VoIP, or voice over IP as it is also known, is quickly establishing itself as one of the cheapest ways of making telephone calls. Rather than relying on an old fashioned landline, VoIP uses the Internet’s broadband connection to move data in ‘packets’. The resulting phone call is no different from a normal call, except for one important factor. It’s much cheaper. When you’re having an electrical problem or need the services of an electrician Brisbane Southside, it is wise to call in a professional.
Despite the huge savings that VoIP can offer, some people are still a little unsure as to how much of a change to their existing telephone system they will have to make to incorporate Voice over IP into their everyday lives. So how do you wire your home up for VoIP?
A simple system – but safety first
One way to incorporate VoIP into multiple phones is to modify the existing wiring in your home to distribute the facility amongst several outlets. By connecting voice to all your phone sockets or jacks, you can simply plug in any normal telephone into any jack and connect to VoIP. This does disconnect you from your existing telephony provider, but the process is reversible, so if you wish to restore your original connection, it can be done quickly and easily.
Although it is not difficult to modify your home telephone wiring system, you do have to remember that phone lines do carry voltage. So if you are not comfortable with modifying your own system, call in a professional to do it for you. Also remember that legislation in the UK has changed concerning home wiring, so check to make sure that your alterations do not require a qualified electrician to either carry out the work or sign it off.
Isolate your inside wiring
The first job is to isolate your inside wiring. Locate the box outside your house where the telephone lines come into your property. This is called the Network Interface Device (NID). In the box you will find the wires that go into your house, as well as a ground wire that protects the delicate electronics of your telephony system from lightning strikes. Ensure that the ground wire is not disconnected. If the box is the property of the telephone company, you must contact them so that they can disconnect the line.
Once you have opened the NID, look for a set of screw terminals. Each one will have a short wire connected to it with a phone connector plugged into a corresponding jack. Simply unplug the wires for your line from the jack. Make sure you wrap electrical tape around the disconnected wire to prevent anyone reconnecting it. For added protection you can leave a note in the box to inform others that the wire should not be reconnected to protect your inside equipment. Close the box and ensure that it is secured.
Confirm the line is disconnected
Once you’ve isolated your wiring, return to your house and check that the line is disconnected by picking up the handset of a telephone plugged into a jack you know worked previously. You should not hear any dialling tone or any other sound coming from the handset. This will confirm that your phone line is disconnected. If you still hear a tone it means that the line is still carrying voltage, and it is not safe for you to proceed any further with the connection. Contact an electrician or telephone engineer for assistance.
Connect your adapter
VoIP providers supply you with an adapter. Simply plug in your DSL/cable modem into the adapter, and then connect your adapter into any telephone socket using a standard telephone cord. Then simply plug in your regular telephones to the other sockets in the house, and the adapter will spread the signal throughout the house to each phone connected. However, the more telephones are on the system, the weaker the signal to each one so it is recommended that you only connect a maximum of five phones to the network to ensure they all receive a connection.
Remember – safety first
If at any point you are unsure as to how to proceed or encounter any problems, contact a telephone engineer, electrician or your VoIP provider immediately. Also remember that this system may not be installed into multiple occupancy properties, so again, check with VoIP providers to ensure that you are not in breach of any tenancy laws or agreements.
Costas Kariolis – Senior Director Online of Vonage UK. Vonage are leading VoIP (Voice over IP) providers for home & small business users. Offering unlimited and cheap calls to India and many other country landlines via an internet phone service for a set monthly fee.
For interviews, quotes, images or comments contact:
Costas Kariolis
Senior Director Online – UK & Canada
E-mail: [email protected]
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