Everything you need to know about the OBihai OBi200 [A Review]
Are you looking to continue using your analog phones and fax machines? How about making use of a VolP adapter? Well, VolP adapters are devices which act as a bridge between the digital network that carries your calls and your analog telephone service and this way you do not have to purchase new hardware when you want to convert to the new technologies of VolP services that are coming up.
I have been looking for cost-saving options for my phone services and eventually, I came across the OBihai OBi200. Impressively, this particular VolP phone adapter converts the analog signals of my traditional phone to the digital signals that are needed for transmission over an internet connection. Better yet, using it is easy and it serves as an ideal alternative to purchasing new hardware for my small home.
Table of Contents
OBihai OBi200 Review and Breakdown
- Works with Google Voice
- Works with up to Four(4) VoIP Services Across One(1) Phone Port
The OBihai OBi200 is a VolP phone adapter which intends to extend the cost-saving benefits of VolP service to anyone who owns a phone. As stipulated earlier, it operates by converting the analog signals on your traditional phone to the digital signals that are required for transmission over an established internet connection. For it to work efficiently, you would need to plug in your telephone into an FXS port and connect the OBihai OBi200 to the internet using an Ethernet cable via an RJ-45 port.
Generally, the OBihai allows you to make and receive phone calls using various VolP services for free or at a fraction of the cost that a traditional Telco would charge. It works with your already existing broadband internet connection and you can comfortably make free local calls in the USA and Canada, long distance and even international calls at amazingly low rates.
It supports up to four VolP services such as PhonePower, Google Voice, VolPms and Anveo alongside a multitude of ‘BYOD’ internet phone services. When you are making calls to other Polycom Obi devices, it gives you the privilege to talk for free via the OBiTALK network. Unfortunately, the free OBi-to-OBi calling is only ideal when your family and friends have an OBihai OBi200 device as well.
Among the premium features that you are able to access with the OBihai OBi200 phone adapter are call forwarding, 3 ways calls, faxing and call waiting. You are also able to block anonymous calls and it works with Google Voice. In addition to that you can set up a SIP trunking service and pay for the minutes that you use on a phone call based on the destination you dial.
Compared to other ATAs in the market, the OBihai OBi200 comes add-on options for a Wi-Fi adapter for wireless setups and a Bluetooth adapter that allows you to pair your cell phone with your home phone. However, it only has one USB port in its structure so you cannot use both the OBiWiFi and OBiBT at the same time. On the negative side, the customer service and support levels may need some kind of improvement as there are no phone numbers to call which makes it a hassle as you can only rely on support forums on the internet.
What we liked;
- Comes with add-onoptions for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters which allow for wireless setups and device pairing
- Free calls on the OBiTALK network
- Supports a multitude of VolP services
- Multiple cost-saving benefits
- Ability to block anonymous calls
- Works with Google Voice
What we didn’t like;
- Poor customer service and support
- Limited USB connectivity
- OBi talk only works when other users are registered on the same device
OBihai OBi200 Specifications
Model |
OBihai OBi200 |
Recommended for |
Home |
VolP services supported |
Up to 4 |
Ports |
1 FXS port |
USB port for OBiWiFi, OBiBT, OBiLINE |
Yes |
Power adapter |
100 – 240 V switching power adapter |
Call capacity |
1 phone call or fax call |
Reliable Faxing T.38 Protocol |
Yes |
2-Port Internet Router with Voice Packet Prioritization |
No |
Free OBi-to-OBi calling |
Yes |
Availability |
OBihai OBi200 Features
Design and Structure
The OBihai OBi200 comes with a black color and in a puck shape design. Its simple design easily blends into the aesthetic fabric your home. It has its size dimensions at 2.7 x 2.7 x 1.2 inches and it weighs about 8 ounces which makes it portable. Also, it size allows it to comfortably fit into small spaces around your household. Towards the top, there are LED indicators which tell you the power status of your OBi200 device and the connections that are established be it call, Bluetooth or wireless.
Towards the back, there is an FXS port and a USB port. The FXS port is an interface which you are supposed to use to connect your phone to the OBihai OBi200. The USB port, on the other hand, creates room for the addition of a wireless or Bluetooth adapter for wireless setups and pairing Bluetooth devices. However, they do not work simultaneously due to limited connectivity options of a single USB port.
