| What is a VoIP gateway? | | | | PBX system |
| A VoIP gateway is a piece of Voice over Internet | | | | - You want to use your existing telephones with a |
| Protocol equipment that utilizes IP (Internet Protocol) | | | | new VoIP phone system |
| communications technology to interface TDM | | | | - You want to have the PSTN as a failover should |
| networks (PSTN), traditional telephones and PBX | | | | your network or VoIP service goes down |
| systems with Ethernet based networks. | | | | In addition to these three main reasons, many |
| Gateways allow businesses to: | | | | businesses use a gateway to: |
| - IP enable an existing PBX system | | | | - Connect remote office telephones to their central |
| - Connect traditional telephones to their VoIP phone | | | | office VoIP system |
| system | | | | - Connect a branch office key system to a centralized |
| - Send/receive calls through the PSTN using a VoIP | | | | VoIP system |
| phone system | | | | For other gateway uses, consult a VoIP gateway |
| There are additional uses for gateway,s but these are | | | | manufacturer or certified supplier. |
| the primary ones. | | | | How much do gateways cost and where can you |
| How does a VoIP gateway work? | | | | purchase one? |
| VoIP gateways basic function is to convert analog | | | | The prices for VoIP gateways vary greatly. Lower |
| voice streams into digital voice packets for transport | | | | end configurations can be had for around $199, while |
| across a network and the Internet. Voice over IP | | | | higher end, more robust configurations can cost over |
| gateways also perform the opposite of this function. | | | | $3,000 USD. Like a VoIP equipment, you get what you |
| This means that gateways can also convert digital | | | | pay for, so make sure to set a reasonable for a brand |
| voice packets into analog voice streams for transport | | | | like AudioCodes or Quintum. |
| across the PSTN or for traditional telephones. | | | | Finding a place to purchase a VoIP gateway is pretty |
| To do this, gateways use a combination of specialized | | | | easy. |
| voice codecs and VoIP protocols. The specific IP | | | | The two ways people to purchase an IP gateway are |
| communications technology that is utilized is dependent | | | | through a VoIP service provider (typically a SIP trunking |
| upon the VoIP gateway used and other aspects of | | | | provider) or through a VoIP equipment supplier (like |
| the complete set-up. | | | | VoIP Supply). If you opt to purchase your VoIP |
| Why would you use a VoIP gateway? | | | | gateway through a VoIP equipment supplier, make |
| There are three main reasons that you would want to | | | | sure it works with your desired VoIP service provider |
| use a Voice over Internet Protocol gateway: | | | | before pulling the trigger. |
| - You want to utilize VoIP service with your existing | | | | |