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The first choice is determining if you want a hardware VoIP phone or a software VoIP phone.

Hardware phones are generally easier to use and do not require a PC. Software phones are usually less expensive and may offer better options for CTI (Computer Telephony Integration).

Choosing a VoIP Phone

With either a hardware or software VoIP phones, the major considerations remain the same:

What VoIP call control protocols does the phone support?

H.323

SIP

MGCP

IAX2

What VoIP codecs does the phone support?

G.711

G.722

G.723

G.726

G.727

G.728

G.729

ILBC

Speex

GSM – Full Rate

GSM – Enhanced Full Rate

GSM – Half Rate

DoS FS-1015

Does the phone support 3-way calling

Does the phone support Do-Not-Disturb (DND)

Does the phone support custom ringtones?

Does the phone provide a method to work behind routers and NAT?

Does the phone support STUN?

Does the phone support Symmetric RTP?

Does the phone support a SIP outbound proxy?

Does the phone support QoS

Does the phone support encryption?

Secure RTP

AES

Choosing a Hardware VoIP Phone

When selecting a hardware VoIP phone, you should consider these items:

What connections does the VoIP phone support?

Ethernet

Does the phone support Power Over Ethernet?

Wi-Fi

Dialup

ISDN

Does the phone support IPv6?

Does the phone support videoconferencing?

Is the phone handset corded or cordless?

Does the phone have a handset or a headset?

Does the phone have a speakerphone?

Does the phone have an LCD display?

Is the LCD display backlit?

Does the phone have good ergonomics?

Do you like the style of the phones?

Choosing a Software VoIP Phone

If you choose a software VoIP phone, you should consider these items:

Does the phone software support my Operating System?

Is the phone software easy to use?

Does the software support customizable skins?

Does the software support videoconferencing?

Does the software support shared whiteboarding?

And, of course, the final purchasing decision should always include price as a criteria.

Tags:  phone support software hardware phones choosing should handset videoconferencing display