VoIP Hardware Equipment - Common VoIP Hardware Devices

To be able to place or receive calls using VoIP, you need a hardware setup that will allow you to speak and listen. You might need simply a headset with your PC or a complete set of network equipment including routers and phone adapters. Here is a list of the equipment that is normally required for VoIP. Don't get freaked out by the technicalities, because you won't be needing them all. What you need depends on what you use and how you use it.
I have omitted regular devices like computers, sound cards and modems, assuming that you already have those on your PC if you are using PC-based telephony.

ATAs (Analog Telephone Adapters)

An ATA is commonly called a phone adapter. It is an important device used to act as a hardware interface between an analog PSTN telephone system and a digital VoIP line. You don’t need an ATA if you are using PC-to-PC VoIP, but you will use it if you sign up for a monthly VoIP service to be deployed at home or in your office, and if you intend to use your existing phones.

Telephone Sets

The phone set is essential for VoIP, as it makes up the interface between you and the service. It is both an input and an output device. Several types of phones can be used with VoIP, depending on the circumstances, your needs and your choice.

VoIP Routers

Simply said, a router is a device used for Internet connection. A router is also commonly called a gateway, although technically a router and a gateway are not the same thing. New devices encapsulate so many functionalities that one device can do the work of many devices on its own. That's the reason why one term is often used to denote different types of devices. Actually, a gateway does the work of a router, but has the ability to conciliate two networks working on different protocols.
You need to have an ADSL router if you have an ADSL broadband connection at home or in your company network; and a wireless router if you have a wireless Internet connection. Note that most people are turning towards wireless routers, since these also include support for wired networks: they have cable ports to which you can plug in your network cables and devices. Wireless routers are better investments.

PC Handsets

Handsets resemble telephones but they connect to your computer through USB or a sound card. They work together with a softphone allowing you to use VoIP more comfortably. They can also be plugged into an IP phone to allow many users using the same phone.

PC Headsets

A PC headset is a very common multimedia device which allows you to hear audio from your computer and input your voice by using a microphone.