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Getting Wired For VoIP

You finally made the switch to broadband phone service. The friendly neighborhood UPS guy just came by with the DTA adapter you'll need to start using your new VoIP service. Soon the wheels in your head begin to turn as you realize your VoIP router is only connected to one telephone. You want VoIP phone service in your whole house, don't you?

Getting wired for VoIP in your whole house is fairly simple. You don't need a degree in rocket science, though it does take a bit more of a hands on approach than just letting the telephone company switch you over, but is also more rewarding. Along with a much cheaper phone bill, your friends will think you are some kind of computer genius.

Installing your VoIP system is really pretty easy, and for the most part all VoIP adapters install the same way. If you have a wireless network router, just think of your Internet connection as running from your modem, through your VoIP adapter first, then through your wireless router, and finally out to your computer. Consult your install guide.

If you do not have a wireless router, then your Internet connection comes from your cable, or DSL modem, through your VoIP adapter, and out to your computer. In either case, plug in your telephone line and finally power everything up. Be patient as this can take a few minutes to propagate the first time you connect. See your owners manual.

The easy way to get your whole home wired for VoIP is to buy a wireless whole house VoIP phone system with the VoIP router already built into the telephone. Broadband telephone companies like Packet8 offer these phones at a discount when you sign up for service and continue to sell additional compatible wireless handsets as needed.

Another approach is to run the phone cord from your VoIP adapter that would normally plug into your telephone, out to your network interface box outside, commonly referred to as the phone box. Unplug the phone companies line and plug in your own. This will connect all the phone jacks in your home to the VoIP Service.

When you wire your home for VoIP with the network interface box, make sure to put up a sign to insure the telephone company does not plug their line back in. If they do, it could damage your VoIP adapter. If you have a newer home, you may already be equipped with a system to connect your broadband phone service to the whole house.

posted by 4414 @ 11:47 AM