Setting up a VoIP service - how?

[Sankari]

OK guys, network n00b here, so be gentle.

I have an ADSL2+ service with VoIP. My modem/router is a Netgear DG834PN. I also have a triple handset Panasonic cordless DECT phone which I wish to use for VoIP (if possible). And of course, I have an ADSL2+ filter with a phone line socket.

Questions: is this all I need to set up VoIP? If so, how do I set it up? If not, what more do I need?

Ta.

 

[tolien]

That router doesn't do VoIP, so where does the "ADSL2+ service with VoIP" come into it?
If you're going to use analogue phones (ie they were intended for use on an ordinary phone network), you'd need an ATA somewhere along the line, whether it's built into the router or a separate device.

 

[Sankari]

That router doesn't do VoIP, so where does the "ADSL2+ service with VoIP" come into it?

The box says RangeMax modem/routers support VoIP, and this one's a RangeMax, so...

If you're going to use analogue phones (ie they were intended for use on an ordinary phone network), you'd need an ATA somewhere along the line, whether it's built into the router or a separate device.

OK, can you recommend a decent ATA? Will that allow me to use VoIP through this modem?

 

[wij]

The box says RangeMax modem/routers support VoIP, and this one's a RangeMax, so...

What Tolien means is that the router has no built in ATA or FXO/FXS ports.

Any router will support VoIP, it's just Netgear's marketing droids putting flavour of the month words with ticks on the boxes.

You're going to need an ATA to connect your existing DECT phones to the router with, only really had experience of Cisco ones but I'm sure there are plenty of decent options out there (tried using google?).

Or you could sack off the DECT phones and just get a proper IP handset, again most of my experience here is with Cisco kit, but I have installed a few Grandstream devices and found them to be perfectly good as a cheap alternative.

You are also going to need a SIP provider, I've been using Gradwell at home for the last couple of years now with no problems whatsoever.

 

[Sankari]

What Tolien means is that the router has no built in ATA or FXO/FXS ports.

Any router will support VoIP, it's just Netgear's marketing droids putting flavour of the month words with ticks on the boxes.

You're going to need an ATA to connect your existing DECT phones to the router with, only really had experience of Cisco ones but I'm sure there are plenty of decent options out there (tried using google?).

Thanks, that's nice & clear now. I'd prefer to stick with the DECT phones, as they are very new and we've just got used to them. We also prefer the advantage of cordless VoIP calls. Have Googled a few ATAs now, so no problems there.

Or you could sack off the DECT phones and just get a proper IP handset, again most of my experience here is with Cisco kit, but I have installed a few Grandstream devices and found them to be perfectly good as a cheap alternative. You are also going to need a SIP provider, I've been using Gradwell at home for the last couple of years now with no problems whatsoever.

What's a SIP provider? Will I only need one if I sack the DECTs?

 

[wij]

Let's simplify it, you need something to send your phone calls across the internet and then route them back to the PSTN so you can call regular phones, a SIP (VoIP) provider serves that purpose.

You can normally get a basic package from a few pounds a month, normally with a free PSTN number (this becomes your VoIP real world number that other people can dial into from normal phones). Some places (such as Gradwell) will also sell you or, depending on the deal include a pre-configured ATA for you.

I'd reckon your dect phones probably work as one base station and two remote handsets so you're only going to need one ATA (plus one for any regular phones in the house you want to use with the VoIP service too).

 

[Sankari]

Let's simplify it, you need something to send your phone calls across the internet and then route them back to the PSTN so you can call regular phones, a SIP (VoIP) provider serves that purpose.

You can normally get a basic package from a few pounds a month, normally with a free PSTN number (this becomes your VoIP real world number that other people can dial into from normal phones). Some places (such as Gradwell) will also sell you or, depending on the deal include a pre-configured ATA for you.

OK, well my ISP offers a VoIP service as part of my internet package, so surely I can just use them? I had assumed they'd come out and set it all up, but apparently not. I don't mind doing it myself; I simply needed some guidance!

I'd reckon your dect phones probably work as one base station and two remote handsets so you're only going to need one ATA (plus one for any regular phones in the house you want to use with the VoIP service too).

Yep, that's exactly what I've got. Thanks for the advice. Going to hunt down an ATA tomorrow.

 

[wij]

What ISP are you on?

Most of them that include a VoIP service tend to give you an ATA to use as part of the deal, or in the case of things like BT it is built into the home hub in the form of the silly little handset.

 

[Sankari]

What ISP are you on?

Most of them that include a VoIP service tend to give you an ATA to use as part of the deal, or in the case of things like BT it is built into the home hub in the form of the silly little handset.

Ah mate... I am in Australia and my ISP is TPG. I said I was providing my own modem/router (and I told them which one it was!) but they didn't give me an ATA. So tomorrow I go shopping for one.

Thanks again for your patience and advice.

 

[wij]

Ah mate... I am in Australia and my ISP is TPG. I said I was providing my own modem/router (and I told them which one it was!) but they didn't give me an ATA. So tomorrow I go shopping for one.

Thanks again for your patience and advice.

Ah righty, well if the VoIP service they provide is just a standard SIP based one then just about any old ATA should suffice.

 

[Sankari]

Nice one.