail.ru Agent.

A softphone is essentially a program that replaces your hardware IP phone on your computer. As we wrote above, for full-fledged work For a softphone, you need a telephone headset (in extreme cases, headphones and an external microphone). The advantages of a softphone are the following: firstly, it is an expanded interface that cannot be limited to a small phone screen. Secondly, it's big phone book, which is physically impossible to implement on a hardware phone. Also, to the advantages of softphones, you can add the function of your online status, the ability to transfer text messages and faxes, video calls. Softphones come in both paid and free versions. The most common programs for IP telephony are 3CX, iSoftphone, Bria, ZoiPer, ShoreTel Sky Softphone, Octofon and others. It would seem that software clients for IP telephony - this is an ideal solution for any subscriber, but as with all purely software solutions, there are pitfalls. What disadvantages can we find in softphones?

I would also like to note the fact that, like any software, the softphone may “freeze”, “fail to boot”, “require updates via the Internet”, “give an error”, etc. Also, the quality of work of such programs directly depends on the power of your computer and optimal settings operating system. For example, if you are in this moment process video, work with graphic programs or you are performing other resource-intensive tasks, and suddenly they call you on a softphone, the quality of the connection may turn out to be simply terrible or unstable, the sound will periodically disappear. In the case of a home subscriber, you can “turn a blind eye” to these shortcomings, given the availability, simplicity and even sometimes freeness of such software solutions. If you are an office subscriber, then it is still optimal for you to use a hardware VoIP solution.

An IP phone is a hardware device for communication between remote subscribers, which provides voice communication over the Internet or corporate local networks. Externally, devices for VoIP communications look like completely ordinary telephones. They have a handset, a dialing keyboard, an LCD display, and an interface for connecting to IP networks. This phone operates using SIP or H.323 protocols.

IP phones typically have the following functionality: voice mail, speakerphone, auto redial, call transfer and forwarding options, call hold. A convenient telephone headset can also be purchased for such a device. An advanced IP device can also support a number of additional options, such as Various types call transfer (“blind” transfer, transfer with notification), turning on background music in call hold mode (music on hold) and conferences with several subscribers on the phone.

The main advantage of an IP phone over a softphone is that it is still an independent hardware device that operates autonomously and is not loaded as software on a computer. This means that even if your computer is not currently turned on, boots, does not work at all, or is reinstalling the operating system, you can still fully use VoIP communication 100%. Yes, to purchase an IP phone you need to allocate funds (and this is the main disadvantage of IP devices), it is also possible to purchase a professional headset for operators, for example. But in the corporate sector, as well as in medium-sized or even small businesses, these investments will pay off. In business, relying on the reliability of software such as a softphone, especially free software, is extremely imprudent. Softphones were created primarily for the home user or for the very small business sector. Another factor worth noting is the security and confidentiality of your negotiations. After all, when using softphones, it is much easier for hackers to hack the program and intercept all your voice traffic than when using hardware IP phones.

problem information security special attention must be paid before selecting a communication device for IP telephony. For example, such well-known VoIP programs as Skype, as well as the ZoiPer softphone and other similar programs have repeatedly appeared in reports of hacking or leaks of confidential information or passwords. The fact is that your information, for example passwords, is in such software solutions can be stored in a common database either on the servers of the softphone developer company or in the cloud. The company that developed this software product is responsible for its security, and in the event of a data leak to attackers, you will not be able to influence this negative process in any way. After all, you don’t know how securely the password database in this company is protected. If you use a hardware IP phone, detecting vulnerabilities, hacking and intercepting your conversations will require more resources and skills from hackers than for hacking computer program. Therefore, in case of special confidentiality of your conversations, we recommend using only IP phones from trusted and reliable manufacturers, preferably with support for the SRTP protocol (a protocol for encrypting voice traffic).

Long gone are the days when IP telephony was considered an unattainable dream for business. Previously this technology communication layouts at the enterprise could allow large operators with multi-million dollar capital. Today this is an ordinary technology that can be connected by all companies without exception, including representatives of small and medium-sized businesses.

The connection is made using the SIP protocol, ensuring fast data transfer and security. Each call center offering operator services uses the latest developments to improve the quality of services and reduce overall communication costs.

Advantages of Internet telephony

Usage new technology justified minimal costs and additional benefits, which are the main reason to switch to the new standard.

• Scaling. When using a classic PBX, there is a limitation on the number of numbers and communication points. When using an IP system, scaling up is possible by using new ports, which will not be a costly solution for the business.
• The versatility of technology. Connection can be made different ways, and the work can be done as personal computers, and on laptops.
• Saving. Using several operators will allow you to serve a large number of clients, generating additional income. When ordering several tariffs, the operator will provide favorable discounts.

With proper system design and equipment selection, there will be no distortion or metallic sounds during communication. It is also important to maintain the system so that telephone sales can be carried out at any time.

Comparison of classic telephony and IP systems

When using IP telephony, packets are compressed and transmitted over global network on high speed, ensuring no interference or problems. This is also a cheaper option with obvious advantages:

• Classic telephone lines have excessive performance, while in modern telephony all packets are compressed.
• Everyone has an Internet connection, which reduces overall telephony design and installation costs.
• When making calls by local network there is no need to use an external PBX station.

The quality of communication is much better thanks to the constant use of new technologies and capabilities. Autoresponders, forwarding and the use of multiple numbers are created without any problems.

