Though this capability is no doubt furthering the future of communications, VoIP gateways present carriers and service providers with an opportunity to gain additional revenue as well as the ability to quickly introduce and deploy next-generation services.

Since their introduction, VoIP gateways have served as the bridge between traditional PSTN and IP networks by digitizing a speaker's voice and allowing communications to occur between both those networks.

Over time, VoIP Gateways have extended their benefits beyond just the outer layers of the network and are now serving as a cost-efficient way to roll out new services.

Indeed, a major part of the popularity and uptake of IP services can be attributed to the ability of VoIP gateways to keep costs low and open up possibilities for additional revenue.

For carriers, VoIP gateways help establish networks used to route calls. VoIP gateways allow for the addition of IP functionality without neglecting the traditional infrastructure already in place—or the investment that infrastructure represents.

Because VoIP gateways enable all traffic to be routed over the same network; there is no need for voice and data to be separated. This results in significant cost benefits.

VoIP gateways also present an opportunity to transition steadily, but gradually, to an all-IP environment. That means carriers and service providers can continue using legacy infrastructure while rolling out new IP functionality in preparation for the future.

For the service provider, VoIP gateways make it possible to offer new, in-demand IP services that also are cost effective for both the provider and its subscribers. In addition, utilizing VoIP Gateways to roll out next-generation IP services helps providers remain competitive.

For both service providers and carriers, VoIP gateways provide not only translation of calls between traditional and IP networks, but also open the “gate” to the future of communications.

Stefania Viscusi is an established writer and avid reader. To see more of her articles, please visit Stefania Viscusi’s columnist page .