Best Wifi/DECT cordless phone

[MARLEY JAFFE]

We currently use Grandstream GXP2170 across our entire environment. All of our users are split among two different ring groups. We need a cordless solution for the retail space (mobile devices aren't allowed). Does anyone have a preference on either of the currently supported DECT (Yealink or Snom) options? If we would like to stay in the Grandstream family, how hard would it be to support the WP820 or the DP750 on 3CX?

Thanks for the help.

 

[eddv123]

3CX have never supported a full Wireless handset, but obviously the new Grandstream WiFi range would be the obvious choice for 2 reasons - Grandstream are generally a supported brand (but not these WiFi phones), and from what I hear are more cost effective than the more well known models such as Cisco and Spectralink.

Whilst on the Spectralink subject I have successfully deployed these with 3CX despite them being un-supported, they are great handsets but unfortunately are a quite pricey option.

Your DECT options (snom and Yealink) are as follows:

Yealink = cost effective but with limited features and options (good if you want just a bog standard DECT handset).

snom = More expensive, but offer multi-cell deployment for DECT which Yealink do not. Multi-cell is where you can roam between base stations with a live call.

Why cant your users simply utilize the 3CX soft-client on Android and IPhone instead ?

 

[cobaltit]

Best is subjective. If you want official 3CX support then use the supported devices. If you want to stick with Grandstream then stick with Grandstream. You are the one supporting/using it so you need to decide which route you want to go. 3CX works with any SIP standard compliant device. How hard it would be to support depends on your knowledge of 3CX and Grandstream devices.

 

[cobaltit]

@eddv123

The op stated he was looking for DECT and not WiFi. He also stated mobile devices are not allowed so the mobile client is not an option.

It's been a long time since I've done a WiFi phone but I've found that it's best for static phones (like a WiFi desk set). Otherwise DECT is usually a much better option since the manufacturer controls both ends (the base station and the handset).

Of your options I would do Yealink if you want supported and Grandstream if you want to stay with-in the same brand. Snom makes good devices but they just don't seem to go over well with my customers. Otherwise if you do need multi-cell as eddv123 mentions you could also look at Mitel if they still make SIP ones. I did a lot with the Aastra's for manufacturing environments where you needed IP rated devices with 'dead man' detection, etc and those worked well. I assume they still offer them under the Mitel name now. The Panasonic DECT stuff is what we have the most of out there because the early Yealink's just didn't resonate with customer and the Panasonic's had a better feel. The newer Yealinks have a better design.

 

[jofer]

I use Iserv in the dect enviroment, it does multicell and works perfect for us.

 

[leejor]

Keep in mind that because of different frequency use (worldwide), some DECT models may not be available in all markets.

 

[eddv123]

@cobaltit yes I missed the point about mobile but not WiFi, the name of the string is "Best Wifi/DECT cordless phone" so pure WiFi is still an option.

While you have mentioned it I believe Mitel, Avaya and other big names white label a WiFi type phone but cannot think of what the brand name is.

 

[cobaltit]

@eddv123

True, I wasn't looking at the subject, just the message. But for retail unless they already have a robust WiFi deployment for other purposes (sales tablets, inventory scanners, etc) I'd stick with DECT over WiFi.

 

[eddv123]

I would agree and say where I prefer the Yealink brand generally out of the 3CX supported range I would take the snom DECT over Yealink for quality reasons (albeit at a higher cost however).

They are however rebranded phones from a company called RTX, I like the ruggadized version they do as well.

 

[pitrickzul]

The new wifi grandstream was released in the summer right after Grandstream became officially supported, it could make the list soon imo

 

[eddv123]

And I have heard will be a lot cheaper than the likes of Spectralink and Cisco. With that being said I would be keen to hear of peoples experience with them.

This is Grandstream's first stab at pure WiFi phones so I would be interested to see if the price reflects the quality and reliability - if not I could see them being very popular very quickly.

I can confirm that Spectralink are a solid option regardless of price.

 

[pitrickzul]

They are already out, they are like 215$ cad

 

[MARLEY JAFFE]

I ended up out of the office for a bit after posting this so I was just able to catch up on all your comments. All the info and feedback provided is valuable and I will be taking it into consideration when picking.

 

[UnConundrum]

While not officially supported, we've been successful in getting the WP820's connected to 3CX. Official support would be nice

 

[dandenson]

The ultimate issue with ALL options is no BLF or rather no ability to park or retrieve a parked call.

DECT is essentially always better than WiFi because it's on it's own channels, no interference from other WiFi clients.

So for me, there really isn't a good answer. A grandstream ATA and a POTS DECT system is about as functional for much less cash.

 

[leejor]

Panasonic and Gigaset offer(ed) some commercial and consumer models at good price points. I have always been partial to handsets that use standard AAA rechargeables. I also believe that the Panasonic had/has an add-on repeater, for extended range, if that was/is a concern. Using an ATA with any DECT phone is going to be the most economical, it also depends on how much abuse the handsets are expected to take. You can buy a water resistant, toughened DECT handset, or you can buy a base that comes with six handsets and just keep replacing the one you are using as it stops working.
Every situation is going to be different.

 

[Jesse Amos]

I've only really used the Yealink dect phones. No complaints. I've got a baseball stadium that uses them for the ground crew, and with a couple of extenders they reach the outfield, inside the stadium and in the stands with no problem. That being said a grandstream HT814 and a POTS DECT handset would accomplish the same thing if I didn't need the extra range.

 

[computerservice2]

We use the Gigaset solution
1x Gigaset N720IP Dect Manager
7x Gigaset N720IP Dect Stations
15x Gigaset R650H Pro Dect Phones
Works great, provissioning with 3CX very simple. A Great solution