4 Simple Secrets to Choosing the Right VoIP Adapter
One of the biggest advantages of VoIP systems is that you can use them with your existing phone equipment to save money. To do so, you’ll require a VoIP adapter that serves as the bridge between your analog plain-old telephone service, or POTS, hardware and the digital network that carries your calls.
Not sure what to look for in an adapter? These quick tips from the 888VoIP experts make it easy to choose the ideal VoIP small business phone systems.
1. Count Your Connections
VoIP adapters have different numbers of analog FXS, or foreign exchange station, ports for traditional phones. Some also include USB ports. Consider your deployment’s architecture to determine how many lines and computers you need to connect.
2. Know Whether You’ll Require a Router
All VoIP adapters need to connect to Ethernet networks to transmit digital calls, but they do so in different ways. If you’ve already got a router to dispatch network traffic, then you can just get an adapter with a LAN port and make the connection.
Other adapters include their own switches and WAN ports that link to outside networks. These are typically useful in installations that lack sufficient routers or ports for everything you want to connect.
3. Check Compatibility
You may initially be purchasing a VoIP adapter to link POTS devices with your network, but what happens when you want to expand down the line? Your equipment choices might impact how well you can integrate different components with your system. Experts suggest finding a distributor with highly trained technical staff and an in-depth understanding of modern VoIP technology.
It’s smart to pick adapters that function with a range of protocols, such as SIP, 3CX, Google Voice and Skype. If you’re planning on using Snom VoIP phones or some other variety of hardware, be sure that the adapter accommodates the same communications standards and codecs that your target devices employ.
4. What Kind of Support Does Your Vendor Offer?
Not all VoIP distributors support the same protocols or hardware. Even if a particular adapter is technically compatible with your provider’s systems, choosing solutions that they actually specialize in might make it far easier to troubleshoot and maintain your installation.
What kind of VoIP adapter might be a good fit for your communication network? To learn more about your options, talk to a support specialist at 888VoIP today. Care to browse our offerings yourself? Get over to the 888VoIP Product Portal now.