[WXC/VFX] Supported Hardware for VoIP on Xnet VFX

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execute22

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Master Geek

Topic # 14529 8-Jul-2007 13:41

Hi,
After hearing of the imminent naked DSL I went looking for VOIP provider and came across VFX and I'm now very excited about it however I'm wondering what hardware will be supported? On the VFX site I only see 2 very businessy phones and adaptors to convert back to POTS which I really don't like the idea of, I prefer the idea of being able to plug directly into Ethernet. Also I'd prefer a cordless phone. Could [something like] this be used?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Phone-fax/Cordless-phones/auction-107892600.htm?p=1

If you can only use phones sold and configured by xnet then I think they will seriously need to increase their range. But hey I guess it's still early days (for us non telstra people at least!)

**EDIT**
Also what about using a software phone?

Cheers,
Rhys

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Reply # 77336 8-Jul-2007 16:06

The Philips VoIP phone is not SIP - it is just a USB handset to use with MSN Messenger. Read our review here. The adapters you see on VFX website are much more advanced than that. For example with the Philips phone you can only talk to others using MSN Messenger. You can't place calls to standard landlines or mobile phones, nor receive those calls. It's a completely different thing.

For example the Linksys SPA2102 supported by VFX is a full router with support for two SIP lines - one for VFX and the second one for whatever other service you want. I use a VoIP provider in Australia to have cheap Australian calls. Read more in my blog entry.

So, it's very easy to be tempted on Trade Me, but don't buy things without asking first - not everything on sale there is what you need.

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Niel

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Reply # 77352 8-Jul-2007 18:38

Also WxC built their network from the ground up with VoBB (voice over broadband) in mind. Their networks is configured for it, it is not an add-on. VFX has been running for a very long time and is already working really well. I belive there is still some tweaking to be done for faxing, but otherwise it is wonderful.

There is talk of a soft phone, but WxC has not confirmed. They are also looking at extending the range, including a wireless phone.

Slingshot uses the same hardware as VFX, but I suspect they simply get it off WxC or copied them.

Overseas there are a a number of service providers using the same Linksys SIP phones and boxes. It is not a new thing, neither is it unique to Linksys. However, currently those are the only ones that is supported for VFX. I think they want to limit support of different hardware until they are sure the network is 100% and not 99% stable.

Keep in mind there are millions of cheap analogue phones on the market, but it is very expensive to develop a SIP phone for a small market and recover costs. I suspect the way things will go is a soft phone for Wi-Fi enabled mobiles. Soft phones for PC can easily be hacked and cracked, but a soft phone for mobile phones can easily be locked to the phone itself. For now the cost effective solution is to have a Linksys box and normal analogue phone.

You can never have enough Volvos!

execute22

66 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 77353 8-Jul-2007 18:48

ok fair enough on closer inspection that wasn't a good example, I guess really what I'm asking then is - can I use any sip client / phone with VFX Or do I need to buy a pre-configured device from xnet.

Here are some examples of other devices: (I'm saying I want to buy any of theses specific devices, just examples)

http://www.dlink.co.nz/Products.aspx?Sec=1&Sub1=16&Sub2=34&PID=288

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1139963247844&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

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Reply # 77355 8-Jul-2007 18:50

As Niel said, at the moment you have to use approved devices. There was a discussion here on Geekzone before, with Xnet people answering this question. It's all related to reliability of the network.

They want to be able to guarantee things work before opening to other software and hardware devices, which would require a lot more support.

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execute22

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Master Geek

Reply # 77374 8-Jul-2007 21:58

Yeah that makes perfect sense, Niel got his reply in while I was still writing mine :)

maverick

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WorldxChange

Reply # 77385 9-Jul-2007 07:21

Hi Rhys,

A few people have already responded but I will add my 2 cents as well, There are a number of earlier threads on this nut it's been a whilae so I don't going over it again. As some of the members have already pointed out we are using this range of products due to the fact that it uses the SIP stack (Firmware) what this means is that all the feature sets with VFX should work 100% and we accept full responsibility for that, if we take any off the shelf cheap SIP phone / device they almost never have the same implentation of SIP and this is where the trouble starts

. Features don't work , calls may not hang up correctly which could reult in a 4 hour call to a Mobile phone now if you have a device that we don't support then we have a 4 hour call that has to be paid for, while sometimes people may think it's limiting it's actully done more to look after the service and to offer the best possible replacement with few issues, opening it up to any device means ahuge amount of issues.

In sayting this we are looking at other devices but we have intially chosen the linksys range for a couple of major one, no other manufacturer at this point can offer the range of products, ADSL / ADSL2 , ethernet Routers, IP Phones , IAD / ATA's all with the same SIP stack so it makes it an easy fit with the VFX service.

Hope this explains it a little better from our side of the fence.

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execute22

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Master Geek

Reply # 77412 9-Jul-2007 11:55

Thanks Maverick, yes that makes perfect sense. I guess a standard dect cordless and an adaptor would probably be fine :)
I can't wait to drop my telecome line! :-)

maverick

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WorldxChange

Reply # 77413 9-Jul-2007 11:57

Look forward to having you as a customer

Yes I am a employee of WxC (My Profile) ... but I do have my own opinions as well

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