What do I need to use sipgate?
sipgate enables phone calls over your broadband using VoIP technology, transmitting voice data over the internet rather than traditional networks like ISDN. You'll need a broadband connection, a VoIP-compatible device (such as a phone, ATA adapter, PBX, or software app/softphone), and a sipgate team or sipgate trunking account. Once set up, you're ready to go with sipgate.
Internet
The primary requirement is a broadband internet connection from a provider of your choice. It's important to consider the speed: an average internet phone call needs about 100 kbit/s for both uploading and downloading data to ensure clear voice quality. Insufficient bandwidth can cause interruptions during calls.
Example: With a standard DSL connection offering 16,000 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload, you can have up to 10 concurrent calls.
Devices and softphones
How you choose to make calls is up to you. Prefer having a physical phone on your desk? VoIP phones from snom, Gigaset, Grandstream, and many other providers are suitable. These can be easily connected to your sipgate account. You'll find configuration guides on our website. Alternatively, you can continue using existing analog phones by connecting them to a VoIP adapter.
Using a softphones is another option. These are software applications that allow you to make calls directly from your computer, ideally using a headset. You can choose a softphone from an external provider or use the free sipgate softphone.
Tip: You can also set up both a VoIP phone and a softphone simultaneously. A common scenario is using the VoIP phone at the office and the softphone on your laptop for calls in home office, allowing you to be reachable by the same number for both incoming and outgoing calls.
Firewalls and routers – what should you consider?
When using routers with firewalls, make sure that all ports required for internet telephony are open. This is important to prevent connectivity issues.
For more information about the types of VoIP phones we support and broadband internet requirements please see these Help Articles:
What types of VoIP phones and devices can I use?
Is my Broadband Connection suitable for VoIP?