What is an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA)? 

Who still uses landlines in 2025? Surprisingly, it remains more relevant than you think – hence the popularity of Analog Telephone Adapters (ATAs).  

If you don’t believe us, read this: The landline phone market is projected to reach 247.1 million units by 2029, according to research from Statista. Impressive, right?  

Just as we see with fax machines, while usage has declined (with an average of 0.0 units per person expected in 2025), landlines remain vital in rural communities and professional settings where reliability can’t be compromised.  

The market is even projected to grow by 1.0% in 2026.  

However, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is increasingly replacing traditional systems. The secret to this staying power? ATAs.   

These devices serve as a bridge between classic landlines and modern VoIP systems, combining the familiarity of traditional phones with the cost savings and features of Internet calling.   

But what exactly is an ATA, and how does it work? This article explores their role in modern communication.  

What is an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA)?  

An Analog Telephone Adapter is a device that connects traditional analog phones to a digital or VoIP network. It enables users to make and receive calls over the internet while still using their existing analog telephone hardware.  

What does an Analog Telephone Adapter do?  

ATAs act as a bridge between old and new communication systems, converting analog voice signals into digital data packets for transmission over IP networks.   

It also allows analog phones to work with VoIP services, like VoIP.ms, and maintains standard telephony functions such as caller ID, call waiting, and voicemail. In simpler terms, it turns analog devices into something resembling VoIP phones. 

Analog Telephone Adapters offer businesses and individuals an affordable path to modern communication and a new way to view telephone services, eliminating the need to replace existing phone equipment.  

RELATED: Business Telephone Systems: VoIP Benefits for SMBs  

Benefits of using an analog telephone adapter  

By using an ATA, businesses and home users can keep their existing phones while benefiting from VoIP’s cost savings and advanced features.   

Let’s take a look at some of the advantages:  

• Budget-friendly: Avoids the need to replace analog phones with expensive IP phones.  

• Easy setup: Plug-and-play installation with minimal technical knowledge required.  

• Compatibility: Works with most standard telephones and VoIP service providers.  

• Scalability: Supports single or multiple lines, making it suitable for homes and businesses.  

• Reliability: Provides consistent call quality when connected to a stable internet connection.  

Different types of Analog Telephone Adapters  

There are several types of Analog Telephone Adapters available, each designed to meet the user’s specific needs. By understanding the different types of ATAs, users can choose the better fit, whether for home use, small businesses, or large-scale VoIP deployments.  

Here are some tips on how to choose an ATA for your phone line:   

Single-Port ATAs  

Ideal for home users, these adapters support one analog phone, converting its signal for VoIP use. They are compact, affordable, and simple to configure. They are most commonly found in residences with a single phone line.    

Multi-Port ATAs  

Designed for offices, these ATAs allow multiple analog phones to connect to a VoIP network. They are useful for small businesses with several extensions or users with multiple phones and phone lines.  

SIP ATA  

Using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), a protocol for managing voice, video, and messaging sessions, SIP ATAs support features like call forwarding, three-way calling, and voicemail. It works well with most VoIP providers.   

H.323 ATA  

Based on the older H.323 protocol, these adapters are less common but still used in some legacy systems for audio and video communication.  

MGCP ATA  

Operates with the Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP), which is used in large enterprise environments for centralized call management.  

Learn more about ATA Devices on our Wiki page!  

How to choose the best Analog Telephone Adapter?  

Selecting the right ATA depends on your specific needs, whether for home use, business, or legacy system integration. Here are the key factors to consider:  

1. VoIP Compatibility  

Check if your VoIP phone system supports SIP, H.323, or MGCP protocols. Most modern services use SIP, making SIP ATAs the most widely compatible. If you need versatility, opt for an ATA that supports multiple VoIP services.  

2. Number of Phone Lines Needed  

Single-port ATAs are ideal for homes with one phone line, while multi-port ATAs support multiple lines, making them better for offices.  

