How do I ditch my TCL landline and choose a VOIP option?

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Wyvern

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#95566 8-Jan-2012 09:35

First up, I'm a VOIP noob so I hope I can define my requirements clear enough for someone to help me...

I have Telstra Clear 40GB + Landline package and I want to remove the landline component and choose a naked BB option (happy to go to 60GB if required to handle extra VOIP bandwidth demands if thats an issue).

We only use the landline for calling the odd national and local (Kapiti) numbers and receiving calls from the same locations. I dont call international on the landline. We use skype for that.

I have an Apple Time Machine and both my wife and I have iphones. I am wondering if there is a way to keep our existing landline number and be able to use our iphones to make and receive VOIP calls? That would be ideal, but if I have to invest in a VOIP ph I'll do that. Hoping I dont need any other hardware though..

Can anyone suggest some options for us? Thanks in advance

Wyvern

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#566003 8-Jan-2012 09:38

I currently use TelstraClear cable and ported our phone number to WorldxChange VFX. Since you are saying you want "naked BB" I think you're on DSL?

Note with VFX you have to use their approved hardware. This is an advantage because basically it's plug and play. Other providers will require you to manually configure settings.

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#566008 8-Jan-2012 09:58

freitasm: I currently use TelstraClear cable and ported our phone number to WorldxChange VFX. Since you are saying you want "naked BB" I think you're on DSL?

Note with VFX you have to use their approved hardware. This is an advantage because basically it's plug and play. Other providers will require you to manually configure settings.

Actually VFX don't require you to use their approved hardware any more with Open VFX - just need to config yourself which usually isnt too hard.

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#566010 8-Jan-2012 10:02

Yes, I know. But for new people who never ever had experience, this is not a good alternative.

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#566026 8-Jan-2012 10:49

Yes i agree, same goes for Orcon Genius - pretty much plug and play which is good for people who don't know much about setting these things up and just want it to work.

Wyvern:
I have an Apple Time Machine and both my wife and I have iphones. I am wondering if there is a way to keep our existing landline number and be able to use our iphones to make and receive VOIP calls? That would be ideal, but if I have to invest in a VOIP ph I'll do that. Hoping I dont need any other hardware though..

Can anyone suggest some options for us? Thanks in advance

You could setup your iphone to receive your voip calls but you'd need to find some SIP software in the Ap Store and set everything up. I've done this on my Android phone with 2talk but haven't ever touched an iphone but imagine it would be similar.

Probably would be easier to buy a standard voice adapter and plug it into your modem and use a standard phone.

MrPrimo

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#566036 8-Jan-2012 11:19

2talk now offer auto provision of most devices like the SPA2102, etc - so no setup for 2talk either :)

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MrPrimo

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#566037 8-Jan-2012 11:20

simon14: Yes i agree, same goes for Orcon Genius - pretty much plug and play which is good for people who don't know much about setting these things up and just want it to work.

Wyvern:
I have an Apple Time Machine and both my wife and I have iphones. I am wondering if there is a way to keep our existing landline number and be able to use our iphones to make and receive VOIP calls? That would be ideal, but if I have to invest in a VOIP ph I'll do that. Hoping I dont need any other hardware though..

Can anyone suggest some options for us? Thanks in advance

You could setup your iphone to receive your voip calls but you'd need to find some SIP software in the Ap Store and set everything up. I've done this on my Android phone with 2talk but haven't ever touched an iphone but imagine it would be similar.

Probably would be easier to buy a standard voice adapter and plug it into your modem and use a standard phone.

2talk have an iphone app, you download it from itunes, put in your number and password and you have a working voip line, cant get any easier :D

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#566796 10-Jan-2012 10:45

The most important question is are you on Cable or DSL?

For DSL Telstraclear do not offer naked dsl it's a bundle or nothing.

Skolink

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#566816 10-Jan-2012 11:27

Since you are in Kapiti you must be on cable.

1. Buy this
http://www.notebookcity.co.nz/linksys-spa2102-10100-phone-adapter-2-port&ref=pricespy
Cheaper options are available (~$50) but I recommend this as it will just work.

2. Then port your number (when you sign up for Xnet VoIP)

3. Then change your Telstra plan to ?naked cable? (eg 20Gb $55.95)

Wyvern

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#566910 10-Jan-2012 13:50

Thanks for all your help people! Geekzone is great - love it..

Yes - As I am in Kapiti I am on Cable, with the Modem connected to my Apple Time Machine and then various laptops and mobiles running off the wireless link.

