How does the actual phone part work with VoIP

ltompsonny on 25/07/2008 - 21:01

OK.. I am heading towards the VoIp thingy after paying a fortune with Telstra.

My biggest problem, is that I don;t really understand how a VoIP phone works. Does it look lik ea real phone, but run through the internet? What does it plug into? Do I have to run the computer 24/7 to have this?

I know i sound dim, but don;t quite understnad how this part of it will work. I don't fancy running my computer 24/7….. My mum would like this too, but she would need to hold somethign that worked a bit like a regualr phone or her brain would crash……

Any ideas??

Thanks… from the dim one!

General Discussion

Comments

  • pauly on 25/07/2008 - 22:45

    VoIP (Voice over IP), in layman's terms, is simply a phone service using the Internet. You can ring to traditional land-line/mobile numbers at cheaper rates, and traditional land-line/mobile phones can reach you on your VoIP number (called a DID, if provided). The DID number that your local VoIP provider assign you with will be a local number in your area, e.g. 07 XXXX XXXX.

    The easiest way to get started is to purchase a device called the Analogue Telephone Adaptor (ATA), which you will need to connect to your Internet connection (i.e. your modem/router). OzPete has recently posted a special offer from MyNetFone for a $20 ATA locked to their service. The company also has a special whirlpool plan that has no on-going fee and is a pre-paid service with 1 DID included.

    Once you have the ATA, you can use any regular phone (cordless inclusive) that you are currently using, and plug it into the ATA. And no, you do not have to turn your computer on to make/receive calls. As long as your broadband modem/router and the ATA is switched on and connected, the ATA can find itself to the Internet. ;)

    A good guide to VoIP can be found here, and there is a massive discussion forum on VoIP-related topics here. Hope that helps.

  • ltompsonny on 26/07/2008 - 09:16

    Thanks so much. I will read all that. You rock! Thanks for your time. I really appreciate it.

  • ltompsonny on 27/07/2008 - 18:44

    Hi there,
    Getting closer to working this out!!!

    So we have the braodband, and we have a router which we use for our laptop.

    I think I can plug a VOIP phone straight into the router, and not need the ATA thing. Is this right?

    Next question.. anyone know which VOIP phone to get? Most of them seem to be for Skype, but we are not planning on using skype, but using, that aussiepack that was advertised on here.

    Thanks again!

    • scotty on 27/07/2008 - 19:28

      I think I can plug a VOIP phone straight into the router, and not need the ATA thing. Is this right?

      Yes you can plug a VoIP phone straight into the router, or use a softphone. Only use an ATA if you want to use your analogue phone with VoIP.

      However, many so called "VoIP" phones are actually just audio devices plugging into your computer's USB port.

      Next question… anyone know which VOIP phone to get?

      Not sure. I'll either get an ATA for convenience or use a softphone for flexibility (or build your own PBX as pauly suggested but that's beyond my knowledge :)

  • ltompsonny on 27/07/2008 - 20:19

    I want to get a "hard phone" so that I can have the computer off when I call and receive calls. Most of the Voip phones seem to be Skype ones, but if I am using the Gotalk with the aussie pack I don't think it will work…

    • gabbyh on 27/07/2008 - 21:01

      There are VoIP phone options such as the Netcomm V85 or even a Cisco 79 series however it is probably best to start simpler and cheaper until you figure out what exact setup you want in the long term.

      Assuming this is the plan you are referring to http://gotalk.com.au/Products/VoIP/VoIPPlans/tabid/79/Defaul… it is rather surprising that for going on a monthly plan they don't offer you some sort of subsidised hardware.

      Pennytel http://www.pennytel.com have their Mega Deal on at the moment where you get a good quality ATA with $50 call credit for $68.88. The deal is on their front page. Then if you like it and all goes well you can go onto the $5 month Talk till you Drop plan http://pennytel.com/call_plans.html .You can change from the lower plans to the higher plans at any time however you can't change back down.

      This would give you an introduction to VoIP with minimal outlay, you can plug a normal corded or cordless phone into it and you can see how it all works before marking a decision on spending a few hundred dollars.

      Your computer can be turned off during all this, just the ATA and the modem/router need to be turned on.

    • pauly on 28/07/2008 - 02:19

      If you want your phone to function without your computer switched on, you just need to get an ATA and plug your ATA to your router. If your router already has a built-in ATA, then you don't need to purchase any additional hardware. If you could provide the brand name and model number of your modem/router, I'll gladly check if your device is already VoIP enabled. If it's not, then you will need to get an ATA. For simplicity, below is a simple setup:

      Any normal telephone (corded or cordless) —> ATA —> Modem/Router

      As for the phone, you don't need to buy any special phones. Once you're equipped with an ATA, you can use any analogue (normal) phones (those that you would normally plug into your wall socket) and connect it to the ATA. As for the Skype phone that you're talking about, those are marketed to function specifically only with Skype, a company that uses a proprietary protocol for its VoIP service. I would strongly oppose to this as you're only limited to using Skype services (not the best rates out there) to make and receive calls. There are many other cheaper providers out there (and some are local Australian company too) that uses the more generic VoIP standards and you have the luxury of choosing between them if you get an ATA that is unlocked. Also, most of the Skype phones require you to connect the handset to your computer, hence requiring your computer to be switched on when you want to make/receive calls.

