Traditional phone lines are becoming outdated—and the future of communication lies in SIP phones. 📞

What is an SIP phone, and why is it gaining popularity? This is an obvious question that comes in everyone’s mind. 

Well, the SIP phone is a smarter, internet-powered solution🌐 that’s reshaping communication. By blending crystal-clear audio with cost-saving features like call routing and conference calls, these phone systems are challenging everything we thought we knew about telecommunication.

But how does it function? 

In this blog, we will discuss everything about the SIP phone system, including its key features, benefits, types, and working procedures. We will also look at some of the best top-rated business SIP phones.

✨KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• SIP phone uses VoIP technology to integrate with various devices and platforms, such as conference phones, softphones, and meeting software.

• Session Initiation Protocol is rich in features, such as unified communications, HD audio, auto-attendant, and shared call appearance.

• Hard phones and softphones are two basic types of SIP phone systems.

• Poly Edge E220 and Yealink T33G are basic business SIP Phones, Nextiva X-815 and Poly VVX 350 are intermediate SIP phones, and Nextiva X-885 and Cisco IP Phone 8865 are advanced SIP phones.

What Is SIP?

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a signaling protocol used to establish, manage, and terminate multimedia communications like voice calls, video conferencing, and messaging. 

It works by sending an INVITE to start a session, then managing responses, and finally facilitating smooth communication between devices. 

Similarly, SIP is a fundamental protocol used in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications that enables you to make voice calls over the Internet. Basically, it controls the call establishment and teardown. 

If we compare SIP with VoIP, we will find differences between them. Some of them are:

• VoIP is a generic technology that allows for several protocols to be in place for communicating voice over the internet, while SIP is the protocol used to initiate and manage these sessions. 
• SIP concerns the establishment of calls and the management of multimedia sessions. In contrast, VoIP may employ several protocols, such as H.323 or RTP.
• SIP provides more flexibility and control over call features than traditional VoIP systems.

What Is a SIP Phone?

A SIP phone is a device that relies on the internet to make and receive phone calls. It doesn’t depend on traditional phone lines; rather, it uses VoIP technology to send voice data online. 

Nowadays, SIP technology is found everywhere. This phone system is used in conference phones, softphones, and even meeting software. 

Many businesses have shifted from their IP PBX system to the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone system because of several benefits. This setup reduces costs, improves functionality with features like call forwarding and conferencing, and delivers crystal-clear audio through HD voice. 

Features of SIP Phone

Some important features of SIP phone are:

• Unified Communications: Combine voice calls with other tools, such as video conferencing, email, and instant messaging, for a cohesive communication experience.
• Call Forwarding: Redirect incoming calls to another number, voicemail, or device to make sure you never miss important calls, even when you’re away.
• On-Hold Music: Keep callers engaged by playing professional music or custom audio messages while they wait.
• HD Audio: Enjoy crystal-clear, wideband audio for more natural and productive conversations.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE): For a clutter-free setup, you can power your phone through the network cable, eliminating the need for separate power cables.
• Auto-Attendant: Automatically greet callers with a customized message and route them to the correct department or individual.
• Wi-Fi Calling: Make and receive calls using any Wi-Fi network, offering flexibility to work from anywhere without traditional phone lines.
• Shared Call Appearance: Allow multiple devices to ring simultaneously for a single call, ensuring someone is always available to respond.
• Custom Caller ID: Display your business name or department name on outgoing calls to maintain a professional image.
• Call Recording: Record calls for quality assurance, training, or future reference, ensuring critical information is always accessible.
• Mobile and Desktop App Integration: You can make and manage calls, contacts, and features directly from your mobile device or computer.

Types of SIP phones

SIP phones have two main types: hard phones and softphones. Before discussing their types, know that this phone system only works with cloud-based phone systems.

1. Hard Phones (IP desk phones and conference phones)

A hard phone functions similarly to a traditional telephone. You can connect it by using Ethernet cables. Well, some hard phone models may even come in a cordless form. 

If you’re wondering about popular SIP hard phone brands, some of the top names include Poly, Cisco, and Panasonic. Each of these brands offers a variety of models with different features to meet various needs.

