[Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for you please in VOIP Tech Chat

[Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for you please in VOIP Tech Chat http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r12251606 en Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:48:45 EDT Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:48:45 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12253139 sajer : I use Alltalk (»www.usadatanet.com), and based on your requirements, you might want to consider it. I believe they have numbers in your area code, and when I ported my number they assigned me a temporary 866 number but during the porting process the number that was being ported was shown as the outgoing caller id.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12253139 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 19:04:10 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12252280 newguy2005 : :( I just contacted Sunrocket, and according to them, the idea won't work exactly as I had envisioned.

•You: I understand that while my number is being ported, I will be given a temporary SunRocket assigned number to use. On my outgoing calls, what will be shown on the receiver's Caller ID? Will it be the temporary number, or my home number that is being ported?
•Travis: It will be the temporary number until the porting has been completed.

That's a downer. I think I might still give it a try though! Oh this whole thing is so confusing!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12252280 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 17:25:19 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12252213 markwp2001 :

said by nickz

:

A quick check shows VoicePulse and Packet8 are both available to you. (Broadvoice and AT&T are not, BVD's web site wasn't responding, and Sunrocket makes you enter an exchange so I couldn't check.) There are probably others available to you as well.

Thanks, I'll check em all out later.
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Widespread Panic - when only the best will do]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12252213 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 17:18:18 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12252204 nickz : A quick check shows VoicePulse and Packet8 are both available to you. (Broadvoice and AT&T are not, BVD's web site wasn't responding, and Sunrocket makes you enter an exchange so I couldn't check.) There are probably others available to you as well.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12252204 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 17:17:10 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12252084 markwp2001 : Thanks again.

Now the issue is finding a provider that works with my current area code (228). Vonage does not :mad:

Ok, I'm finding some that will give me my current area code, but have not found one yet that can transfer my same number. Must be something to do with my location. Oh well, that may not be a deal-breaker.
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Widespread Panic - when only the best will do]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12252084 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 17:02:07 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12252066 nickz :

said by markwp2001

:

I probably wasn't clear with my question. I currently have a single desktop computer hooked up to a cable modem, no router. If I add the VOIP adapter, still NO router, can I use the phone AND have an active internet connection to surf at the same time? Would there be an advantage to adding a router to that setup?

You still may benefit from a router with only one PC. The issue is one of call quality. If you upload or download while on the phone it may cause breakups. A good router (I use a Linksys WRT54G with Sveasoft Alchemy firmware) will prevent that from happening.

All the devices currently provided, however, will allow you to connect a single PC. So try it that way first. If you have call quality issues you can always add a router later. If not, then you're good to go.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12252066 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:59:26 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12252042 nickz : Sunrocket is brand new so I really can't say. They don't even offer numbers in my area.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12252042 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:56:44 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12252005 markwp2001 :

said by nickz

:

Oh and I just thought of one other suggestion: If you go Vonage and decide to port your number to them don't fax in the authorization form until you are sure that VoIP is going to work for you. This way your VoIP line will have the same number (and caller ID) as your POTS line for outgoing calls. (Only incoming calls from other Vonage users will actually ring your Vonage line at this point--you can give out the temporary virtual number to people so you can test incoming call quality.) If you decide you don't like Vonage and want to try another provider or stick with POTS, all you need to do is cancel and your original phone number will still be routed to your POTS line. Fax them the transfer authorization only after you are satisfied.

Unfortunately Vonage is telling me that I can't keep my same number :mad:
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Widespread Panic - when only the best will do]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12252005 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:52:15 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251997 markwp2001 :

said by newguy2005

:

If you only have one PC, I believe the TA will send one line to your PC and one to your phone. You will only need a router if you have more than one PC.

Ok, I think you answered my question even though I asked it again. I'm a little slow today :p
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Widespread Panic - when only the best will do]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251997 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:51:09 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251991 newguy2005 : HEY ASTROGUY!!! That's an awesome idea! I think I will do that! Will that work with Sunrocket as well?? So when I make a call, it'll show on outgoing caller id as my home number that I'm porting, even if the porting isn't complete yet???

Ok now I'm excited! Can anyone confirm this will work?? :D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251991 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:50:32 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251987 markwp2001 : I probably wasn't clear with my question. I currently have a single desktop computer hooked up to a cable modem, no router. If I add the VOIP adapter, still NO router, can I use the phone AND have an active internet connection to surf at the same time? Would there be an advantage to adding a router to that setup?
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Widespread Panic - when only the best will do]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251987 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:49:49 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251970 nickz : Oh and I just thought of one other suggestion: If you go Vonage and decide to port your number to them don't fax in the authorization form until you are sure that VoIP is going to work for you. This way your VoIP line will have the same number (and caller ID) as your POTS line for outgoing calls. (Only incoming calls from other Vonage users will actually ring your Vonage line at this point--you can give out the temporary virtual number to people so you can test incoming call quality.) If you decide you don't like Vonage and want to try another provider or stick with POTS, all you need to do is cancel and your original phone number will still be routed to your POTS line. Fax them the transfer authorization only after you are satisfied.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251970 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:47:29 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251940 nickz : Technically, you don't HAVE to (with the devices that have a built-in NAT router, that is) but the consensus here is, and my findings agree, that everything works better when you just let the voice adapter be a voice adapter and let a separate router manage your network.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251940 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:42:53 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251934 newguy2005 : If you only have one PC, I believe the TA will send one line to your PC and one to your phone. You will only need a router if you have more than one PC.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251934 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:42:34 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251807 markwp2001 :

said by nickz

:

I've had very good luck with Vonage. (I've been with them nearly a year and they are my main phone line now with cell for backup.) Other people here had problems and didn't like them. You'll get a lot of opinions here. My opinion for your first question: yes.

The best way to set up multiple phones is whatever works for you. Both of your suggestions have been used by people here. I went the route of hooking into my house wiring so I could use all the existing phones I already had. Others like the cordless base stations which are great if you want to spend the money.

You seem like you already did your home work here based on your questions. My only other advice would be that if you plan on getting rid of POTS and going VoIP-only, have cell phones for backup when the power/cable goes out.

Thanks for the quick reply. We do have 2 cell phones, so that's covered.

Another basic question - must you use a router to be able to have an active internet connection and use the phone at the same time?
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Widespread Panic - when only the best will do]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251807 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:29:57 EDT Re: [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251750 nickz : I've had very good luck with Vonage. (I've been with them nearly a year and they are my main phone line now with cell for backup.) Other people here had problems and didn't like them. You'll get a lot of opinions here. My opinion for your first question: yes.

The best way to set up multiple phones is whatever works for you. Both of your suggestions have been used by people here. I went the route of hooking into my house wiring so I could use all the existing phones I already had. Others like the cordless base stations which are great if you want to spend the money.

You seem like you already did your home work here based on your questions. My only other advice would be that if you plan on getting rid of POTS and going VoIP-only, have cell phones for backup when the power/cable goes out.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251750 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:21:15 EDT [Vonage] Considering VOIP, some questions for you please http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251606 markwp2001 : Hello, seriously considering VOIP. I currently have a single family home wired for telephone service, 4-5 telephone jacks active, 1 computer w/ Windows XP, very reliable cable broadband service.

My questions:

Is Vonage a good company to start with?

What is the best way to set up for 4-5 telephones? I've done a little reading and see at least 2 possibilies - a base unit with multiple handsets vs. hooking into the existing phone lines (after cutting off the connection into the house).

Any other advice that would help me with the decision would be appreciated.

Mark
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Widespread Panic - when only the best will do]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,12251606 Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:03:36 EDT