Can I Use Multiple Phones with VoIP?
February 7th, 2012 - Posted by mary
Q: I have four phones on the same phone line. Will I be able to keep all four phones with VoIP?
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A: This depends on how your phones are currently set up. If, like many people, you use a standard cordless phone system where one base phone plugs into a standard phone jack in the wall and the others transmit wirelessly from that base unit, your phones should work exactly the same with a VoIP system once you plug the base unit into your VoIP adapter.
If all four phones currently plug into their own wall jacks, you have a couple of options for multiple phones. If your phones are plugged in in separate rooms, you might want to use wireless phone jacks, also known as portable phone jacks, to connect your phones through the electrical wiring in your house. A main base plugs in to the VoIP adapter, and then individual extender ports for each phone plug into electrical outlets around the house. This can cause some interference or audio issues, but is simpler than some of the other options.
Splitters are another possibility if you don't mind dealing with running wires from room to room. A splitter plugs into the VoIP phone jack and provides multiple phone ports, which you can then use to plug in a number of phones.
Finally, you can use your existing telephone wiring to route your VoIP service throughout your home. This option is best if you live in a single-family house, as redoing the wiring might cause problems for other residents in an apartment or condo building. To do this, you must separate your house's wiring from the phone company's outside system and connect it to the VoIP adapter. This change is reversible. Although you can do the wiring yourself, an electrician can help with the process. Check with your VoIP provider to see if they can recommend an electrician or other professional. VoIP providers may also provide resources to help you do the rewiring yourself. Some VoIP providers advise against rewiring your house because traditional telephone wires carry a charge that can sometimes damage VoIP equipment. If you're thinking about Vonage service, click here to read our blog post on using your existing home wiring with Vonage for more detailed information about rewiring.
If you just need one extra plug, some VoIP providers' adapters have more than one phone port, including one of our top-rated options, VOIPo, which offers an adapter with two phone ports.
Long story short, multiple phones are very doable with VoIP, but you might want to switch to a cordless system, since overall, the simplest solution is definitely to use one main base and a number of cordless handsets rather than to install a splitter, redo home wiring, or use wireless extensions.
Got other questions about VoIP? Compare services head to head with our comprehensive charts for home or business VoIP services. You can also read our FAQs, delve into detailed individual reviews, or take a look at other blog posts answering common VoIP questions.
Can I Use VoIP with a High Speed Wireless Connection?
December 16th, 2011 - Posted by jeff
Q: I have a "high speed" wireless connection via a local satellite Internet provider. It says the speed is 36.0 mbps. Can I use it for VoIP services?
A: The minimum bandwidth that you need for VoIP is usually around 88 kbps, so your connection speed should be enough. (1,000 kbps = 1 mbps) And as long as you have a router, which the VoIP adapter needs to be plugged in to, you should be able to use VoIP services with no problem.
If you have other questions about VoIP, check out our VoIP compare page to compare different VoIP services. If you want speak to someone by phone about VoIP services, Vonage offers NextAdvisor users a toll-free 800 number to speak to a representative. Or check out our top-rated VoIP provider, VoIPo, which has the cheapest domestic calling plans.
How Much Is the Router for VoIP? Can I Just Use My Own?
October 27th, 2011 - Posted by jeff
Q: How Much Is the Router for VoIP? Can I Just Use My Own?
A: Luckily, there is no special router that you need to use for VoIP services. Most VoIP services (especially our top services) are compatible with most routers. In addition, services offer online and phone support to help you connect your router to the VoIP network.
In addition to the router, you must have a VoIP adapter to attach to it to. Each service provides its own adapter so that you can use VoIP over your telephone. Most of the top companies, such as Voipo and Vonage, provide the adapter for free. Some, such as PhonePower, will let you “lease” the hardware for free, but it must be returned. Companies such as Phone.com will waive the cancellation free if you return the hardware. If you want to know more about what each company provides, check out our VoIP service reviews.
Is There Any Way to Get all My Phones to Ring at Once with VoIP?
October 21st, 2011 - Posted by polina
Q: I have three hard lines at home, is there any way to get all three of them to ring at once with VoIP?
A: Vonage, one of our top-rated VoIP providers, allows users to attach the included adapter to the central phone in your network of hard lines and all of the phones around the house will ring at the same time. This goes for most all of the VoIP services - if you buy a set of phones that comes with a base unit and additional headsets, plugging the adapter to the base unit will ensure that all of the other headsets will be connected as well.
Another one of our favorites, VOIPo, gives you a free cloned 2nd line included with the Home and Home Office plan.
In general, you can also use a multiple jack extension connector by plugging it into your Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA). By doing this, you can use multiple phones on a single line at the location of your ATA.
Can I use my fax with a VoIP telephone line?
September 16th, 2011 - Posted by jeff
Q: Can I use my fax with a VoIP telephone line?