Furthermore, not all hard phones are the same. Some are basic, intermediate, and advanced. Let’s look at them in detail:

1. Basic: Basic hard phones are simple, budget-friendly, and often used by the call center’s staff. They have a dial pad, and you can make both internal and external calls via this VoIP phone. 

2. Intermediate: Intermediate VoIP phones have more features and functionalities than basic hard phones. Because of features like a browsable directory with multiple extensions, these phones are suitable for employees who want to work from home. 

3. Advanced: Advanced SIP hard phones offer all the features of basic and intermediate models, with added benefits like a full-color display, support for multiple extensions, and Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. They are popular among many companies because of their sleek, modern design. Furthermore, these phones have fewer physical buttons, as many functions can be accessed directly through the display.

However, hard phones are stationary, and this limitation makes them less suitable for remote or flexible work setups

2. Softphones (VoIP apps & contact center software)

To overcome the limitation of hard phones, softphones come into play. Softphones are software applications that enable users to make phone calls through their desktop, laptop, or smartphone. 

Softphones can be installed either by administrators or by users themselves in a self-service manner. As soon as you install a VoIP application, use a headset and microphone to enhance your calling experience. 

If you’re an IT leader considering softphone deployment, it’s important to consider network utilization. Unlike other network applications, SIP traffic from softphones is difficult to distinguish. 

So, if your company uses a mandatory VPN, perform a VoIP line test to assess the health of the connection and make sure it can handle softphone traffic without affecting call quality.

Even though softphones are preferable, frequent usage may shorten a mobile phone’s battery life. Therefore, be careful and make a plan before rolling out softphone apps to employees.

Benefits of SIP phones

If you want to upgrade your phone system to a SIP phone system, then you must consider the many benefits it offers. Besides cost-effectiveness and flexibility, there are other benefits as well. Let’s look at them:

1. You don’t have to rely on your local telephone company for copper lines.

2. If you don’t want to maintain a SIP telephone or add additional configuration, then you can let it be.

3. SIP phone connects all employees together within the business, including remote teams.

4. Instant delivery of features anytime.

5. Benefit from call encryption for enhanced data security.

How does SIP-based telephony work?

SIP-based telephony works by using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to establish, manage, and terminate voice or video calls over the Internet. When you make a call, SIP signals are exchanged between your device (like a SIP phone or softphone) and the recipient’s device through a SIP server. 

Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: First, a user picks up the handset of the phone SIP and dials a number to call.

Step 2: Then, the SIP phone sends an ‘INVITE’ message to the SIP server, indicating the intent to make a call.

Step 3: Once the SIP server gets the invite request, it processes it and may connect the call to another extension registered to the same SIP server. It can also route the call out over the Public Switched Telephone Network to connect the party.

Step 4: When the dialed party answers the call, the two SIP phones exchange data to establish two-way audio communication, agreeing on which codecs and bandwidth to use. 

Step 5: As the conversation continues, SIP signaling messages are sent to update the call status and maintain quality. For example, if packet loss is detected, one phone may request a codec that requires less bandwidth. 

Step 6: If the call is finished and either party hangs up, a SIP “bye” message is sent to end the call and terminate the media session on both ends.

Top-Rated Business SIP Phones

There are various business SIP phones available in the market. You just need to choose according to your needs. But before deciding, you must know how they are designed and what they offer, right?

Remember these points before diving deep:

• Mix and match these SIP telephony according to your employee’s needs.
• Watch the features they offer, and if they match your needs, you can purchase them.
• Renting is also available.

Now, let’s look at them in detail:

Basic SIP Phones

1. Poly Edge E220

The Poly Edge E220 is a SIP phone that keeps your calls clear and professional. It combines Poly’s noise-blocking technology with a sleek design that looks great on any desk or reception area. This phone system is always on, simple to use, secure, and reliable. 

• Price: $160
• Number of Lines: 4
• Display Type: Color LCD
• Screen Size: 2.8″
• POE Available: Yes
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• USB port: 1 USB Type C

2. Yealink T33G

The Yealink SIP-T33G is an entry-level IP phone with a color screen and supports four lines. It features a 320×240-pixel backlit display. If you want a clear and easy-to-use experience with a stylish design, Yealink T33G can be the best choice.

