What’s the difference between FXS and FXO adapters?

As BT moves to phase out PSTN connections in the UK, many businesses and residential customers are wondering how they can continue using their existing phones without needing to invest in entirely new systems. The key to this transition lies in understanding FXS and FXO adapters. But what is the difference between FXS and FXO adapters and what do they even do?

Understanding FXO and FXS Adapters: History, Differences, and Manufacturers

What is an FXO Adapter?

An FXO (Foreign Exchange Office) adapter is a device that connects a traditional analogue telephone line (PSTN) to a VoIP network. It acts as a bridge between the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and a VoIP system, allowing businesses and individuals to use existing telephone lines with VoIP services. FXO adapters are also known as FXO gateways or VoIP FXO interfaces.

Key Features of FXO Adapters:

• Converts analogue PSTN signals into digital VoIP signals
• Enables inbound and outbound calls via VoIP
• Typically connects to an FXS (Foreign Exchange Station) device or PBX
• Supports Caller ID, call waiting, and other standard phone features
• Ensures PSTN fallback in case of internet failure

What is an FXS Adapter?

An FXS (Foreign Exchange Station) adapter is a device that connects an analogue telephone or fax machine to a VoIP network. It provides a dial tone, power, and signalling to analogue devices, allowing them to function over an IP-based system.

Key Features of FXS Adapters:

• Converts VoIP digital signals into analogue signals for traditional phones
• Provides power and a dial tone to connected analogue devices
• Supports standard telephony features like voicemail, call forwarding, and conferencing
• Commonly used in VoIP-based business phone systems
• Facilitates the integration of legacy telephony equipment with modern VoIP networks

History of FXO Adapters

The concept of FXO adapters dates back to the early 2000s when VoIP technology became commercially viable. Businesses and residential users sought ways to integrate traditional telephony with emerging IP-based communications. FXO adapters became crucial in hybrid PBX systems, enabling companies to maintain PSTN connectivity while transitioning to VoIP.

The development of FXO technology can be attributed to advancements in digital telephony, spearheaded by telecom companies such as Cisco and Grandstream. Early VoIP pioneers, including VocalTec, played a role in developing gateways that incorporated FXO ports to enable VoIP-PSTN integration.

Initially, FXO adapters were standalone devices designed to interface with VoIP gateways. Over time, manufacturers integrated FXO ports into IP PBXs and multi-line VoIP gateways to provide more flexible solutions.

Pros and Cons of FXO Adapters

Pros:

• Allows seamless transition from PSTN to VoIP
• Ensures business continuity with PSTN fallback
• Cost-effective solution for businesses with existing analogue lines
• Compatible with various PBX systems

Cons:

• Requires careful configuration to work effectively with VoIP services
• Dependent on PSTN infrastructure, which may be phased out in some regions
• May introduce latency compared to pure VoIP connections

History of FXS Adapters

Like FXO adapters, FXS adapters emerged in the early 2000s as businesses and consumers sought to retain analogue telephony devices while adopting VoIP. Initially, VoIP providers offered Analogue Telephone Adapters (ATAs) with FXS ports to enable existing telephones to function over an IP network.

The development of FXS technology was largely driven by companies such as Linksys (later acquired by Cisco) and Grandstream, which introduced some of the first commercial VoIP ATAs. As VoIP technology evolved, many DECT phone manufacturers, such as Gigaset, incorporated onboard FXS capabilities within their base stations. These devices supported both SIP-based VoIP accounts and traditional RJ11 connections, eliminating the need for separate adapters in some cases.

Pros and Cons of FXS Adapters

Pros:

• Allows continued use of traditional analogue phones and fax machines
• Provides cost savings by extending the life of existing telephony equipment
• Simplifies VoIP migration for businesses and households

Cons:

• May not support advanced VoIP features available on IP phones
• Quality may vary depending on internet connection stability
• Requires power source for operation, unlike traditional PSTN lines

Who Manufactures FXO Adapters?

Several major manufacturers produce FXO adapters, catering to businesses and service providers that need to integrate traditional phone lines with VoIP systems. Some of the most notable manufacturers include:

• Grandstream – Offers FXO gateways like the GXW410x series, designed for businesses that require PSTN connectivity alongside VoIP.
• Cisco – Provides FXO interfaces in their VoIP gateways and routers, such as the Cisco SPA8800.
• Yeastar – Specialises in VoIP gateways with FXO capabilities for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Patton – Produces SmartNode FXO gateways designed for SIP trunking and PSTN failover.
• AudioCodes – Offers FXO gateway solutions for enterprise and carrier-grade VoIP integration.
• Gigaset – Some DECT base stations, like the Gigaset N300IP and N510IP, feature both SIP VoIP and an onboard FXO port for connecting to an analogue line.

Who Manufactures FXS Adapters?

Manufacturers of FXS adapters cater to businesses and consumers looking to connect analogue phones and fax machines to VoIP networks. Some key manufacturers include:

• Grandstream – Offers FXS-based ATA devices like the HT812 and HT814, which provide multiple analogue phone connections.
• Cisco – Provides FXS interfaces in their VoIP gateways, such as the Cisco SPA122 ATA.
• Yeastar – Develops VoIP gateways with FXS capabilities for connecting legacy telephony equipment.
• Obihai (Poly) – Specialises in FXS ATAs, including the OBi200 and OBi302, which support multiple VoIP services.

Difference between FXS and FXO Adapters – Everything you need to know

FXO and FXS adapters have played a critical role in bridging traditional telephony with modern VoIP systems. While FXO adapters connect analogue phone lines to VoIP, FXS adapters allow analogue devices to function on IP-based networks. Over time, manufacturers have incorporated these technologies into VoIP gateways, routers, and even DECT base stations, offering greater flexibility for businesses and consumers alike. With major players like Grandstream, Cisco, and Yeastar leading the market, FXO and FXS adapters remain vital components in telecommunications infrastructure.

Understanding the differences between FXO and FXS adapters, along with their benefits and limitations, is crucial for businesses and individuals looking to make informed decisions about their VoIP deployments. Whether integrating legacy telephony equipment or ensuring PSTN failover, these adapters continue to be essential tools in the ever-evolving world of digital communications.

Seamless VoIP Integration with Preconfigured Adapters

At Plexatalk, we provide preconfigured VoIP adapters that allow you to connect your existing hardware directly to our VoIP system. This means you can continue using your current telephone while taking advantage of all the benefits of VoIP, including number portability. Whether you’re a business or a residential customer, we make the transition simple.

• Business VoIP Solutions – Find out more about pricing and packages here.
• Residential VoIP Solutions – See how we can help with home VoIP services here.

On-Site Setup and Installation Available

For customers who need assistance with setup, we offer on-site installation in various areas across Hampshire. Our team can visit your location to set up and configure your VoIP adapter, ensuring a smooth transition. We cover Hampshire and surrounding areas, inlcuding New Forest, Southampton, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Hedge End, Blackfield, Marchood, Holbury and many other areas across hampshire.

Upgrade to VoIP Today

Don’t get left behind as the UK moves away from PSTN. Whether you need a VoIP adapter, FXS adapter, or VoIP setup for your home or business, PlexaTalk is here to help. Contact us today to find the right solution for your needs.