UKVoIPTalk.com

The Fritz!Box Fon is an integrated VoIP ATA and DSL Modem.

I bought one of these and it didn't sync reliably with my ADSL line even though the box it replaced (a Billion) did without fail.

After spending 10 days trying to get it to sync, buying another to make sure the first one wasn't faulty, changing all the cables, filters, settings and having fallen out with almost everyone involved in the supply chain. My ISP, BT and I have come to the obvious but unwanted conclusion.

The DSL Modem does not work unless you have the most amazing line quality.

My ISP tested my line with the good Billion and the Fritz and estimated that it reduced the S/N by about 6db and increased the attenuation by 10-15db. If your line is in any way average, the Fritz will not work.

My ISP has suggested that the Fritz has a major fault.

However, you can configure the Fritz as an ATA and place it on your network behind your good ADSL modem.

As an ATA, the Fritz!Box cannot be faulted. The VoIP features are out of this world.

1. 2 Phone Lines
2. Pots failover and programmed selection (works with ISDN too)
3. 10 SIP registrations
4. Comprehensive dialling rules
5. Speed dial
6. Call diversion
7. Call blocking
8. 3 way calling
9. Loads of features you normally find on a PBX

The only real thing missing from the VoIP part is power failure failover to POTS or ISDN. Apart from that the VoIP functions are pretty much spot on.

So... It's a real shame that they haven't got the DSL modem bit right.