• Price: $160
• Number of Lines: 4
• Display Type: Color
• Screen Size: 2.4″
• POE Available: Yes
• Headset Input: RJ-9/EHS

Intermediate SIP Phones

1. Nextiva X-815

The Nextiva X-815 is a sleek, six-line SIP phone perfect for call centers or office workers. Its clean, organized interface makes it easy to manage calls with confidence. 

• Price: $130
• Number of Lines: 4
• Display Type: Color LCD
• Screen Size: 2.8″
• PoE Available: Yes
• Gig Ethernet Ports: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes, USB A210 Adapter Required (sold separately)
• Speed Dialing: Yes
• Headset Input: RJ-9
• USB port: 1

2. Poly VVX 350

Poly VVX 350 is a high-quality, six-line color SIP phone, perfect for call center operators handling moderate to high call volumes. It is also suitable for small teams who need to see which team members are on the phone.

• Price: $220
• Number of Lines: 6 native lines (24 with pagination)
• Display Type: Color LCD
• Screen Size: 3.5″
• PoE Available: Yes
• Headset Input: RJ-9
• USB ports: 2
• Bluetooth/Wi-Fi: Yes, both via dongle
• Warranty: 1 year; lifetime when rented

Advanced SIP Phones

1. Nextiva X-885

Nextiva X-885 is a twelve-line color SIP desk phone, perfect for executives and receptionists. It offers twelve extra programmable keys with a multi-page design and is preconfigured for Nextiva’s business phone system.

• Number of Lines: 12
• Display Type: Color LCD
• Screen Size: 4.3″
• PoE Available: Yes
• Gig Ethernet Ports: Yes
• USB port: 1
• HD Voice: Yes

2. Cisco IP Phone 8865

The Cisco IP Phone 8865 is a premium SIP phone perfect for executives and managers. It has a large color touchscreen, Bluetooth support, options for wired or wireless headsets, integrated Wi-Fi and Ethernet ports, and support for up to 10 business lines. 

Similarly, the Cisco IP phone has a 5-inch high-resolution screen that offers clear visuals, and its HD Voice ensures excellent sound quality.

• Price: $350
• Number of Lines: 10
• Display Type: Color LCD
• Screen Size: 5″
• POE Available: Yes
• Gig Ethernet Ports: Yes
• Speed Dialing: Yes
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Wi-Fi calling: Yes
• HD Voice: Yes
• USB ports: 2
• Expansion Module Connectivity: up to 3
• Headset Input: RJ-9

How to Choose the Best SIP Phone Service Provider?

To choose the best SIP phone service provider, you need to consider some factors. These factors include reliability, scalability, pricing, security, and customer support. 

With these five factors, you will obviously make a good choice. But how will you know it is flexible or scalable? Confused? You don’t have to. Look at the below points for clarity:

1. Reliability: Find a provider with a good history of uptime. You need a provider who can guarantee that your phone system will work nearly all the time, with very minimal downtime.

2. Scalability: Look for a provider that can grow with your business. If your team grows, you want a provider who can easily add more lines or features without hassle.

3. Customer Support: The SIP phone service provider should offer good customer support. 24/7 assistance is important in case any problems arise with your phone system.

4. Pricing:  Evaluate the pricing plans to make sure the provider fits within your budget. Look for flexible plans that let you pay for only what you need, with room to adjust as your business grows.

5. Security: Choose a provider that has invested in security. Your business phone should keep calls and data secure, encrypting sensitive information

Conclusion

Overall, SIP phones are an effective tool for businesses that want a cost-effective way to manage calls and multimedia sessions over the Internet. 

Whether for small teams or large corporations, they offer flexibility, excellent audio quality, and a wide range of features like call forwarding and HD voice. With the right SIP service provider, like a basic, intermediate, or advanced phone system, you can ensure high-quality and reliable support for your business. 

So, if you’re looking to upgrade your communication system, consider exploring SIP phones that align with your needs. Take the step today and experience the difference! 

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