Which Cisco IP phone can I buy that is powered just off of the ethernet cable? Cordless would be nice also.

Question

Also, can these be connected to any ethernet line to be able to make calls? It looks like they are self configuring. The whole point is being able to not pay for calls and have it self powering. If anyone has a better suggestion let me know!

Answer 1

Does it have to be Cisco?

Linksys is owned by Cisco.

Linksys has various options that will do what you are asking:

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite...

The SPA-922 is PoE compatible, will function with an existing IP-PBX, or just configure for your preferred SIP-base VoIP provider.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite...

The WIP-300 is Wireless-G compatible, hand-held,  and is also configurable with any SIP-based VoIP service:

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite...

Just remember that Linksys SIP-based VoIP devices, when behind a NAT-Router, or firewall, will need to have the firewall ports 5060-5063 UDP and RTP ports 16384-16482 UDP forwarded or triggered in order for VoIP to work reliably.

I configure my VoIP devices with BYOD (bring your own device), pay-as-you-go services like CallCentric and InPhonex.  No contracts or commitments.

I personally use a Linksys PAP2T-NA user configurable (unlocked) ATA behind a Linksys WRT-54G NAT-Router.  However, I would also recommend the Linksys SPA-2102 ATA.  It is a NAT-Router and 2-line ATA in one box.  A little simpler to configure, I believe.