[WXC/VFX] Alternatives for Linksys for Xnet Fusion VoIP/SIP

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flyingrhino

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#78348 3-Mar-2011 20:45

Hi,

Has anyone got experience with alternative hardware to Linksys for Xnet Fusion? I have had 2 failures of linksys hardware in the past year and I prefer not to spend any more money on unreliable hardware.

By alternate hardware I mean a router/modem with a phone jack to connect a standard phone (Same idea as the AG310). A built-in 4 port 10/100 switch would be useful too but not mandatory.

If anyone wants to know my latest hardware fault - it's a Linksys AG310 that connects for 15 seconds, loses connection and connects again within 10 seconds. The cycle continues forever.

Thank you.

michaelt

425 posts

Ultimate Geek

#445294 3-Mar-2011 20:56

I've heard of a number of people having problems with the all-in-one units.

Using a separate ADSL router and VoIP ATA seems to still be the best way to go.

I'm currently on Slingshot's naked DSL plan with italk, and I'm using the free (Slingshot supplied) Dynalink RTA1320 ADSL router, connected in half bridge mode to a Asus WL-520GC running DD-WRT ($20 + shipping off trademe), connected to a Fritz!Box Fon ($50 off trademe, imported from Germany, reconfigured to act as just an ATA).

It sounds horribly complex, and took a few hours to set up, but it's been running rock solid with no problems at all, except some conflicts when I added a 2nd and 3rd VoIP line to the Fritz!Box (Works fine, but can only use one line at a time, making the second extension useless).

Total cost was about $80, and it's much more stable and configurable than the all-in-one units.

Niel

3267 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#445313 3-Mar-2011 22:00

Try a different power supply. Companies do not make their own power supplies, much cheaper to get one with their label put on it. So the modem is often well designed but the power supply could fail. The modem might drop the line after 15 seconds when the power supply can;t deliver the power any more, then recovers when the modem reboots. I've had a power supply fail on an Ethernet camera and a few other things.

You can never have enough Volvos!

flyingrhino

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#445355 3-Mar-2011 23:56

That's an idea with the PSU, I didn't think of that.

I'll try to run it off another supply I've got around and hopefully it will work.

Cheers.

flyingrhino

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#445356 4-Mar-2011 00:01

Michael,

BTW, I have the same bulletproof dynalink 1320 which I've owned for years, I'm now on the internet with it but of course no phone.

If Niel's PSU tip doesn't work I'll try to source a cheap SIP box.

Cheers.

kiwitrc

4123 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#445366 4-Mar-2011 06:39

I am also looking to replace my constantly failing Linksys junk (3 three failed wag54gp2 in 3 years now), have a look here http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=43&topicid=62535 for some ideas

Mattnzl

281 posts

Ultimate Geek

#445370 4-Mar-2011 07:23

I replaced my failed wag54gp2 with a Dynalink/Netcom RTA1046VW (I like the power savings of all-in-ones).

Extremely easy to configure (has NZ dial tones etc. allready in it so you just select NZ and go). Working fine with 2 voip lines on 2talk.
Probably not on vfx allowed list though...
Matt.

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#445373 4-Mar-2011 07:38

Mattnzl: I replaced my failed wag54gp2 with a Dynalink/Netcom RTA1046VW (I like the power savings of all-in-ones).

Extremely easy to configure (has NZ dial tones etc. allready in it so you just select NZ and go). Working fine with 2 voip lines on 2talk.
Probably not on vfx allowed list though...
Matt.

WxC have allowed people to use any device they want on VFX for a long time now. You're totally on your own when it comes to configuration/provisioning and support however, since they don't support full autoprovisioning of non approved devices. This is essentially the same model as 2talk where only very basic support is provided.

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flyingrhino

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#445563 4-Mar-2011 16:08

<quote>Try a different power supply</quote>

Niel, you're the man.

Replacing the 'linksys' switcher with a transformer wallwart seems to do the trick. So far it's been going for several hours with no issues.

Thanks a lot, you just saved me 100+ $

Niel

3267 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#445569 4-Mar-2011 16:20

Thanks for the compliment Flying Rhino. Been doing electronics for 25 years now, started as a teenager repairing those small Telefunken B&W TVs for zero pay. Wages got increased 100% every year, but the manager would never backdate any increase.

My Linksys WRTP54G has been running non-stop for about 4 years now, and AM300 modem for about 2 years or so. Dynalink had to be reset weekly else if would loose it's web interface and later loose internet. I'm also running everything on a UPS which cleans up the power and significantly reduces stress on power supplies. UPS is only about $100, buy one with the money you saved.

You can never have enough Volvos!

flyingrhino

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#445576 4-Mar-2011 16:33

Assuming the AG310 is ok, I've lost one linksys already. All my PC stuff also runs off a Fenton 600W UPS so I 'assume' it's cleaner than raw power.

The original linksys branded PSU is a SMPS and I now am using an old fashioned transformer one. I never connected the PSU to the device fault, I was stuck in the firmware/bug world.

It's still working and hopefully it's fixed.

Cheers.

flyingrhino

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#445579 4-Mar-2011 16:36

You can never have enough Volvos!.

Got upgraded from a class B to a Volvo V50 last year in France so I know what you mean. Comfortable car.

flyingrhino

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#446129 6-Mar-2011 22:09

Fault diagnosis:

Opened up the power supply and found a 470uF 16V capacitor on the DC side had got fat and begun to leak from the top. This is exactly the 12v that drops out due to the capacitor decreasing in value. I'll fix it when I have time.

I now have the AG310 running off a 1.5A 12v transformer for 2 days straight with no problems. Niel was spot on.

Cheers,

Niel

3267 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#446163 7-Mar-2011 07:24

That's the one that goes first. The large storage capacitor on the mains side can also dry out, but usually from age (time spent connected to mains) not from stress (load drawn off the power adapter). Have a close look at the top of that one, and replace if it seems to start bulging. Or just replace in any case while you're there. But they are harder to find, being rated 400V.

Transformer power supplies are either regulated or unregulated. Do not use unregulated, the voltage goes too high and stresses your ATA. To check simply measure voltage with no load. Unregulated supplies will be 12V at full load, a few volt higher at no load.

You can never have enough Volvos!

sultanoswing

814 posts

Ultimate Geek

#446386 7-Mar-2011 18:36

Good tips, Niel.

I'm not sure I'd class the RTA1320 as a reliable bit of kit - they're well known for running hot and burning out their capacitors. Easily replaced and modded to run cooler, but still not 'reliable'. :)

flyingrhino

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#446655 8-Mar-2011 14:21

Will complete the fixing of the Linksys original PSU tonight.

Thanks for the mains side cap tip, will do it too.