VoIP Equipment
Before downloading free VoIP or installing purchased VoIP software, make sure your computer meets these minimum system requirements:
• IBM compatible computer
• Available USB port
• 300 MHz
• 28 MB RAM
• 5 MB available hard disk space
• Windows Vista, XP, 2000 (there are a few that work with earlier versions)
• High-speed internet connection
• Sound Card
Check individual software minimum system requirements since MHz, RAM, and available hard disk space may vary. Once you have chosen VoIP software and your system has the minimum requirements you will need to become familiar with the equipment that is needed to use VoIP. There is also a growing list of optional VoIP equipment to meet various needs and wants of business, individual, and call center use.
Necessary VoIP equipment needed in addition to a computer with minimum system requirements:
• Adaptor - this converts analog (voice) to digital so it can be transmitted along an internet connection. It is connected to the router.
• Headset - the speaker and receiver are needed to communicate on VoIP calls.
Optional VoIP equipment types:
• Handset - has traditional landline phone look. VoIP telephones have an Ethernet connection that connects directly into a router. Handsets can also be Wi-Fi and work anywhere that Wi-Fi is available. Handsets can be used for PC-to-PC use or PC to landline or cell phone use.
• Communicator - wireless USB speaker phone
• Gateways - varied number of ports, analog or digital
• Wireless - headphones, IP phones, gateways, routers, networking
• Video conferencing - video phones, desktop video conferencing
• Networking - routers, switches, firewalls
• Power protection - surge protectors, power supply backup
VoIP equipment manufactures include Avaya (media servers, media gateways and communication devices), Cisco Systems (switches, routers, media gateways and other VoIP hardware), Lucent technologies (various types of VoIP equipment), Qovia (VoIP monitoring and management tools) and FaceTime (IM and P2P security and management tools).
Equipment can come with packages that include technical support and extended warrantees. Be sure to research what is and is not included. Be clear what the fees are for additional support and/or extended warrantees before purchasing any equipment.