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Common VoIP Hardware Devices and Equipment

Understanding Common VoIP phone system hardware

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 April 19, 2020 Tweet Share Email TwilightEye / GettyImages Tweet Share Email Accessories & Hardware The Quick Guide to Webcams Keyboards & Mice Monitors Cards HDD & SSD Printers & Scanners Raspberry Pi To place or receive calls using Voice-over-IP technology, you need a hardware setup that will allow you to speak and listen. You might need simply a headset with your PC or a complete set of network equipment, including routers and phone adapters. We've prepared a list of the equipment that you typically require for VoIP, but you won't need everything we mention. What you need depends on what you use and how you use it.

Analog Telephone Adapters

An analog telephone adapter acts as a hardware interface between an analog PSTN telephone system and a digital VoIP line. You don’t need an ATA if you are using PC-to-PC VoIP, but you will use it if you sign up for a monthly VoIP service to be deployed at home or in your office, and if you intend to use your existing phones.

Acronym Alert!

PSTN — the packet-switched telephone network — uses analog signals over copper or fiber-optic cable. Voice-over-IP technology sends digital signals through the internet. The approaches function similarly, but the underlying architecture is very different.

Telephone Sets

The phone set is essential for VoIP — it's both an input and an output device. Several types of phones can be used with VoIP, depending on the circumstances, your needs, and your choice. Although you can use an analog telephone designed for PSTN networks, you might find more value in a dedicated VoIP phone or even a non-hardware softphone app.

PC Handsets

Handsets resemble telephones, but they connect to your computer through USB or a sound card. They work together with a softphone allowing you to use VoIP more comfortably. They can also be plugged into an IP phone to allow many users to use the same phone. These devices are rarer than they used to be; most people now either use a PC headset or an ATA with a desk phone to communicate using VoIP.

PC Headsets

A PC headset is a standard multimedia device that allows you to hear audio from your computer and input your voice by using a microphone. Check out our list of the best USB headsets and the best Bluetooth headsets to help you pick the right device for you. 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 How to Get Started With VoIP What Is VoIP Latency, and Can It Be Reduced? Connect All Your Home Phones to Your VoIP Service Phones You Can Use With VoIP The 5 Best Phone Adapters (ATAs) of 2022 The 5 Best Wireless IP Phones of 2022 What Does the Term 'Telephony' Mean? How to Turn Your iPod Touch Into a Phone How to Stop Echoes in Voice Calls Troubleshooting Your VoIP Phone Adapter (ATA) 3 Ways You Make a VoIP Connection Make Free Calls on Your iPad How to Connect PSVR to a PC The Difference Between VoIP and IP Telephony Can I Keep My Existing Phone Number While Using VoIP? How to Make Wi-Fi Calls on Your iPhone 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