Call performance
The OBihai OBi200 VolP adapter has been manufactured with a high performance system-on-a-chip platform which allows you to enjoy high quality voice conversations with your family and friends. It is always on without a computer which contributes to its high availability and reliability when you would want to make or receive calls. The OBihai OBi200 has been designed to support the T.38 standard and G.711 pass-thru which allows for reliable fax calls over the internet. Also, it has been equipped with high quality voice encoding using the G.726, G.711, iLBC and G.729 Algorithms which allows for communication efficiency. Also, it is capable of inbound and outbound recursive Digit maps and associated call routing.
VolP service support and USB add-on options
The OBi200 comes as an unlocked device which allows you to use it as a ‘Bring Your Own Device’ with a great number of VolP service providers such as Phone Power, Anveo, Callwithus, Localphone, Telecube, Vestalink, VolPms and Onesuite among others. This is an added advantage for you because you can maintain the phone adapter whenever you change your phone service provider.
In addition to that, the OBihai OBi200 allows you to select a SIP trunking service provider that you can use to make calls anywhere across the world and it further allows you to set up a maximum of 4 accounts which brings multiple SIP providers to your home phone at low costs per minute.
For the optional USB add-on options, you can purchase the OBiWiFi5G wireless adapter which allows you to wirelessly connect your OBi200 to the internet, the OBiBT Bluetooth wireless adapter that allows the USB-equipped OBi200 to pair with your mobile phone and the OBiLINE adapter which allows your OBi200 device to make calls to a land-line service from your phones that are connected to the OBi.
Setup and Configuration
You can easily set up, configure and remotely access your OBihai OBi200 phone adapter through the cloud-managed OBiTALK web portal. The OBiTALK web portal also allows you to add associated OBi endpoints to ‘circles of trust’ in such a way that you can share additional functionality amongst authorized users. Aside from that, you are also able to download the OBiON applications for all your Wi-Fi devices.
Who is it best suited for?
The OBihai OBi200 VolP phone adapter has been designed for use in homes. At the same time, considering its slight difficulties during configuration, this particular device would be ideal for you if you are in need of a Turnkey VolP phone service.
Are there any alternatives to the OBihai OBi200?
Yes. Among the alternative VolP phone adapter to the OBihai OBi200 is the OBihai OBi202 and the OBihai OBi212.
Features of the alternative VolP phone adapters
Model |
OBihai OBi202 |
OBihai OBi212 |
Recommended for |
Home or small business |
Home or small business |
VolP services supported |
4 |
4 |
Ports |
2 FXS ports |
1 FXS port and 1 FXO port |
USB port for OBiWiFi, OBiBT, OBiLINE |
Yes |
Yes |
Power adapter |
100 – 240 V switching power adapter |
100 – 240 V switching power adapter |
Call capacity |
2 phone calls or fax calls concurrently |
2 phone calls or fax calls concurrently |
Reliable Faxing T.38 Protocol |
Yes |
Yes |
2-Port Internet Router with Voice Packet Prioritization |
Yes |
Yes |
Free OBi-to-OBi calling |
Yes |
Yes |
Easy OBiTALK setup |
Yes |
Yes |
Availability |
Final Verdict: Should you get the OBihai OBi200?
Yes. In as much as the OBihai OBi200 may have a few configuration difficulties associated with it, it allows you to seamlessly integrate your smart Wi-Fi devices with Google Voice service and it further provides you with add-on options for Wi-Fi capabilities. Also, it is a worthy investment as it is compatible with multiple VolP service providers which is a great alternative to purchasing new hardware when you change your phone service provider.
FAQs
Am I able to set google voice services on the phone ports on my OBihai OBi200 phone adapter?
Yes, you can. The OBihai OBi200 has been designed to hold a maximum capacity of 4 different google voice numbers.
What is the electricity requirement for the power adapter that I use on my OBihai OBi200 phone adapter?
The power adapter of the OBihai OBi200 phone adapter requires an input of 100 – 240 V and it features an output of +12 V.