A hardware based VoIP phone can come in a number of varieties the 2 most common types are outlined below. It should be noted that within each variety of hardware different manufacturers can offer different features. Also a number of all in one unit’s are now coming on the market which can contain a broadband modem/router/wireless router/QOS and VoIP ATA.

• IP Phone.

  An IP Phone looks and works in very much the same way as your standard telephone with the exception that this phone will connect straight into your home network via an Ethernet cable. This phone will work independently from your computer therefore will work even when your PC is switched off.

  

  
  A typical IP Phone configuration.

• ATA, (Analogue Telephone Adaptor)

  An ATA is one of the most popular ways for the home user to enter into using VoIP. With an ATA your current home telephone can be plugged directly into the ATA using the telephones RJ-12 cable to the ATA. The ATA is then connected to your home network using an Ethernet port. There are a number of features available in the ATA market, including the ability to have more than one phone connected to the ATA, as well as the useful PSTN passthrough function which allows your standard telephone line to be connected to the to the ATA allowing calls to be made through VoIP or PSTN, this option means you will be able to continue to use just one handset in the home to make and receive calls and provides some insurance in the event of power/ISP or voice provider outage by sending calls out through the PSTN network when VoIP calling fails. An ATA will work independently from your computer therefore will work even when your PC is switched off.

  

  
  A typical ATA VoiP configuration.