Networking 101 for the Virtual Office
John Scarborough: We’re here today to talk about networking 101 for the virtual office. If you’re working from a virtual office and would like to get your phone to work properly, here are a few tips and tricks to the most common problems. Please be sure to have already watched the pre-installation section located on the main menu of this disc.
The first step that we will need to take is to verify the type of device that has been provided by your internet service provider. If you have an advanced modem with multiple land ports such as this one, connect your VoIP phone to one of the available ports and power on the phone. On the other hand, if your internet service provider has provided you a basic modem with a single LAN port such as this, there are additional steps that you will need to follow. In order to utilize a basic modem, you will require a router as well. These types of devices will only support a single device so a router is necessary to allow your new device, in other words, your IP phone to operate properly.
There are many routers available at your local electronic store but please note that not all routers are created equal. Please contact your local IP5280 representative for a recommendation on a router that will meet your specific needs and to be sure that you’re working with an approved type and manufacturer. If you already have an approved router in place, then all you will have to do is plug in your phone into that router and make sure that the power is plugged in and your phone will boot up and operate without any additional work.
Please make sure that you reference the technical documentation on this disc for more information about setting up your network. Please note, as it was stated in the pre-installation section, that it’s important for you to understand that you’re responsible for your own network and broadband connection. Broadband connections in the home networking environments for example, can often get congested during busy hours in your neighborhood and this network congestion can lead to call quality problems. Likewise, your home LAN needs to be VoIP ready and have all of the essential capabilities to support VoIP.
Please consult your IT professional with any problems or questions. For additional support, IP5280 provides fee-based LAN consulting services to ensure that your current network is set up optimally for your new VoIP phone system.