In this modern age we no longer sit stationary at our desks all day. Companies often adopt open office work spaces that allow users to collaborate and work away from their desk. This is made possible with WiFi and DECT solutions, which are the two major contenders in this wireless phone age. There is a vast choice of WiFi and DECT mobility solutions available that allow workers to stay connected and productive no matter what they are doing and where they are in the world.
WiFi Technology
WiFi can be used to extend access to SIP or VoIP networks without using traditional hard-wired connections, and WiFi VoIP phones are cordless solutions which use "WLAN" to create these communication connections.
Even though WiFi phones are generally more expensive compared to DECT, they are becoming more and more popular because most companies will already have a wireless network in place. This means that purchasing an additional WiFi VoIP phone will be the only expense to consider, making them cheaper to use overall and easier to implement compared to the standard DECT solutions.
Some differentiating features of WiFi mobility solutions are:
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Longer Range
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Easy installation - just pair with your existing WiFi network
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You can add as many phones as you want at any point
Here are examples of equipment that can be used to build good WiFi voice and video networks:
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WiFi Access Points (e.g. UAP-AC-PRO by Ubiquiti)
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Cordless IP Phones (e.g. WP820 by Grandstream)
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Desktop IP Phones (e.g MAXWELL 2 by Gigaset)
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Video and Audio Conferencing IP Phones (e.g IP5000 by Polycom)
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WiFi Video Conferencing Devices (e.g. GVC3210 by Grandstream)
DECT Phone Solutions
DECT stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology, and allows the phone to link to its base without any wires. DECT was specifically designed for voice applications and operates on its own isolated frequency, meaning voice quality only suffers if you leave the range of the base station. Although, you can extend your range by adding signal repeaters and multi-cell systems.
Some differentiating features of DECT mobility solutions are:
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Specifically designed for voice
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Operates on its own frequency
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Little interference
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DECT functions on a closed system, minimising IT efforts to maintain security
Here are a couple of examples of DECT solutions that will allow users to mobilise their VoIP network throughout the business:
Grandstream: DP730 DECT Handset has a range of 400m outdoors and 50m indoors which can be paired with DP752 DECT VoIP Base Station which also pairs with up to 5 of Grandstream's DP series DECT handsets. Plus, you can add the DP760 DECT Repeater to allow users to extend the range of their base station by up to 300m outdoors and 50m indoors.
Yealink: The W60P DECT Solution is comprised of a W60B Base Station and W56H handset which allows users a range of 300m outdoors and 50m indoors from the phone's base unit. Also, the W60B can support up to 8 W52H, W53H and/or W56H handsets including up to 8 concurrent calls. You can add an RT30 DECT Repeater to extend the range of Yealink's W60P DECT solution with the ability to connect up to 6 repeaters per W60B base station.
DECT vs. WiFi Technology?
We already connect desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones and so on; to our broadband using WiFi, but you can also run wireless telephones using WiFi technology too. Most offices have WiFi hubs anyway, so linking WiFi phones could drive business telephone costs down further. You can enjoy the benefits of a multi-line desk phone without any wires on your desk or roam around anywhere in the world with the same WiFi handset, making all your internal office calls for free using the internet. Although you have to bear in mind, WiFi hubs are often being used to carry signals from other devices, so companies have to make sure they invest in a WiFi VoIP phone which has established QoS standards and dedicated signal for voice with priority over other things.
On the other hand, DECT technology was designed specifically to transmit voice and has lasted over the years because it is very reliable and good at what it does. DECT systems connect your handset to the office network using a specific transmission frequency, avoiding risks of interference because there is no competition for connection. You can connect your mobile handsets through base stations in your network, to ensure that you can move around your work environment with complete freedom. DECT phones would be great for use in warehouses or retail environments where people need to move around with their phones but still have a strong, reliable connection.
Ultimately, you can choose either WiFi or DECT solutions, depending on your needs. These wireless communications can be integrated into a VoIP network to increase flexibility of use, and if you are interested in a VoIP provider or reselling Cloud communications, please check out our awesome sister company Yay.com.
