Yealink explores Yealink's simplified explanations of common business communication terms regarding the application of three major communication devices, IP Phones, Video Conferencing Equipment and Headsets running on Microsoft, Zoom and other systems, in business work.

A VoIP phone, short for Voice over Internet Protocol phone, is a telephone device specifically designed to make and receive calls using an Internet connection rather than a conventional or analog phone line. VoIP phones convert the user's voice into digital signals that are transmitted over the internet to reach another VoIP phone or a regular phone number anywhere in the world.

VoIP phones can vary in appearance and functionality, often resembling traditional desk phones but with additional features enabled by internet connectivity. They have built-in hardware and software that supports IP telephony protocols, enabling them to register with a VoIP service provider and communicate with other IP endpoints.

Some key characteristics of a VoIP phone include:

Internet-Based Calls: Instead of relying on Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), VoIP phones use broadband internet to route calls, significantly reducing costs for long-distance and international calling.

Advanced Features: VoIP phones often come with a range of features that aren't standard on traditional phones, such as voicemail-to-email transcription, call forwarding, video conferencing, call waiting, caller ID, and more.

SIP Compatibility: Many VoIP phones use the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to initiate, maintain, and terminate multimedia sessions. This protocol allows interoperability among different VoIP systems.

Power Over Ethernet (PoE): Some VoIP phones can draw power directly from an Ethernet cable, simplifying installation and reducing the need for separate electrical outlets.

Mobility: VoIP technology also allows for softphones – software-based phones that turn computers, smartphones, or tablets into VoIP endpoints.

In summary, a VoIP phone is a modern communication tool that harnesses the power of the internet to provide voice communications services, usually at lower costs and with greater flexibility compared to traditional landline phones.