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Wireless Headsets Overview

cordless headset

Wireless headsets (also known as DECT headsets) are often confused with Bluetooth telephony headsets as they both give you the freedom to move around the office while talking on the telephone. You are no longer tethered to your desk. They are both described as "wireless" or "cordless", which is even more confusing. They both "talk" to base cradles.

However, before purchasing a wireless headset you need to understand the significant differences between the Wireless and Bluetooth families.


Wireless vs Bluetooth

The first difference to consider is RANGE. Wireless headsets have a range of 100 metres (300 feet). However, Bluetooth headsets only have an official range of 10 metres (30 feet). So if you need to move a reasonable distance from your desk you need to have a Wireless headset.


These distances are influenced by your office environment - your walls (and what they are made out of) may reduce the actual range that you can achieve, open areas (i.e. line of sight) may actually help you get further than the official figures.

The next major difference is CONNECTIVITY. A Wireless headset can only connect to its telephone base cradle - although in some makes multiple headsets can simultaneously connect to the same base. A Bluetooth headset can connect with up to 7 different devices (including its telephony base cradle of course).


Current Wireless Headset Models

All major headset manufacturers now offer Wireless headsets. GN Netcom has the GN 9120, Plantronics the CS40 and CS60 and AddCom has the Freestate.

All Wireless headsets have an optional handset lifter that enables you to answer telephone calls while you are away from your desk. These devices work by being fitted on your telephone, underneath the handset. When you phone rings your headset beeps at you.

Simply pressing a button on your headset causes the handset lifter to rise, lifting the handset, and you can converse with the caller. You press the button at the end of the call and the handset lifter lowers the handset back onto the telephone hanging up the call.

This lifter is the same as that used by the Bluetooth headset of the same brand. Thus it can be re-used if you happen to change cordless headset types.


New Wireless Headsets

Plantronics are in the process of bringing out two new Wireless Headset models:
  • New CS70 Wireless Headset CS70 - to quote Plantronics, "The Plantronics CS70 breaks new ground in wireless headset design, offering an extremely comfortable and stylish headset that does not compromise sound quality. The first wireless office headset to combine the benefits of hands-free mobility with sophisticated style, the CS70 enables the user to be fully engrossed in conversation while accomplishing supporting tasks — up to 100 metres away from their desk.

    The CS70 features a very discrete form factor and is extremely lightweight to provide all-day wearing comfort. The headset is built on the new standard of digitally encrypted, voice-dedicated DECT™ 6.0 technology to provide exceptional audio quality and lower interference with other wireless devices including wireless networks (WiFi/802.11)".


  • New CS351 SupraPlus Wireless Headset CS351 SupraPlus Wireless - to quote Plantronics "Based on Plantronics’ leading SupraPlus corded headset, the new CS351 SupraPlus Wireless System is aligned particularly to the needs of contact centre supervisors, IT helpdesk professionals and others that spend considerable time on the phone.

    The SupraPlus Wireless System allows these users to ‘cut-the-cord’ on existing headsets to provide greater flexibility during their work day. The SupraPlus Wireless is the first Binaural wireless headset available and provides up to 10 hours of talk time while harnessing DECT 6.0 technology to provide best-inclass audio quality and digital security during conversations".

Troubleshooting

The latest models of telephony Wireless headsets are very reliable - the earlier versions had problems but don't let that worry you, they have all now been rectified.

The most frequent problem that occurs now is "loss of pairing". This happens when the headset stops talking to the base cradle. From our experience, this only happens infrequently (mainly when the base cradle loses power while the headset is not in it's cradle). But, when it does, you lose all use of your headset - this is very disconcerting. DONT PANIC. The fix is very easy. You simply ensure that the headset is charged and undertake a process that re-establishes the pairing (i.e. connectivity).

The pairing procedure is different for each headset model. However, courtesy of AAAHeadsets, Pairing Documents for various headsets are below.


Pairing Documents

To restore your headset pairing, download the correct PDF file for your headset and follow the instructions:

Plantronics CS60 Wireless Headsets
GN Netcom GN9120 Wireless Headsets








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