How-To VoIP
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a way for anyone with a high-speed Internet connection to operate a full-featured office phone system without purchasing and installing expensive telephone hardware. Instead of paying for phone lines in addition to your Internet connection, you can use the Internet to carry your voice to anyone in the world.
How to Successfully Get Going: Read the Instructions
After you sign up for VoIP service, you may be receiving some hardware as part of the deal. Once that box arrives at your door, you must do one thing to use your new gear. That one critical step is this: Read the Setup Instructions that came with the gear. Most problems will be avoided if you follow the installation instructions carefully.
If you need more help with your new system, try these ways of getting help:
- Write down the Model and Serial number for the devices you are installing. They are usually found on a sticker on the bottom or back of the device. You will need these numbers at some point.
- Check in the documents that came with your new gear for a Support and Service page. Follow the suggestions on that page first.
- Go to your VoIP Service Provider’s website and look for a Support tab or menu item.
- Look for a search button, and use the Model number to search for relevant information.
- Check the provider’s FAQ section, and do a search there either describing your problem or using the Model number for your device.
- Use any online Chat Support feature they might offer. Call the toll-free support number.
- Make sure the User’s Guide you have is the same one they have on their site. Sometimes you can download a User’s Guide that is more detailed than the one that came with the gear.
- Try the device manufacturer’s website. Occasionally you can find pertinent details there.
- Knowledge is key to success. The more you learn about the system you’re working with, the more successful and confident you will be using it.
How to Use Your Standard Telephone with an Analog Telephone Adapter
- The Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) is a device that allows you to use your normal telephone handset with VoIP service. These devices often come standard with residential and small business accounts. The device usually comes with instructions on certain key-press combinations to perform common setup and use functions using your touchtone pad on the telephone.
- There is a wide variety of manufacturers of ATA devices and just as many different ways they design their devices to be used. There is no better help than to suggest you follow their installation instructions step by step. If you do, you should end up with a useable device.
- If you misplace the instructions don’t panic. Check their website to see if you can download the document from their support or downloads section. Be sure to use the correct model number when locating instructions or other documents. Close is not good enough.
- Although there are no generic instructions for using ATA’s, there are some common parts to ATA’s that we can define for you here.
WAN port – connects to the Internet side of your network, usually to the cable or DSL modem.
Phone Jack – also called a FXS port, this is where you plug your normal telephone.
Line Jack – also called a FXO port, this is how you connect some ATA’s to a regular phone line.
LAN port – connects to your computer or router or switch depending on configuration.
Power jack – connects the supplied AC adapter to the ATA.
How to Successfully Install a SIP Hardphone
SIP Hardphones are IP-based telephone handsets. They may be a single-line or multi-line, with displays, with video or just plain-jane basic models. As with the ATA devices mentioned above, there are many different ways SIP technology is implemented, and many different ways manufacturers configure and set up their devices.
When you un-box your new hardphones, be sure to read through the instructions before plugging anything in. Some configuration settings can be misconfigured by doing things out of sequence.
If you received your hardphone from your VoIP provider, it may be already partially configured. It is critical that you follow the instructions carefully so to avoid overwriting pre-configured data with erroneous data.
Security and Troubleshooting
Get a thorough discussion of VoIP security here.
Click here for the troubleshooting guide.