DECT Archives

USB DECT Dongles for Hybrid Work

January 11, 2022/0 Comments/in Enterprise Headsets, Featured Articles, How To's, Mobile Solutions, Open Office Solutions, Recent Post, Work At Home/by Danny Hayasaka

Organizations choose wireless headsets for many reasons, including increasing productivity by allowing employees to be hands-free and mobile. Bluetooth and DECT are the most prevalent wireless technologies and operating frequencies in professional-grade headsets. Industries and organizations that share sensitive or private information over voice calls typically opt for DECT wireless headsets due to their increased security. Click here to see a complete list of professional-grade Bluetooth and DECT wireless headsets!

Depending on the brand and model, DECT Wireless Headsets usually include a base station that provides connectivity options to desk phones, computers, mobile devices, or combinations. These solutions typically use cables to connect to a desk phone, computer, and AC power. These were great pre-pandemic solutions as most worked in an office with most of their equipment fixed at a workstation.

The Challenge

The pandemic has shifted where and how people work. Hybrid and remote work models have increased dramatically. The benefits of DECT wireless headsets are substantial; however, their portability is not. It’s not practical to disconnect the cables, AC power, base, and headset to pack up and transport between work locations.

The Solutions

Fortunately, there are a few solutions.

Good

Use DECT Wireless headset as a corded USB audio device. Some DECT wireless headset models support using it as a corded USB headset. This is a good option that allows employees to use their existing equipment in the office and remote workspace with their laptops. While this is an excellent money-saving option, you lose the critical benefit of being wireless. If you have grown accustomed to a wireless headset and then need to go corded, there is a bit of a learning curve. When I’m testing corded headsets, I sometimes forget and try to get up and walk away and am quickly reminded I’m tethered to my laptop. The Jabra Engage 65 and 75 support this option. You can use the included Jabra USB-A Cable – 14201-26 or purchase a spare cable to keep at home.

Better

USB DECT Dongles. This is not a new option. Poly (formerly Plantronics) introduced the D100 years ago with their Savi 400 Series. The latest, smaller D200 DECT Wireless Savi Adapter is available in USB-A, USB-C, and UC and Microsoft variants. The D200 DECT dongle will work with Poly Savi 8200 UC Series headsets. EPOS recently introduced the EPOS Impact SDW D1 USB DECT Dongle that works with the EPOS Impact SDW 5000 Series. It’s currently only available in USB-A. EPOS introduced three new SDW 5000 Series models designed for hybrid and remote work and include the SDW 5000 headset of choice, the dongle, charging cable, and carry case.

EPOS Impact SDW 5000 Headset + DECT Dongle Portable Models

D200 USB DECT Dongles

Best

Complete setups at each location is the best solution; however, budgets may not support this option. A setup at each location is optimal and relieves the worry about transporting equipment to and fro and potentially forgetting an item or breaking something in transit. I am fortunate enough to have solid setups in my dedicated home and corporate office. I have monitors, docking stations, webcams, audio devices, and other peripherals, making it highly convenient for hybrid work. The only thing I haul is my laptop.

Audio is critical

Whichever solution you choose, audio is critical in business communication. Ensure your team members have high-quality, purpose-built audio solutions designed for UC and Collaboration platforms. Do not fall into the trap of ordering inexpensive audio devices to help check a box on your to-do list. Engage a subject matter expert who can walk you through the various solutions that align with your organization’s needs and budget.

Call One, Inc. is an authorized reseller of professional headsets by Jabra, Poly, EPOS, JPL, Logitech, Yealink, Cisco, Shokz, and more. How can we help?

Highest Security Level DECT Wireless Headsets

September 2, 2021/3 Comments/in Enterprise Headsets, Featured Articles, Open Office Solutions, Recent Post, Work At Home/by Danny Hayasaka

What is DECT?

Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT™) is the European Telecommunications Standards Institute’s (ESTI) standard for short-range cordless communications, adapted for voice, data, and networking applications. DECT technology has become the global standard for secure residential and business cordless phone communications. More than 110 countries have adopted the DECT system, with more than 100 million new devices sold annually.

DECT Security Certification

To meet the increased demand for secure communications, the DECT Forum, the international association of the wireless home and enterprise communication industry, has established the DECT Security Certification program. The certification program consists of requirements and security features, which, when implemented in a product, are validated by an accredited and independent test laboratory to show compliance. (DECT Security Certified products listed here)

3 Steps in the DECT™ Security Chain

The DECT™ security chain is made up of three steps, as shown below:

Pairing

The first and vital step in the process is to bind the headset with the base. Pairing can be done over the air or for greater security by physically docking the headset into the base. This ensures the secret key shared during the process is exchanged via the charging contacts and not over the air.