So Skolink, your reply is fantastic - I'll do it... but just wanted to check that the Linksys spa2102 that you recommended was in fact the right thing I should be getting - the xnet site (http://www.xnet.co.nz/voip-hardware/) says that this item is ideal for a network without a router... Does it matter that I have the Time Machine? I presume that will connect to the Time Machine right?, or does it connect to the Cable Modem - sorry for dumb question!

Cheers,
Wyv

Wyvern

joshp

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#566976 10-Jan-2012 15:59

Hi Wyvern,

The SPA2102 is about to be superseded by the SPA122, we have worked with Cisco during the development of this device and it is already certified and ready to go on our network. It has a better internal router with more through-put than the 2102 which topped out at about 8 Mbit. These device will be listed on our website soon, but it can be found via pricespy here:

http://pricespy.co.nz/product.php?p=1047133

So just to note, the PAP2T will be replaced by the SPA112 and the SPA2102 will be replaced by the SPA122, the price is the same if not slightly cheaper so they are a better option all round.

Cheers

Josh

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Skolink

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#567144 10-Jan-2012 22:20

Wyvern: Does it matter that I have the Time Machine? I presume that will connect to the Time Machine right?, or does it connect to the Cable Modem - sorry for dumb question!

Yes it will connect to your Apple router, I have mine connected to another router and I don't use the SPA2102 router functions. One thing to note: if you are not using the SPA2102 as a router plug the port labelled "internet" into your other router or LAN, not the one labelled "ethernet". Leave the "ethernet" port unconnected, except if you need to configure the unit you will need to plug a computer into that port.

joshp: Hi Wyvern,

The SPA2102 is about to be superseded by the SPA122, we have worked with Cisco during the development of this device and it is already certified and ready to go on our network. It has a better internal router with more through-put than the 2102 which topped out at about 8 Mbit.

Excellent news thanks. Obviously this doesn't matter if you don't intend to use the router functionality (Wyvern).

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#576197 2-Feb-2012 09:45

joshp: Hi Wyvern,

The SPA2102 is about to be superseded by the SPA122, we have worked with Cisco during the development of this device and it is already certified and ready to go on our network. It has a better internal router with more through-put than the 2102 which topped out at about 8 Mbit. These device will be listed on our website soon, but it can be found via pricespy here:

http://pricespy.co.nz/product.php?p=1047133

So just to note, the PAP2T will be replaced by the SPA112 and the SPA2102 will be replaced by the SPA122, the price is the same if not slightly cheaper so they are a better option all round.

Cheers

Josh

Any replacement for the SPA3102 coming?

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#576199 2-Feb-2012 09:52

Yes there is the spa232d ... expected in March and will also have a dect handset option as well

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D1023319

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#576219 2-Feb-2012 10:32

Hi, I am considering a voip solution for home so I have been reading the threads here.
While informative - I am confused by the hardware setup and would appreciate some help.

I get the impression that newer wireless routers such as the SPA2102 have both voip and ethernet connectors so you can plug your exisiting phones into these.

However as I have phones distributed around the house - does the phone have to be connected direct to the SP2102 or can I connect the existing house phone wiring to the voip connector on the SP2102.

As a simpler solution, is it possible to get a wifi phone with a base staion (for answerphone and charging functionality) that would connect via wifi to the router and avoid the need for cabling all together? NB - while some DECT phones mention WIFI in their specs - they dont seem to link this functionality to VOIP in the manual.

Out of interest - I am on telstra cable triple package at home = tv+phone+40gb with a Linksys WRT54g wireless router in roof connected via ethernet cable to xbox / master pc.

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#576239 2-Feb-2012 11:16

D1023319: However as I have phones distributed around the house - does the phone have to be connected direct to the SP2102 or can I connect the existing house phone wiring to the voip connector on the SP2102.

As a simpler solution, is it possible to get a wifi phone with a base staion (for answerphone and charging functionality) that would connect via wifi to the router and avoid the need for cabling all together? NB - while some DECT phones mention WIFI in their specs - they dont seem to link this functionality to VOIP in the manual.

Out of interest - I am on telstra cable triple package at home = tv+phone+40gb with a Linksys WRT54g wireless router in roof connected via ethernet cable to xbox / master pc.

You can hook an SPA up to your existing wiring, just be aware of the REN value of the SPA2102 (3) and the REN value of handsets which you can see from the Telepermit application or on the Telepermit sticker on the device. Most phones have a REN of 1 or less so you can safely hook up 3 phones.

You don't want WiFi phones, they are totally unsuitable for your requirements. If you don't want cabling just buy a 3 pack DECT phone and leave the base unit next to the SPA.

If your budget is high (ie ~$500 per phone) WiFi phones are an option and also remove the need to have an SPA in the first place.

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