Rating of the best VOIP gateways and adapters for 2022

The question of switching to IP-telephony sooner or later confronts any company. It is possible to install an IP-PBX, but it is expensive, and it will also require the replacement of all equipment, including telephone sets. Therefore, small companies most often use VOIP gateways or adapters.

VoIP - what is it and why is it needed

VoIP gateways or adapters are essentially switching devices that are used to connect IP telephony.
Depending on the type of port, gateways are divided into:

• analog for connecting from 2 to 24 lines directly to the PBX;
• digital - suitable for medium-sized businesses, allow you to connect up to 50 subscribers without reconfiguration;
• GSM SIP with slots for SIM cards, for connecting mobile phones to PBX.

The device works on the principle of pulse code modulation - the conversation is recorded, and then converted into a digital signal, which, in turn, is divided into separate packets. Upon arrival at the device (it can be a computer, smartphone, landline phone) of the addressee, the packets are decoded and turned into synthesized speech. The receiving end equipment decodes the packets and converts the signal into synthesized speech.

The advantages of such devices:

• connection to mini-automatic telephone exchange of any brand;
• ease of setup with minimal time;
• wide functionality - from redirecting incoming calls to a free line, to the function of auto redial, caller identification or conference calls;
• forwarding to any devices connected to the Internet;
• support for a large number of routing protocols;
• the telephone base is assigned to the company and does not require changes when changing the address of the office location;
• integration with any software and databases;
• the possibility of expanding the functionality without purchasing additional equipment;
• wide price range - you can choose a model that meets the needs of the company.

Adapters are also used to expand the capabilities of an office PBX - to organize telephony for employees working remotely or to add additional lines (according to the number of free ports).

Savings on communications - long-distance or international, for companies leading foreign economic activity.With a standard connection to a multichannel metropolitan area network, calls to the internal line remain free of charge. Outgoing calls to numbers of third-party subscribers are paid according to the established tariffs of the operator of the city PBX, and international calls - according to the tariffs of the federal communications operator. For comparison, the cost of a minute of conversation in Russia usually does not exceed 6 rubles, in the CIS and European countries the tariff can double, and negotiations with the countries of America can cost as much as 20 rubles per minute.

VOIP, on the other hand, transfers calls to the IP network, which will be paid already at the rates of IP telephony. On average, conversations with subscribers located in Russia will cost 1.5-2 rubles per minute.

Among the shortcomings, one can note a small delay in data transfer, which is associated with the operation of the buffer. At the same time, some serious failures, such as speech distortion due to the loss of some codecs or a significant excess of the signal transmission time, are extremely rare. IP providers use various signal conversion algorithms to improve the quality of communication.

Applications

Voice gateways or adapters are used in the following cases:

• Creation of a unified corporate telephone network

And it does not matter whether the offices are located in the same city or in different countries. This solution allows you to reduce the cost of calls on the internal line - you only have to pay the cost of the Internet connection. After installing VoIP gateways, remote employees will also be able to use corporate communications.

• Expanding the capabilities of mini-ATS

To add additional lines (by the number of ports) without reinstalling and replacing equipment.Installing the adapter will ultimately cost the user many times less than modification (installing extensions). In addition, IP-telephony can be used in offices that are not equipped with city telephone lines.

How to choose a device

It all depends on the list of tasks to be solved. For example, for home use or a small office, adapters with 1 or 2 ports are suitable. Such devices are compact in size, easy to connect and configure. For a large company, you can find gateways for 8, 16 and even 32 ports. Also worth paying attention to:
Type of communication protocols supported by the device. Most telephony service providers work with SIP and H.323.

The port type is FXS or FXO. The first is used to connect a regular analog phone (to external OS ports). The second, in fact, is an analog interface and emulates the telephone itself. It is used when there are no free ports on the analog PBX.

Interface - should be at least simple and understandable so that you do not have to contact the operator to solve any problem.

How to choose a provider

When choosing a provider, consider the following factors:

1. The quality of communication is especially important for companies with broadband Internet access. Even with high-quality high-speed packet transmission by the ISP, the quality of the connection itself can be disgusting due to the low-performance equipment of the IP provider. Therefore, rule number 1 - first we look for information about the operator, we study the reviews, and only then we look at the cost of services, and not vice versa.
2. The presence of additional services - billing (for call details), auto-detection of subscriber numbers, forwarding incoming calls to mobile devices (useful for communicating with an employee who is on a business trip).
3. Efficiency of technical support - the conditions and the list of services included in the package should be specified in the contract.
4. The presence or absence of Voice VPN is a technology that allows you to protect the connection from attempts to use communication channels by fraudsters.
5. Communication payment methods. For example, it is more convenient for legal entities to pay bills by bank transfer on invoices issued, individuals. persons - from an electronic wallet or a bank card.

And, yes, conscientious companies are ready to provide subscribers with services for testing the quality of communication. Usually the provider offers 7-14 days of using telephony without charging a monthly fee. If the selected supplier refuses the service and categorically does not want to explain the reasons for his decision, it is better to refuse cooperation.

Rating of the best VOIP gateways and adapters for 2022

The best super-budget devices under 4000 rubles

Such gateways are compact in size and have minimal functionality. The configuration is performed via the web interface (due to the miniature dimensions, there is no display), some models are equipped with the primary configuration function via the analog voice menu directly from the phone.

Grandstream HandyTone-701

Powerful analog adapter for 1 port. Suitable for both home and small office. Small body, easy installation and support for complex voice codecs. Plus data protection, automatic redundancy and good manageability. And all this at a more than affordable price.

