hwittenb
join:2003-12-20
 ·Future Nine Corpor..
·callwithus
·Callcentric
| reply to Michael9009
Re: Confused: What do I need to connect my VoIP router?
An ATA is an acronym for an analog terminal adapter. A device that allow you to attach a plain analog telephone unit to a digital voip device that can communicate with a voip's server. A Linksys PAP2 is an ata.
I believe DID technically means direct inward dial. It refers to an incoming telephone number that is received by a voip provider and associated with your account. I've read that in some countries they refer to a DID as a DDI. |
|
Michael9009
join:2006-07-28
Toronto, ON | reply to hwittenb
Thank you very much, hwittenb, your information was indeed very helpful.
One more question related to acronyms:
What is an 'ATA' and what is the meaning of 'DID', as in 'VoIP DID'?
Thank you. |
|
hwittenb
join:2003-12-20
·Future Nine Corpor..
·callwithus
·Callcentric
| reply to Michael9009
1. In terms of the information I need from the VoIP provider, would the three pieces of info (server, username/phone number and password) be everything I need from them, or should I ask for anything else (for my particular VoIP router)? That is usually all you need. For transversal of your local NAT setup by your router, my bias is to setup a STUN server, but that is not something you need from the provider. With a STUN server setup you don't usually need to forward any ports.
2. Do VoIP providers easily provide this information or do they try to force people to use the 'locked' equipment they supply? Some do, many don't. The ones that do don't "try" to force you to use locked equipment, they force you to use locked equipment. They feel that "locked" equipment reduces their support costs and reduces fraud. For the ones that provide the information, the term often used is BYOD or "bring your own device". Many feel that "locked" equipment reduces their support costs. A few companies will offer both BYOD or a "locked" device. Many pay-as-you-go providers allow BYOD. Many small providers only support pc software phones, but the service will work (many feel much better) with an ata.
3. Does any of you know more about Primus Canada (www.primus.ca)? They are the only ones I know of in Canada who offer cheaper VoIP service than the regular landline (POTS). Others, like Bell Canada (www.bell.ca), Vonage Canada (www.vonage.ca), offer more expensive VoIP services.
I believe Primus Canada requires you to use their device. There are others. Two Canadian companies that come to mind are les.net and vbuzzer. Both will work with your ata. I believe there are some others. |
|
Michael9009
join:2006-07-28
Toronto, ON
| reply to Michael9009
Thank you very much for all your replies... they were indeed very helpful and educative. However, I would still need a few clarifications, please:
1. In terms of the information I need from the VoIP provider, would the three pieces of info (server, username/phone number and password) be everything I need from them, or should I ask for anything else (for my particular VoIP router)?
2. Do VoIP providers easily provide this information or do they try to force people to use the 'locked' equipment they supply?
3. Does any of you know more about Primus Canada (www.primus.ca)? They are the only ones I know of in Canada who offer cheaper VoIP service than the regular landline (POTS). Others, like Bell Canada (www.bell.ca), Vonage Canada (www.vonage.ca), offer more expensive VoIP services.
Thank you very much.
Michael |
|
