What is an IP phone system?
An IP phone system uses your office network and internet connection to handle calls, replacing the traditional copper telephone line and proprietary keyphone hardware. Calls travel as data packets over IP; the same way email and web traffic moves. This allows staff to receive calls at their desk phone, on a laptop, or on a mobile phone, all on the same office extension number, from any location with an internet connection.
What is the difference between a keyphone and an IP PBX?
A keyphone system is a proprietary, closed platform; hardware, handsets, and lines are all from one manufacturer and work only with each other. An IP PBX is an open SIP-standard platform that works with any SIP handset, any SIP trunk provider, and any SIP intercom. When Panasonic or NEC discontinue their keyphone lines, their customers are left with no migration path. When you run a Yeastar IP PBX, you can change providers, add handsets, or link to other systems without replacing the core platform.
Can I keep my existing office number when switching to IP?
Almost always yes. Number porting transfers your existing Singtel or StarHub business number to the new SIP trunk; customers continue calling the same number. The porting process takes time and requires coordination with your existing provider, which is why we initiate it early in every migration. We run the old and new systems in parallel during the porting window so no calls are lost during cutover.
What is SIP trunking?
A SIP trunk is a virtual telephone line that runs over your broadband connection instead of the old copper PSTN network. Singtel offers SIP5 (5 concurrent call channels) and SIP10 (10 channels) for Singapore businesses. Call costs over SIP are typically lower than PSTN equivalents, there are no physical lines to maintain, and capacity is adjusted by changing your plan rather than installing new cables. Most DID numbers can be ported from PSTN to SIP without changing the number.
Can staff answer office calls on their mobile phone?
Yes. The Yeastar Linkus app turns any smartphone, laptop, or tablet into a fully featured office extension. Staff make and receive calls on their office number from anywhere with an internet connection. A customer calling the office number rings the desk phone and the Linkus app simultaneously; staff can answer on either without the caller knowing which device was used. Calls can also be flipped between desk phone and mobile mid-conversation without interruption.
Can I use my existing network cabling for IP phones?
Usually yes. IP phones connect to standard Cat5e or Cat6 network points; the same cabling used for computers. If your office already has network points at every desk, the IP phones typically use the same infrastructure. PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches supply power through the network cable, eliminating the need for separate power adaptors. Where additional network points are needed, we run structured cabling as part of the installation scope.
How long does an IP phone migration take?
A standard office migration of 10–30 extensions typically takes 2–3 weeks from proposal approval, including number porting lead time. Larger installations or those requiring custom IVR, call recording, or CRM integration typically take 4–6 weeks. The porting timeline is partly determined by the existing provider; we manage this end-to-end and keep you informed of progress throughout.
Can an IP phone system work if the internet fails?
The SIP trunk depends on internet connectivity, if your internet fails, outbound and inbound calls via the SIP trunk will not work. However, internal calls between extensions continue to function normally over the local network. For businesses where telephone availability is critical, a backup 4G/LTE failover for the internet connection is a practical solution; the Yeastar PBX continues routing calls over the backup connection automatically when the main link drops.
Should I choose cloud PBX or on-premise PBX?
An on-premise Yeastar appliance is fully functional even without internet access, gives you direct control over configuration, and has no ongoing hosting fee beyond the annual software subscription. A cloud-hosted Yeastar PBX has lower upfront hardware cost, is managed remotely by the provider, and is easier to scale. For most Singapore offices of 10–50 extensions, an on-premise appliance is more cost-effective over 3–5 years. For offices with multiple branches or unpredictable growth, cloud hosting offers more flexibility.
Can IP phones integrate with intercom systems?
Yes. Akuvox door stations register as SIP extensions on the Yeastar PBX; a visitor pressing the intercom at the lobby rings the reception handset and the manager's Linkus app simultaneously. The receptionist can see the visitor on the intercom camera, speak to them, and release the door from the same desk phone used for external calls. One system, one call log, one point of management.
Will my existing Singtel business number change if I migrate to IP?
No; your existing number is ported to the new SIP trunk and continues working as before. Customers call the same number, reach the same extensions, and the business continuity is maintained throughout the cutover. The only scenario where a number might change is if the number is on an infrastructure type that cannot be ported, which we confirm during the initial assessment before any work begins.
