Subscribing to a VoIP service - Voice over IP - means being able to make calls all over the world via the Internet, without the recipient needing to have VoIP. The cost of using this service is generally lower than that of fixed telephony and you can keep your phone number or choose a new one with a local area code. Prices may vary.
Steps
Step 1. Get a phone adapter for VoIP
Note that it is not possible to use a regular telephone (PSTN) unless it is express that it can be used for VoIP or Skype. Thus, to use an analog telephone as a VoIP device, it must be connected to the adapter.
Step 2. The VoIP company will give you the telephone adapter with instructions on how to hook it up
Some phone cards are meant to be placed between the cable modem and the router or computer, while others plug into a specially provided router. Follow the attached instructions.
Step 3.
Step 4. Connect a phone to the Line 1 port on the adapter using a standard phone line
Step 5. Power the adapter by connecting the power cable to the back of the adapter and the plug to the wall socket
You should leave it connected constantly to keep your phone service running.
Step 6. While the phone adapter starts up, you need to wait a couple of minutes
Step 7. There may be updates to download, such as new firmware or feature changes:
they will be downloaded automatically. Do not interrupt this process by disconnecting the power to the telephone adapter or ISP modem.
Step 8. Pick up the phone receiver to hear a dial tone
If you hear a dial tone, you have finished the installation and can start making calls.
Advice
- If you connect the VoIP adapter directly into your broadband modem, you will need to turn off the modem before connecting the VoIP adapter. After making the connections, turn on the modem first, wait a minute so that it can stabilize, then turn on the VoIP adapter. On the other hand, if the VoIP adapter plugs into the router, you may not have to turn off the modem or router before connecting it, unless the instructions provided by your provider indicate otherwise.
- Many VoIP service companies offer additional features, such as caller ID display, call forwarding, audio conferencing and your answering machine via email. Some companies offer more or different options than others, so check to see if the provider offers all the features you need.
- If you want VoIP that works without having to turn on your PC, choose a WiFi enabled phone or one that you will connect directly to the router.
- Your computer does not need to be turned on to use the telephone service.
- You can use an Internet dial-up service for VoIP but broadband is recommended.
- You should connect the modem, router and VoIP adapter to the same UPS which will not be used for any other purpose. This will allow you to have a working VoIP service for a longer period during a blackout, assuming broadband is on.
- If your upload speed (as provided by the ISP) is less than 256K, you will not be able to successfully make a multiple call, nor multiple lines at the same time. Some companies offer a "bandwidth saver" feature which can be important in situations where upload speeds are limited. This bandwidth saving allows calls to use less bandwidth, resulting in decreased sound fidelity, which is often unnoticed.
- If the VoIP service stops working (for example, when there is no line signal), you should first of all make sure that the broadband connection is still working, using your web browser and going to the IP provided by your VoIP provider. If it seems to work normally, try disconnecting the VoIP adapter for about 30 seconds, then reapplying the power. Wait a minute or two in case it downloads new settings or firmware and try again. Often a power off reset of the VoIP adapter will solve the problem.
- If you want to replace your existing telephone wire, you can use telephone cabling to extend VoIP service throughout your home, although some VoIP companies don't recommend it. First, though, you'll need to completely disconnect the internal wiring from the external connection. Retrieve instructions for doing this, including for preventing problems with alarm systems and home entertainment devices connected to the telephone line.
- Before signing up for the VoIP service contract it is always advisable to perform a VoIP test. This is to test your broadband, but also jitter and latency, which are key VoIP parameters to determine the quality of your phone calls. Sometimes VoIP providers are criticized for call quality when in fact the problem is with the Internet connection.
Warnings
- Some unscrupulous VoIP companies advertise an "unlimited" level of service, but actually "cut" it to what they consider to be "high usage" customers to force them to move to a more expensive set of services. "Unlimited" service and you think you might fall into the "high usage" category, read the company's terms and conditions carefully and search online reviews about that company to see if other customers have had any problems.
- Some VoIP service companies require you to explicitly activate the 113 service, but they do not do it automatically. Check with the company to make sure you have the emergency response service active.
- If you want to insert your VoIP service into the home telephone cable system, you must first completely disconnect the internal cable from the incoming one. Omitting this precaution will damage the VoIP adapter and for this reason some VoIP companies do not recommend connecting VoIP to your internal cabling.
- Telephone connections, such as Vonage, which pass through the cable cannot contact emergency numbers. It is not recommended to have only such a connection in the house.
- If you port your old phone number to another provider, do not cancel the service with the old one until the number has been successfully transferred to your new VoIP provider. If you don't follow this precaution, you may lose your phone number.
- When you compare VoIP provider prices, note that some companies charge you a "statutory fee". It's not necessarily due, so you'd better get informed. It is also advisable to ask the provider for the actual monthly billing of the services before signing the contract.
- In the event of a power failure or broadband service interruption, you will not be able to use the VoIP service for the duration of the failure. You will be able to avoid interruption during a power supply problem by using an uninterruptible power supply, as long as the broadband provider's equipment is also adequately protected.
