How to choose a Grandstream SIP phone - in general and in particular?



    I work as an engineer at Factor Group , a Grandstream distributor, and participate in pre-sale consultations for various projects. Our clients are not only advanced companies, but also beginners. Therefore, I often talk not only about the lines of Grandstream devices, but also about some basic principles of SIP telephony. And the result of my consultations and my support was this article. I tried to tell both general information and interesting details. I hope the information will be interesting - this is my first experience writing articles.

    So, if you decide to switch to SIP-telephony, or want to replace a failed or outdated device with a new one, then you will certainly need IP-phones. This article is written to help you understand the whole range of Grandstream Networks phone lines and choose the best device for yourself or your employees.

    Grandstream has 6 categories of IP phones - Basic, Mid-Range, High-End, Premium, DECT and Wi-Fi phones. In this article I will analyze three categories of IP phones - Basic, Mid-Range and High-End. They differ in price range, appearance and, of course, functionality. Phones of the High-End category, for example, have the greatest functionality, have a presentable appearance, but they also have a corresponding price range. But we will go in order and consider each category separately.

    Basic IP Phones


    Figure 1. Basic IP Phones

    The GXP1600 Series of IP Phones is designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as for home users. These simple devices have a friendly interface, support for all the basic functions of IP telephony, as well as maximum ease of use.

    This category of phones consists of six models: GXP1610, GXP1615, GXP1620, GXP1625, GXP1628, GXP1630.
    Figure 2. GXP1610 / GXP1615

    GXP1610 and GXP1615 phones differ from each other only in that the GXP1615 has PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) technology support, which allows powering the device from a network cable, in addition to the power supply. Compared to other devices of the categories we are considering, only these phones have no backlight and no support for HD Audio.

    These models support one SIP account and two lines, which will allow them to assign one extension number and process two calls simultaneously. They also support three-way audio conferencing and have dual 10 / 100Mbps network interface (LAN and PC). Using the PC connector is very convenient if only one computer is connected to the local network at the employee’s workplace. When you connect a computer with a network cable to the PC phone port, the phone will act as a switch and an additional port on the main switch will not be required. Absolutely all phones of the Basic, Mid-Range, High-End and Premium categories support this mode.

    Another feature that is available on all Grandstream desk phones is the RJ9 headset port. But you need to make a small reservation. The manufacturer itself has tested many types of headsets. Their support is guaranteed and you can study this list for phones of the 16th series here , and for all other phones here .
    Figure 3. GXP1620 / GXP1625 The

    GXP1620 and GXP1625 phones also differ only in that the GXP1625 has PoE technology support. And I note that of all the lines of phones, only two models - GXP1610 and GXP1620 do not have support for this technology.

    The GXP1620 and GXP1625 models support two SIP accounts and two lines, have a backlight, HD Audio support, three-way audio conferencing and dual 10 / 100Mbps network interface.
    Figure 4. GXP1628

    The GXP1628 model is similar to the GXP1625 model except for eight MPK keys (Multi-Purpose Keys) with the BLF function, which allows you to monitor the state of employment of telephones of your colleagues. Multi-tasking MPK keys allow you to perform the most common actions with one touch. As a rule, these keys are assigned a quick call to the most frequently dialed subscribers, or a call transfer, which eliminates the need to store telephone numbers in memory and does not waste time searching for them in the phone book. The presence of shortcut keys greatly facilitates the daily work with the IP-phone, especially for employees making many phone calls. Also, this model differs from the GXP1625 by the presence of a gigabit network port.
    Figure 5. GXP1630

    And the GXP1630 model is similar to the GXP1628, but also has its own differences. GXP1630 has support for three SIP accounts, three lines and can organize a four-way audio conference.

    For convenience, I will give a general comparison table for the category of Basic IP phones:

    Table 1. Comparison of Basic IP phones
    Parameter / Model
    GXP1610 / GXP1615
    GXP1625 / GXP1620
    Gxp1628
    Gxp1630
    Screen backlight
    Not
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    PoE Support
    No Yes
    No Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    Number of lines
    2
    2
    2
    3
    Number of SIP Accounts
    1
    2
    2
    3
    HD audio
    Not
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    BLF keys
    Not
    Not
    8
    8
    Conference call
    3
    3
    3
    4
    Network interfaces
    10/100 Mbps
    10/100 Mbps
    10/100/1000
    Mbps
    10/100/1000
    Mbps

    Mid-Range IP Phones


    Figure 6. Mid-Range IP Phones The

    GXP1700 Series IP Phones are designed for small and medium businesses. These stylish devices have all the necessary capabilities that are in demand in growing organizations. At the same time, the devices of the GXP1700 series have a reasonable price, which reduces the burden on the budget of companies. In addition to functionality and price, the phones have an excellent design and thoughtful ergonomics, so working with them is a pleasure.

