Siemens A580IP

If you are looking for an IP phone, then look no further. You can't go wrong with the Siemens A580IP

Main features of the A580IP

- dual mode functionality (supports both Internet and fixed-line calls)
- registers up to 6 handsets per base
- can support up to 6 VoIP (SIP) accounts
- can make 3 simultaneous calls (2 VoIP and 1 fixed-line calls)

You can get one for around $100 which is a worthwhile investment. Buy additional handsets if you need to use the phone in more than one room. With one base, you save electricity and a tidier setup. Think of a WiFi access point and you'll get the picture.

With 6 different SIP accounts, you can configure the handsets to receive incoming calls from different SIP accounts or share a SIP account with multiple handsets, and in any combination, depending on how you configure the 'Number Assignment'. If you configure a handset with multiple SIP accounts, then handsets will show which SIP account the incoming call is for. You can also configure it in such a way that a handset will make use of a different SIP account than the one it is assigned to receive an incoming call. Nice features there.

Everything can be done on the web. You need not even touch the handsets, accept to register it to the base and check the IP address assigned to the base. Once registered, configuration through the web interface is very easy and pretty straightforward. It won't take long before you are up and running with just these few steps.

- connect the base to your network
- power up both base and handset(s)
- register the handset(s) to base
- check the IP of the base from the handset
- log in to the base using its IP address to configure

Voice quality is superb, even when using the hands free. And the range is better than I expected. I could still hear clearly, more than 30 meters away from the base, which is more than enough for your home or your small office.

With multiple handsets, you can make handsets to handsets call and cut the need for additional intercom setup.

And does it work with Asterisk? Definitely.

All in all, this is a great product and kudos to Siemens for coming up with the A580IP.

http://gigaset.com/us/en/product/GIGASETA580IP.html