[ale] Possibly OT: Adding phone lines to the NBX100

Randy Ramsdell rramsdell at adelphia.net
Tue Jun 7 18:07:30 EDT 2005


On Tue, 2005-06-07 at 12:22 -0400, Greg Freemyer wrote:
> I've got my new (to me) NBX100 functional now.
> 
> Now I want to add a couple of phone lines.  We have 4 POTS lines and
> obviously I can simply call BS and get a couple extra POTS lines.
> 
> I'm wondering what other good choices are out there.  Especially VOIP.
> 
> I don't know if the NBX100 can do true VOIP to a service provider, or
> only internally.  And if so, can it mix and match.  ie. keep my
> current POTS lines, but add 2 voip lines to the system.
> 
> If not, is it cost effective to get a voip service provider, then do a
> simple voip to pots conversion to feed into the nbx100.  I could see
> this being a simple linux box with a Analog Phoneline Card that can
> act as the Service Provider side of a call..
> 
> Another choice might be to get a channelized T1 and move some/all of
> my lines to that.  One negative is my current DSL might be negatively
> impacted.
> 
> Greg

I really don't know much about a NBX100, but I have used voip from 2
providers. Right now I use voip exclusively and my current provider is
QuantumVoice. I switched from VoicePulse because QV allows Asterisk PBX
without an extra charge and per minute charges. I would think you could
find a way to plug an analog phone in and them use Asterisk to route
calls to your provider. Actually, I don't think asterisk is necessary,
as the ATA adapter (Linksys PAP2 or Sipura 200, etc...) simply connect
to your switch, router or hub and which will register with the
provider. 

I have found the quality of phone conversations to not be as good as
pots, but for the most part it is pretty good. Some calls will echo, or
break up and downloading at full speed will most definitely hurt the
call quality. If you can, using QOS should help things, however. 

QuantumVoice 34.95/month unlimited local and long distance. If they
don't have your local number I think they will provide a toll free
number until one becomes available. They gave me an 866 number, but I
think I will keep it and upgrade to the 41.95 toll-free unlimited
local/long distance plan. QuantumVoice does not currently have any
Atlanta local numbers available to date. Asterisk PBX and softphone
support included in both plans. Limited 911

VoicePulse 24.95 and they will most likely have a local number for you.
I was issued a 770 number. Asterisk PBX and softphone not included in
the plan. I think it is 7.95 more /month  extra and tolls the calls
after 200 minutes. Also this means you will have 2 phone numbers, I
think because it is actually 2 plans. Limited 911

Conclusion: I will probably not use pots ever again for personal use.

Randy Ramsdell  



More information about the Ale mailing list