VOIP Tech Chat → [Equipment] ata recommendation

I'm switching to voip.ms and need to get an ata (no router needed). I will have an 8Mbits cable connection. Any recommendations? Cisco/Linksys, Mediatrix, Grandstream, OBI100, - are they all pretty equal in dependability and options? I hope to stay below $100, need to be able to get it in Canada and need a REN of atleast 4 (Considering MEdiatrix 4102, SPA112 and OBI100)
Any other suggestions?
Thanks

REN = 4 implies a big house, so I'm guessing that you have a family. In that case, I'd get an ATA with two FXS ports, e.g. Linksys, and put half the phones on each port. That way, you can make or answer a call while your wife or kid is on the phone.

The OBi has only one phone port, but can do many tricks. You could configure Google Voice (free) as a second provider. You might have a third provider with a better rate or better quality to some country that you frequently call. Or, if you have a cell phone plan with unlimited incoming, you could set up callback to make free calls from your mobile.

Though somewhat beyond your $100 price point, you might look at Gigaset or Panasonic IP phone systems, which offer several advantages over ATAs.

So you are saying that I could set up the second telephone jack as a separate device, i.e. as a separate sub account?
Michael

Sure. You connect one string of phones to the Phone 1 port and the others to Phone 2. Each port registers to its own sub-account. Your DID is set to ring both. From idle, the first to answer gets the call. If another call comes in, the idle string will ring, or you can answer "call waiting" on the phone in use.

An outgoing call can be made from any phone on an idle string.

You can dial one sub-account from the other, which provides a useful intercom function.

If you and your wife want to participate in the same call, you can either use two phones in the same string, or establish a three-way call with the other string. One problem with the latter: if you are also within earshot of each other, the direct (acoustic) path is faster than the VoIP path, so you may hear an annoying echo.

Wow, I knew voip would open a lot of options - but I didn't realise it would be this much. I will look into your other suggestions, but in terms of equipment - with all the different models and different specs, what should I be looking at in particular when making a choice? Why, for e.g. would I choose the Linksys 2102 over the PAP2T. What specs should I be focusing on?
Thanks.
Michael

Differences between the SPA2102 and the PAP2T:

1) The SPA2102 includes a built-in router.
2) The SPA2102 can handle two simultaneous G.729 calls.
3) The SPA2102 supports T.38.

In your specific case, you state you don't need a router. G.729 should only be used in situations that are severely bandwidth-limited and since you have 8Mbps, you don't need it.

T.38 might be useful for you if you ever plan to use the device with a fax machine. However, VoIP.ms does not support T.38. So if you bought the 2102 it would basically be to have features handy in case you need them in the future.

Both the SPA2102 and the PAP2T have a maximum REN of 3 per line. The OBi100 has a maximum of 5. However, it has only one FXS port. The SPA2102 and PAP2T have two.

I'd avoid the SPA112 until Cisco gets the bugs worked out. For example, there have been reports of Caller ID sporadically not working correctly.

Be sure to avoid eBay for your ATA. Instead, buy from a reputable retailer (NCIX, Canada Computers, Amazon, etc) since there are many counterfeit devices on eBay.

Good luck!
m.

Thanks for the info and tips, Mango. Especially about ebay - though I wasn't planning on going that way this time.Anyone know anything about the MEdiatrix? Electronicbox has it on its list.
Thanks
Michael