Authentication

The secret key shared during the pairing process is used for each call to establish authentication between the subscribed headset and the base. A non-paired headset will not work with the base.

Encryption

The audio between the headset and the base is encrypted for each call so that intruders cannot read it – the encryption keys are regenerated every 60 seconds.

DECT™ Security Evolution

DECT security has evolved from the original security definition to new enhanced definitions called Step A, B, and C, each step offers increased security over the previous step. Each new security level includes all features of the prior level.

DECT security – Authentication (DSAA)*, Encryption (DSC, 64 bit keys)
DECT security step A – New features which correct certain vulnerabilities. Secure DECT certification.
DECT security step B – New authentication using strong AES 128 bit encryption (DSAA2)*
DECT security step C – Strong encryption of audio stream using AES 128 bit keys (DSC2)*

* DSAA and DSC are the authentication and encryption algorithms defined in the DECT security standard ETSI EN 300 175-7 applicable for DECT security and DECT security step A. DSAA2 and DSC2 are the equivalent updated security algorithms for the next steps of DECT security, steps B and C.

FIPS 140-2

The Federal Information Processing Standard Publication 140-2 (FIPS 140-2) is a U.S. government computer and security standard used to approve cryptographic modules. Select DECT wireless headsets go one step further and utilize encryption algorithms (Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit encryption) listed in FIPS 140-2 standards required by the US military and government. This level of security goes beyond DECT level C.

Who Needs DECT Security Step C or FIPS 140-2 Level Security?

Any industry that shares sensitive or private information over voice calls should strongly consider DECT wireless headsets with a higher level of security to include Financial, Banking, Healthcare, Insurance, Government, and Contact Centers.

Secure DECT Wireless Headsets

EPOS has a Protected Pairing process which transfers sensitive pairing data via the charging terminal of the IMPACT SDW 5000 base station instead of ‘over the air’. The security of the pairing process is further enhanced by the authentication algorithm (DSAA2), which uses AES-128-bit keys. The EPOS Impact SDW 5000 Series has reached step B in the DECT security level by implementing this enhanced algorithm. There are multiple wearing styles and connectivity options available to support individual preferences. Contact us for help in selecting the right EPOS Impact SDW 5000 model! Security Features in the IMPACT SDW 5000 Headset Series.

Yealink WH6X Series utilize DECT security level step C: Authentication – DSAA2, Encryption – DSC2 (128bit) and Cordless Advanced Technology: CAT-iq 2.0. They are available as stand alone DECT wireless headsets that connect to a computer or compatible IP phones that support USB headsets and they also have a new category of audio devices with their Yealink UC Workstation series.

AES-128 encryption ensures secured communication when using Cisco Headset 560 Series available with a Standard or a Multibase. The Standard base supports single connectivity to a desk phone or a computer. The Multibase supports connectivity to a desk phone, computer, and mobile phone.

Military Grade Security

These DECT wireless solutions utilize AES 256-bit keys for the very strongest level of encryption in professional headsets. The Jabra Engage 75 Series and Poly Savi 7300 Office models are also available in multiple wearing styles and connectivity options to support your team members regardless of work style and workspace. Contact us if you need help selecting the right wireless headsets for your team.

Conclusion

Cybercrime is on the rise, and in a business environment where customer calls are evermore sensitive, making valuable conversations secure is vital. Protect sensitive information by using secure DECT wireless headsets from EPOS, Jabra, Poly, and Yealink. Call One, Inc. helps mid-to-large organizations, including Financial, Banking, Healthcare, Insurance, Government, and Contact Centers, do their business better by providing professional-grade audio and video solutions.

How to use existing Poly and Jabra DECT wireless headsets for Hybrid Work

March 25, 2021/0 Comments/in Enterprise Headsets, Featured Articles, How To's, Open Office Solutions, Recent Post, Uncategorized, Video Collaboration, Work At Home/by Danny Hayasaka

Organizations seeking to provide a consistent audio experience for their hybrid workforce have a few questions they need to answer like, “Is their setup the same in their home as their office? If not, what are the differences?” More questions to consider can be found in this blog: Questions to ask when selecting audio and video devices for Hybrid Work.

