Analog Phone vs IP Phone
Analog is the process of taking an audio or video signal and translating it into electronic pulses.
The analogue technology has existed for decades. They are extremely reliable, cost-saving, and user-friendly even now.
However, there are downsides to analogue technology appliances too. First, analogue signals have size limitations as to how much data they can carry. Because of how analogue phones transmit signals continuously when in use, their batteries drains faster as a result. Secondly, the application of analogue phones is restricted to gain access to certain important services such as the internet and e-mail which are essential services that we use every day.
IP phones, Internet Protocol Phones, uses the digital technology, where signal is break into a binary string where the audio or video data is represented by a series of “1”s and “0”s.
The beauty of digital is that it knows what it should be when it reaches the end of the transmission. As such, it can correct any errors from the data transfer— clarity of signals is guaranteed— distortion-free and error-free conversations with clearer signals.
An IP phone runs on the internet protocol, which means that all call related features are made available through internet services. The VoIP handset (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows the voice transferring of the caller to the recipient over the internet. Keeping this in mind, let us now go through the five reasons why IP telephony should be chosen over Analog telephony.
Analog or IP?
The first thing when buying the analogue or IP phone is to consider where you will be using it and what is the main purpose.
- Capacity
The number of phone users in your office is an important consideration. The more phone users they will be, the more extensions you will need, which IP phone is more capable of.
- Line appearance and extension appearance
Some businesses want the ability to see and select phone lines or extensions right on their telephone— a feature called line or extension appearance. This is one of the capabilities by IP phone.
- Wiring
Some offices are already wired for analogue telephones at each workstation. However, if it is an new office, IP phones can save you the money and the trouble of needing to put in two separate sets of wires for cabling installation.
Advantages of IP Phone
So, what are the advantages of IP Phones?
IP systems are more complex than a digital platform by nature, however it is not a disadvantage. Selecting an IP phone deployment requires a more diligent and advanced support system to efficiently monitor the system. Also, the IP phone requires more energy than a comparative digital phone deployment. As such, it provides greater flexibility for deployment based on the availability or limitations of a single line or dual-line cabling infrastructure.
Cost-effective:
As the system works on the internet, the call costs incurred reduces to a great extent. The international and local calls can be made at minimal rates, allowing companies to reduce greatly on the expenses incurred for call services usage.
Wireless:
All internet services are provided over Ethernet cables which are then connected to a router for providing a wireless network. Since IP phones work on the internet protocol, they do not require extra cabling. Being wireless also gives an added advantage of mobility to its users.
Improved Call Quality:
Data, over the internet, is passed on in the form of data packets. Similarly, in VoIP telephone handsets, the voice of a caller is converted into voice packets and transmitted over the internet through servers to the called party. This process immensely improves the call quality, giving users the benefits of distortion-free and error-free conversations.
Application Integration:
As these phones work over the internet, several applications can be integrated. Entrepreneurs can link many productivity applications such as directory, presence sharing, softphones, instant messaging, etc. with their IP desk phones. This adds on to the advantage of mobility to the users. Furthermore, integrating such tools with a desk phone also allows users to remain in touch within and outside of the offices anytime, anywhere. Additionally, it simplifies the complications involved in multi-location connectivity through internet connectivity.
Upgradable:
Being on an IP platform, future technology upgrades can be easily integrated to the existing system. Hence, upgrading the existing telephony system becomes almost free of cost and easy to use.
To conclude, for business growth in today’s market, adopting the IP phones are recommended for all the advantages that comes along. If you are still unsure on which business phone system provider will suit your business, you are always welcome to contact us.
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