> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sipgate.de/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sipgate.de/cloud-telefonanlage/en/getting-started/readme/was-sind-die-grundvoraussetzungen-fuer-die-nutzung-von-sipgate.md).

# What are the basic requirements for using sipgate?

Find out what is required to use sipgate – internet connection, VoIP phones, softphones, and firewall settings.

sipgate landline telephony is VoIP telephony, but what does that actually mean and what requirements must be met? Voice over IP (VoIP) means that you make calls over your internet connection instead of over the analog telephone line. VoIP stands for the transmission of voice data over the internet instead of via classic telephone networks such as ISDN.

#### **Internet**

The first basic requirement is a broadband internet connection from a provider of your choice, for example Deutsche Telekom AG, 1&1 or Vodafone. Speed is important here: a single phone call over the internet requires about 100 kbit/s (both upload and download). This enables perfect voice quality. Too little bandwidth can lead to dropouts.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Example:** Even with a standard DSL connection with 16,000 Mbit/s download and 1 Mbit/s upload, up to 10 parallel calls are possible.
{% endhint %}

#### **End devices and softphones**

You decide how you want to make calls. Do you want to have a 'real' phone on your desk? Then VoIP phones from snom, Gigaset, Grandstream, and many other providers are a good option. These are then simply connected to your sipgate account. On our website you will find a [overview of the configuration guides.](https://help.sipgate.de/hc/de/articles/4402636353041-Alle-Konfigurationsanleitungen-auf-einen-Blick) You can also continue using existing analog phones by connecting them to a VoIP adapter, such as a VoIP-enabled Fritz!Box.

Another option is softphones. These are software that let you make calls directly from your computer - ideally with a headset. You can either choose a softphone from an external provider or use the permanently free sipgate softphone directly.

![Basic requirement.jpg](https://4045603198-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fg0qj71PeONPljdPedXLf%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-59b1c35dc8404d87f4d78881ebd4945699814b1e%2FGrundvoraussetzung.jpg?alt=media)

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip:** Of course, you can also set up a VoIP phone and softphone at the same time. A common scenario: in the office you use the VoIP phone, and in your home office you make calls via softphone on your laptop and can be reached on the same phone number - whether for incoming or outgoing calls.
{% endhint %}

#### **Firewalls and routers – what should you pay attention to?**

When using routers with a firewall, you must make sure that all ports required for internet telephony are open in the firewall. This is important so that connection problems do not arise in the first place.

You can find out more about routers and firewalls in the article [How can I fix problems with the router?](https://help.sipgate.de/hc/de/articles/4406496589201-Wie-kann-ich-Probleme-mit-dem-Router-beheben)


---

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