Shifting to naked DSL on Orcon

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PromNZ

154 posts

Master Geek

#31355 14-Mar-2009 10:44

Just wanted to chek with folks before I shift to naked DSL.

Currently I've got the usual Telecom line and Orcon Purple Plus account, which works marvelouslly btw, connected to I believe the Devonport exchange in Auckland, but I'm right on the edge between Devonport & Takapuna exchanges according to the Orcon exchange map.

3Com router, the stats are :

Up Stream	891 (Kbps.)
Down Stream	6705 (Kbps.)

Operation Data
Operation Data	Upstream	Downstream
Noise Margin	12 dB	12 dB
Attenuation	44 dB	40 dB

I'd like to switch to naked DSL and go for a VOIP company instead - specifically 2Talk.

Any of you techie fellas out there think thisis a good idea with my current line stats ? The router stays on 24/7 btw, and I'm planning on picking up a Linksys PAP2T to be able to plug my current phone setup in.

grant_k

3539 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#201177 14-Mar-2009 12:02

You have ample bandwidth in both directions to use VoIP. The key thing is to check that you don't experience frequent micro outages or dropouts on your connection which would be a problem with VoIP.

The simplest no-cost way to do this is by having a prolonged Skype conversation with somebody else. Skype uses about twice the bandwidth of the G729a codec, so if Skype is OK, then 2Talk will be fine.

Interestingly, I have almost the exact same hardware setup as you -- 3Com Wireless Router and PAP2T. It has been functioning perfectly as our landline replacement for almost a year now. I would never go back to a conventional landline.

We are using SNAP as our ISP and 2Talk (via Kiwilink) as our VoIP provider. Orcon should be just as good but to make sure before you take the plunge; do the Skype test above.

PromNZ

154 posts

Master Geek

#201196 14-Mar-2009 13:54

Cheers and will do. I was using Skype over Xmas for a video conference with relatives, the sound was great but the video was a problem on my end due to a video card issue (wouldn't display correct res in widescreen). But the folks at the other end said they saw us fine constantly.

PromNZ

154 posts

Master Geek

#202209 19-Mar-2009 16:44

Rang them on Monday afternoon, connection was changed Thursday afternoon (today).

Stream Type	Actual Data Rate
Up Stream	1020 (Kbps.)
Down Stream	9529 (Kbps.)

Operation Data
Operation Data	Upstream	Downstream
Noise Margin	12 dB	1 dB
Attenuation	40 dB	37 dB

Good enough for me.

Noig

446 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#204712 1-Apr-2009 15:25

Hi Prom
Can you tell me what your success is? Happy with Orcon and 2talk?
I did skype overseas not long ago and sound was good but picture did not work properly. Have contacted Orcon this morning though the return emails are somewhat slow and forever I waited on the phone.
Also is it possible to get my two existing numbers over to 2talk?
Thanks

PromNZ

154 posts

Master Geek

#204757 1-Apr-2009 17:48

Noig: Hi Prom
Can you tell me what your success is? Happy with Orcon and 2talk?
I did skype overseas not long ago and sound was good but picture did not work properly. Have contacted Orcon this morning though the return emails are somewhat slow and forever I waited on the phone.
Also is it possible to get my two existing numbers over to 2talk?
Thanks

Sure. I am immensly happy with Orcon and 2Talk over the whole deal.

Orcon shifting me to naked ADSL pretty quickly IMO. Since then no connection issues, drop outs or download problems. The VOIP phone has worked perfectly. I haven't done an gaming yet so I've no idea on latency issues.

2Talk - they ported my single home phone number over from the Telecom number that I've had, and that number is sill listed in the new phone book. The calls have been clear to use too - was chatting to my daughter who is in Noumea the other day and it was clear, no delays / echos at all, it was quite amazing. The only thing different now is the time it takes to connect to a number after dialing - about 3" - 5" before that dialed number starts ringing which was odd to begin with and now I don't really notice, and that all calls now require an area code when dialling, including locals ones (I live in Auckland so have to remind myself to slap in the 09 1st).

I haven't Skyped anyone yet - the last time I had used Skype was for a video conference at Xmas, which worked ok but I had video card issues meaning the image size was all screwed up. There is messenging software from 2Talk but I haven't installed it yet.

The whole process from start to finish took about a week, I had one afternoon where my home number didnt work and when dialed you simply got "the number you have dialed isn't assigned to a number" message, I emailed 2Talk and it was fixed that same afternoon. If you have a question I feel the best thing is to email 2Talk, they had always answered my emails promptly.

The Linksys adaptor I purchased from Nicegear.co.nz arrived the next day, I plugged it in and tweaked the settings as per 2Talk's instructions and haven't looked at it again, it just sits there in a drawer on, 24/7

Overall, yeah I'm very happy with the whole change over process - I expected a lot of hassles and down lines but in the end all I had was some minor inconvience for an afternoon, which in the scheme of things is nothing to me.

Hope this helps, email me for more info if you need it.

Cheers.

coffeebaron

6235 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#204758 1-Apr-2009 17:57

PromNZ: The only thing different now is the time it takes to connect to a number after dialing - about 3" - 5" before that dialed number starts ringing which was odd to begin with and now I don't really notice, and that all calls now require an area code when dialling, including locals ones (I live in Auckland so have to remind myself to slap in the 09 1st).
Cheers.

You need to create a dial plan, or hit # after the last digit.

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Noig

446 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#204759 1-Apr-2009 17:59

Prom
Thanks a lot, very much appreciated.
That all sounds very good and I am now just about 100% convinced.I will get one of those ata adapters so I can test with 2talk free and then step by step.
If you don't mind I might get back to you once I am in the changeover troubles.
Regards

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mjb

996 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#204860 2-Apr-2009 10:36

coffeebaron:
PromNZ:?The only thing different now is the time it takes to connect to a number after dialing - about 3" - 5" before that dialed number starts ringing which was odd to begin with and now I don't really notice, and that all calls now require an area code when dialling, including locals ones (I live in Auckland so have to remind myself to slap in the 09 1st).
Cheers.

You need to create a dial plan, or hit # after the last digit.

contentsofsignaturemaysettleduringshipping

wendy226

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#205019 2-Apr-2009 22:20

where the nearest exchange from massey waitakere?!!

LennonNZ

2459 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#205028 2-Apr-2009 22:39

If you want to be perdantic ... :-)

(*x.|[2-9]xxxxxx|0[3-9][2-9]xxxxxx|02[156789]xxxxxxx.S1|0508xxxxxx|0800xxxxxx|1xx|00x.)

umm.. 020 Cellphones 024 Cellphones. 1xxx (like 1956 + others) no 7xxxxxxxx .. no 05[2-9]... no 08[2-9].. + quite a number of others...

Also the Massey Exchange is 1/2 way up Don Buck Road.. It is pretty hard to miss with all the Vans outside it all the time...

Thanks