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Home > Services > Telephones, Fax & Paging > Telephones > What is VoIP?

Telephones

What is VoIP?

VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, is the transmission of voice conversations over a data network. NSIT uses Cisco IP phones, and we consequently use the term IP Phones interchangeably with VoIP. For an overview of IP phones at the University of Chicago, see our Introduction.

What are the benefits of VoIP?

Organizationally, there are significant benefits of implementing a VoIP system, such as simplifying our infrastructure, reducing our eventual costs as the world migrates to VoIP, and keeping up with technological trends.

For the individual, IP phones offer certain features beyond those of the traditional phone. These features allow you to manage your calls, to access services, and to enjoy additional handy tools. In addition to the features you already have on your traditional phone, all of our IP phones provide these features:

• An LCD display allows you to view more information about who the call is to or from, the duration of the call, and other calls waiting to be answered.
• You can search the University Directory on your IP phone and then dial the number with a single button.
• Easily accessible Call Logs allow you to view missed, received, and placed calls. You can clear these logs at any time. You can also call a number from your Call Log with a single button.
• Your IP phone uses "softkeys" for accessing call features and options. Softkeys may change according to what you're doing, allowing the phone to provide new options based on the status of your call.
• The iDivert feature allows you to divert a call you cannot immediately answer directly to voicemail with a single button.
• The Join feature allows you to join two or more independent calls to create a conference call.
• The Direct Transfer feature allows you to connect two calls to each other, without remaining on the line.
• An improved redial feature allows you to redial the last number, even if it is an on-campus number.

Significant Differences

Some features are significantly different between traditional phones and the IP phones. See below for details about these differences.

• Authcodes: To place a long-distance call on an IP phone, dial 8 + 1 + area code + 7-digit phone number. After the tone, enter your 6-digit authcode.

• Headsets: If you use a headset with your traditional phone and you would like to use it with your IP phone, you will need special equipment for your phone. Please send an email to 29100@uchicago.edu with the manufacturer and model number of your headset. For a list of our recommended headsets, visit our Headsets page.

Updates and Service Interruption

From time to time, NSIT will perform maintenance on your IP phone, which may reset your phone. You will be notified via email in the event of any service interruptions, downtimes, or outages that occur during business hours. Regarding updates:

• These updates will be done after hours.

• If you are on a phone call during an update, your phone will not be reset and you will not be disconnected. Your phone will be reset when you hang up.

Phone Comparisons

For more information

To see our available IP phone models, visit our Telephone Catalog.

To see the user guides, visit our User Guides section.

For more information about our VoIP service, see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Questions, Comments, or Requests

Call NSIT Client Services and Support at 773-702-9100, option 4.

To submit feedback or comments about VoIP, please email us at feedback-ipvoice@lists.uchicago.edu or submit our Feedback Form to send comments now.

Last updated: 9/2/09