What is A VoIP Gateway?

What Is a VoIP Gateway? Definition & How to Use It

Published April 14, 2023

Published Apr 14, 2023

REVIEWED BY:
Corey McCraw

WRITTEN BY:
Silvana Peters

This short article is part of a larger series on VoIP.

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1. 1 How VoIP Gateways Work
2. 2 Kinds Of VoIP Gateways
3. 3 VoIP Gateway Benefits for Businesses
4. 4 Top VoIP Gateway Manufacturers
5. 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
6. 6 Bottom Line

A voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) gateway is a bridging device that converts call traffic into data packets that can be transferred online. Public switched telephone network (PSTN) systems are analog and send voice signals along copper electrical wiring, while VoIP systems are digital. Analog and digital entrances are excellent alternatives for services switching to organization VoIP services but wish to take full advantage of the infrastructure they have in place.

In this short article, we answer the concern, "What is a VoIP gateway?" and explore how it operates, discuss the types offered, and dive into their advantages for small company interactions.

Definition: VoIP entrance devices equip users with the ability to link to one network to communicate with the devices of another network. VoIP entrance describes the hardware that changes call traffic from analog to digital signals and vice versa. Without the devices, signals from one system would be incompatible with the other, and signals would be stuck attempting to change from one to the other.

How VoIP Gateways Work

In this area, we'll break down what is a VoIP gateway and how it works. Put simply, it's a network's entry and exit point where routed data must travel through to be transformed from one procedure or format to another. Standard gateways user interface with both IP networks and PSTN telephone services.

To connect analog and digital networks, gateway devices use a phone jack, or what's also called a register jack-11 (RJ11). The register RJ-11 plugs into your entrance's foreign exchange office (FXO) or forex subscriber (FXS). The gateway typically contains an analog telephone adapter (ATA), which converts the signal from digital to analog and vice versa. The gateway might likewise have an Ethernet port to link to your internet service.

Once the gateway device is linked, it allows existing hardware, like desk phones and fax machines, to communicate with the VoIP or PSTN service. This assists your group usage non-digital hardware and link them to your internet-based phone system. Your team can answer different network phone lines without changing devices.

Depending on the equipment and hardware you're utilizing, VoIP or FXS entrances work with differing types of networks, including cloud and on-premise public branch exchange (PBX), regional location network (LAN), time-division multiplexing (TDM), and worldwide system for mobiles (GSM).

There are 2 methods in which information is transformed to be transmitted online:

Originating from a PSTN: Call traffic stemming from a conventional or legacy phone signal (analog) is changed into a digitized signal. That digital signal is compressed utilizing a "codec" and broken into a series of "data packages," secured for transmission, and then moved throughout an IP network.
Originating from an IP network: When calls originate from an IP network, gateways operate in reverse by decompressing the information packets into digital signals. Then the signals are converted into analog signals and sent throughout the PSTN.
Gateways are terrific since they allow you to take advantage of 2 systems; however, there are circumstances when VoIP systems stop working. These entrances have "fallback" modes that enable you to switch to your PSTN when the internet is down, guaranteeing ongoing interactions. This hybrid approach enables little services on a tight budget plan to make the most of VoIP advantages while utilizing current technologies that your group discovers familiar and reliable.

Learn how to establish a VoIP system in seven basic actions and construct the very best communication stack for your organization.

Kinds Of Voice-over-IP Gateways

Voice-over-IP gateways are readily available in a number of versions and have varying abilities. These devices may have one or both PSTN and IP-based connections. Analog gadgets connect your legacy telephones to a VoIP phone system or link your VoIP system to the PSTN. Here are the types of analog entrances:

FXO (Foreign Exchange Office) entrance: FXO ports connect your analog landlines to cloud-based PBX phone systems, VoIP phones, and analog gadgets.
FXS (Forex Subscriber or Forex Station) entrance: FXS customer ports link analog gadgets or on-site PBX systems to internet-based phone services.
Digital gateway: Digital units allow you to connect digital lines, such as ISDN or integrated services digital network, or several T1 lines.

FXO and FXS are analog gateways usually offered in two to 24-port configurations. Digital gateways bridge conventional PBX systems and an IP network.

When choosing your voice-over-IP gateway, think about the number of gadgets and the subsequent FXS or FXO ports you need. When selecting between low-density and high-density designs, teams in little offices are much better with low-density devices due to the fact that these generally have less ports and are more inexpensive.

Other points of factor to consider include your call load, compatibility, and general cost. Ensure your entrance can handle your call capability, especially throughout peak season. Check if the gateway ports work with your PBX device's ports, guaranteeing your system will work well. Lastly, the rates for entrances differ depending upon brand, efficiency, and capacity. Assess your present equipment and spending plan, then choose the most affordable option.

