In today’s business landscape, the majority of employees aren’t always sitting at their desks. They’re collaborating with colleagues, moving around the office, working on the frontline, or even operating remotely. Because of this, the tools we use to communicate have begun to evolve, with a stronger focus on mobility and freedom.
Wireless business handsets and phones come in various forms to suit virtually every company’s needs. Some are designed specifically for certain environments, like healthcare or construction. Others are intended to mimic the features of a standard smartphone with added enterprise features such as improved range and solid sound quality.
When it comes to choosing the right endpoint, business leaders often start by focusing on one specific area: connectivity. Wi-Fi and DECT are the most common solutions chosen to empower and enable desk-less or mobile workers on the move.
The question is, which option is best?
DECT vs Wi-Fi: What are Wi-Fi Handsets?
Most people are familiar with the concept of “Wi-Fi” or “Wireless Fidelity”. Wi-Fi is essentially a collection of wireless network protocols used for local area networking and internet access. Via Wi-Fi in a phone or handset, employees can access SIP and VoIP networks used for communication over the web. The Wi-Fi connection eliminates the need for traditional hardwired connections.
Wi-Fi devices are popular for a multitude of reasons. Most companies already have their own wireless network in place. This means they can easily connect their employees to the network they’re already using and provide staff with access to a wide range of features. There’s no need to set up an exclusive network for new handsets, and the technology is relatively cost-effective.
“Providing the market with options to fit their legacy environments and budget constraints is critical to ensure competitiveness and propel innovation. At Spectralink we offer a complete range of DECT devices and solutions as well as Wi-Fi and LTE-enabled handsets that respond to a wide range of evolving and unique customer needs,” said Julien Bertheuil, Manging Director EMEA at Spectralink Corporation.
Scaling a cordless communication landscape with Wi-Fi is relatively simple. As long as there’s a signal in range, phones can make and receive calls. It’s even possible for Wi-Fi handsets to integrate with collaboration and UC tools like Microsoft Teams.
The Benefits of Wi-Fi Devices
Wi-Fi devices are inherently scalable, flexible solutions for mobile communication. They’re easy to install, and it’s possible to add as many phones as necessary to a network with minimal effort. Thanks to advanced roaming technology and network management tools offered by leading Wi-Fi hardware vendors, it’s possible to ensure exceptional call quality too.
Wi-Fi devices, when chosen correctly, can offer benefits such as:
- Excellent usability: Wi-Fi devices can be very similar to the standard smartphone most employees are already familiar with. This makes it easier for new employees to adapt to the technology without any training. It also ensures professionals can access a wide range of features, like internet access and connectivity to business apps.
- Integrations: Leading Wi-Fi hardware vendors ensure their devices can integrate with the latest software solutions used by businesses, including UCaaS services and collaboration apps. This ensures employees can easily access all the features they need to stay productive on the move without having to switch to a desktop.
- Simplicity: As mentioned above, Wi-Fi devices are relatively easy to set up, configure, and install. Leading technologies can be configured in a matter of seconds. Plus, they offer access to a range of easy-to-use tools, like touch screens, smart displays, and more.
- Durability: Wi-Fi devices are often used by businesses in high-pressure and busy environments, so durability has to extend beyond what is found in traditional devices. They also need to be lightweight and easy to use for people who are on the go all day
“If workers need to be outside the main facility, such as when providing healthcare in the community, delivering curb side orders, or walking between buildings, an LTE-enabled device ensures the user is always connected,” Bertheuil added.
“Wi-Fi over LTE in fact allows users to seamlessly switch between Wi-Fi and LTE calls so they never miss a call or notification and are always able to reach out to their team to share essential information.
“Keeping this seamless connection active brings productivity benefits but also ensures that workers are always able to call for help should they need it. In fact, enterprise grade devices with built-in safety features can be a real game changer in many work environments.
Wi-Fi vs DECT: What are DECT Devices?
DECT solutions (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) provide access to communication and collaboration features via a secure, reliable wireless standard. DECT is essential to landline telephony what Wi-Fi is to the internet. The technology was specifically designed for communication applications, and it operates on its own isolated frequency. This means connections aren’t disrupted by objects, walls, or other obstructions.
While DECT devices may require a little more setup than the average Wi-Fi solution, they can offer a lot of the same benefits, as well as a few unique advantages. For instance, DECT phones can also come in a range of styles and shapes to suit every business vertical. Some are even custom-made to withstand complex and dangerous environments.
DECT can connect with the software solutions employees already use, such as Microsoft Teams, and they provide phenomenal ease of use to end users. What’s more, some solutions even come with their own software, which allows business leaders to monitor, configure, and provision tools remotely.
The Benefits of DECT Devices
Even as Wi-Fi devices become increasingly popular in the mobile workplace, DECT remains one of the most valuable go-to options for many brands. DECT solutions provide companies with exceptional scale, reliability, and security. In fact, the security of a DECT phone is often far greater than that of a Wi-Fi device because it has its own wireless frequency.
Other major benefits of DECT devices include the following:
- Stability: DECT offers fantastic reliability and stability, which often can’t be matched by Wi-Fi systems. The purpose-built standard was built for communications, meaning companies can rely on excellent results in any situation. Plus, Wi-Fi connections aren’t hampered by physical objects, so there’s less need for multiple access points.
- Separate frequencies: Because DECT devices work on a separate frequency, they’re removed from the WLAN environment. This can help companies to separate their voice and data traffic and reduce the risk of bandwidth issues and lag.
- Security: DECT comes with access to a huge range of security protocols, particularly when the DECT devices are created by the right vendor. The right solutions can offer authentication, identification, and encryption features.
Which is Better: DECT or Wi-Fi?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for choosing the perfect connectivity standard for a mobile communication strategy. Both DECT and Wi-Fi solutions can offer excellent benefits to businesses. However, they tend to have their own specific use cases.
Wi-Fi certainly offers simplicity and user-friendliness to companies who simply want to connect their workers. However, DECT provides a higher level of security, stability, and flexibility helping to connect workers in both desk based and mobile environments of every type. Either solution can offer fantastic results for a range of companies. The key to making the right choice is assessing the business landscape carefully and working with the correct vendors.