      • ltompsonny on 28/07/2008 - 08:44

        NB5540 is the Netcomm wireless router. It is quite old, so likely it is not Voip compatible. If you could let me know that would be great. I really appreciate your help on this whole matter.

        • gabbyh on 28/07/2008 - 09:12

          Here is a spec sheet (pdf) for the NB5540 http://www.netcomm.com.au/__data/assets/file/0004/35707/NB55… and it does not have an inbuilt ATA. As it does have 4 Ethernet/LAN ports though there should be no problem just plugging in an ATA and going from there.

          The only thing you may have to do is forward a port in the router if you want to have incoming calls via your VoIP number. Default SIP port is usually 5060.

    • POWERevolution on 28/07/2008 - 02:30

      Since you're in SA worth a look at Adam Naked DSL.
      They give you $5 credit /month if you combine with any Naked DSL plans.

  • ltompsonny on 28/07/2008 - 21:10

    Hi again,
    I have done lots of research today on internet plans. It has come down to choosing between

    1) Virgin mobile wireless broadband 5GB for $34/month (can you even do the voip with your computer off if you have broadbans and not cable?

    2) ADSL2 Go talk 3GB/6GB $29

    3) Naked DSL Go talk 3GB/6GB $49

    What I want to do….
    1) Run a desktop PC, a latop (or 2)wirelessly, and do the Voip with my computer off. Won't have a land line at all.

    Questions…
    a) Can I choose from Virgin mobile wireless, ADSL2 and Naked DSL, or will some of these options not work for my scenario.

    b) I will buy an ATA router (the one on pennytel) to join up my regular phone, but how will the laptop get involved… curently it works wirelessly via that Netcomm 5540 router. (Haven't actually bought the second laptop yet. Not really a big deal if that one can't get included.)

    Sorry to be so clueless!!!! It is all getting very complicated! Thanks again for everyone's help! I imagine my house is going to be covered in wires with a big electromagnetic cloud hovering above us with all this complication!!!!

    • pauly on 29/07/2008 - 03:08

      1) Virgin mobile wireless broadband 5GB for $34/month (can you even do the voip with your computer off if you have broadbans and not cable?

      This plan in itself comes with a VoIP account with virgin, including all the hardware you need. If I understand their advertising correctly, your plan includes a VoIP line, where you make and receive calls through virgin via their device. Unless you want to go with another VoIP provider, there is no need for you to buy any additional hardware.

      Also, it's worth nothing that any VoIP services via wireless broadband is unstable. If the wireless reception is poor, you will tend to get distortion/dropouts in your calls. This also applies to your normal Internet activities.

      2) ADSL2 Go talk 3GB/6GB $29

      ADSL/ADSL2+ service requires an active phone line, meaning you will need to pay for line rental for a "land line". That is how ADSL/ADSL2+ works. If you wish to avoid this line rental, then that's where the "Naked" DSL comes in. You will need to connect an ATA to your existing modem for VoIP.

      3) Naked DSL Go talk 3GB/6GB $49

      All naked plans from GoTalk come with a free VoIP account, as well as a DID (mentioned previously). While Naked plan is perfect for avoiding line rental fees, you will notice that the price for Naked DSL is higher than your normal ADSL/ADSL2+, so the savings is not that great. If you look at option 2 and option 3, the difference is $20 and you get the same service. Also be aware that if your Internet is down, or one of your hardware fails, you will not be able to use your phone at all. So that's another option for you to consider a normal "land line" for backup purposes. Also, you will need to connect an ATA to your existing modem for VoIP.

      What I want to do…. 1) Run a desktop PC, a latop (or 2)wirelessly, and do the Voip with my computer off. Won’t have a land line at all.

      All is possible if you have an ATA and your existing modem. However, note that the setup for Virgin Wireless Broadband is slightly more complicated, as you will need to configure your modem to act only as a router so that you can connect it to Virgin's wireless broadband modem that they will be providing you with. Also, not having landline for option (2) above is not possible.

      a) Can I choose from Virgin mobile wireless, ADSL2 and Naked DSL, or will some of these options not work for my scenario.

      You shouldn't have any problems with ADSL2 (with line rental!) and Naked DSL. However, I wouldn't suggest you running wireless broadband for VoIP, as this is not very stable.

      b) I will buy an ATA router (the one on pennytel) to join up my regular phone, but how will the laptop get involved… curently it works wirelessly via that Netcomm 5540 router. (Haven’t actually bought the second laptop yet. Not really a big deal if that one can’t get included.)

      Your laptop is not involved at all. In fact, none of your computers are related to the ATA. You only need to connect a phone to the ATA, and the ATA into your Netcomm 5540. Your PCs/laptops behind your network has no association with the ATA and phone at all. That's why they can be turned off, and your VoIP phone will still work.

