Southern Oregon University provides and supports several types of phones. These phones come in three different groups: analog phones, digital phones, and Voice-Over IP (data) phones.  Each of these groups of phones have different ways of communicating to the outside world, as well as different features and functionality, and therefore it becomes important be able to recognize your phone type.

Below is a list of the most common phone types on campus.  Click on the appropriate phone for a detailed set of operational instructions.

Analog Phones

Standard analog phones are basic phones similar to phones one might use at home.  These phones only provide a single phone line and  may or may not provide speed-dial buttons on the phone.  These phones do not have a screen on them to provide Caller ID information.  However, these phone do support (once enabled by I.T.) Caller ID boxes.  Most cordless phones and independently purchased phones (unless otherwise indicated) are standard analog phones, but may not be supported by the IT department.

Digital Phones

Digital phones provide multiple phone lines and provide speed-dial buttons on the phone.  These phones have a screen on them to provide Caller ID information.  This Caller ID screen will not store Caller ID information, it simply displays the information for the current call.  These digital phones also will display the current time on the display.  The model number of the phone is located under the handset.

IP (Internet Protocol) Phones

Voice-over IP (VoIP), or network-based phones provide multiple phone lines and provide speed-dial buttons on the phone.  These phones have a screen on them to provide Caller ID information.  This Caller ID screen will store Caller ID information.  These digital phones also will display the current time on the display.  These phones don't require a phone line, they simply need an active network connection to work.  The benefit of these phones is that, since they only require a data connection, they can be moved from office to office without I.T. staff moving the phone line.