Grandstream GXP-2000 is a hardphone, which use the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) for Voice over IP calls. It is announced as an Enterprise phone, but because of its low price and easy configuration, it could be used at home as well. Also the good news is that the look and the functionality of the new GXP-2000 are much better than the ones of the old Grandstream phones of the BudgeTone 100 series

Configuration

The phone could be configured in two ways. Through the menu buttons placed on the front panel or through the Web Interface. The Web Interface gives you more possibilities, but if you want to make just a few small changes like the IP address of the phone, the preferred Codec or the ring type, it is always useful to have the chance to do this through the phone, without having to log in through the Web Interface.

The menu of the Web Interface is well-structured and it is separated in three sections – for basic configuration, advanced configuration and configuration considering the accounts. There are two levels of access – End User and Administrator. Of course the Administrator has access to all sections, but the End User has access only to the Basic Settings. This provide security, but at the same time you could allow the user of the phone to make changes on simple things like the IP address of the phone or the entries for the Speed Dial buttons.

LCD

The LCD display is wide and well-positioned, easy to be read. The best thing about the screen is that you could tilt it up. So in order to see what is displayed on screen it is not necessary to stand up like you have to do with the most telephones.

Buttons

The keypad has big buttons, which is making it easy to be used and the digits easy to read. The phone has four lines and respectively, there are four line buttons on the front panel. I like the small red lights which are positioned next to each of the buttons. Like the most of the phones the Grandstream GXP-2000 has a button for transferring calls and another one to set a call on hold. The phone has a built in music on hold, which means that if you set a call on Hold the other side will hear music. Unfortunately the music file could not be changed.

I like the possibility to check my voicemail box, for new messages, by pressing one button. The only thing you have to do is to set the number of you voicemail box, through the Web Interface and when you want to check your mailbox, you have to press the Message button placed on the front panel. The mute button is also something, which I have not met in other IP phones. When you press this button, you will be able to hear the other side, but the person on the other side will not be able to hear you.

Disadvantage is that the menu buttons and the Speed Dial buttons do not have any kind of labels. Also, there is no way to see your missed calls. So, if somebody calls you, but you miss the call, you will not be noticed for that. I am disappointed of the conference button. It does not seem to work at all.

Conclusion

In summary, the Grandstream GXP-2000 is an IP phone, which you could use at your office as well as at your house, because it possesses most of the important things, which you need to have in a telephone, on a reasonable price (approximately 120 euros).