Wireless Headset Tutorial

							Wireless Headset Tutorial

Wireless Headsets provide mobility to roam (within a 30 to 300 foot range from
your desk) while on the phone. Without being tethered to your phone, you are free
to move about your office while continuing to talk hands -free. GBH carries a wide
array of wireless headset products.

Selecting the appropriate wireless headset can be very confusing. This tutorial is
designed to make this selection as easy as possible. While there are a number of
models to chose from, the choices are rela tively straightforward because most of
the products that are available are each designed to do one function very well,
thus it is especially important to determine what criteria is most important to you.

How to choose a Wireless Headset

There are several points to consider prior to making a purchase.

The key variables are:

   1. Application – how are you going to use it?
   2. Distance – how much range and clarity are required?
   3. Price – how much do you want to spend?
   4. Features – what features do you want and need?

1. Application

      How and where you will use your wireless headset dictates which product
       you will select. Application issues include the following:
      Do you want a truly wi reless headset? They are available as either
       completely wireless or with a headset that connects to a belt pack.
           o A completely wireless headset consists of a headset worn on your
               head that communicates with a base unit that attaches to your
               telephone with absolutely no wire between your headset and the
               phone. These headsets utilize the most sophisticated technology and
               are the most expensive.
           o Corded wireless headsets have a wire that connects the headset with
               a belt pack. The belt pack unit is independent of your phone and the
               communications link between the belt pack and the base unit
               attached to the phone is wireless. The term wireless headset
               generally means that it wireless from the belt pack to the receiving
               unit. These headsets are cost -effective and allow wireless mobility at
               a reasonable price.
      Do you need a wireless headset that works on a business or multi -line
       phone? If so, you are going to need a unit with an amplifier that is
       sophisticated enough to work with a variety of telephone sets. This is not a
       problem, most wired telephone headsets already work this way, but they do
       require a more sophisticated amplifier
      Do you need remote answer capability? If so, you need a handset lifter.
      Are there a large number of other wireless headset users in close proximity
       to you? If so, the number of users must be taken into consideration so that
       all users have access to a frequency and can have safe and secure
       communication.
2. Distance is a Function of Technology

The operating distance is a direct function of the wireless technology used.
Headsets are available that operate on different frequencies and come packed with
many different features. All wireless headsets wor k on the same principle, by
transmitting a signal between the headset (usually a belt -worn device) and the
base station. The frequencies used to transmit vary in terms of range and clarity.

The wireless technologies are:

      Bluetooth™
          o Bluetooth™ is a new, emerging wireless technology. Bluetooth™ is a wireless
              technology that has a specification for small-form factor, low-cost, short-range
              radio links between a variety of devices and it works particularly well with
              headsets.
      DECT

       o   DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) is a flexible digital radio
           access standard for cordless communications in residential, corporate and public
           environments. DECT provides for voice and multimedia traffic, and contains many
           forward-looking technical features that allow DECT-based cordless systems to play a
           central role in important new communications developments such as Internet access
           and inter-working with other fixed and wireless services such as ISDN and GSM.

           According to the DECT Forum, the new logo for the US "DECT 6.0 - Interference Free
           Communication" indicates that DECT 6.0 performance is superior to 2.4GHz and
           5.8GHz systems. The DECT technology can easily be integrated into WLAN systems
           without negative impact because DECT 6.0 resides in the UPCS band. The "listen
           before transmit"-standard avoids interference even when the spectrum usage
           increases. The rapid growth of WLAN and WiFi products supports the adoption of the
           DECT 6.0 technology in the US since the increasing proliferation of broadband
           services increases the interference in the ISM bands and affects therefore the
           demand for solutions like DECT 6.0.

      2.4 Gigahertz (GHz)
           o The most advanced wir eless headsets use the 2.4 GHz frequency. This
             superior technology provides extremely clear cordless reception at
             the longest ranges possible. These headsets are the most expensive
             because of their outstanding performance and long range. It uses a
             more recently allocated frequency that is less crowded, more secure
             and less likely to have interference from other devices. If you want
             the best sound quality and the longest range you need a 2.4 GHz
             wireless headset.
      900 Mhz
          o 900 MHz technology is a popular technology for wireless headsets.
             Wireless headsets that operate at this frequency are very cost
             effective and have good long -range performance. 900 MHz
             technology is widely used in co rdless phones and comes in both
             digital and analog versions. The latest version is digital 900 MHz
             technologies, which provides better transmission than analog
             because it transmits a digital signal less subject to interference.
             Digital 900 MHz also comes i n a version known as 900 MHz DSS
              (digital spread spectrum technology). This technology spreads the
              signals over multiple frequencies that provide better security, noise
              reduction, and extended range.

3. Price

The price of a wireless headset varies. Prices primarily correspond to the wireless
technology utilized. The ability to answer or disconnect remotely requires the use
of a hook-switch control device, which can also add to the cost of your wireless
headset.

4. Features

Important features include the f ollowing:

      Ability to work on multi -line phones
           o Wireless headsets are compatible with most business phone systems.
               The wireless converter takes the place of the headset amplifier.
               Some of the wireless headsets plug directly into the wall jack. For
               information concerning compatibility please contact our Sales
               Department.
      Flexible headset style
           o Wireless amplifiers allow flexibility concerning the headset style.
               These products include just the wireless amplifier. The user is then
               allowed to choose the headse t style they prefer. Other wireless
               headset products are bundled in "systems." These products include
               the standard headset with the wireless amplifier.
      Maximum number of units
           o The number of other units can be used in close proximity varies
               depending on product and environment. In some situations, up to 50
               units can be used in one area. For more information on the maximum
               number of units can be used in your application, please contact our
               Sales Department.
      Talk time/Battery life
           o Wireless headsets have a battery life of four to eight hours,
               depending on the product. Most wireless headset bases are equipped
               with an additional recharging area for an additional battery. By
               charging a battery while using the headset, battery life will not be an
               issue.
      Remote Dial Capability
           o Most wireless headsets do not have a dialpad to initiate outgoing
               calls while remote, they rely on the desktop phone to originate new
               calls.
      Remote answer capability
           o All wireless headsets let you take an already answered phone call
               and talk on your wireless headset. The most sophisticated wireless
               headsets let you answer calls remotely. They do this by using a
               Handset Lifter/Hook switch. These products allow you to answer calls
               away from your desk by a device that lifts the handset on your
               phone.
For a complete list of wireless headsets from GBH, please visit our
wireless headset section.