5.8 GHz Cordless Phones
5.8 GHz Cordless Phones Overview
The 5.8 GHz cordless phones, also called fourth generation phones, work on the frequencies between 5.725 GHz and 5.850 GHz. However some 5.8 GHz cordless phones use the 5.8 GHz frequencies base-to-handset transmissions only and use the 2.4 GHz frequencies for handset to base transmissions. This technique of using different frequencies for transmission and reception provides improved battery life for handset as transmission of 2.4 GHz frequency from handset requires lesser power than 5.8 GHz frequency. The range provided by 5.8 GHz phone varies from 300 to 2000 feet depending on the environment. The 5.8 GHz cordless phones use Frequency-Hopping Digital Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology.
The 5.8 GHz phone uses the same band as 802.11a wireless LAN system. However the 802.11a is not very popular due to its much higher cost as well as availability and used in homes. 802.11a is mostly used by corporate. Thus the chances of interference are less in case of home users. The 5.8 GHz phones provide better voice performance than 900 MHz counter part and are less prone to interference. Thus people using WiFi, baby monitor may buy 5.8 GHz cordless phone to avoid chances of interference with these gadgets. The 5.8 GHz being the latest entrant area also the costliest and are sold as premium phones.
5.8 Ghz Cordless Phone Features
Following are some of the advance features available on 5.8 GHz cordless phones:
- Digital answering machine with around 15 min of recording time.
- Speakerphone is in the base as well as each handset
- Caller ID with around 50 numbers storage
- Phone book with capacity of more than 50 entries.
- Multiple handsets
- Two line phones with conferencing facility.
- Speed dial
- Ringer volume control
- LCD display with backlit.
- Lighted keypads.
- 40-channel auto-scan
- Intercom
Main manufacturers of 5.8 GHz cordless phones are AT&T, Uniden, Panasonic, GE, VTech, Motorola, Northwestern Bell.
