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The call acceptance by the answering machine can be configured in a number of ways: Answering machines can be set so that they only play a short message, without a subsequent recording option. They can answer every call immediately or after a certain number of rings. They can also be set so that no calls will be accepted. Modern answering machines are also able to store fax calls so that they are available for later retrieval or printing out. The earliest devices were equipped with magnetic audio tape, on which the welcome messages and caller messages were stored. Modern answering machines are almost exclusively equipped with digital storage. ### Answering machine within a terminal device Today, answering machines are often built into a telephone. With many cordless DECT telephones, the answering machine function is integrated in to the DECT base. For the device to be ready for use, it must be connected to the telephone network and activated. Alternatively, separate answering machines can be connected as external devices between a telephone and the telephone line. ### Answering machine in the telephone network or the cloud Increasingly, the answering machine is no longer a separate physical device, but it is provided as a feature by the telephone network provider. The answering machine stores messages and data on central servers, and can be enabled and configured through the local phone. Messages are listen to via the telephone. This solution offers the advantage that no separate answering machine is required at the customer's home. The function is independent of whether the actual connection is available and can, for example, record messages when there is a local fault on the telephone or line. The modern [Voice over IP telephony](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/voice-over-ip) and cloud [PBX systems](/gb/get-started/cloud-telephony/lexicon/knowledge-base-detail/private-branch-exchange-pbx) mostly provide answering machine features centrally in the form of a voicemail box as standard. Thanks to the linking of computers and telephones through Internet technology these answering machines can now offer numerous additional functions. ### Special features Central network mailboxes, and also local answering machines, can usually be accessed remotely. By calling the device and entering a secret PIN recorded messages can be retrieved from any telephone. The signalling that messages have been received is done on a local display. Central voicemail systems alert by telephone call, or by an electronic text message. Modern solutions are able to send an audio message as an email attachment to any email address. ### Related Articles ### DECT Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications, abbreviated to DECT, is the name of a standard for the wireless transmission of telephone calls or data. DECT is often used for cordless telephony in buildings and has established a strong presence in this market. A cordless phone with this standard usually consists of a DECT base station and one or more handsets. The DECT base station is connected to the network by an analogue or digital phone line. It handles the radio part of the phone connectionand voice transmission with the handsets. Systems using the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications standard allow a single base station to support up to 6 cordless handsets. The frequency range uses various radio bands at around the 2 GHz range. A handset can be used at distances of up to 50 metres indoors and up to 300 metres in an open environment and reach standard data rates of 32 kilobits per second. The maximum transmission power of the base station is limited, so that coverage over any greater distance can only be achieved with booster units. In order to be used, a handset must first be authenticated by a base station. In general, this is accomplished by using a special PIN, set by the user. The DECT standard can also provide the encrypted transfer of user data, thereby protecting it from unauthorised access. However, this type of transmission is relatively rarely used and is not implemented in many phones. In order to reduce so-called electric smog there are various methods used within Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications to minimise the transmitting power of both the base station and the handset while in idle mode. These methods are often called ECO DECT. Want to know more? [Check our leaflets](https://www.nfon.com/en/service/documentation/manuals/dect-phones)! 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