Hana wrote:[color=blue]
> Hi Paul,
> Thanks for replying.
>[color=green][color=darkred]
> > > The FRITZ!Box Fon WLAN looks interesting, but as I already have a new
> > > Buffalo high power router and a new separate ADSL modem I don't think I
> > > can use the Fritzbox. I noticed that Ivor mentioned the modem on the
> > > Fritzbox can be turned off but can the router be turned off too? If so,
> > > seems like a waste of extra equipment.
> > > Is there a specific Fritzbox that would fit my requirements ( as
> > > below)?[/color]
> >
> > I wouldn't dismiss the Fritz!Box because it has more than you need. For
> > the price it still seems a good bit of kit and it *does* allow you to
> > use 2 sets of DECTS as well as recieve and make PSTN/landline calls.
> > These appear to be your main criteria.[/color]
>
> I don't mind paying a bit extra if the Fritzbox will do what I want.
> Can both the router and the modem be bypassed or am I not getting the
> drift here?[/color]

I believe they could be switched off - Let someone else confirm that.
[color=blue]
> Another question, before I started reading about SIP as opposed to
> Skype, I bought a Linksys Skype cordless phone, can this be used with
> VOIPstunt etc or is it tied into Skype?[/color]

Nope... your skype phone won't work with other providers.... Skype uses
its own protocol which isn't used by other companies. Basically, it's
closed to all other networks.

The SIP protocol, on the other hand, is used by nearly all the major
voip providers, one of the results of which means you can call users on
different networks without having to call thru PSTN or mobile networks
- ie free. It also means that SIP equipment can be used with whoever
you choose as your provider*.

*There are some devices that are locked to certain providers, notably
Vonage.

The Fritz!Box devices are well regarded, though I'm not really the
person to help you on this, I've never played with one......

There is another option you might not have considered (and you'll
probably reject it outright in favour of your Buffalo) - change your
router for a voip router with 2 ports. There are a number of them from
80-120 pounds with 2 phone ports and PSTN capability (with wireless):
Billion 7404VGO
Billion 7402VGL
ZyXEL Prestige 2602HWL
Thomson SpeedTouch 780WL etc
- without wireless you'll find similar products including the
Fritz!box models.
Have a look at broadbandbuyer (for example) to get an idea on your
options.