Analog VoIP adapter

Businesses are converting the traditional phone systems into VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) systems, you will need devices and specific technology to successfully deploy this new service. In order to make the transaction from POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) to the VoIP phone systems, you will need to have an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) installed.
Why your phone system needs a VoIP adapter?
You cannot plug the device into the router (or computer) to make it work. This is because landlines are not equipped with hardware to translate voice signals into digital packets that are transmitted through the Internet.
In order to use the analog phone with the VoIP phone systems, users need Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA).
What is a VoIP adapter?
A VoIP Adapter, also known as an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) will convert a VoIP signal to an analog tone so that you can use existing analog devices such as your phone or fax machine with VoIP service.
VoIP adapters are simple devices. But they are is an essential function of VoIP service and VoIP phone system.
FXS or FXO Ports?
Before you learn the type of VoIP adapter, FXS and FXO ports are important to know and not confuse.
An FXS port is an interface that connects station devices such as your phones or PBX to a VoIP adapter. An FXO port is an interface that connects your POTS line to a VoIP adapter.
The number of telephones, PBX systems or POTS lines you are looking to connect to a VoIP adapter determines how many of each port you will need.
Types of VoIP Adapters
Single FXS – As the name implies, these adapters come with a single FXS port that can connect one instrument(telephone) to the VoIP service.
Dual FXS – These are slightly more expensive adapters that offer dual FXS ports for users who want to connect to two instruments(telephones) or one instrument and a fax machine.
FXS/FXO – These adapters include both FXS and FXO ports to connect a single telephone and a single POTS line. These combination adapters are typically used to provide fail-over or used in case of emergencies.
Now you might be thinking, “What if I need to connect more than two telephones or POTS lines? ”
Businesses that use more than one line will require VoIP gateway. VoIP gateways perform the same essential functions as a VoIP adapter but are built to scale (up to 48 ports).
Features of a VoIP adapter
VoIP adapters are simple and so too are their features:
- Compliant with multiple protocols including SIP, H.323 and MGCP
- Support for G.711, G.723.1, G.726, and G.729A voice codecs
- T.38 compliant (for faxing)
- Echo cancellation, Jitter Buffer, VAD and CNG
- Web based administration/management
- Automatic provisioning via TFTP/HTTP
These are just standard features found in the majority of VoIP adapters. Each VoIP adapter has its own unique differences.
How does a VoIP adapter work?
VoIP adapters act as a bridge between an IP network and your desktop telephone. Sometimes, the bridge extends to the PSTN. What does it do exactly? Depending on where the voice traffic originates from a VoIP adapter will convert voice traffic into the proper form for receipt by the destination network or device.
If the voice traffic is originating from an analog telephone or the PSTN, a VoIP adapter will convert the analog voice signal into a digital signal. This digital signal is then compressed using a codec and broken into a series of packets that are transferred across the IP network using a signaling protocol.
If the voice traffic is originating from an IP network. The VoIP adapter will decompress the digital packets into a digital signal that is then converted into an analog signal for receipt by the station device or sent across the PSTN.