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Voice over Internet Protocol is the technology that allows users to make voice calls across the internet. There are two types of VoIP gateways: softphones and hardware devices designed for businesses. What exactly do these terms mean, how do they work, and what’s involved in using them?
A voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) gateway is a hardware device that transforms voice data between an internet-based IP network and conventional copper-based landlines. This saves organizations money on phone hardware upgrades while still enabling them to employ VoIP-based business phone systems.
What is a VoIP Gateway and How Does It Work?
VoIP gateways function similarly to an internet router in that they can accept calls via an IP network, decompress the call, and decode the signal for transmission over the public switched telephone network (PSTN). In the other direction, they receive voice communication from copper landlines and encode it via an IP network.
This enables organizations to utilize standard phone devices without having to entirely rewire their phone networks. They also have a considerable benefit over VoIP adapters, such as analog telephone adapters (ATA), which can only convert a single line, since they can handle hundreds of calls at once.
Businesses may use all of the sophisticated VoIP capabilities (including long-distance calling, visual voicemail, and comprehensive call management) immediately from their hard-wired phones after a VoIP gateway is set up.
VoIP Gateways
In order to understand the VoIP Gateways Come in a Variety of Shapes and Sizes, you need to know the difference between the two ports, or connection types, used by these devices. The first port is known as the foreign exchange subscriber (FXS). This powers the device and connects your phone to the phone company. The second, called the foreign exchange office (FXO), connects the gateway to devices like phones, fax machines, and Ethernet systems.
The kind of VoIP gateway you require depends on your VoIP phone system and the connections you need:
- FXS gateway: FXS gateways use an internet connection to link analog phones and fax machines to _VoIP phone service.
- FXO gateway: This form of VoIP gateway enables you to connect an analog phone system to a VoIP-enabled business phone service provider through a physical connection, such as a wall jack, utilizing a classic private branch exchange (PBX) network.
- Digital VoIP gateways: These devices combine several VoIP lines into a single system, and they can also link older PBX systems to an IP network.
Alternatives to VoIP Gateways
The greatest option for a VoIP gateway is to replace your existing infrastructure entirely with a VoIP system. Although there is an initial fee, the monthly landline savings (together with the extra VoIP-enabled capability) will save you money in the long term.
Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I still get a caller ID if I use a VoIP gateway?
Yes. The identical caller name and number that would normally be routed via your landline system will be shown on your mobile.
Is it possible for me to use my mobile phone on the company’s phone network?
Yes. You can make and receive calls on your mobile device via your conventional or cloud-hosted PBX system if your VoIP provider provides a softphone app.
If the internet goes down or the power goes out, can a VoIP gateway reroute calls to the PSTN?
Yes, but only with certain VoIP providers and models. Check the operation of your equipment with your hardware provider and VoIP service provider.
Conclusion
A VoIP gateway connects a company to the phone system of the future. You don’t have to rebuild your whole legacy phone infrastructure to take benefit of new VoIP capabilities thanks to gateways. Installing a gateway with enough ports to accommodate all of your current landlines and voice traffic is simple. Examine the gateway options from Patton and Grandstream to see which is the best fit for your company, and then sign up for a RingCentral account to have access to all of the VoIP services you need.
