Considering the Differences between a Router and an ATA for VoIP

When deciding whether to use a Router or an ATA for your VoIP, there are several considerations to take into account. Initially, you’ll need to understand how a VoIP router works and what an ATA actually is.

Understanding ATA technology

ATA stands for “analog telephone adaptor” which converts analog signals sent from a standard telephone. These signals are converted into a transmittable digital format suitable for Internet communications. The digital information is then re-fragmented into packets which carry that information (including voice data) to its destination. So, in essence, an ATA is a device that acts as an interface between VoIP services and traditional PSTN phones. It also serves to connect a local area connection with the entire telephone network system.

The VoIP ATA possesses two different sets of adaptors. One set is for the VoIP systems while the other is for the analog telephone. The VoIP service provider can then be linked with various Internet protocols. The voice signals handled by the codecs are then converted. There is no need to install software, since the ATA adaptor will work directly with the VoIP service. This is how the communications are facilitated.

All of the VoIP protocols are usually supported with additional supported protocols for increased sound quality. In addition, ATAs will also include LAN connection ports such as an RJ-11 or an RJ-45 for VoIP and telephone services. Some models will also feature USB connections that will allow an interface between the ATA and a computer or other digital device. Call switching may also be supported between VoIP and PSTN. This way, one can make the choice between placing a standard PSTN phone call and a VoIP call.

Additional ATA features

Other features that can be supported by an ATA include: call waiting, caller ID, call forwarding and quite a few others. Some of the more advanced ATA models will support three-way conferences which can be very useful in business.

One great feature of ATAs revolves around their ability to tolerate power failures. When power is suddenly interrupted, an ATA can switch to a PSTN connection automatically. In this way, calls are not interrupted. More advanced ATAs can even feature Digital Signal Processing. This ensures a higher level of voice communication quality. Other hardware devices can also be interfaced with an ATA.

The best way to determine which ATA is right for you is take a good look at all of its features and capabilities. You will also want to make sure that the ATA provides good voice quality, as well. Since VoIP is obviously the future of voice communication technology, it is wise to understand its related equipment in order to maximize its potential.

Understanding router technology

A VoIP ATA receives packet data and assembles it and then reconverts it back into voice signals sent to a telephone. In much the same fashion, a VoIP router sends signals to the Internet. The VoIP router also performs fragmentation and assists in packet reassembling. This similarity can be confusing to those who are attempting to distinguish between an VoIP Router and a VoIP ATA.

But a distinguishing factor between the two is that a VoIP router can communicate on the Internet with other routers. So, when a data voice packet is sent through an ATA, it will be directly delivered to the ATA on the other end of the communication. With a VoIP router, the data voice packet can transmit through a number of routers until it reaches its end destination.

For those who are using VoIP technology at their place of residence or business, an Internet connection may be unnecessary. This is where an ATA would be appropriate. But for those that require an Internet connection, a router would be used. A good example of this would be a business using a LAN and there is a need to connect to the Internet.

In the future, we will most likely see devices that will have the capabilities of both routers and ATAs. However, in the meantime, the two devices are very dissimilar in technology even though they perform similar voice functions.