Broadband Phone Requirements
This section looks at some of the equipment you will need to make calls using Times Telecom service.
Minimum Requirements
Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA)
Times Telecom ATA enables you to make calls from your traditional touchtone telephone. Simply plug your telephone line to the ATA, and then connect the ATA to your DSL/Cable modem or router to make Times Telecom service functional. Times Telecom provides you with an ATA when you sign up for our service. Learn more on How it Works.
Traditional Touchtone Phone or Fax machine
You can connect any corded or cordless telephone handset and fax machine to the ATA. There is no need to buy a special telephone handset to access Times Telecom service. Your current phone is fine enough. Alternatively, you can acquire a multi-handset telephone which allows you to have more than one phone in your house or apartment.
Broadband Internet & Network Connections
Times Telecom service and voice quality is enhanced when you are subscribed to Internet provided by cable modem, Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), naked DSL, T-1, fractional T-1 or T-3, and other forms of broadband Internet.
If you have access to broadband Internet and you want to make sure that its speed and resource availability will support quality VoIP, visit www.pcpitstop.com/internet/Bandwidth.asp. This website will determine whether your connection's speed is high enough to work well with Times Telecom service.
You can actually subscribe to broadband Internet with Times Telecom. We conveniently bundle this service with our Times Telecom broadband phone to give you one easy billing invoice. Learn more on our Broadband Bundle Package.
Optional Equipment
Specialized Touchtone Phones
Specialized phones look just like regular phones, however, they're made especially to function and work with VoIP service. The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, for instance, includes a built-in ATA. This way, you combine two essential equipments, the telephone and the ATA, into one.
If you would like to make a call using Times Telecom Softphone, it is recommended that you purchase an IP handset. This device looks like a cellular handset except that you connect it to your computer via a USB port.
Personal Computer & Laptop with CD-ROM drive
Having a PC or laptop will allow you to review the ATA's CD-ROM, use Times Telecom softphone as well as access your Times Telecom Web Portal Account.
Broadband Router or Gateway
If your modem is already linked to your computer, you might need to get yourself a routing device. A router is a computer networking device that lets more than one equipment use your broadband Internet connection at the same time. Although most routers are compatible with Times Telecom service, it is suggested that you find yourself a router that includes Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Network Address Translation (NAT), Dimilitarized Zone (DMZ), and Firewall services.
If you already own a router and you are having trouble connecting it to your Times Telecom service, it is recommended that you visit the manufacturer's website. You might have to download and install a more recent version of your router's firmware.
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