In the past, plenty of large and medium enterprises spent a lot on IDD call charges. Although they save the cost by using IP phone cards and other ways, it’s difficult to re-dial due to the complicated procedure and the high local call charging. Thus, VoIP Gateway is created to solve the high IDD call charges. This post will introduce what a VoIP gateway is.
Part I. What is a VoIP Gateway?
VoIP is a device that transfers call traffic into data packets and transmits them via the Internet. In other words, VoIP is similar to the switch of a general computer. At present, VoIP supports features of router and switch. The latter is responsible for exporting network resources to multiple computers, while the former is used to connect a telephone. The VoIP gateway can connect the telephone, fax or PBX in your house or office to Internet devices. That is to say, it can connect the PSTN to IP, achieving voice calling through the Internet.
Part II. Types of VoIP Gateway
Two main types of VoIP gateway are the analog and digital gateway.
1. Analog VoIP gateway
An analog Voice over Internet Protocol is used to connect your traditional regular telephones to a Voice over IP phone system or to connect your VoIP phone system to the PSTN. Therefore, the analog VoIP gateway includes two types: FXO gateway and FXS gateway.
● FXS Gateway: It connects from your IP phone system to your PSTN.
● FXO Gateway: It connects your fixed telephone or fax to the PBX system, VoIP telephone and analog devices.
2. Digital VoIP Gateway
It supports E1/T1 (ISDN) and performs as the bridge between traditional PBX and your IP network.
When selecting a VoIP gateway, the number of the devices and FXS or FXO ports should be taken into account. Generally, low-density hardware has fewer ports than high-density models, making them become the best choice for small offices. The analog gateway normally provides 4/8/16/24/48 ports.
Part III. How does the VoIP gateway work?
As we mentioned above, the VoIP gateway is the bridge between IP and PSTN. According to the position that the voice traffic comes from, the VoIP gateway transforms the voice traffic into the proper form for the targeted networks such as IP or PSTN.
If the voice traffic comes from PSTN, the VoIP gateway will transform the analog voice signals into digital signals. Then, it will compress and resolve the digital signals into a series of data packets that transmit on the IP network by using the signaling protocol.
If the voice traffic comes from an IP network, the VoIP gateway will uncompress data packets into digital signals and then transfer them into analog signals to pass through PSTN.
Part IV. What should an enterprise consider when choosing a VoIP gateway?
1. Call load: Make sure the gateway you choose can handle the required VoIP voice call capacity. Take a look at the number of phone calls expected to continue to be made by users during peak periods and then increase that number by another 20% to 25% for future growth in demand.
2. VoIP protocol support: The most common VoIP call signaling protocols are SIP and H.323. Your gateway must support the relevant protocols used by the VoIP system used on your network.
3. Compatibility: You should make sure that the ports on the gateway are compatible with the ports on your PBX device.
4. Cost: The price range of VoIP gateways is wide and varies according to type, brand, performance, and capacity. You should give priority to choosing the best cost-effective VoIP gateway product that meets your budget requirements and usage needs.
Part V. Related Product: V-SOL FXS VoIP Gateway
In accordance with market demand and customer needs, V-SOL has produced a series of FXS VoIP gateway with different performances. At present, V-SOL provides FXS VoIP gateway with 4/8/16/32/64 ports. As IP voice access devices, this series of voice gateway is specially designed for small business offices with the aim of providing reliable, low-cost, and flexible access solutions to the integrated communication deployment of network telephone operators and enterprises. Now let’s get to know more about the VoIP gateway by taking the example of the V-SOL 4 port FXS gateway IAD304.
Features of 4 port FXS Gateway:
● 4 FXS ports: They connect to phone, fax modem, POS machine, etc.
● 1 WAN and 1 LAN fast Ethernet port: auto-adaptive and full/half duplex
● WAN to LAN can work in bridging or router mode
● Support NAT and Firewall
● Support DHCP server
● The telephone wire transmission distance can reach up to 1000m.
● Support Web management and upgrading firmware remotely or online
● Support SIP protocol (IMS compatible)
The above is an overview of the VoIP gateway. What else would you like to know? Please comment below to let us know!