I will share a couple examples of how to convert headsets you may be using today into a hybrid work solution for audio. Starting with the Poly Savi 8200 Office Series and ending with the Jabra Engage 75/65 Series.

Poly Savi 8200 Office for Hybrid Work

Many organizations have deployed the Poly Savi 8200 Office. However, due to the Savi headset and base, phone interface cable or EHS cable connected to their desk phone, USB cable connected to their work computer, and AC power supply that’s part of the spaghetti of cables under their workstation, it’s not really designed to be “portable”.

The Poly D200 DECT Wireless Savi Adapter can be purchased separately as an accessory to enable PC connection. They are available in in USB-A, USB-C, UC, and Microsoft variants.

To see how to pair your Savi 8200 Series headset to the D200 DECT Wireless Savi Adapter, watch video below!

The other accessory you will need is a charger for the headset or battery depending on which Savi 8200 Office headset model you have.

216100-01 USB charger Savi 8240/8245
217391-01 Charging base, Savi 8210/8220

Jabra Engage 65/75 Series for Hybrid Work

Wireless Headsets Jabra Engage 65 DECT headsets Hybrid Work

The DECT wireless Jabra Engage 75 and Engage 65 Series are top sellers deployed in thousands of offices nationwide. Enable your Jabra Engage 75/65 or Jabra Evolve USB wireless headset to work as a corded USB device with the Jabra USB-A Cable – 14201-26 that is included with the Jabra Engage 75/65 system. The cable is black with a length of 4.9 ft/ 1.5 m. Leave the Jabra Engage base, telephone interface cable or EHS cable, and AC power supply in the office and take the headset and USB cable to work from home or from anywhere!

If you prefer to leave set up in office intact and not disconnect existing USB cable from the Engage base, buy a spare USB cable for only $23.

14201-26 Jabra USB-A Cable

There is a prerequisite, you must have installed firmware version 2.0.5 or later (Jabra Direct version 4.x or later is required to install the firmware update) so you can use your Jabra Engage 65/75 wireless headset as a wired USB audio device.

Please note when your headset is connected as a wired USB audio device, call controls and the busylight feature on the headset are not supported.

See the steps to use your headset as a wired USB audio device in the video below!

If you would like to learn more about audio and video solution for the hybrid workforce, please contact us directly. As authorized partners of Poly, Jabra, Logitech, JPL, Cisco, EPOS and more, we can help your business identify solutions to support the multiple use cases across your organization.

See the steps on how to pair a Savi 8220 headset to a D200 Savi Adapter (dongle) and the steps on how to convert an Engage 75 / 65 headset to a wired USB headset in video below!

How do you connect a Poly desk phone-only wireless headset to a computer?

February 19, 2021/0 Comments/in Enterprise Headsets, Featured Articles, How To's, Recent Post, Work At Home/by Danny Hayasaka

In todays blog we show you how to connect a Poly DECT wireless deskphone-only headset to a computer using the Poly Savi 7220. You can do this with Poly (formerly Plantronics) Savi 7210, CS510, CS520, CS530, CS540 and CS545 as well. And since we have it set up, we also include a mic and wireless range test as well! Stick around until the end for a link to that video.

Let’s take this step by step:

Step 1: You will need a Poly APU-76 Adapter. It’ll look like this:

Step 2: Plug double prong end into the back of your DECT headset base. Note: Some DECT bases may look different than the Savi 7220.

Step 3: Plug USB end into your desired source (Example: your computer).

Step 4: Be sure to connect AC Power Adapter to appropriate power source.

And there you go! Your Desk phone only headset can now connect to you computer. This a great solution for employees that were sent home to work and don’t have a desk phone. Again, this solution also works for the Poly 7210, CS510, CS520, CS530, CS540 and CS545.

For a tutorial, check out our video below:

This quick tutorial includes a step by step tutorial on how to connect a Poly deskphone-only headset to the APU-76, but also features a microphone test at the very end.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us. Thanks for tuning in!

What Replaced the Poly Savi 400 Series?

January 25, 2021/0 Comments/in Enterprise Headsets, Featured Articles, Open Office Solutions, Recent Post, Work At Home/by Danny Hayasaka

The Poly (formerly Plantronics) Savi 410, 420, 430, 440 and 445 are End of Life (EOL). Their last order date was June 9, 2020 and last ship date was August 9, 2020 or while supplies lasted. In this blog and video, we show what replaced the Poly Savi 400 series and provide differences and similarities.