3. Call Features and Requirements  

Basic ATAs support standard features like caller ID and voicemail. Advanced models may include call waiting, conferencing, digital receptionist, or fax support. For a growing business, having these features may boost team productivity.  

4. Assess Security and Reliability  

Look for encryption support (TLS/SRTP) for secure calls, and make sure you choose VoIP adapter brands with strong firmware updates to prevent vulnerabilities.  

Click here to learn more about Call Encryption.  

5. Future-Proofing and Scalability  

If your business is expanding, opt for a modular or multi-port ATA. If you need flexibility, ensure compatibility with cloud-based VoIP.  

Who needs an Analog Telephone Adapter?   

Working as a bridge between legacy phone systems and modern VoIP technology, Analog Telephone Adapters are ideal for:  

Businesses   

• Offices with existing analog phones: Avoid costly replacements while upgrading to VoIP  

• Call centers and reception desks: Maintain desk phones while gaining VoIP features  

• Resellers and VoIP providers: Offer clients a cost-effective migration path  

RELATED: What is the cost of VoIP for small business?   

Homeowners   

• Landline users transitioning to VoIP: Keep familiar handsets with internet calling  

• Seniors or less tech-savvy users: Simple plug-and-play solution without learning new devices  

• Home offices: Professional call handling without expensive IP phones  

• Rural areas: Maintain connectivity where mobile service is unreliable  

How do I set up an analog telephone adapter for VoIP service?  

Most ATAs handle the analog-to-digital conversion automatically, in real-time, allowing seamless communication between your traditional phone and VoIP network. Some models may require additional software setup, but many offer plug-and-play simplicity.  

Here’s how it works:  

1. Plug in your regular phone: Take the cord from your office phone and connect it to the phone port on the ATA.  

2. Connect to your Internet: Use an Ethernet cable to link the ATA to your internet router. If your ATA supports wireless, follow the instructions to connect it like you would a smartphone.  

3. Enter your VoIP account details: Open a web browser and type in the ATA’s setup address.  

4. Make a test call: Call your cellphone or another number to check if everything works!  

Reminder: Each device has its own specifications. More detailed configuration settings are available in your ATA’s manual.  

Troubleshooting: Common issues with ATAs  

While Analog Telephone Adapters are generally reliable, users may occasionally encounter technical difficulties. Here are the most frequent problems and their solutions:  

The smart bridge between old and new phone systems  

The Analog Telephone Adapter proves to be an essential solution for seamlessly connecting traditional analog phones with modern VoIP technology. It offers users the perfect transition path – all the benefits of digital communication without the need to replace trusted landline equipment.  

By selecting the proper ATA for your specific requirements, you unlock efficient, feature-rich calling capabilities while preserving the reliability and simplicity of your current phone setup.   

This smart adapter truly delivers the best of both worlds, making your move to digital communication smooth and cost-effective.  

FAQ  

Have a question that you don’t see answered here? Contact our Sales Team to get free support.  

Can I use an analog phone on a digital line?  

Yes, you can use an analog phone on a digital or VoIP line by connecting it through an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA). The ATA converts analog data into digital signals, allowing your traditional phone to work with internet-based calling services.   

Do I need an analog telephone adapter if I have a cordless phone?  

If your cordless phone has an analog base station, you’ll still need an ATA to connect it to VoIP. However, some modern cordless systems support VoIP directly, eliminating the need for an adapter.  

Can I keep my current phone number when switching to VoIP with an ATA?  

In most cases, yes. Many VoIP providers support number porting, allowing you to transfer your existing phone number to their service. Check with your provider to confirm availability and the porting process.  

How much does an analog telephone adapter typically cost?  

Prices vary based on brand, features, and compatibility with your VoIP service. On average, an Analog Telephone Adapter costs between $30 and $50 online in the United States, while a good quality VoIP hard phone can range from $50 to $200.  

H3: How secure are calls made using an analog telephone adapter?  

VoIP calls through an ATA are generally secure, especially if your provider supports encryption (like TLS/SRTP). However, security also depends on your network setup. Using a secure router and modem and strong passwords helps prevent unauthorized access.