VoIP Gateway Benefits for Businesses

Now that the definition has been gone over, it's time to check out the advantages businesses obtain from using VoIP entrances. IP entrances have several advantages, especially for little to medium-sized services connecting or transitioning from one type of organization phone system to another. Take an appearance at the benefits of using gateway gadgets for your communication stack:

Prolongs Equipment Use

Considering the financial investment services took into setting up their legacy, on-premise systems, the decision to replace phone systems isn't a decision most small groups take gently. VoIP and FXO gateways merge telephony platforms, allowing you to utilize your existing analog systems while interaction functions. This lowers the in advance expense associated to upgrading phone systems.

Gateways are an outstanding aid for groups looking to assign their time and move phone systems in stages. Gateway gadgets handle expenses by permitting you to shift over an extended duration.

Reduces Communication Costs

VoIP is typically more affordable than landlines due to the fact that it utilizes an existing web connection to place calls. Recent industry reports suggest that services have shown expense savings, increased efficiency, and strengthened security since migrating to the cloud. VoIP phone systems don't need the same hardware financial investment and facilities upkeep.

Cloud-based service providers like RingCentral have mobile applications permitting you to route and forward calls to coworkers even when they run out the workplace. RingCentral's application supports team messaging, video conferences, and audio calls, enabling you to work from another location. Small companies pay regular monthly for movement and enterprise-level communication systems without maintenance, security, or hardware obligations.

Access deal with the go utilizing the RingCentral app (Source: RingCentral)

RingCentral is an excellent VoIP provider for growing companies searching for robust, feature-rich platforms with comprehensive third-party applications. Discover more in our comprehensive RingCentral review.

Visit RingCentral

Enhances Call Management Capabilities

Gateways permit an organization to link old technology with brand-new technology and handle more calls concurrently, unlike standard phone lines that only convert one call at a time. VoIP entrances enable you to receive and support numerous calls at the same time, increasing your call capability for better consumer service.

VoIP systems are internet-based and readily available in digital format. Connecting your legacy phone system to VoIP services like Nextiva lets users gain access to call recording, voicemail, call routing, and interactive voice action (IVR). As a hybrid system, you gain from utilizing cloud-based communications platforms without purchasing brand-new devices, buying infrastructure, or carrying out employee training.

Recorded inbound and outbound calls are archived for as much as six months. (Source: Nextiva)

Nextiva is a VoIP business phone system with innovative features offering unmetered voice calling, unrestricted web fax, and totally free local and toll-free numbers. It likewise provides call recording, call routing, and a multi-level auto-attendant.

Visit Nextiva

Top Gateway Manufacturers for VoIP

VoIP suppliers utilize gateway gadgets for switched and network interfacing, allowing companies with tradition phone systems to connect IP interactions systems. In addition to your telephone equipment, you will need a VoIP subscription. When it concerns voice-over-IP gateway devices, there are a number of choices in the market, ranging from two-port choices to enterprise-grade entrances that support call centers.

Here's a list of some of the most acknowledged producers:

Grandstream: Grandstream entrances allow organizations to incorporate phone systems for seamless communications. Its GXW series is interoperable and compatible with many SIP-based technology, soft switches, and IP-PBXs. The GXW4200 features up to 32 FXS ports, 1GB network port, and 4 SIP server profiles per system.
Sangoma: Its entrances assist offer a course toward an all-IP network with its VoIP and analog gadgets. The Vega 60R BRI digital entrance supports approximately 8 analog ports or up to 4 fundamental rate ISDN (BRI) lines. It supports telephone systems functions, consisting of call waiting, call forwarding, three-way conferencing, and executive barge.
AudioCodes: Offers a variety of gateways, including analog, BPI, and digital devices for organizations, business, and contact centers. Its digital entrance features support of two to 288 ports and substantial fax assistance that includes T. 38. The Mediant 3100 has 1,920 voice channels, a PRI user interface, and double power materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I require an entrance for VoIP?

No, not all IP-based phone systems require one. You need gateways if you have a VoIP service and desire to make and get calls utilizing routine phone lines. Softphone applications are readily available for download and utilize on your smart devices, depending on your service provider. Alternatively, analog telephone adapters (ATA) link telephones or facsimile machine to a VoIP network. Browse our list of analog telephone adapters to see if any match your needs.

VoIP entrance vs PBX: what is the difference?

VoIP entrances are hardware gadgets that transform analog telephony signals into packets of information for transmission over the internet. On the other hand, PBX or personal branch exchanges explain an organization phone system that offers several inbound and outgoing call lines, voicemail, call routing, and other call management features. For more details, take a look at our comprehensive guide on PBX phone systems.

What are the finest entrance gadgets for VoIP?

The Grandstream 4-port FXO Gateway is a trustworthy gadget with quick Ethernet, 4 RJ11 FXO ports, and are rack and wall mountable. Another popular device is the Dinstar DAG1000-40 4-port FXO Analog VoIP Gateway, understood for being low-cost and easy to use. These gateway devices can be found in numerous sizes and setups, so guarantee your devices is compatible with your selected gadget.

Bottom Line

VoIP gateways are practical and cost-efficient solutions for small companies transitioning from a legacy system to an internet-based communication option. When selecting the right gateway for VoIP communication, choose the best item that meets your service' budget plan requirements and operational usage.