How to Set Up SIP Phones for a Remote Team

Admin ICTRC
Aug 22
2 min read

ALE SIP Phones providing businesses to stay connected no matter where they are.

In today's flexible work environment, more Malaysian businesses are turning to SIP phones to keep their remote teams connected. Whether you're managing a hybrid team or operating a fully remote support unit, SIP phones offer a secure, cost-effective, and scalable solution.

Here’s how you can set up SIP phones for remote employees—with productivity and business continuity in mind.

✅ Step 1: Choose Between Softphones or Deskphones

Softphones: These are software-based SIP applications that run on a laptop or mobile device. Ideal for remote workers who need mobility and minimal hardware.

Deskphones: SIP-enabled IP phones (like the ALE M8) offer a dedicated, business-grade voice experience. With VPN or cloud provisioning, they can function from any location with internet access.

MAX ICT Tip: Most businesses use a mix of both—deskphones for in-office teams and softphones for remote staff.

🔧 Step 2: Provision Devices Remotely

Use auto-provisioning or cloud-based PBX systems to configure devices without on-site setup. Employees just plug in their phones or log in to the app, and settings are automatically applied.

What you need:

SIP account credentials
Cloud PBX or IP-PBX backend
VPN or secure access method

🔐 Step 3: Prioritise Network Security

Remote setups introduce new security risks. Protect your communication channels by:

Using encrypted SIP (TLS/SRTP)
Setting up firewalls & VPN tunnels
Enforcing strong authentication policies
Restricting IP ranges where possible

MAX ICT Insight: Our team helps you implement secure SIP setups tailored to Malaysian business regulations and compliance requirements.

📞 Step 4: Enable Business Features Remotely

Even when working from home, your team should have access to:

Company-wide extensions
Voicemail and call recording
Call forwarding and routing rules
Virtual receptionist/auto-attendant

SIP phones can mirror in-office functions remotely, ensuring seamless workflows.

👥 Step 5: Train & Support Your Remote Staff

Provide quick-start guides and onboarding for softphone/mobile SIP apps. Most users need just 15–30 minutes to get up and running.

Bonus Tip: Use built-in call analytics and dashboards (offered by most SIP phone platforms) to monitor remote team performance and quality.

💼 Real-World Example

A logistics company in Johor Bahru transitioned its entire customer service team to a softphone-based SIP system. By pairing each agent’s laptop with a noise-cancelling headset and cloud-hosted PBX from MAX ICT, they reduced monthly communication costs by 35% and improved issue resolution time by 20%.