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3 Ways You Make a VoIP Connection

By Nadeem Unuth Nadeem Unuth Freelance Contributor University of Mauritius Nadeem Unuth is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire who specializes in information and communication technology with a focus on VoIP. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 18, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Texting & Messaging Email Texting & Messaging Video Calls There are three ways to make a VoIP call, each with a different set of requirements and implications. Learn how these methods differ and what you need to place a VoIP call.

Computer to Computer or Smartphone to Smartphone

The word "computer" includes all devices that use digital data and run an operating system, including desktop and laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones. This mode is the most common, as it is easy and free. You need to have a computer connected to the internet and the necessary hardware to talk and listen—either a headset or speakers and a microphone. You can install voice communication software like Skype and you'll be ready to go. You can also place calls through a Local Area Network. A LAN needs to be IP-enabled, meaning the Internet Protocol (IP) should be running and controlling packet transfer on your network. With this setup, you can communicate with another person on the same network. Whether you are communicating over the internet or a LAN, you need adequate bandwidth. If you have around 50 kbps, it will work, but you won’t have the best quality. For good quality voice, get at least 100 kbps for a conversation.

Phone to Phone

"Phone" here means a traditional analog telephone. It also includes simple (not smart) cell phones. This mode is very handy but is not as simple and cheap to set up as the other two. It implies using a phone set on each user end. You can use VoIP and take advantage of its low cost by using a phone set. There are two ways in which you can use phones to make VoIP calls:

IP Phones

An IP Phone looks just like a normal handset. The difference is that, instead of working on the normal PSTN network, it connects to a gateway or router to establish communications. The IP phone, therefore, does not connect to the RJ-11 socket. Instead, it uses the RJ-45 Ethernet plug, which is the one you use for wired LANs. To get an idea of what an RJ-11 plug is, have a look at your normal phone or your dial-up modem. It's the plug that connects the wire to the phone or modem. The RJ-45 plug is similar but bigger. You can also use wireless tech like Wi-Fi to connect to a network. In this case, you can use either a USB or RJ-45 connection.

ATA

ATA is short for Analog Telephone Adapter. It's a device that allows you to connect a standard PSTN phone to your computer or directly to the internet. The ATA converts voice from your normal phone to digital data ready to be sent over a network or the internet. If you register for VoIP service, it is common to have an ATA bundled along in the service package, which you can return once you terminate the package. For example, you get an ATA in a package with Vonage and AT&T’s CallVantage. You only have to plug the ATA into your computer or phone line, install the necessary software, and you'll be ready to use your phone for VoIP. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Connect All Your Home Phones to Your VoIP Service The 5 Best Phone Adapters (ATAs) of 2022 How to Get Started With VoIP How to Stop Echoes in Voice Calls Ethernet Cables, How They Work and How to Choose the Right One What Is VoIP Latency, and Can It Be Reduced? What Does the Term 'Telephony' Mean? The Fundamentals of an Ethernet LAN, Explained How to Fix Netflix Error Code NW-2-5 on Any Device Troubleshooting Your VoIP Phone Adapter (ATA) What Is an IP Address? What Is a Modem in Computer Networking? How to Share Internet Access The 5 Best Wireless IP Phones of 2022 Can't Connect to the Internet? Try These 10 Tips How to Share Your Internet Connection on Windows Vista Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies