The Internet phone adapter is not a difficult device to configure and install. You just have to take the time to acquire some basic knowledge of how the Internet phones work. For example, you should know that for VoIP to work, you would need an IP phone (another term for Internet phone) and special VoIP software. Note that data transferred over the network is similar to the data that we transfer when we surf the Internet. Data is converted into a format suitable for transferring over the Internet Protocol (IP), and then converted back to voice again at the other end. Hence the name Voice over IP.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) - Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a signaling protocol that's used to configure and un-configure VoIP on your network. Basically, it's a set of rules that let your computer and other equipment talk to each other in a language both can understand. Using this same language, it's easy to get up and going with your new Internet phone provider.

Here's some more information on some specific Internet telephone adapters:

Grandstream HandyTone - This is a relatively inexpensive telephone adapter that can be placed in front of or behind your router. Once hooking it into your network, you follow a few simple steps using an Internet browser; you'll be ready to go.

Linksys - Linksys, known primarily for their modems and routers, also offers a line of telephone adapters for using VoIP. Steps for installing PAP2 are available online. Basically, though, after hooking the adapter into your network, you hit the * key on the phone to enable it. Then, using an online interface, you can setup your new phone service.

D-Link - D-Link is another router company that offers products with VoIP support. Instructions for the D-Link DVG-1402S are available online. Basically, you hook the device into your network then use an online interface to set-up the service.

Cisco - Setting up the Cisco ATA 186/188 is similar to the other VoIP phone adapters. You plug the unit into your network then use an online interface to set-up the service. See the link for more details on setting up the Cisco phone adapter.

Generic Devices - If you need information on generic telephone adapters, the information is out there. The last link goes to a page that has all the details you'll need to get your VoIP service up and running.

Depending on what specific hardware phone adapter you buy, the instructions will be slightly different when setting it up. In most cases, though, all it requires is the ability to fill out an online form to get your Internet phone system up and running.