Don't Let Your Loud Bell Ringer Go Silent in 2024: Understanding REN for ATA Adapters
Does your ATA Adapter have enough REN to Power your Old Analogue Bell?
The switch to VoIP is revolutionizing communication, but it can leave some essential tools behind – like your trusty loud bell ringer. If your old bell ringer has gone silent after switching to VoIP, you're not alone. This blog post will explain REN (Ringer Equivalence Number) and why it's crucial for choosing the right ATA Adapter to keep your loud ringer operational in 2024.
What is REN?
REN measures how much power a phone ringer draws from the phone line. It's a number between 0 and 4, with basic phones typically having a REN of 1. Back in the days of traditional (PSTN) phone lines, a small voltage ran through the line to power phone ringers and basic displays. This even allowed phones to work during a power cut – a clever solution!
Why is REN Important Now?
With the switch to VoIP, the voltage powering traditional phone lines is disappearing. Modern VoIP phones have their own power source, leaving many legacy loud bell ringers powerless. This can be a surprise for businesses that rely on them, especially after being told by telecom providers that VoIP is the future.
Here's the not-so-secret secret: some telecom companies might not have addressed the REN issue when transitioning businesses to VoIP. This often leaves businesses scrambling for solutions to keep their loud bell ringers working.
The ATA Adapter: A Bridge, But Not Without Challenges
The common solution is an ATA Adapter, a device that bridges the gap between traditional phone lines and VoIP. However, the problem lies with REN compatibility. Early ATA models, particularly from some major brands like Cisco, might not have sufficient REN to power all loud bell ringers. This can leave businesses facing the burden of finding a workaround.
The Current Workaround: Not Ideal
Many companies end up using an ATA adapter connected to their old loud bell ringer. However, this often comes with additional costs:
Monthly License Fees: Many ATA adapters require a monthly license fee, adding an ongoing expense to using a previously free device.
Call Group Configuration: To ensure the bell ringer activates with internal calls, a messy configuration called a "call group" is needed. This adds complexity and frustration to everyday phone use.
This is where LoudRinger.com comes in! We offer a range of solutions to keep your loud bell ringer working seamlessly with VoIP, eliminating the need for messy call groups and additional monthly fees. Stay tuned for our next blog post where we'll explore these solutions and help you find the perfect fit for your needs.