VoIP Won't Work

The cause of your VoIP service can include your Internet, network or VoIP connection.

Unfortunately, there are a number of issues that will keep your VoIP service from properly functioning. Finding the cause of your VoIP not working entails having to troubleshoot the physical hardware and your network or your Internet or VoIP service provider. Fortunately, it requires little technical know-how to isolate the issues that cause either bad quality of your VoIP calls or your inability to make a VoIP call altogether. Your VoIP provider is also a factor.

Instructions

Reset your network

1. Contact your Internet service provider and your VoIP service provider to find out if there are any network outages in your area. Sometimes your providers may be performing maintenance, which stops a connection to the Internet.

2. Shut down your computer.

3. Press and hold the reset button of your DSL or cable modem. Sometimes the Internet connection must be refreshed so a new signal can be sent to your VoIP adapter. Keep the reset button pressed for approximately 30 seconds using a pointed object like a paperclip or toothpick. The location of your reset button varies by DSL and cable modem, but it is usually located in the back of the modem.

4. Press and hold the reset button of your VoIP adapter (if you have one) for approximately 30 seconds using a pointed object.The indicator lights on your router will flash repeatedly to inform you of the reset taking place.

Physical Connections

1. Replace the telephone cords of your VoIP phone with another telephone cord in your household and make a test call to see if the telephone cord is an issue.

2. Switch the Ethernet cord (resembles a larger telephone connection) with another Ethernet cord. Initially switch the Ethernet cord from your cable or DSL modem to your VoIP adapter. If you are using a service that does not require a VoIP adapter, switch the Ethernet cord connecting your computer to your cable and DSL modem to check for connectivity.

3. Unplug the power cord to your DSL or cable modem and your VoIP adapter. Unplugging the power cord can refresh any issue with power getting to the devices

4. Add your VoIP software to trusted applications using your firewall software. Sometimes your firewall can block your VoIP signal. Find out what Firewall software you are using, if any, and access the configuration panel. Add the software of your VoIP provider as trusted. Visit sites like Bandwidth.com which conducts VoIP testing. It also checks to see if a firewall is blocking your VoIP phone.

References

• Zdnet: How to Troubleshoot Your VoIP Phone Setup

Resources

• Visualware: VoIP Test