VoIP Gateways and Brekeke Products

VoIP Gateways, also known as Media Gateways, act as translators between Digital IP Networks and the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). VoIP Gateways are a central component of most VoIP networks because they allow calls to be exchanged with the PSTN network.

The advantage of this capability is two fold. First VoIP Gateways allow you to place calls using the highly stable PSTN network. Second, some VoIP Gateways allow the graceful transition from an analog phone network to a digital IP Network by permitting the continued use of existing analog equipment (phones, faxes, and legacy PBX).

Connecting the Brekeke SIP Server or Brekeke PBX to the Analog/Cellular Phone network or to legacy phone equipment will require the addition of a VoIP SIP Gateway. Another alternative is subscribing to a SIP trunk.

VoIP Gateways are also used to provide PSTN Fallback. PSTN Fallback is a backup method to SIP Trunks such as those provided by Vonage. If the ITSP service fails, the VoIP Gateway insures continues access to the PSTN until IP Network Service is restored.

The terms FXS and FXO are the port names for the Analog Phone System. An FXS or Foreign Exchange Subscirber is the port interface that delivers the analog phone service to the subscriber. This is essentially the phone walljack. Subsequently, the FXO or Foreign Exchange Office is the port interface that receives the analog phone service. Essentially, it is the port on your phone or your fax.

FXS and FXO are also used when referring to VoIP Gateway equipment. An FXS gateway connects analog phones or fax machines and legacy PBX and Key Systems to an IP telephony network. On the otherhand, an FXO gateway provides PSTN access for various VoIP endpoints such as IP phones, FXS devices, softphones and IP-based PBX and Key Systems.

Depending on your needs, your VoIP network may require FXS ports or FXO ports or both. Different gateways are available that provide one or both of these types of interfaces.