VoIP Hardware and Accessories

The stuff you need to begin and enhance your VoIP experience

There are a number of accessories you will need in order to use VoIP. For all forms of VoIP it is best to have cable or high-speed DSL and the complementary modem that will give you the bandwidth required for VoIP service. You will also need a good sound card, but more up-to-date systems already have this. Aside from that, the accessories you need can depend on how you are using VoIP.

Using your phone for VoIP

If you are going to use your phone for VoIP, you will need to use an adapter (ATA). With most subscriptions, you’ll get these as part of your package when you sign up. For open-source VoIP, you will be able to buy these from some electronics stores. You’ll also need a phone card.

Using your computer for VoIP

You will need a microphone. You may already have a mic with your system or with a video cam that came with your system. The only disadvantage to going this route is that you will have to be at your computer.

Specialized phones

Some services will require you to use a specialized VoIP phone. These will plug into your modem or directly into your Internet connection.

Other Accessories

Items listed above are all primary accessories you will need in order to use VoIP. There are many other accessories that will make your experience of VoIP better, more flexible or more fun.

Video cameras or webcams will enhance your VoIP experience. Any recent model will come equipped with a mic, although some of these don’t offer the best quality sound. These mics are not the most usable way of VoIPing.

Hands-free headsets are a great accessory for VoIP use, and they are ideal if you live or work in an area with wireless service. These come equipped with Bluetooth or wireless capability. You can use these to walk around talking animatedly to the air, sort of like that frightening homeless person you’ve seen.

Dongles are small devices, usually USB in format, that attach to your computer and give you any one of an assortment of capabilities. A wi-fi dongle (usually Bluetooth) will give you wireless capabilities for your VoIP, so you can walk around your home or office with your wireless headset on. (See comment above about people who talk animatedly to the air.)