Price

Internet telephony services, in comparison with traditional long-distance and international telephone communications, provide great savings. Some Internet telephony service companies allow users to make computer-to-computer (user-to-user) calls for free. You only pay internet expenses. Also, companies providing Internet telephony service usually charge a flat rate, which is significantly lower than the cost of similar services using traditional providers telephone communication. By paying a subscription fee, you can get unlimited calling capabilities in certain regions of the world, which can significantly reduce telephone costs for businesses with international branches or for families with members abroad.

Conference call

Most Internet telephony providers offer a conference call service. The number of possible participants varies from supplier to supplier. This option usually comes as part of a package at no extra cost, giving you an advantage over classic phone services.

Mobility

In order to use traditional telephone services, the user must be in one fixed location. Internet telephony allows you to work in all places where there is access to broadband Internet. Instead of providing a service in a specific location, Internet telephony provides service for a specific account. It doesn't matter where you are - Los Angeles or Southeast Asia, the software provides the user with access to the same service functions.

Internet telephony: disadvantages

Unreliability

How Cell Phones, Internet telephony suffers from problems such as dropped calls and distorted audio. The functionality of Internet telephony depends on the quality of the broadband connection it uses. Sudden losses in lead capacity will be reflected in distortion, time delays and abrupt outages. Old computers with slow processors and limited RAM(random access memory) may not be able to support Internet telephony calls or may result in deviations from standard call quality.

Limited emergency call

Emergency services cannot trace internet telephony calls because the calls do not originate from a physical location. This makes Internet telephony problematic in emergency situations. In order to eliminate this problem, it is necessary to connect calls to government services and provide customer address information. However, at the moment, the very nature of Internet telephony limits the effectiveness of its use for making emergency calls.

Virtual PBX MANGO OFFICE allows you to receive and make calls not only using regular phones, but also tablets and computers connected to the Internet, and hardware SIP phones.

In today's recipe, we will look at the features of each type of equipment and draw a conclusion about for what purposes which type of equipment is better suited.

Regular phones

Let's start with regular phones. These devices are widespread, reliable and truly familiar. They have good ergonomics and provide decent connection quality.

On the other hand, they can only be connected to the telephone network, which practically eliminates the use of a multi-line number. The more devices, the more cables to lay. This is not always possible, and when moving an office it can become a real problem.

Another disadvantage is that without additional equipment it is impossible to make outgoing calls from a regular phone through a Virtual PBX (including internal ones). Therefore, such devices are suitable for you only if you just need to receive customer calls, you are not planning to move and there are no problems with organizing a telephone network and laying wires.

Softphones

It is no longer a device, but software. With the help of softphones, you can use a connection via the SIP protocol - an opportunity that regular telephones do not have.

This is a modern communication protocol that allows you to exchange voice messages two or more remote participants. Its use is completely free, you only need an Internet connection. You can learn more about its capabilities and configuration in one of the previous business recipes.

All incoming calls from landlines, mobile numbers and from other SIP accounts become free. Intercom It will also cost nothing for employees (except for the Starter version of the product).

Softphones are designed for PC and mobile devices. For computers and laptops there is an integrated Virtual PBX. For tablets and smartphones you can find many applications for any platform.

It would seem that perfect option: You can receive and make calls, and even for free! In addition, it is not necessary to be at the workplace. Unfortunately, softphones often do not provide sufficient communication quality, especially for mobile devices.

The program uses the resources of the hardware on which it is installed. Meanwhile, the processor does not have the task of giving the application maximum priority. Thus, the more running programs, the higher the likelihood that there will not be enough resources and the quality of communication will deteriorate.

The PC versions have other drawbacks. Requires a headset connection, if you remove it you may not be able to hear it incoming call, and dialing a number with the mouse on the screen is not at all the most elegant solution.

So, a softphone is not the most convenient tool for processing calls. It helps save on communication costs and provides greater mobility compared to regular phones, but possible problems with communications impose restrictions on its use.

Hardware SIP phones

By external signs This device can be indistinguishable from a regular phone. SIP devices are produced by many renowned manufacturers and have different functionality. However, even the simplest SIP phones combine the advantages of regular phones and softphones and are devoid of the disadvantages inherent in the latter. At the same time, they have many additional capabilities.

The economical SIP communication protocol becomes not only profitable, but also of high quality. Codecs are built into the SIP phone that transmit the voices of the interlocutors without distortion or freezes. Echo cancellers and noise suppressors also contribute to this. Communication is no less reliable than using conventional lines and devices.

The SIP phone displays more full information than usual. For example, at the end of a conversation, a message about the balance is displayed; during internal calls, the first and last name of the interlocutor is shown. In addition, an additional light indication (BLF - Busy Lamp Field) helps to monitor the lines (free/busy) of other subscribers, as well as intercept calls intended for them (for example, if a colleague is not there).

When using SIP phones, no extra work on creating and updating the number database. All company devices will automatically use latest version list of employees, which is loaded from Personal account. The larger the organization, the more resources are saved.

Thus, the use of SIP phones makes communication much easier, more convenient and more profitable. This is the most modern and reliable device for handling calls.

In our store you can choose a SIP phone - from landline and wireless devices to conference equipment.

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Write about what else you want to know, and we will talk about it in one of the next issues.