What is a VoIP Phone?

VoIP phones are connected to an IP phone system using LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. VoIP converts the standard telephone audio into a digital format which can be transmitted over the internet and also converts incoming digital phone signals coming from the internet to standard telephone audio. A VoIP telephone allows users to make phone calls using VoIP, to any softphone, mobile or landline. A VoIP telephone can be a simple, software-based softphone or a hardware device.

Hardware SIP phones look very similar to traditional analogue phones, however are developed to be used in IP networks. Softphones or smartphone apps, on the other hand, are software applications that are used on your computer, tablet or smartphone and behave exactly like a normal IP telephone; allowing you to carry out regular functions such as making and receiving calls, as well as some additional functions such as video conferences, presentation giving and more.

Most IP phones use SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), whether they are hardware IP phones or softphones. Some well-known manufacturers of IP phones include Fanvil, Htek, Snom and Yealink. The 3CX software used by C2 Communications includes high-performing and feature-rich softphones for Windows and Mac as well as smartphone apps for iOS and Android for free.

The 3CX used by C2 Communications supports auto-provisioning of a wide range of popular IP phones sold worldwide. Furthermore, we also provide legacy support to numerous older or proprietary devices including Cisco.

VoIP Phone Features

Some of the common features of a VoIP telephone are: caller ID, call park, call transfer, call hold, phonebook access and multiple account configuration. Some VoIP phones also allow the transmission of video along with audio during calls. C2 Communications offers a completely free VoIP telephone for use with the 3CX phone system.