What telephone answering equipment do I need for a VoIP phone system?

With a hosted VoIP system, you need far less telephone answering equipment than with traditional phone setups. Most answering functionality is built into the cloud platform.

Essential equipment for a hosted VoIP system:

• IP desk phones – dedicated VoIP handsets from brands like Yealink, Poly, or Cisco. These connect to your network via Ethernet and are pre-configured by your provider
• Headsets – wireless or wired headsets for hands-free calling, essential for busy teams and call centre agents
• Softphone software – free apps for PC, Mac, and mobile that turn any device into a business phone (no physical equipment needed)
• Network switch – a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch to power and connect your IP phones
• Reliable broadband – business-grade internet connection with sufficient bandwidth for your call volume

What you do NOT need with hosted VoIP:

• No PBX hardware – the call-handling system runs in the cloud
• No answering machines – voicemail is built into the system with voicemail-to-email
• No separate auto attendant device – IVR menus are configured through a web portal
• No ISDN cards or line adapters – everything runs over standard internet
• No maintenance contracts – your provider manages all software and infrastructure

Connection Technologies supplies pre-configured IP phones and headsets delivered ready to plug in. Get a quote including all the equipment you need.