The Gigaset line of cordless Sip Dect phones are finally starting to become more popular in SA. The Gigaset A580iP model is the entry-level system in the line-up. The Gigaset A580IP brings with it the possibility of calling over IP into the cordless domain.

The Gigaset A580IP system installs with one DECT base and a set of up to five A58H handsets. The starter system comes with the base and one handset. You can add up to five additional handsets to suit your specific needs. You are able to mix and match handsets, using the entry level A58H, middle of the range S68H or high-end SL78H all on the same DECT base.

The DECT base is a little black box measuring 132 x 107 x 46mm. You can mount on a wall or simply stand on a shelf or desk.

The Gigaset DECT base has an RJ-11 connector for one analog phone line and a RJ-45 for connection to your network.

The status indicator on the DECT base is a square blue button on the front. This lights up when a handset is actively on a call, and is also used when registering handsets to the base, and when paging handsets that you might have left somewhere in the office or house.

Getting the system initially setup is relatively simple. You plug it into your network and apply power. It will use DHCP to fetch an IP address from your router. The first time you power it up you need to find out what that address is so that you can obtain access to the systems web management portal. Most routers will report on the current DCHP clients making this a simple matter of looking at your routers DCHP table.

Pointing a web browser at the devices IP address you will be greeted with a login screen to the management portal. This portal is protected by a four-digit pin code. The default is simply “0000.” For security reasons it should be changed to something less obvious once you get logged in.

The ability to integrate broadband calling into your daily life using the Gigaset A58IP proves simple.

The A580IP is a really an inexpensive product and bearing this in mind it excels in many areas. It does such a good job that you might start to expect more business oriented features.

The Gigaset A580IP is a fine phone system for use in a SOHO and while it might lack some business class features it’s still outstanding value, and an excellent way to get started using broadband telephony.