[ale] Vonage redux

[Randal Jarrett K4RSJ]

One thing that I have heard second hand it that if you buy
a box such as the Linksys to use with Vontage and later
decide to cancel, you either have to return the box to 
Vontage or pay a $50 fee.

Just something to be aware of!


Randy

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

Randy Jarrett  K4RSJ
Randy's Ham Shack
<rsj at radio.org>