With the recent increased usage of VoIP services, hardware manufacturers have begun to incorporate VoIP capabilities into other Internet hardware devices. A VoIP router is an example of such a device. This article will discuss some of the features and capabilities of typically available VoIP routers.

A VoIP router typically combines the functions of a high-speed Internet router and an ATA (or Analog Telephone Adapter). ATAs have been available as separate devices for quite some time. Routers with the ATA incorporated into them are a more recent innovation. If you have a home network that shares access to your high-speed Internet connection, then you probably already have a cable or DSL router. A VoIP router will have similar features to this router, with the addition of the ATA port for your telephone. There are currently two types of routers available.

The first is one that has been especially configured to operate with a particular VoIP service. If you purchase a VoIP router from your VoIP provider, then it will be this type. Also, many or the VoIP routers that you will see for sale on the Internet or in computer stores are of this type - they will typically be bundled with software and possibly a trial period for a particular VoIP provider. So be careful when buying a router of this type - make certain that it is designed specifically for use with your provider.

The second type of VoIP router is one that is fairly generic and can be configured (via your web browser) to work with most VoIP service providers. This type allows you some flexibility in changing VoIP providers without the need to change your hardware. You should still check with your VoIP service provider to make sure that they can help if you have any problems configuring the router to work with their service.

A VoIP router will typically have a WAN port that connects to your high-speed cable or DSL modem, 1 or 2 ATA ports for analog telephones and 2 to 4 LAN ports for connecting your PC network. Connecting one is a relatively simple matter. The WAN port connects using a RJ45 cable to your high-speed modem. You then plug your analog telephone(s) into the ATA port(s). Finally, you can network your home PCs using RJ45 cables from the LAN ports to the PCs. Your analog telephones will now function as VoIP phones, and your PCs will share access to the Internet. You will also have the ability to use softphones on your PCs to place VoIP calls.

If you have purchased a generic VoIP router, then you will need to configure it to work with your VoIP service provider. This is usually done by going to a particular IP address in your web browser. This will display a web page, which actually resides in the VoIP router, that allows you to make configuration changes. As mentioned previously, you may need some assistance from your VoIP service provider during configuration. If you have purchased one of the pre-configured VoIP routers, then you should be able to make calls as soon as you complete the connections.

VoIP routers of both types will typically include a firewall as well. This can be configured to give you various degrees of security and privacy while on the Internet. Configuration is similar to the VoIP configuration, using a web browser and dedicated IP address. You may need to contact your ISP as well as your VoIP provider for assistance in configuring a firewall.

A VoIP router can be used to save space, cable connections and money. You can eliminate individual ATAs by using a VoIP router. In addition, there are less cable connections to be made. And you will likely find that the VoIP router costs less than the combined cost of a cable or DSL router and individual ATAs.

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

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