What is the difference between an IP hard phone and a traditional digital phone?
At first glance, there are no distinguishable physical differences between the IP hard phone and the traditional digital phone. Looking more closely at the IP hard phone, you will notice it requires an additional power supply or Power-Over-Ethernet (POE). In addition, the back of the IP hard phone contains an Ethernet switch which also connects a PC. Only one network cable is required to network both the IP hard phone and a PC! The IP hardphone does double duty in the office environment. It can easily be transported to a home or hotel room taking the convenience of your office extension with you world-wide! The traditional digital phone connects to the phone system and is powered by a separate cable used solely for voice communication. This phone is commonly known as a “desk phone,” meaning it cannot leave your desk/office and function away from the phone system. As far as features and applications, both handsets, IP hard phone AND traditional digital phone, operate identically.
