| are interested in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) | | | | with a VoIP provider of your choosing. The important |
| services and do not want to buy a new IP phone, | | | | thing to remember is to purchase a router that is |
| you will need a piece of hardware called a router to | | | | compatible with your provider. Research what you |
| change the analog signal from your traditional phone | | | | want before you buy. The second type of router is |
| over to a digital signal carried over the Internet. A | | | | more of a generic VoIP router. If you purchase this, |
| VoIP router blends the abilities of a high-speed | | | | you can configure it yourself to your web browser. |
| Internet router and an Analog Telephone Adapter | | | | They work with a majority of VoIP service |
| (ATA) so that you have both services in one piece | | | | providers. This is a better purchase if you are not |
| of hardware. If you have DSL or high-speed cable | | | | sure whom you want as a VoIP provider. Choosing |
| Internet service then you most likely you have | | | | this router allows you the flexibility to change VoIP |
| connection through a modem or router. A VoIP | | | | providers without having to change your hardware. A |
| router has features that are similar to the DSL | | | | word of caution here, if your strengths do not |
| modem the only difference is there is also a | | | | consist of configuring computers, it will be important |
| connection for the ATA port. Currently, there are | | | | to ask for assistance from your VoIP service |
| two types of VoIP routers available. The first type | | | | provider to help configure the hardware. Regardless, |
| of router is one you purchase that comes connected | | | | of the type of router you purchase they generally |
| with a particular service provider. If you subscribe to | | | | come with firewall protection. Everyone knows that |
| VoIP service over the Internet, many providers offer | | | | protection while using the Internet is very important. |
| the router free of charge. You may choose to | | | | The advantages of using a VoIP router are that you |
| purchase the router from a store. In this case, the | | | | will save space by not having a lot of equipment to |
| router comes with a pre-selected provider and all the | | | | manage as well as money. Many times the cost of a |
| software you need to install and download onto your | | | | VoIP router is less than what you are paying for an |
| computer. This software is usually limited to a trial | | | | ATA or DSL router. |
| period at the end of which you will need to subscribe | | | | |