Monthly Archives: February 2016

What is DECT?

If you’ve been looking at any kind of wireless product, chances are you’ve seen the acronym DECT at some point.

DECT stands for “Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications” or “Digital EUROPEAN Cordless Telecommunications”. The standard originated in Europe, which is why the two variations on the meaning of the acronym.

DECT is a wireless technology used in consumer and commercial wireless products. In North America, you’ll see DECT 6.0, which is the US (and therefore Canadian and Mexican) standard. It is different from the European standard due to US radio frequency regulations.

A wireless phone using DECT is going to give you a range of up to 100 meters (330 feet). Keep in mind that range is affected by the environment the phone is operating in. This “up to” range is important for all wireless products as there are many physical and electronic barriers to a product achieving its maximum potential range.

A challenge in an office that has a large number of wireless devices is interference. The DECT 6.0 standard supports up to 60 channels on a base station, which means if you have more than that number of devices within range of each other, you could have significant interference between units. Careful planning is required to minimize interference. If the majority of your workers don’t need to be wandering too far from their desks, you can also turn down the maximum wireless range to help minimize interference.

Is DECT Secure?

Yep. DECT uses 64-bit encryption. When a wireless headset or handset is paired with its base station, the encryption makes it very, very difficult to intercept and listen in on a conversation.

DECT or Bluetooth?

If you’re using only one device like a desk phone or a computer’s softphone, a DECT wireless device may be all you need. If you’re a multi-device user, you may want to consider a Bluetooth device as they can connect to smartphones, deskphones, tablets, laptops and PCs. Many Unified Communications software systems allow for automatic hand-offs between mobile and computer-based softphones, so if that’s something you’re looking for, a Bluetooth device might be a better solution for you.

If you’re looking for a wireless headset supporting DECT or Bluetooth standards, check out our Wireless Headset page for options available.