Save $$$
Try it now for 1 Month FREE
with selected plans**
No Risk - Money Back Guarantee
VoIP Adapters and Routers
This article will briefly discuss the basic hardware required to use VoIP service with your existing analog telephones. There are two basic types of hardware that can be used, depending on your needs. The first type is an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter), also referred to as an IP Phone Adapter). The second type of hardware is usually referred to as a VoIP router.
ATA or IP Phone Adapter
An ATA provides a simple interface between your existing analog telephone and your high-speed internet connection. These devices include all the hardware and software required to use VoIP service, without the need for a PC to be present. An ATA converts the analog signals from your existing telephone into digital VoIP signals that can be sent over your high-speed internet connection. It also provides conversion of the digital signals you receive from the other party back into analog signals that can be understood by your existing telephone.
The major feature to look for when comparing ATAs is the number of analog ports offered. Most basic ATAs have one analog port, but many are available with from 1-4 ports, allowing you to connect multiple analog telephones to your VoIP service in much the same way as you do with extra outlets for traditional phone service. ATAs are simple to connect – they have an Ethernet port that is connected to your existing high-speed internet modem or router, and an analog port, which is connected to your analog phone using a traditional analog phone cable.
VoIP Routers
A VoIP router incorporates an ATA along with a high-speed network router into the same device. This device can be used to replace your existing high-speed router if you have more than one PC networked to your high-speed internet connection. It can also be used in conjunction with your existing router to add more PCs to your network, while providing VoIP capability as well.
The major differences between the various VoIP routers available are the number of analog and data ports offered. The analog ports provide an interface to your existing analog telephone(s) using a regular modular telephone cable. The data ports provide an Ethernet connection for the PCs in your network.
Choosing an ATA or VoIP Router
Most VoIP providers offer ATAs and Routers that are compatible with their service. Some offer devices for free (or free after rebate) when you sign up for service. When choosing an ATA, the major feature to look for is the number of analog ports provided. One analog telephone can be connected to each analog port on the ATA.
When choosing a VoIP router, the major difference is in the number of analog and data (PC) ports available. As with an ATA, one analog telephone can be connected to each analog port on the router. In addition, one PC can be connected to each data port on the router, thus completing your home or small-business network.
Compatibility
If your service provider offers an ATA or VoIP router that meets your needs and budget, then it is probably best to obtain these devices from your provider. You can be assured that there will not be any compatibility issues with the particular protocols used by your provider. But you may decide to choose a third-party device, either due to better features or capabilities, or for budgetary reasons. This is fine, but you need to be very careful about compatibility before purchasing a third-party device.
Before purchasing a third-party ATA or VoIP router, you should talk to the manufacturer of the device to be certain that they support its use with your provider. You should also talk to your service provider to make certain that they have not had compatibility issues with the device you are considering. There are several VoIP protocols in use, and you need to make sure that the device you are considering supports the protocols in use by you service provider.
Summary
ATAs and VoIP routers are good examples of the marriage of two existing technologies - that of your existing analog telephones to VoIP service. These devices simplify the installation of VoIP service, and usually do not require professional installation. ATAs and VoIP routers have allowed VoIP to become a truly “plug-n-play” technology.
Next, we will discuss the VoIP hardphone, a newer device that incorporates everything needed to use VoIP into a standalone unit.