[ale] Vonage redux

[Randy C. Ramsdell]

On Thu, 2005-08-18 at 09:42 -0400, Mills, John M. wrote:
> ALErs -
> 
> I have a fairly simple home [sub]net with a static IP, a very simple Airlink
> wired/wireless router, and two users: one hard-wired, one wireless (minimal
> WEP encryption and known MAC for link security). I am considering a Vonage
> subscription, plugged into the router by wired link and just "doing its own
> thing" with Vonage's servers.
> 
> The router now passes all outgoing and response packets, but does not
> currently forward any ports to specific LAN IPs.
> 
> I scanned the recent 'Vonage' thread and it seems to suggest this will work
> if I simply plug the Vonage modem into any available enternet slot in the
> LAN, but answers to a couple of questions would raise my confidence:
> 
> Q1: Does Vonage service require any inbound ports be forwarded to its modem,
> or does the modem initiate the connection and get only repies, even for
> inbound phone calls? Vonage' installation notes list a potload of ports
> which shouldn't be blocked, but don't say if any must be specifically
> forwarded to their modem.

ports 5060, 5061 forwarded. I am somewhat sure. 

> Q2: Does Vonage typically provide the modem, or do most customers go buy one
> (LinkSys or whatever) from a third party? Any strong preferences? (I know I
> could replace the simple Airlink router with a "known brand" - is this
> useful?)

Make sure that Vonage completely unlocks the sip ATA device or they may
only allow non-admin privileges. 

> Q3: If Vonage service requires inbound port forwarding, do they provide a
> modem that can use a fixed IP in my LAN?

All sip ATA devices I have seen allow static IP. I think Vonage uses
Linksys PAP2, but the Sipura ATA ( they were recently acquired by
Cisco) 


> Q4: Vonage' notes suggest that putting their interface behind the modem does
> sacrifice some functionality (e.g., QoS control), but that it should work.
> What should I anticipate happening to the phone link when another system is
> keeping the LAN busy?
> 
> Thanks for any experience you could share and suggestions you might offer.
> 

I have seen some tests done that show QOS only helps marginally, but it
sure didn't hurt.


One thing that Vonage does not do is support Asterisk PBS systems. So if
that is important, then Vonage would be a good choice. QuantumVoice is
the only provider I found that completely support Asterisk and will
allow it, obviously, to register in addition to the sip ATA device. Most
would  just register the ATA device with Asterisk, however.

rcr