VoIP Gateways

VoIP phone or Voice over Internet Protocol is one option that has come along in recent years that used to be available to only big companies but is now available to everyone. With the wide adoption of VoIP Phones and the commonly available feature of Power over Ethernet (PoE) driving down costs in modern, highly efficient network equipment, it has never been easier or more affordable for business owners to adopt a VoIP/PoE setup.

Business Communication Services, Inc., BCS, a company specializing in business networks and communication systems, has been working on strategies that they believe can work for any business model.

In an article, the company recently highlighted the benefits of VoIP and PoE functionality for small businesses looking for ways to increase productivity and cut costs. The company suggests ways to simplifying the work place through better cable management and modern, more efficient, PoE capable networking hardware.

PoE is a technology that enables ordinary Ethernet network cables to function as power cords. BCS’s article emphasizes the fact that this technology provides a small power source that is sent across the same Cat5 or higher cable as the data which cuts down on the need for an AC adapter, AC outlet and subsequent power cable for each device location. Mention is also made on the two standards in use today: PoE IEEE (News - Alert) 802.3af-2003 and PoE+ IEEE 802.3at-2009. PoE allows up to 15.4 Watts of power and PoE+, also known as PoE Plus, is capable of sending 25.5 Watts of power.