    This category of phones consists of four phones: GXP1760, GXP1760w, GXP1780 and GXP1782. I’ll note right away that the GXP1760w phone has a built-in dual-band Wi-Fi module, so it belongs to Wi-Fi phones and we will look at it in more detail in another article.
    Figure 7. GXP1760 Let's

    start with the GXP1760. This model has a two-color LCD screen with backlight, support for three SIP-accounts, six lines and the ability to organize a five-way audio conference. Six keys on the sides of the display and the ability to switch four pages on the home screen with the left and right navigation keys give a total of 24 virtual BLF keys
    Figure 8. BLF keys

    For personalization options, the GXP1760 supports various ringtones, as well as Web applications such as weather forecasts. The GXP1760 is also equipped with a Kensington Security Slot to prevent it from being stolen from public places such as checkpoints, hotel halls, reception areas and others. Two 10/100 Mbit / s ports are used to connect to the network, the device can be configured via the Web-interface, as well as using various auto-tuning technologies:

    • Auto Provisioning when using IP-PBX from Grandstream;
    • self-loading .xml configuration files through DHCP option 66;
    • support for auto-tuning services 3CX and Broadsoft;
    • Grandstream Automated Provisioning System (GAPS) is an automated system that allows IT administrators and telecom operators to directly and securely control device provisioning and optimizes the massive deployment of Grandstream products from a central control panel.

    Figure 9. GXP1780 / 1782

    The GXP1780 differs from the GXP1760 in that it has support for four SIP accounts and eight lines. This model has eight physical BLF keys, and the ability to turn over the home screen gives 32 virtual BLF keys. The GXP1782 differs from the GXP1780 only in a gigabit network interface.

    In addition to the RJ9 port for connecting a headset, the 1700 series phones have a separate EHS port for external EHS adapters.

    Figure 10. Port for EHS adapters

    For convenience, I will give a general comparison table for the category of Mid-Range IP phones:

    Table 2. Comparison of Mid-Range IP phones
    Parameter / Model
    Gxp1760
    Gxp1780
    Gxp1782
    Screen backlight
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    PoE Support
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    Number of lines
    6
    8
    8
    Number of SIP Accounts
    3
    4
    4
    HD audio
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    BLF keys (physical / virtual)
    6/24
    8/32
    8/32
    Conference call
    5
    5
    5
    Network interfaces
    10 / 100Mbps
    10 / 100Mbps
    10/100 / 1000Mbps

    High-End IP Phones


    Figure 11. High-End IP Phones The

    high - quality GXP2100 Series IP Phones are designed for users who need advanced telephony features. These devices have rich functionality. Features such as a high-quality HD speaker, a clear color display, the ability to customize your desktop wallpaper, various BLF key combinations and support for additional expansion panels, built-in Bluetooth, PoE, gigabit network ports on all models - all these are the distinguishing characteristics of advanced IP phones of the series GXP2100.

    This category includes 5 phone models: GXP2130, GXP2135, GXP2140, GXP2160 and GXP2170.
    Figure 12. GXP2130

    The first model in this line is the GXP2130. This phone has a 2.8-inch color LCD with a resolution of 320x240 pixels. It supports three lines and three SIP accounts and provides the ability to arrange a four-way audio conference. A distinctive feature of this phone is the presence of eight MPK keys with BLF function. However, by analogy with Mid-Range phones, High-End devices also have the ability to configure the BLF virtual keys. The presence of three physical keys to the left of the display and four pages for scrolling give a total of 12 virtual BLF keys in addition to eight MPK keys.

    Figure 13. BLF keys

    I will tell you separately why Bluetooth is needed in phones of this series. Support for Bluetooth technology is present in all High-End phones of the 21XX series and significantly expands the capabilities of the phone. To begin with, you can connect an external Bluetooth-headset, which will save you from “binding” to the phone, as happens when using wired headsets. In addition, it is possible to connect a mobile phone to the IP-phone.

    Figure 14. Mobile phone account

    With this scheme, the IP phone itself will act as the headset for the cell phone. When connected, the “account” of the mobile phone will automatically appear on the IP phone, and it will be possible to make calls from the IP phone without using a mobile phone, this is the so-called Hands-free mode. Incoming calls to a mobile phone will also be displayed on the IP phone. And if you need to call a contact that already exists on your mobile phone, you can help the ability to synchronize contacts between IP-phone and mobile phone via Bluetooth.
    Figure 15. GXP2135

    The next model is the GXP2135. It differs from the previous one in the number of lines, SIP accounts, the presence of a larger number of BLF keys and the absence of MPK keys. This phone supports eight lines, and four SIP accounts. There are eight BLF keys on this phone, and the ability to scroll the home screen increases the number of these keys to 32.
    Figure 16. GXP2140

    The last three models of the GXP2140, GXP2160 and GXP2170 phones have an enlarged screen. Its dimensions: 4.3 inches and a resolution of 480x272 pixels. The GXP2140 supports four lines, four SIP accounts and can organize a five-way audio conference. Four keys to the left of the screen with the BLF function, by analogy with other models, make it possible to create 16 virtual BLF keys.

