absolute beginner - hot to set up household VOIP

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agator

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#203152 19-Sep-2016 20:09

Hi,

i have been using skype ( which i understand is a pc based form of VOIP) but with the big ugly hand of MS taking away keypad tones, i have had it...

so am i right in assuming that in order to use VOIP - i need to first sign up with a provider, then either access it direct via my PC and a headset - much the same way as i did with skype ( with the down side being the computer has to be on to make and receive calls)

I can get a VOIP phone and plug it directly in to my Fritzbox router, and make calls that way (after presumably entering my VOIP providers details into the appropriate set up screen of the Router.)

simple as that - no other gear required..?

Thanks ag

mdf

3512 posts

Uber Geek

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#1636106 19-Sep-2016 20:29

Sort of. Further details are probably required. What model of Fritzbox? Who's your broadband provider?

I thought most Fritzbox's included an ATA (analogue telephone adapter) so you just plugged an ordinary telephone into the ATA jack, not a VOIP phone. Your broadband provider may be able to auto provision this for you.

If you want to go down a dedicated route, have a look at 2talk.co.nz install guides (2talk is pretty much the main game in town). You can either get SIP/VOIP phones, which include the smarts themselves, or IP phones which get their smarts from another box (i.e. a PBX).

gregmcc

2147 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#1636109 19-Sep-2016 20:35

computer not required to use VOIP, but needed to set it up.

2 choices, an ATA and you can plug your plain old telephone in to it, it converts Ethernet to an analogue phone line, configure it with the settings from your VOIP numbr and your away.

You can by digital handset that plug directly in to an ethernet phone port.

You may even find your current xDSL router has a couple of ATA ports on it.

for us I signed up with 2talk, a free account, got it configured and working correctly then got a paid account and ported our land line phone number to 2talk, been using it for over 2 years now, works just like a normal phone line except way more features for free.

Keep in mind that should your power go out, your phone goes out, a UPS would be a good idea to keep things going for a while when the power goes out.

speed

293 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1636111 19-Sep-2016 20:39

If you've got a Fritzbox router then you don't even need a VoIP phone. Any old GAP-compatible DECT cordless should do the trick. Just configure the Fritzbox with your VoIP provider login details then associate the handset with the Fritzbox and you're in action.

If you have a DECT cordless you can use and you want to have a play without laying down any coin, 2talk have a free account tier you could use:

http://www.2talk.co.nz/voice.html

Hope this helps :)

agator

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1636235 20-Sep-2016 00:10

hey thanks for the help All..

got it all up and running - much to my utter amazement - signed up free with 2talk to muck around as suggested, then found this awesome blog: http://blog.gowifi.co.nz/2016/04/how-do-i-register-my-2talk-account-on.html that stepped me through setting up the fritz box - and hey presto all working with no big drama:-)

cheers Ag

new2nz

94 posts

Master Geek

#1656542 23-Oct-2016 12:38

Thank you for posting this question and the replies. It's worked like a dream for me. 5 mins and we have a new "land line"