The Savi 410

Features
MSRP: $199.95

With the wireless Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications technology, answer your calls remotely while multitasking around the workplace
Sit comfortably anywhere in your room as the W410 offers wireless range of up to 300 ft
Great for Audio/Visual Labs, Assisted Listening Systems and more that have a Mono jack for non-stereo use
Sharp looking over head design will give you a comfortable fit
Boom mic lets you chat with your friends & family on Skype and on multiplayer network games
The supra-aural aka on-ear headset features DECT wireless technology

The Replacement – Savi 8210 UC

Features
MSRP: $299.95

Wireless multi-device connectivity
Flexible microphone boom
Noise-canceling microphone with close conversation limiting
Voice alerts
One-touch controls
Ringer in the base
Up to 13 hours of talk time

Part Number	Model Description	Replaced By	Replacement Part Number	Replacement Model Description
84008-03	W420,SAVI,OTH BIN,UC,DECT 6.0,NA	→	209215-01	Savi 8220 UC, S8220 C USB-A, D200 USB-A, OTH, STEREO, DECT 6.0, NA
84008-04	W420,SAVI,OTH BIN,UC,DECT,E+A,AUS/NZ	→	209215-02	Savi 8220 UC, S8220 C USB-A, D200 USB-A, OTH, STEREO, DECT, UK/EURO/AUS/NZ
84008-01	W420-M,SAVI,OTH BIN,MSFT CERT DECT 6.0,NA	→	209214-01	Savi 8220 UC, S8220-M C USB-A,D200 USB-A,OTH,STEREO,MST CERT, DECT 6.0, NA
84008-02	W420-M,SAVI,OTH BIN,MSFT CERT DECT, E+A, AUS/NZ	→	209214-02	Savi 8220 UC, S8220-M C USB-A, D200 USB-A, OTH, STEREO, MSFT CERT, DECT, UK/EURO/AUS/NZ
84007-03	W410,SAVI,OTH MON,UC,DECT 6.0,NA	→	209213-01	Savi 8210 UC, S8210 C USB-A, D200 USB-A, OTH, MONO, DECT 6.0, NA
84007-04	W410,SAVI,OTH MON, UC, DECT, E+A, AUS/NZ	→	209213-02	Savi 8210 UC, S8210 C USB-A, D200 USB-A, OTH, MONO, DECT, UK/EURO/AUS/NZ
84007-01	W410-M,SAVI,OTH MON,MSFT CERT,DECT 6.0,NA	→	209212-01	Savi 8210 UC, S8210-M C USB-A, D200 USB-A ,OTH,MONO, MSFT CERT, DECT 6.0, NA
84007-02	W410-M,SAVI,OTH MON,MSFT CERT,DECT,E+A,AUS/NZ	→	209212-02	Savi 8210 UC, S8210-M C USB-A, D200 USB-A, OTH, MONO, MSFT CERT, DECT, UK/EURO/AUS/NZ
82396-11	W430,SAVI,OTE,DECT 6.0,NA	→	206110-101	VOYAGER 5200 UC,B5200,WW
82396-12	W430A,SAVI,OTE,DECT,UK/EURO/AUS/NZ	→	206110-101	VOYAGER 5200 UC,B5200,WW
82397-12	W430A-M,SAVI, OTE, DECT, UK/EURO/AUS/NZ	→	206110-101	VOYAGER 5200 UC,B5200,WW
82397-11	W430-M,SAVI,OTE,DECT 6.0,NA	→	206110-101	VOYAGER 5200 UC,B5200,WW
203946-01	W440,DECT 6.0,NA	→	211200-01	Savi 8240 UC, S8240 C USB-A, D200 USB-A, CONVERTIBLE, DECT 6.0,NA
203946-02	W440A,DECT,UK/EURO/AUS/NZ	→	211200-02	Savi 8240 UC, S8240 C USB-A, D200 USB-A CONVERTIBLE, DECT, UK, EURO,AUS,NZ
203947-02	W440A-M,DECT,UK/EURO/AUS/NZ	→	211201-02	Savi 8240 UC, S8240-M C USB-A, D200 USB-A, CONVERTIBLE, MOC, DECT,UK, EURO,AUS,NZ
87622-02	W440A-M,SAVI LITE,CONVERTIBLE,MICROSOFT, UK,EURO,AUS/NZ	→	211201-01	No Replacement
203947-01	W440-M,DECT 6.0,NA	→	211201-01	Savi 8240 UC, S8240-M C USB-A, D200 USB-A, CONVERTIBLE, MOC, DECT 6.0,NA
203948-01	W445, U-TT, DECT 6.0 NA	→	211203-01	Savi 8245 UC,S8245 C USB-A,D200 USB-A,UNLIMITED TT,CONV,DECT 6.0,NA
203948-02	W445A, U-TT, DECT, UK/EURO/AUS/NZ	→	211203-02	Savi 8245 UC, S8245 C USB-A, D200 USB-A, UNLIMITED TT, CONV, DECT, UK,EURO,AUS,NZ
203949-01	W445-M, U-TT, DECT 6.0, NA	→	211204-01	Savi 8245 UC, S8245-M USB-A, D200 USB-A, UNLIMITED TT, CONV, MOC,DECT 6.0,NA
203949-02	W445A-M, U-TT, DECT, UK/EURO/AUS/NZ	→	211204-02	Savi 8245 UC, S8245-M USB-A, D200 USB-A, UNLIMITED TT, CONV, MOC,DECT,UK, EURO, AUS,NZ
203949-03	W445-M, U-TT, DECT 6.0, NA, EXXON	→	N/A	No Replacement