    A distinctive feature of this model is that you can connect the GXP2200EXT expansion panel to it.

    Figure 17. GXP2200EXT
    Figure 18. GXP2140 and GXP2200EXT The

    GXP2200EXT is an optional keypad with a graphical LCD display that provides additional functionality, flexibility, and scalability to the Grandstream GXP2140, GXP2170, and GXV3240 IP telephones. The module has a large 128 x 384 graphic LCD display and 20 programmable keys (each key can glow in two colors), and the ability to switch the screen gives 40 keys on one panel. In total, up to four GXP2200EXT panels can be connected to Grandstream IP phones. Thus, up to 160 shortcut keys are supported when using 4 expansion modules. The expansion module is connected, receives power and is controlled by the phone, providing additional functionality immediately after connecting the module.
    Figure 19. GXP2160

    Our next phone is the GXP2160. It supports six lines, six SIP accounts and the organization of a five-way audio conference. The six BLF keys to the left of the screen and the ability to scroll the home screen add up to 24 virtual BLF keys. This phone does not support the connection of an additional extension panel, but it has a similar integrated panel. It has 24 MPK keys with a BLF function.
    Figure 20. GXP2170

    Our top-end Grandstream GXP2170 IP phone supports 12 lines, 6 independent SIP accounts and is able to organize a five-way audio conference. Thanks to the 12 keys with the BLF function on the sides of the screen and the ability to scroll, you can configure up to 48 virtual BLF keys. This phone also supports the connection of an additional extension panel GXP2200EXT, which makes it perfect for employees who actively use telephone communications in their work.

    And so that you can clearly see the differences between the phones of this series, I will again give a comparison table:

    Table 3. Comparison of High-End IP Phones
    Parameter / Model
    Gxp2130
    Gxp2135
    Gxp2140
    Gxp2160
    Gxp2170
    Screen size
    2.8 inches, 320x240 pixels.
    2.8 inches, 320x240 pixels.
    4.3 inches, 480x272 pixels.
    4.3 inches, 480x272 pixels.
    4.3 inches, 480x272 pixels.
    PoE Support
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    Yes
    Number of lines
    3
    8
    4
    6
    12
    Number of SIP Accounts
    3
    4
    4
    6
    6
    BLF keys (physical / virtual)
    3/12 + 8 MPK
    8/32
    4/16
    6/24 + 24 MPK
    12/48
    Conference call
    4
    4
    5
    5
    5
    Ability to connect the GXP2200EXT panel
    Not
    Not
    Yes
    Not
    Yes

    Equipment


    Figure 21. GXP1610

    telephone set The telephone set always includes:

    1. Telephone set
    2. Handset
    3. Cable for tube
    4. Power supply, regardless of whether the phone supports PoE technology
    5. Phone stand
    6. Power cord
    7. Quick installation instructions with a section in Russian
    8. Brochure

    In addition to the above, all phones mentioned in this article have the possibility of wall mounting.

    About Factor Group


    At the end of the article, I would like to talk about our company Factor group .

    The main direction of our activity is the supply of technological solutions and equipment of leading world manufacturers for the telecommunications industry. Factor group is Value Added Distributor (VAD) and offers consulting services, pre-design and design work, pre-sale consultations, support during installation of equipment and during commissioning, training of specialists, as well as warranty and post-warranty service, product versions update, repair and replacement equipment, including outsourcing. Factor group has a large partner network in Russia and the CIS and operates on the classic two-level sales system with minimal competitive risks between partners. Our partners are leading system integrators, regional resellers and agents.

    Our advantages in the direction of Grandstream


    Warehouse program and marketing:


    • availability of own warehouse and work on the basis of the warehouse program;
    • the ability to reserve equipment for projects;
    • the possibility of holding joint events aimed at promoting goods or services;
    • regular participation in relevant events.

    Expertise and design support:


    • product portfolio, consisting of solutions that are leaders in their segments;
    • technical specialists trained and trained by the manufacturer;
    • product support, assistance in the formation of technical requirements (RFI, RFP, TT, TK);
    • partner project pre-sale support, including presentations and technical consultations;
    • support for pilot projects (PoC) and product demonstrations;
    • project protection.

    Technical support and service:


    • providing comprehensive technical support to partners and customers;
    • prompt incident response according to the manufacturer's SLA;
    • availability of own service warehouse;
    • certified experts of expert level;
    • Consultation and Quality Assurance at partner sites.

    Our principles of work:


    • current balances in the public domain on our B2B portal;
    • the possibility of obtaining affiliate prices after registration;
    • minimum affiliate price regardless of the amount of purchase;
    • special program for registration and protection of projects.

    If you are interested in solutions, you can contact us - Factor Group company, Grandstream distributor. It is enough to write in free form to grandstream@fgts.ru .

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