Understanding VoIP gateways can be somewhat confusing since the term has somewhat different meanings when referring to business networks versus residential applications. In both residential and business systems, it is the VoIP gateway that allows you to use traditional telephone equipment for VoIP communication. The VoIP gateway is also the tool that allows you to use Internet at the same time you are taking advantage of VoIP telephony. In residential systems, a VoIP gateway is what is also referred to as a VoIP router. Many of us are familiar with the role of the router. The VoIP gateway, or router, is the device that directs the traffic on your network and allows for VoIP telephone communication. The router gathers the information from your IP service provider, reads and interprets it, and then tells it where to go. In large business applications a VoIP gateway is still used to direct network traffic but often for PBX (private branch exchange) systems. The VoIP gateway allows the enterprise to continue to use its existing traditional equipment. Since many businesses find the quality of their communications is better if they stick with using traditional phone lines to receive their data and it much more cost effective to retain existing hardware, the attraction of the VoIP gateway is easy to understand. In addition to translating traditional signals into digital packets, the VoIP gateway can be configured to route calls to individual points. In short, it is the VoIP gateway that allows the calls to be made via voice over IP technology. VoIP gateways can allow companies and individuals to enjoy significant savings over traditional phone lines. This is especially true for businesses with multiple offices where calls can be routed over the Internet instead of via traditional methods. VoIP gateways are found in two formsâ€"external units and PCI cards. The most popular hardware is the external unit. This hardware will have a connector for the IP network and connectors for the phone lines. Gateways also handle multiple protocols which allows for compatibility between various devices and systems. VoIP gateways are available in analog and digital form. The analog version is used to connect standard everyday analog phone lines while the digital form processes digital phone signals. VoIP gateway technology has come a long way in recent years. Today it is considered to be a cost effective and flexibility technology that is, by and large, very reliable. Advances, however, continue as manufacturers continue to respond to the ever increasing need for higher density and the requirements of specific service providers. As VoIP adoption continues to explode, the role of the VoIP gateway will continue to grow in importance. VoIP gateways are, and will continue to be, a key element in any state-of-the-art VoIP solution. Without them to direct the traffic on your network, your options would be extremely limited.
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