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VoIP advice needed
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Posted April 15, 2011 at 4:55PM
Close relative and family are off to the dark continent and normal PSTN phoning will be difficult. So I am thinking of using VoIP. They already use Draytel as their provider. My current router is a Thomson 585 v7, and I understand I can buy an adapter to facilitate the use of my land line DECT with VoIP with the router, or buy a VoIP enabled router. Technically with the router I now have is an adapter likely to work satisfactorily, or would a new router be preferable? As relative uses Draytel is there advantage in me doing the same? What adapter or lower end priced routers have members found to be reliable? In Ebay I have found on sale in my price bracket ZYXEL P2602 Zyxel P-2602HWL-61C Thomson TG784 TriplePlay Linksys WRT54GP2 All helpful comments will be greatly appreciated
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Posted April 15, 2011 at 7:28PM
Hello, There are so many different options available and woolwell may be right in suggesting something like skype.
- If you are just wanting to communicate with this one person over VOIP, then routers and adapters may be overkill. Have you considered using a soft-phone? They basically install on your computer and you use a headset.
If you are wanting to use hardware I recommend not converting your current POTS phone to VOIP with an adapter and would recommend buying an actual VOIP phone instead.
- Its not necessary to use the same VOIP provider as them but could be easier and cheaper.
I personally prefer Sipgate (www.sipgate.co.uk) they offer PAYG and contract services, including a preconfigured soft-phone.
Anyway just my views, hope it helps.
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Posted April 15, 2011 at 8:16PM
I don't want to be tied to the computer with headphones, and more so my wife.
What is the reason for comment >?
Are there any views on the routers mentioned in my OP?
As to scope of usage, that could depend on what happens when my BT contract is due for renewal.
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Posted April 15, 2011 at 11:19PM
I use skype without headphones. The other person's voice is over the speakers and there is a mic (built into my webcam as it happens but it could be standalone.
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Posted April 16, 2011 at 3:13AM
Skype is best as it sets everything up for you. no need for specialist routers, also, skype connections are encrypted and free.
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Posted April 16, 2011 at 9:23AM
Another tick for Skype - don't have to use the webcam if you just want to talk. I use the wecam mic and speakers as well. No feedback or echo.
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Posted April 17, 2011 at 1:34PM
I have both Skype and Sipgate. Two different VoIP's for two different uses.
I use Skype for a closed group of contacts within my family, it's simple and easy with video as well. Like the others I use a webcam as camera and microphone with loudspeakers for playback. Very good and highly recommended.
I use Sipgate with an ATA adaptor (bought off ebay for £20+ pounds) to give me a second incoming/outgoing UK telephone number that works with a DECT phone BUT with the added advantage of not needing a computer to be active (indeed you can set the phone up without any computer at all). Again this is a superb system and works just like a BT landline with the advantage of no line rental and PaYG call costs. Its' a very cheap 2nd line into my home.
For the OP I'd suggest Skype.
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