Flexible connectivity
Today’s enterprise and contact center professionals work on a range of devices—from PCs and Macs to mobile phones and desk phones. Savi 8200 Office Series headset bases have 3-way connectivity—computer, desk phone and mobile phone—for convenient conferencing on up to two devices at once. For those wanting computer connectivity only, the Savi 8200 UC Series is the ideal choice.

Better Wireless Conversation

People sound their best, even in noisy environments, wearing DECT™ stereo headsets with active noise canceling to block out noise around the speaker. For sensitive conversations, where extra privacy is needed, they can turn up the Close Conversation Limiting feature.

Stay Charged. Take it further.

Savi 8200 Office and UC Series headsets are ready when needed with up to 13 hours of talk time on a single charge and a hot swappable battery for unlimited talk time. Everyone can move, multitask and get more done. Convenient voice prompts notify them of mute status, wireless range limit and more.

There are a lot more changes and replacements to the Savi 400 family. Want to see all of what replaced Poly Savi 400? Check out our latest YouTube video below and subscribe to our Youtube channel. Plus, check out additional Poly solutions here.

Thanks for tuning in!

Bluetooth or DECT Wireless Headset for Work From Home?

September 24, 2020/0 Comments/in Enterprise Headsets, Recent Post, Remote Learning, Work At Home/by Danny Hayasaka

It’s been six months since most were sent home with a laptop and corded USB heasdet. (If even that much). Now that work from home has become more permanent, people are looking at upgrading to wireless headsets. In this video, we tackle whether to go with a Bluetooth or DECT wireless headset to work from home. Key things to consider: Range, Connectivity, & Battery Life.

Choosing between Bluetooth and DECT is solely based upon your use case. What are you looking for? Do you want to get up from your work space and pour a cup of coffee while attending a webinar? Do you have dogs to let out? Being able to narrow down what you want, and what you need, makes it easier to choose. Call One can assist you through the process. We’re here to help people do their business better. Narrow your choice of wireless headset by connectivity, whether you’re looking for a headset that offers Penta connectivity, triple connectivity (desk phone, PC and mobile) DECT and more. Take a look at the video below and subscribe to our Youtube channel here.

What’s The Best Headset?

April 22, 2019/0 Comments/in Featured Articles, Recent Post/by Danny Hayasaka

CS500 vs Savi Series

April 10, 2019/0 Comments/in Featured Articles, Recent Post/by Danny Hayasaka

Does your business need the popular Plantronics (Now Poly) CS500 Series wireless headsets or Savi Series? What’s the difference between CS500 vs Savi Series?

Plantronics (Now Poly) produces wireless headsets that increase productivity by providing mobility in the office and multiple connectivity options to support how you work.

The CS500 Series consists of DECT and 900MHz wireless headsets with single connectivity to Desk Phones.

Overview of the differences between these very popular models of headsets from Poly (formerly Plantronics). Let us know if you have any questions about these headsets!

Open Office Headset Solutions

April 4, 2019/0 Comments/in Open Office Solutions/by Danny Hayasaka

By Danny Hayasaka

Noise is a major distraction in open offices today. It becomes extremely challenging for employees to focus on their work. Plus co-worker interruption causes a decrease in productivity as it takes an average of 23 minutes to get back on task.

How many times throughout the day are you interrupted or distracted?

One simple solution is to use an Active Noise Canceling (ANC) headset that helps reduce or completely block out background noise (if streaming audio/music).

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