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Prepare Your Network

Local Area Network (LAN) is a term used to describe all the equipment that is behind your modem that connects your network to the Internet. The specific equipment you need depends on the number of IP phones at your location, and the number of devices on your network such as computers, servers, and network printers. If you need assistance in determining which equipment is right for your LAN, an 8x8 technician would be happy to assist you.

Typical LAN equipment is as follows:

Equipment Purpose
Modem A device that connects to the data connection provided by your Internet service provider. Other network devices, such as a router, are connected behind the modem. Please do not use a unit that combines a modem and a router. These devices can cause audio issues. If you have a combined unit, please contact your Internet service provider to request a stand-alone modem, or place your modem in bridge mode once you have a Quality of Service (QoS)-capable router that can be used.
Router A router is a device that routes or splits your Internet connection between multiple devices. A router can divide your connection differently depending on how it is configured. Routers commonly have four ports to allow up to four separate device connections. If more than four ports are necessary, we recommend using a switch. To avoid audio issues, do not use a unit that combines a modem and a router.

Note: Make sure that SIP-ALG is disabled on your router.

8x8 recommends that you use a router with QoS settings that can be set to prioritize voice traffic over data traffic.
For details on setting up your routers for 8x8 services, refer to our general configuration for EdgeMarc, D-Link, and Asus routers.
Switch A pass-through device that splits your Internet connection between multiple devices. Switches are capable of extending your network to accommodate an additional 4 to 24 devices.
8x8 phones or adapters IP phones purchased from 8x8 or analog telephone adapters (ATAs). An ATA is used to connect a standard analog phone or fax machine to 8x8 services through your Internet connection.
Other devices Other connecting devices, such as computers, servers, and network printers.

To set up your network:

  1. Connect your router directly to the modem that provides your Internet access.
  2. Connect your 8x8 phones directly to your router, or connect your 8x8 phones to the router using a switch.
  3. Always connect your LAN devices to your high-speed switch (local printers, file servers, etc.) rather than directly to your router.

 


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