Functional:

• autodetection of subscriber numbers;
• sending notifications about incoming calls;
• forwarding;
• the ability to set a bar on incoming calls;
• eavesdropping protection;
• fax (T38 standard).

It can be used in unheated rooms with high humidity. In the latter case, it is necessary to protect the housing from the ingress of condensate.

Overall dimensions 25 x 65 x 86 mm, weight 310 g, country of origin China, price 3400 rubles.

• compactness;
• functional;
• Ease of controls;
• price.

• there are no significant ones.

SPA112Cisco

Compact and lightweight with 2 FXS ports for connecting analog telephones and fax. Provides high quality communication, does not require modernization of telephone equipment.

The functionality is minimal - caller ID, three-way conference calls, call forwarding to a free line or another device, the ability to set musical accompaniment when working in standby mode. An external power supply is included in the scope of supply.

Overall dimensions 101x101x28 mm, weight 153 g, country of origin China. The price is 3500 rubles.

• compactness;
• ease of setup;
• ergonomic case design;
• the ability to bind 2 independent numbers;
• indicators of Internet connection, power and incoming calls.

• very limited functionality.

YEASTAR TA200

Desktop modification with 2 SIP-ports, Micro USB port and RJ-45 for connecting analog devices or fax. Suitable for home and office, it is also useful for switching to IP-telephony in branches of large companies. Optimal feature set and easy setup via web interface on PC. USB powered and near-silent operation.

The model supports the functions of waiting, conferencing, call forwarding (when the subscriber is unavailable, for example), dialing by subscriber's IP, it is possible to work in silent mode. Thanks to the built-in echo canceller, it provides high quality communication.

Overall dimensions 110 x 90 x 90 mm, manufacturer China, price 3800 rubles.

• Russian-language voice menu;
• initial setup directly from the phone;
• optimal functionality for reasonable money.

• no.

The best devices under 50,000 rubles

More expensive analog or digital gateways provide high quality voice communications, are compatible with most PBXs, and are suitable for small and medium businesses. Their functionality is also small, but thanks to a clear and simple web interface, such gateways do not require constant technical support.

MP204B AudioCodes

P204B AudioCodes Quad port (FXO) gateway with integrated echo cancellation for desktop or wall mounting. Connection to broadband access devices is made through the Ethernet port.

Functional:

• caller ID;
• call forwarding and transfer during a call;
• autodial;
• recognition of tone signals;
• convenient web interface;
• fax transmission.

Plus a built-in Fire Wall to prevent data exchange between unwanted hosts and data protection and high reliability.

Manufacturer - China, price - 26,000 rubles.

• compatible with most PBXs;
• compactness;
• built-in data protection function;
• ease of setup.

• no.

AddPac ADD-AP200D

High-performance IP telephony adapter with router function, the latest voice conversion algorithms and high voice quality in both high and limited bandwidth channels. Powered by APOS OS - the manufacturer of the best software for IP-telephony.

Functions:

• remote OS update;
• automatic termination of the session when a data security threat occurs;
• self-testing of I/O ports;
• 2 control options - through the interface, or remote;
• variability in setting up access lists (standard, extended).

Plus built-in DHCP (automatic distribution of IP addresses to new users, without the participation of an administrator) and traffic accounting. The model is suitable for small companies, has ample opportunities for customization and debugging.

Producer Republic of Korea, price 28,000 rubles.

• functional;
• high speed of data conversion;
• suitable for channels with any bandwidth.

• there are no significant ones.

Grandstream GXW-4216

A hybrid gateway (VoIP - PSTN) is suitable for companies organizing IP telephony at large enterprises, data centers of VoIP operators. The body is metal, rack-mountable and can connect up to 32 ports.
The gateway is equipped with an LCD display for easy device diagnostics and direct access to settings. Configuration and monitoring either through a web interface via a connected PC, or remotely using HTTP protocols. The connector for connecting a multi-line cable is located on the rear panel.
The functionality is standard for analog devices, but the gateway has an improved function of echo cancellation and security of transmitted data.

• the ability to connect a large number of ports;
• suitable for large organizations;
• the possibility of remote control and configuration;
• high data protection.

• miniature uninformative display.

The best gateways worth over 50,000 rubles

AudioCodes MP118/8O/SIP

Compact 8-port device supporting all protocols and a wide range of codecs. Compatible with phones from most manufacturers. Equipped with a built-in power supply and a dedicated emergency line for uninterrupted operation during a power outage.

The model provides a high level of protection during data transmission, including a firewall, access control at the control level.

Functions:

• auto redial;
• Standby mode;
• fax transmission;
• indicator of incoming calls;
• conference call.

Configuration and management - remotely, using a web interface, Syslog support.

The country of origin is China, the price is 64,000 rubles.

• multiple installation options - as a desktop device or rack mount;
• compatibility with telephone equipment and mini automatic telephone exchanges of leading manufacturers;
• remote control with the ability to reboot;
• auto-connection to one line in case of power outages;
• surge protection.

• with a sufficiently high performance, a small number of ports.

AddPac ADD-AP1100F-C

A high-performance 8-port device with a router function (WAN/LAN), running on APOS OS, is suitable for companies with a geographically developed office network.

Thanks to the built-in echo cancellation function, it provides high quality speech. Data security is ensured through authorization and processor self-testing. An external power supply is included in the scope of delivery.

The manufacturer is the Republic of Korea, the price is 97,000 rubles.

• the best operating system to date;
• compatibility with equipment of well-known manufacturers;
• high data transfer rate;
• optimal functionality;
• reliability.

• no.

Installing gateways can really save you some decent money on maintenance and communications services. The main thing is to choose the right device (here it is better to consult with a specialist after all), and compare prices before entering into an agreement with a provider.