A VoIP gateway is a device that can convert telephony traffic into IP for transmission over a data network. There are two ways in which they VoIP gateways are used. One of these ways is to convert incoming PSTN/telephone lines to VoIP/SIP, which then allows calls to be both received and placed on the regular telephony network. The other way is to connect a traditional PBX (News - Alert)/Phone system to the IP network, which allows all calls to be made via VOIP.

 

VoIP gateways are available either as external units or as PCI cards, but the vast majority are usually external units. A VoIP gateway will have a connector for the IP network and at least one port—sometimes more—to connect the phone line.

 

There are two different types of VoIP gateways. Firstly, analog units are used to connect regular analog phone lines, and are available for anywhere from 2 to 24 lines. Then there are digital units, which let users connect digital lines to either one or more BRI ISDN lines, one or more PRI/E1 lines, or one or more T1 lines.

 

As demand for VoIP gateways has increased drastically over the years, prices have decreased sizeably. Analog gateways often start as low as $200. They can all be purchased online at a wide variety of online shops.