Wanting to get VOIP... HELP

Forums › VoIP › Wanting to get VOIP... HELP

Starplay

267 posts

Ultimate Geek

#72962 6-Dec-2010 00:32

So... Ive finally made the decision to sign up for VOIP... But im not the most knowledgeable about it.

Firstly, can I sign up to any VOIP provider using any ISP?

Can I have a fax machine running on the VOIP line? - If so, when the fax is in use will the phoneline be busy as normal?

Can I have more than one phone connected? If so what is the best way to do this? Also, if one phone is in use and another is picked up will the calls be heard by both people as with a normal line?

And finally... Who is the best VOIP provider?

Thanks

Niel

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#413254 6-Dec-2010 06:05

Any provider with any ISP, but if you are with XNet for both then the VoIP data will not be counted against your cap.

FAX is a best effort, not guaranteed. It does not work on the PAP2T, but it seems to be okay on the SPA2102 which has better CODECs.

FAX will interrupt phone calls like normal.

You should not connect more than 2 or 3 phones unless you get a multiple cordless system. Cables to the phones must be short, not run across the home, but should still be fine if you do run it across the home. Just not supposed to be.

XNet is the best VoIP provider, they provide services for Telecom FTTH installations. Perhaps not the best ISP for speed or heavy download, but definitely for VoIP.

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coffeebaron

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#413257 6-Dec-2010 06:24

+1 for Xnet. I'm a dealer, so can help you get all sorted if you want to go with them.

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freitasm

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#413282 6-Dec-2010 08:13

Also it depends if you have naked broadband or not - which means you have a phone line or not already. Some ISPs don't have naked broadband so you'd still have to use a phone line anyway - in which case you could just use that for the fax and leave voice for the VoIP provider.

Starplay

267 posts

Ultimate Geek

#413367 6-Dec-2010 11:52

FAX is a best effort, not guaranteed. It does not work on the PAP2T, but it seems to be okay on the SPA2102 which has better CODECs.

Okay... Dont need to send too many faxes, its just one company that I work for like their client sheets to be faxed in and like to fax them out... So hopefully wont be too much trouble.

You should not connect more than 2 or 3 phones unless you get a multiple cordless system.

Thats good, want to connect 3 phones so I should be alright... One of them could probably go anyway as its not really used.

XNet is the best VoIP provider, they provide services for Telecom FTTH installations. Perhaps not the best ISP for speed or heavy download, but definitely for VoIP.

Have heard good things about XNet for VoIP so I think that I will go with them... Just looked at the cost and free features... HOW GOOD!

Starplay

267 posts

Ultimate Geek

#413370 6-Dec-2010 11:57

freitasm: Also it depends if you have naked broadband or not - which means you have a phone line or not already. Some ISPs don't have naked broadband so you'd still have to use a phone line anyway - in which case you could just use that for the fax and leave voice for the VoIP provider.

Dont have a phone line with the broadband as we are outside ADSL coverage and have a wireless connection.

Hopefully faxing wont be too much trouble as mentioned above as I only have to send them for one client - But good idea if I did have a line.

I forgot to ask... The connection isnt the fastest (512kbps) but it is always constant so will be more than enough for VoIP... But is their anyway to give the VoIP connection first priority for data over someone on the internet? Its just that I dont want call quality comprimised to someone downloading a large file etc.

Thanks

Starplay

267 posts

Ultimate Geek

#413371 6-Dec-2010 11:59

Ohh... The other thing was... Can I keep my normal cordless phones?

rphenix

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#413378 6-Dec-2010 12:09

Starplay: Ohh... The other thing was... Can I keep my normal cordless phones?

Yes. You can get an ATA like the Linksys SPA-2102 previously mentioned though I recommend newer like the 3102. ATA = Analog Telephone Adapter, converts your normal phone, into an IP/VOIP phone.

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coffeebaron

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#413392 6-Dec-2010 12:35

Who is your wireless connection through? Is it PPPoE authentication? If yes, I'd advise a either Linksys/Cisco WRP400 or newer SRP521.

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