A: The answer largely depends on which VoIP service you are using. Mostly, it is not a good idea. Fax machines generally use the standard analog network (normal phone service) to transmit data, where VoIP compresses the analog voice data into digital data, which tends to operate differently with fax machines. Short answer: They aren’t compatible.
Having said that, Vonage claims that you can hook up any analog fax machine to your Vonage telephone adapter, as long as you already have a voice line with Vonage. Of course, you can’t make calls and accept faxes at the same time, so getting a second line would be advisable. They also have an extensive fax trouble shooting section on their online support page, if you were to have problems.
Most other VoIP companies provide Internet Fax options, so that you don’t even need to deal with the old analog fax machine. VoIPo offers a Virtual Fax Service that can be added to an existing account for those who want a fax line for their home or office. When a fax is sent to the line, the service will turn the fax into a PDF and email it to your provided email address. Phone.com also offers a digital fax service standard with most of their phone plans.
If you don’t want to set up your fax service through your VoIP account, there is also the option of using a third party fax services, which we review here.
I'd like to sign up for a VOiP home service, but where I live wasn't on your list of towns. Does that mean I cannot get VOiP here?
August 25th, 2011 - Posted by Tasha
Q: I'd like to sign up for a VOiP home service, but where I live wasn't on your list of towns. Does that mean I cannot get VOiP here?
A: If you live in the U.S. (regardless of which town), you should be able to use VOiP provided you have the following items:
- A high speed internet connection such as Cable or or DSL.
- A touch tone phone. Wireless or wired is OK, but rotary dial phones won't work. If you don't have a touch tone phone, you can pick up a low-cost phone at your drugstore or chain market.
- The VOiP phone adapter, which will be sent you you by the service you sign up for. Most services, including Vonage, VOIPo and PhonePower, will give you the adapter free of charge.
VOiP is a great way to save money on calls, so if you're on the fence you should seriously consider it. To learn more about VOiP and how it works, see our VOiP FAQ. Also, take a look at our home VOiP comparison chart to compare and contrast our reviewed services.
When using VOiP to make and receive calls, does my computer need to be logged on to the internet all the time?
August 17th, 2011 - Posted by Tasha
Q: When using VOiP to make and receive calls, does my computer need to be logged on to the internet all the time? If not, does my computer need to be on if the system is plugged into my router?
A: You do not need to use your computer in any way when you have a VOiP phone system. That means your computer does not need to be turned on or logged into the internet. The only things you need to enjoy VOiP are a broadband internet connection (DSL or cable) and a touchtone phone. All the VOiP systems we review provide you with any other necessary equipment.
VOiP works just like your current phone service; to make a call you pick up the phone and dial the number, and when someone calls you the phone rings and you pick up the phone and answer it. It sounds and feels the same to both your and other people. The only difference is the less expensive price.
VOiP is a great choice because the cost savings are generally much greater than a standard phone line, especially if you make long distance or international calls. This is because VOiP uses your internet connection for calls instead of phone lines. Our top contenders for home VOiP service from a service and value perspective include Vonage and VOIPo, but we also review many other home VOiP services.
Can I keep my phone number with VoIP? Will it work with one phone and two extensions?
August 8th, 2011 - Posted by Sarah
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q. Can I keep my same phone number with VoIP? Will it work with one phone and two extensions, one being in a trailer outside the building?
A. Vonage offers you a choice between keeping your existing number or getting a completely new number. Regarding your second question, most VoIP providers allow you to use more than one extension from a single phone. However, you'd have to add a phone in order to receive an extension outside of your building.
Will VoIP work with a mobile broadband Internet connection?
August 3rd, 2011 - Posted by Sarah
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q. We have a mobile broadband connection for our computer. Will VoIP service work with that?
A. Sorry to say, VoIP needs to be plugged into a modem to work. If you have a wireless or corded modem for your Internet connection, though, you should still be able to use VoIP by simply plugging it into the modem. Customer service representatives for VoIP companies such as Vonage should be able to guide you through the setup steps.
Can I still use my fax machine with Vonage?
April 19th, 2010 - Posted by Tasha
The following is an actual user-submitted question:
Q: Can I still use my fax machine with Vonage?
A: Yes, you can use your fax machine with Vonage. Once you've signed up for Vonage, you'll receive the Vonage V-Portal in the mail. If you have a single Vonage line, just plug your fax machine into Phone Port 1 on the back of the V-Portal and it's connected.
Having a single line means that you'll be sharing your fax line with your phone line, just like you would on a regular land line. For example, if you're on the phone you won't be able to receive or send faxes and if you're using the fax you won't be able to talk on the phone. However, since most people don't fax that often this will probably work for you.
If you need a dedicated fax line, there are a couple of options. Residential customers taking advantage of the current Vonage World deal of $14.99/month can add-on a dedicated fax line for $9.99/month. Vonage business customers have a dedicated fax line included in their subscription. For additional fax questions or plain old Vonage questions, Vonage is just a toll-free call away at 888-692-8076.
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