How Does a Wireless Landline Work?
By Shala Munroe
If you don't want to be tied down to the landline phone jack locations in your walls, use a wireless phone jack system. These systems allow you to add new landline phone jacks to electrical outlets in your home without the need to run additional wires. They work by using radio signals to transmit the data to and from your landline connection.
Wireless Phone Jack Systems
Wireless phone jack systems use two components: a base unit and a receiver unit. The base unit connects to your landline jack and transmits the data wirelessly to the receiver unit, where your phone is plugged in. This allows you to move your home phone into any room in your house without the hassle of rewiring and adding new phone jacks.
Installation
Installation of most wireless phone jack systems is simple. Plug the base unit into a wall electrical outlet and into your landline phone jack. Plug the receiver unit into an electrical outlet in any room in your house, then plug your phone into the receiver unit. Most base units can support more than one receiver unit, in case you want to add several phones in rooms that don't have wired phone jacks.
Radio Signals
Most wireless phone jack systems use radio frequencies to transmit the data between the base and receiver units. The units convert the radio signals into electrical signals that can be processed by your landline system and your phone. Both units are designed to send and receive the radio signals and make the conversion. When you receive a call, the base unit converts the electrical signals into radio frequencies and transmits the information to the receiver unit, causing your phone to ring. When you talk during a conversation, the base and receiver units send your information to the other unit and receive information back. This split-second transfer happens so fast that there's no noticeable delay when talking on your phone.
Devices
Wireless landline phone jack systems don't just work with phones. Most systems also work with fax machines and TV satellite receivers, and some support your computer needs, allowing you to connect to the Internet via dial-up or DSL.
Static and Security
Because the system uses radio frequencies to transmit data, there is a chance of interference from other radio signals, including those from a neighbor using a similar system. Change your system's security code, following the instructions in your user manual, if you hear snippets of other conversations or severe static on your line. Another source of light static may be nearby electronics -- move your receiver units farther from your TVs and radios if you're experiencing light static on your landline.
References
Writer Bio
Based outside Atlanta, Ga., Shala Munroe has been writing and copy editing since 1995. Beginning her career at newspapers such as the "Marietta Daily Journal" and the "Atlanta Business Chronicle," she most recently worked in communications and management for several nonprofit organizations before purchasing a flower shop in 2006. She earned a BA in communications from Jacksonville State University.