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 becomes part of a bigger series on VoIP.

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) gateway is a bridging device that converts call traffic into information packets that can be transmitted online. Public switched telephone network (PSTN) systems are analog and send out voice signals along copper circuitry, while VoIP systems are digital. Analog and digital gateways are outstanding alternatives for services switching to organization VoIP services however want 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 check out how it functions, discuss the types offered, and dive into their benefits for small business communications.

Definition: VoIP gateway devices equip users with the capability to connect to one network to communicate with the gadgets of another network. VoIP entrance refers to the hardware that alters 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 trying 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. Simply put, it's a network's entry and exit point where routed information must go through to be converted from one procedure or format to another. Standard entrances interface with both IP networks and PSTN telephone services.

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

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

Depending on the equipment and hardware you're utilizing, VoIP or FXS gateways deal with varying kinds of networks, including cloud and on-premise public branch exchange (PBX), local area network (LAN), time-division multiplexing (TDM), and worldwide system for mobiles (GSM).

There are two ways in which data is converted to be sent over the web:

Originating from a PSTN: Call traffic stemming from a standard or legacy phone signal (analog) is changed into a digitized signal. That digital signal is compressed using a "codec" and broken into a series of "data packages," encrypted for transmission, and after that transferred across an IP network.
Originating from an IP network: When calls originate from an IP network, entrances operate in reverse by decompressing the data packages into digital signals. Then the signals are converted into analog signals and sent out throughout the PSTN.
Gateways are excellent since they permit you to profit from 2 systems; nevertheless, there are instances when VoIP systems fail. These gateways have "fallback" modes that enable you to change to your PSTN when the internet is down, making sure continued interactions. This hybrid method enables small companies on a tight budget to make the most of VoIP benefits while using existing innovations that your team discovers familiar and reliable.

Learn how to set up a VoIP system in 7 basic actions and develop the very best interaction stack for your organization.

Types of Voice-over-IP Gateways

Voice-over-IP entrances are available in several variations and have differing capabilities. These devices might have one or both PSTN and IP-based connections. Analog devices link your legacy telephones to a VoIP phone system or link your VoIP system to the PSTN. Here are the kinds of analog entrances:

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

FXO and FXS are analog gateways generally available in two to 24-port configurations. Digital gateways bridge traditional PBX systems and an IP network.

When selecting your voice-over-IP gateway, consider the variety of devices and the subsequent FXS or FXO ports you require. When selecting between low-density and high-density models, teams in small offices are better with low-density devices since these generally have less ports and are more inexpensive.

Other points of factor to consider include your call load, compatibility, and total cost. Ensure your gateway can handle your call capacity, especially during peak season. Check if the gateway ports work with your PBX gadget's ports, guaranteeing your system will work well. Lastly, the costs for gateways vary depending on brand, performance, and capability. Assess your existing equipment and budget, then choose the most affordable choice.

VoIP Gateway Benefits for Businesses

Now that the definition has been discussed, it's time to check out the benefits services derive from using VoIP gateways. IP entrances have several benefits, particularly for small to medium-sized organizations connecting or transitioning from one type of organization phone system to another. Take an appearance at the benefits of utilizing entrance devices for your interaction stack:

Prolongs Equipment Use

Considering the investment organizations took into setting up their legacy, on-premise systems, the decision to replace phone systems isn't a decision most little teams take lightly. VoIP and FXO gateways merge telephone platforms, enabling you to utilize your existing analog systems while deploying cloud communication functions. This decreases the upfront expense associated to upgrading phone systems.

Gateways are an excellent aid for groups aiming to allocate their time and migrate phone systems in phases. Gateway devices manage costs by enabling you to transition over an extended period.

Reduces Communication Costs

VoIP is usually less expensive than landlines since it uses an existing internet connection to position calls. Recent market reports indicate that companies have shown expense savings, increased efficiency, and reinforced security since moving to the cloud. VoIP phone systems don't need the exact same hardware financial investment and facilities maintenance.

Cloud-based providers like RingCentral have mobile applications enabling you to path and forward contacts us to associates even when they're out of the workplace. RingCentral's application supports group messaging, video conferences, and audio calls, enabling you to work remotely. Small businesses pay regular monthly for movement and enterprise-level interaction systems without maintenance, security, or hardware obligations.

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

RingCentral is a fantastic VoIP company for growing companies trying to find robust, feature-rich platforms with substantial third-party applications. Find out more in our detailed RingCentral evaluation.

Visit RingCentral

Enhances Call Management Capabilities

Gateways enable a company to connect old technology with new innovation and handle more calls concurrently, unlike standard phone lines that only transform one call at a time. VoIP gateways allow you to receive and support numerous calls simultaneously, increasing your call capability for better client service.

VoIP systems are internet-based and available in digital format. Connecting your tradition phone system to VoIP solutions like Nextiva lets users gain access to call recording, voicemail, call routing, and interactive voice response (IVR). As a hybrid system, you take advantage of using cloud-based interactions platforms without buying new devices, buying infrastructure, or conducting employee training.

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

Nextiva is a VoIP organization phone system with advanced features using unmetered voice calling, unlimited internet fax, and complimentary regional 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 vendors use entrance devices for switched and network interfacing, enabling companies with legacy phone systems to connect IP communications systems. In addition to your telephone equipment, you will need a VoIP membership. When it concerns voice-over-IP gateway devices, there are a number of options in the market, varying from two-port options to enterprise-grade entrances that support call centers.

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

Grandstream: Grandstream gateways enable companies to incorporate phone systems for smooth communications. Its GXW series is interoperable and compatible with the majority of SIP-based technology, soft switches, and IP-PBXs. The GXW4200 includes approximately 32 FXS ports, 1GB network port, and 4 SIP server profiles per system.
Sangoma: Its gateways help offer a path towards an all-IP network with its VoIP and analog devices. The Vega 60R BRI digital entrance 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 entrances, including analog, BPI, and digital gadgets for companies, business, and contact centers. Its digital entrance functions assistance of 2 to 288 ports and extensive fax assistance that includes T. 38. The Mediant 3100 has 1,920 voice channels, a PRI user interface, and dual power materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I require a gateway for VoIP?

No, not all IP-based phone systems require one. You need entrances if you have a VoIP service and wish to make and receive calls utilizing routine phone lines. Softphone applications are offered for download and use on your smart gadgets, depending on your 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 requirements.

VoIP entrance vs PBX: what is the distinction?

VoIP entrances are hardware gadgets that convert analog telephony signals into packages of data for transmission over the web. On the other hand, PBX or personal branch exchanges explain a business phone system that provides multiple inbound and outbound call lines, voicemail, call routing, and other call management features. For additional information, examine out our detailed guide on PBX phone systems.

What are the very best gateway gadgets for VoIP?

The Grandstream 4-port FXO Gateway is a reputable device with quick Ethernet, four RJ11 FXO ports, and are rack and wall mountable. Another popular device is the Dinstar DAG1000-40 4-port FXO Analog VoIP Gateway, known for being low-priced and simple to use. These entrance devices can be found in various sizes and setups, so ensure your equipment is suitable with your selected device.

Bottom Line

VoIP gateways are practical and economical services for small organizations transitioning from a legacy system to an internet-based interaction option. When selecting the best gateway for VoIP interaction, select the best item that satisfies your organization' budget requirements and operational usage.