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 article belongs to a bigger series on VoIP.

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1. 1 How VoIP Gateways Work
2. 2 Types 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) entrance is a bridging device that converts call traffic into information packages that can be transmitted over the internet. Public switched telephone network (PSTN) systems are analog and send out voice signals along copper electrical wiring, while VoIP systems are digital. Analog and digital gateways are outstanding choices for companies switching to business VoIP services but wish to optimize the infrastructure they have in place.

In this article, we answer the concern, "What is a VoIP gateway?" and check out how it functions, describe the types readily available, and dive into their benefits for small company interactions.

Definition: VoIP gateway gadgets gear up users with the capability to link to one network to communicate with the devices of another network. VoIP gateway 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 switch 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. Basically, it's a network's entry and exit point where routed data should go through to be transformed from one protocol or format to another. Standard entrances interface with both IP networks and PSTN telephone services.

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

Once the gateway gadget is connected, it allows existing hardware, like desk phones and facsimile machine, to communicate with the VoIP or PSTN service. This helps your team use non-digital hardware and link them to your internet-based phone system. Your team can answer different network phone lines without changing gadgets.

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

There are 2 ways in which data is converted to be transferred online:

Originating from a PSTN: Call traffic stemming from a conventional or legacy phone signal (analog) is transformed into a digitized signal. That digital signal is compressed utilizing a "codec" and broken into a series of "data packages," encrypted for transmission, and then moved across an IP network.
Originating from an IP network: When calls originate from an IP network, entrances operate in reverse by decompressing the information packets into digital signals. Then the signals are transformed into analog signals and sent across the PSTN.
Gateways are fantastic since they enable you to take advantage of 2 systems; nevertheless, there are circumstances when VoIP systems fail. These gateways have "fallback" modes that allow you to change to your PSTN when the web is down, ensuring ongoing interactions. This hybrid method makes it possible for small organizations on a tight budget plan to take benefit of VoIP advantages while using existing technologies that your group discovers familiar and dependable.

Learn how to set up a VoIP system in seven easy steps and construct the very best communication stack for your organization.

Types of Voice-over-IP Gateways

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

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

FXO and FXS are analog entrances generally readily available in two to 24-port setups. Digital gateways bridge conventional PBX systems and an IP network.

When selecting your voice-over-IP gateway, consider the number of gadgets and the subsequent FXS or FXO ports you need. When choosing between low-density and high-density designs, groups in small workplaces are better with low-density devices because these typically have less ports and are more budget-friendly.

Other points of consideration include your call load, compatibility, and general cost. Ensure your gateway can manage your call capacity, particularly throughout peak season. Check if the gateway ports are suitable with your PBX gadget's ports, ensuring your system will work well. Lastly, the rates for gateways differ depending on brand, efficiency, and capability. Assess your existing devices and budget, then pick the most cost-effective alternative.

VoIP Gateway Benefits for Businesses

Now that the meaning has actually been gone over, it's time to check out the advantages companies obtain from utilizing VoIP entrances. IP gateways have numerous advantages, particularly for little to medium-sized companies connecting or transitioning from one kind of company phone system to another. Take an appearance at the benefits of using entrance devices for your interaction stack:

Prolongs Equipment Use

Considering the investment organizations took into setting up their legacy, on-premise systems, the choice to replace phone systems isn't a decision most small groups take lightly. VoIP and FXO entrances merge telephone systems platforms, enabling you to use your existing analog systems while deploying cloud interaction functions. This lowers the upfront cost associated to upgrading phone systems.

Gateways are an exceptional assistance for groups aiming to assign their time and migrate phone systems in stages. Gateway gadgets handle costs by permitting you to transition over an extended duration.

Reduces Communication Costs

VoIP is usually less expensive than landlines due to the fact that it utilizes an existing internet connection to place calls. Recent industry reports indicate that organizations have actually revealed expense savings, increased performance, and strengthened security considering that migrating to the cloud. VoIP phone systems don't require the exact same hardware financial investment and facilities upkeep.

Cloud-based suppliers like RingCentral have mobile applications enabling you to path and forward calls to colleagues even when they run out the office. RingCentral's application group messaging, video meetings, and audio calls, enabling you to work from another location. Small organizations pay monthly for movement and enterprise-level communication systems without upkeep, security, or hardware obligations.

Access work on the go utilizing the RingCentral app (Source: RingCentral)

RingCentral is a fantastic VoIP provider for growing businesses looking for robust, feature-rich platforms with comprehensive third-party applications. Discover more in our comprehensive RingCentral review.

Visit RingCentral

Enhances Call Management Capabilities

Gateways allow a company to connect old innovation with new technology and deal with more calls simultaneously, unlike traditional phone lines that only convert one call at a time. VoIP entrances enable you to get and support multiple calls all at once, increasing your call capability for better client 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 response (IVR). As a hybrid system, you benefit from using cloud-based interactions platforms without buying new devices, purchasing facilities, or carrying out employee training.

Recorded incoming and outgoing calls are archived for up to six months. (Source: Nextiva)

Nextiva is a VoIP organization phone system with sophisticated functions providing unmetered voice calling, unlimited web fax, and free local and toll-free numbers. It also offers call recording, call routing, and a multi-level auto-attendant.

Visit Nextiva

Top Gateway Manufacturers for VoIP

VoIP vendors utilize entrance gadgets for switched and network interfacing, enabling services with tradition phone systems to link IP interactions systems. In addition to your telephone devices, you will require a VoIP subscription. When it concerns voice-over-IP gateway gadgets, there are numerous choices in the market, ranging from two-port alternatives to enterprise-grade gateways that support call centers.

Here's a list of a few of the most acknowledged makers:

Grandstream: Grandstream gateways enable businesses to integrate phone systems for smooth interactions. Its GXW series is interoperable and suitable with most SIP-based innovation, soft switches, and IP-PBXs. The GXW4200 features approximately 32 FXS ports, 1GB network port, and 4 SIP server profiles per system.
Sangoma: Its entrances assist supply a path towards an all-IP network with its VoIP and analog gadgets. The Vega 60R BRI digital gateway supports up to 8 analog ports or approximately 4 basic rate ISDN (BRI) lines. It supports telephone functions, including call waiting, call forwarding, three-way conferencing, and executive barge.
AudioCodes: Offers a variety of gateways, including analog, BPI, and digital gadgets for businesses, business, and contact centers. Its digital gateway features assistance 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 products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a gateway for VoIP?

No, not all IP-based phone systems need one. You need entrances if you have a VoIP service and wish to make and receive calls utilizing routine phone lines. Softphone applications are readily available for download and utilize on your smart gadgets, depending upon your company. Alternatively, analog telephone adapters (ATA) connect telephones or fax makers 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 distinction?

VoIP gateways are hardware gadgets that convert analog telephone systems signals into packages of data for transmission over the internet. On the other hand, PBX or private branch exchanges describe a business phone system that offers several inbound and outbound call lines, voicemail, call routing, and other call management features. For additional information, have a look at our thorough guide on PBX phone systems.

What are the finest entrance devices for VoIP?

The Grandstream 4-port FXO Gateway is a reliable device with fast Ethernet, four RJ11 FXO ports, and are rack and wall mountable. Another popular gadget is the Dinstar DAG1000-40 4-port FXO Analog VoIP Gateway, known for being low-cost and easy to utilize. These entrance gadgets been available in various sizes and setups, so ensure your devices works with your selected device.

Bottom Line

VoIP gateways are practical and cost-effective options for small services transitioning from a legacy system to an internet-based communication service. When choosing the right gateway for VoIP communication, select the very best product that fulfills your company' budget requirements and functional use.