      Also, if you're getting the ATA on PennyTel like the one Gabby has suggested (i.e. $68.88 with $50 call credit), be aware that that device will be locked to function only with PennyTel. This means that if you're on plan (3) above, you will not be able to utilize gotalk's voip services or any other providers except PennyTel. If you want the device unlocked, you will need to pay $50.00 after 6 months. However if you want the device unlocked to begin with, get the $68.88 option with $28.88 call credit instead.

  • ltompsonny on 29/07/2008 - 16:07

    OK.. Going to go with Naked DSL….

    So have spent the day looking at hose plans.. nothing is easy is it.. especially in SA…Down to a couple of choices….

    1) Exeltel - 12GB on peak /48 GB off peak. 12 month contract $0 install 1 x VOIP with 100 free calls. But the catch is that they can't transfer our current number over, and they can't give us a local DID number…SUCKS..

    2) iinet - 8GB/8GB 24 month contract, $79 install, Can take existing number, unlimited local and national calls.

    Hmmmm. which to choose???

    • pauly on 29/07/2008 - 22:27

      I think the best way to hunt and compare for the best deal ISP is through Whirlpool's Broadband Choice.

      Also, you should ask yourself this question before choosing an ISP. Do you need good support at slightly higher price, or mediocre support at lower price. If something breaks on your end, will you or someone you know, be able to fix the issue? From your two choices above, I would say iinet has good support, but their prices are not the best. Exetel on the other hand, has good prices, but so-so support.

      1) Exeltel - 12GB on peak /48 GB off peak. 12 month contract $0 install 1 x VOIP with 100 free calls. But the catch is that they can’t transfer our current number over, and they can’t give us a local DID number…SUCKS..

      Have you inquired with them that you can't get a local DID number? It's weird because ISPs normally assign you a DID number that has the area code within the state you're in. Also, which plan are you looking at? The one with phone or the naked plan?

      2) iinet - 8GB/8GB 24 month contract, $79 install, Can take existing number, unlimited local and national calls.

      If you wish to port your existing number over to iinet, I don't think you can do that for the naked plan as I don't think your existing provider will allow their number to be ported over to a VoIP infrastructure (I might be wrong on this, you might want to check with iinet). If you wish to bring over your number, you might need to go with their ADSL2+ plans bundled with a home phone service (i.e. PSTN). That will cost you much more extra in the end. Also, note that iinet also count uploads in their quota for their naked DSL plans.

  • ltompsonny on 30/07/2008 - 09:02

    Exeteal just say that they don;t have any Adealide numbers yet. They say they are trying to get some more numbers, but don;t know when they will get them.

    If I got the Exetel, I was going to bundle it with the Go Talk Aussie Pack where you can have 3 numbers in that $14.95 deal. We were going to hav ean Adleaide number and a canadian number so my husbands family can call us for the price of a local call from Canada. Pretty nifty.

    I am quite useless, but if things go wrong, my husbnad knows alot more than I do. In calling them though, iinet was definitely easier to talk to. I couldn;t even understand the Exetel sales people who were Indian which makes selling pretty hard I imagine. I got off the phone mightily pissed off!!! (probably becasue they can;t port my number and don;t have adelaide numbers to give. I mean how stupid!!!) But 12GB is 12GB I guess…..

    • [Deactivated] on 05/08/2008 - 08:46

      Undiesdownunder

      I think you might want to take things a little slowly. Getting into having a canadian number etc is getting quite fancy - and doable, but its a little like buying your first computer and trying to instantly create photoshop logo's to sell commercially on the first day.

      You can have VOIP from any provider on and ADSL2 line. So you can select different providers for different needs. I have Mynetfone and pennytel. I started with Mynetfone - who provides most of my services. I believe they have Adelaide numbers.
      https://www.mynetfone.com.au/support/faq/service-features/di…

      But I also have my Telstra number because so many people have that number to call me. Yep I could save the $29 a month fee if I moved on, but already I am saving $30 a month on calls and i am gradually moving people over to the voip number. However I do have to consider my own situation where I get power blackouts probably 5-6 times a year, and also sometimes the internet goes down of its own accord. So then I would lose my telephone service. Although I have my mobile as a backup.

      As well VOIP seems to be getting better, so I am happier now after a year or so. Personally I find the Mynetfone connections clearer. But the pennytel calls to my overseas locations are a lot cheaper. So I use MNF for local and PT for overseas

      So like everything its just getting comfortable with the service first, understanding it's limits and benefits before fully committing - just like marriage (LOL)

      As for Canada - if they are also on the internet you can buy them (eg) a Mynetfone box - ship it to Canada - and they can call you for free as the box/MNF via the internet doesn't know if its in Australia or Canada. (they will need a 110v adapter) But get your side working first. Or get the Pennytel Freeaccess account and calls from you to Canada are only 8c untimed.

  • CheapShopper on 09/10/2008 - 11:09

    Also see http://www.barefoot.com.au/sneaky-deals/98-voip.html for things to know when switching to VoIP.

    • [Deactivated] on 13/10/2008 - 21:45

      I would guess thats a pretty old article as it talks only about skype and Gizmo. No info one MyNetfone Pennytel, Gotalk or engin to name some of the VOIP providers discussed here.

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