VoIP gateways are highly specialized devices that allow a great deal of flexibility in implementing VoIP in a small business environment. This article will discuss some of the features and capabilities that are available with VoIP gateways.

A VoIP gateway typically allows an existing small business telephone system to be connected to a high-speed Internet connection to provide VoIP capability. Many varieties of gateways are available, to allow interfacing to a wide variety of existing telephone systems. A basic VoIP gateway will typically connect a 2 or more line phone system, with or without a PBX, to the Internet. This, in conjunction with VoIP service from a provider, will allow VoIP calls to be placed from existing telephones.

There are basically two types of gateways available. The first type is designed to provide a complete VoIP telephone solution, and may or may not include an interface to existing systems. This is the type you would probably choose when setting up a new business or location where VoIP is to be your primary telephone service. Regular telephone service might only be installed as a backup to VoIP service. These types of gateways are very similar to VoIP routers, except that they do not usually implement the PC network.

The second type of VoIP gateway is one that is designed to interface to an existing telephone system. You would probably choose this type if you have already invested heavily in telephone equipment, but still wished to take advantage of VoIP features and cost savings. These types of gateways can be quite complex technically, so you will probably want to talk to your telephone equipment supplier, as well as your telephone service provider, before choosing one of these types. This type typically includes a specialized interface to a particular phone system or PBX.

Both types of gateways might also provide an additional function - that of interfacing your VoIP phones to the regular telephone system. This type of two-way interface provides the greatest flexibility to someone with an existing telephone system. VoIP can be used where there are advantages in cost or features, and the regular telephone service is still available from the same phones. You can maximize your cost savings without having to completely change the way you use the telephone.

Another aspect to using VoIP gateways in a small business environment is that of connecting physical locations. If your business has locations in different cities, and the PCs at these locations are already networked over the Internet, then VoIP gateways can be used to connect the phone systems at the different locations. This would eliminate long distance charges between these locations - these calls would now be carried over the Internet at a much lower monthly rate.

One consideration when using VoIP gateways in this manner is that of available bandwidth. You should consult with the ISP that hosts your in-house network to make sure that there is enough bandwidth available to cover the normal network traffic plus the added bandwidth of the VoIP calls. For more information on bandwidth requirements, see the VoIP Bandwidth article in this series.

Whether you use VoIP as your primary means of telephone communications, or as an enhancement to an existing system, VoIP gateways provide a cost effective solution to implementing VoIP in your small business. You can use some of the other tools on this site, such as the VoIP Comparison Chart, to help you compare small business rates and capabilities of different VoIP providers. For more information on a provider, use the convenient link to their website.

This article "VoIP Gateway" is Copyright 2006 Compare-VoIP.net and may not be reproduced.

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