Ready for Internet phone service? things to know.. pt2

3. You'll have to fiddle with technology.

 Given the fact that the Internet and computers are involved, VoIP isn't too bad. But it isn't quite as easy as plugging a wire into the wall. All of the VoIP companies provide adapters. These are small electronic boxes, about the size of a paperback book. You plug your phone into the adapter. The cable from the adapter then plugs into your modem. That's easy. Unfortunately, that setup means you can't use your computer when you use the phone. Only one can be plugged into the modem at a time. The answer is getting a router, which is a small computer that connects networks to networks. In your case, your phone and computer constitute a network. The network you're connecting to is the Internet. Your VoIP provider may have routers for sale. If not, you can get one at an electronics store. You can probably find one for less than $50. The phone adapter and computer connect to the router. So does the modem. The Internet-access stream enters the system through the modem. It flows to the router, which separates it for the phone and computer. Even with multiple computers hooked to the router, there is no discernable slowdown in service. You'll have to configure the router to work with the computers, phone adapter and modem. Most people should be able to do that. If you can't, maybe your VoIP company or Internet service provider will help. The VoIP companies are working to tailor their service to small businesses. Until recently, if you had more than one phone, all phones rang when a call arrived. Once that call was answered, the other phones could take more calls. All phones could make outgoing calls simultaneously.