Categories: Small Business VoIP

How Does VoIP Connect to PSTN?

Finally, you are ready to buy a VoIP system. But you are worried about an unexpected power outage and poor call quality. These are common fears we have heard from our customers all the time. Don’t worry, we have you covered!

May VoIP system owners overcome these worries simply with a VoIP Gateway. Let me tell you more about it.

How Does VoIP Connect to PSTN? Using a VoIP gateway for failover and PSTN calling

To connect your VoIP system to the PSTN, you will first need a VoIP Gateway. An FXO VoIP Gateway functions as a bridge between your IP network and the PSTN. Depending on where the voice traffic originates from, your FXO gateway will convert the voice traffic into the proper form for receipt by the destination network (IP or PSTN).

  • If the voice traffic is originating from the PSTN, the VoIP gateway will convert the analog voice signal into a digital signal. This digital signal is then compressed using a codec and broken into a series of packets that are transferred across the IP network using a signaling protocol.
  • If the voice traffic is originating from an IP network, the VoIP gateway will decompress the digital packets into a digital signal that is then converted into an analog signal to be sent across the PSTN.

So even when the power goes down or when the Internal call quality is really bad, you will still be able to use the PSTN to make phone calls and keep your business running as usual. Find a whole list of FXO Gateways HERE.

Is this article helpful? You can also download our free VoIP Gateways Guide to learn more at your own pace or call in at 1-800-398-8647 to discuss with our VoIP experts further!

Ying-Hui Chen

Ying-Hui ( Evy), has been working at VoIP Supply since November 2015. She is currently working in the Marketing Department helping with market research, SEO analysis/ tracking, email marketing and blogs. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Share
Published by
Ying-Hui Chen
Tags: Gateways

Recent Posts

Viking VoIP Emergency Phone E-1600-IP-EWP: Product Feature and How to Register with Sangoma PBXact

https://youtu.be/FE2kcF7KjgQ?si=inw4thEr2thxgGeL When it comes to security, you should never cut corners. Having something that you…

2 days ago

Watch Now: 2025 March VoIP News Update

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2_HXAv73FI Your March VoIP News Update is out now! This month we showcase an awesome…

6 days ago

Did You Know:  New MS Teams-Certified Services, Products & Devices!

It is certainly no secret that leading platforms such as Microsoft Teams have grown in…

7 days ago

Snom M56 DECT Phone & M500 Base Station: Product Feature and How to Pair Devices

https://youtu.be/7_EIZKXqG3w?si=nvWqq8EAe58AJ6Dp Over the years, we have seen several advancements in DECT technology, and with that,…

2 weeks ago

How To: Prepare Your Business for Upcoming Tariffs in the VoIP Industry

With all of this talk about tariffs, we wanted to provide you with some information…

2 weeks ago

Fanvil i62 Outdoor Audio & Video Door Phone: How to SIP Register and Program RFID Card

https://youtu.be/y3X1PcrK6i8?si=qWPgzDNhhngcsk_a In today's world, security is one of the most important things to have for…

1 month ago