RingEX™
Overview
In recent years, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology has done much to change the way we work. VoIP phone systems have been widely adopted not just because they’re cost-effective but also because they provide other features, including video conferencing, not offered by standard landline telephony.
VoIP also has other uses besides IP phones. In particular, IP intercom systems are proving increasingly popular with businesses. These systems can be used either as door entry systems, controlling access to a particular building as with a normal buzzer, or they could offer intercom calling functionality. Here we’ll introduce you to RingCentral’s VoIP intercom solution.
What is a VoIP intercom?
VoIP intercoms use Voice over Internet Protocol technology. Compatible with VoIP phones and IP PBX services, they don’t require you to install new hardware or adapters—instead, all they need is reliable WiFi connectivity.
When you think of an intercom, you might think of an analog door intercom, connecting an outdoor intercom and door phone, and used purely for access control. But RingCentral’s VoIP intercom system allows you to make intercom calls.
In other words, you can buzz other users via VoIP intercom and alert them when you’re transferring an incoming phone call, for example.
Benefits of VoIP intercom systems
Here are some of the most important benefits of VoIP intercom systems.
- As with any other SIP endpoint, VoIP intercom can be used for paging, to send urgent messages and emergency notifications through a buzzer or ringer.
- This keeps people in touch even when dispersed across different buildings and facilities.
- VoIP offers superior audio quality.
- With high-definition audio, you needn’t miss a word anyone says.
- VoIP intercom technology can use your existing infrastructure.
- This makes it simple to install and easy to use.
- Some VoIP intercom systems can handle both video intercom and audio.
- “Face-to-face” contact makes keeping in touch with colleagues easier.
How does VoIP intercom technology work?
VoIP intercoms can be connected to VoIP phone systems, similar to any SIP phone. VoIP intercom stations use Power over Ethernet (PoE), which supplies power via Ethernet cables.
Users can also use VoIP intercom to ping colleagues. With RingCentral, just use your desk phone soft key to intercom a co-worker. Users will receive a short beep alert to tell them an incoming internet call is waiting.
How to use intercom with VoIP
You can make an intercom call with RingCentral by configuring an intercom prefix via a desk phone. Once an administrator has set an intercom prefix, users can dial it and the SIP extension they wish to call, then press ‘send’ from their IP phone.
RingCentral system features
RingCentral’s VoIP intercom solution offers a range of great features, including:
- Quickly intercom colleagues using the desk phone soft key.
- Speakerphone for hands-free conversation.
- Short beep alerts for incoming intercom calls.
- Park calls in the cloud using Call Park, then intercom colleagues to inform them, before pressing a transfer call button.
- Control permissions on intercom use.
VoIP Related resources
If you’re looking to learn more about VoIP in general, the following resources are packed full of useful and insightful information.
The rise of VoIP solutions.
RingCentral’s report, “The Rise of VoIP Solutions”, provides a detailed but concise overview of how VoIP technology has changed the way we work. It demonstrates how businesses have benefited from cloud-based communications technologies and also looks at the ways in which unified communications is enhancing business efficiency and customer experience.
A guide to assessing the network benefits and requirements of cloud VoIP.
Our white paper, “A Guide to Assessing the Network Benefits and Requirements of Cloud VoIP”, examines what hosted VoIP—also known as cloud VoIP—can do to benefit your IT team and your business as a whole. Not only can it substantially boost productivity, but it can eradicate much of the hassle involved in supporting a legacy phone system.
Technology in the workplace.
Have you ever stopped to take stock of the ways in which technology has revolutionised our everyday working routine? RingCentral’s “Technology in the Workplace” ebook does precisely that. RingCentral UK director of product marketing, Sunny Dhami, joins a group of veteran technology experts to assess the ongoing technological revolution and the future of work.
Work Anywhere. Productivity has no limits.
Learn more about VoIP intercom from RingCentral—arrange a product demo today.
VoIP Frequently asked questions
There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a VoIP solution, including the firmware it uses and its pricing. Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions relating to VoIP intercom technology.
This refers to VoIP intercom calling. Colleagues can use VoIP intercom systems to call one another. When one user “pings” another, they go directly through to the person at the other end rather than waiting for them to pick up the call.
When a user makes an intercom call, they “ping” another user and are put directly through to them, without the latter having to pick up the call. Some systems, including RingCentral, may provide a short beep alert to notify a user that an intercom call is incoming.
VoIP does not require you to have a special telephone in order to use it. You can still use a normal handset provided you have a VoIP adapter, which plugs into a cable modem or wireless router via an ethernet cable.
You can also use RingCentral’s desktop or mobile app to make VoIP phone calls via your PC or your mobile handset.
VoIP has a number of advantages when compared to traditional landlines. In particular, it offers far superior, high-definition audio quality. It also offers easy flexibility and scalability—meaning it’s simple to scale up your VoIP phone system as your business expands—as well as providing low-cost calls and solid reliability.
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