Grandstream GXP2170 IP Phone: features, specs and who it suits

The Grandstream GXP2170 is a desk phone for offices that run calls over a network (VoIP) rather than a traditional phone line. It is aimed at people who handle many calls, such as receptionists, assistants and team leads. It combines a large colour screen, many line keys and add-on module support in one unit.

Lines, accounts and keys

Grandstream lists 12 lines and 6 SIP accounts. A SIP account is a registration with a phone system or provider, so six accounts means the handset can sit on several systems or numbers at once. Lines are the call appearances you see and pick up on the phone. The phone also has five soft keys, whose function changes with the screen, and supports five-way voice conferencing.

The 4.3-inch colour display

The 480x272 colour LCD shows call information, menus and 48 on-screen programmable keys. These can serve as BLF (busy lamp field) indicators, which show whether a colleague's line is in use, or as speed-dial buttons. For a busy desk, seeing status at a glance is the main value of this kind of layout.

Expanding with add-on modules

The phone supports up to four GXP2200EXT modules. Each module is an extra panel of keys with a display, and Grandstream says four modules give access to up to 160 BLF or speed-dial contacts. This approach suits a front desk that routes calls to many extensions.

Network connections and power

The GXP2170 has two Gigabit Ethernet ports. One normally goes to the network switch and the other can pass the connection on to a computer, which saves a cable run to the desk. It also has integrated PoE (Power over Ethernet), which lets the phone draw power through the network cable if your switch or injector supplies it. Without PoE you would need a separate power adapter, so check what is included for your region.

Bluetooth and audio

The listing describes built-in Bluetooth for syncing with mobile devices and for use with Bluetooth headsets, and full HD audio. HD audio typically needs a compatible phone system and codecs on both ends of a call to make a difference.

Security and deployment

Grandstream says the phone supports encryption using SRTP and TLS. For larger rollouts it lists several provisioning options: zero-configuration with Grandstream's UCM series IP PBXs, encrypted XML configuration files and TR-069. These let an administrator set up many phones from a central point instead of one at a time.

Size

The unit measures about 9.0 x 1.8 x 8.1 inches (roughly 23 x 4.6 x 20.6 cm) and weighs 3.2 lb (about 1.5 kg).

Who it suits

It fits offices with high call volumes, reception desks and managers who monitor colleagues' lines. A home user with one number would likely not use most of its capacity.

What to check before you buy

• Phone system compatibility: confirm your provider or PBX supports SIP phones and this model.
• Power: check whether your network switch provides PoE or whether you need an adapter.
• Cabling: to use the pass-through port, confirm your network cable and computer connection suit Gigabit speeds.
• Add-on modules: the extension modules are separate items, so check the model name (GXP2200EXT).
• Setup effort: large deployments benefit from planning provisioning in advance; read Grandstream's documentation.

The short version

• Enterprise desk IP phone with 12 lines and 6 SIP accounts.
• 4.3-inch 480x272 colour LCD with 48 programmable on-screen keys.
• Dual Gigabit ports, integrated PoE and built-in Bluetooth.
• Supports up to four GXP2200EXT modules for up to 160 contacts.
• Provisioning through UCM zero-configuration, encrypted XML or TR-069.

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