Cordless VOIP phones that work with non Skype software

[Laurieston]

Hello, I'm new here, so please bear (bare? bair?) with me.

I want to use VOIP but not Skype, but all the 'phones I see seem to advertise themselves as Skype phones. Is this because everyone knows Skype or is it because they are all somehow locked to it and it only?

Basically I want a cheap way of using my broadband to get calls to Germany.

I was thinking of a Uconnect type adaptor thing and an ordinary DECT phone, is that right?

Any advice on the basics details would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

Laurieston

[Tommy]

Buy an ordinary DECT cordless phone which has a standard telephone jack to connect into a POTS line (like any standard telephone). USB Skype phones are probably not compatiable with software which supports SIP.

So once you have your telephone, you need to plug that into an ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) which basically converts a digital voice over IP connection into an analogue signal which the telephone can recognise and operates as if it was plugged into a standard telephone socket.

As far as ATAs go, I would recommend the Linksys PAP2 (available from http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk at a respectable price). Make sure you don't get the one locked to Vonage as it cannot be used with other providers - Unless you want to use Vonage of course!

All that is left to do is to plug your PAP2 into your network switch or router using a UTP patch cable (network cable) and plug your telephone into the PAP2. I believe you can also plug in your standard telephone line as a backup.

So what you should end up with is:
Router -> Linksys PAP2 -> Standard Cordless Telephone

Remember to purchase any UK adapters for the Linksys PAP2 if that is what you choose to buy! These should be listed on broadbandbuyer.co.uk.

[Laurieston]

Thanks Tommy,

This does make more sense, but I'm still confused.

I read what you said, but also "The New Linksys Phone Adapter, combined with a subscription to a specific VoIP service plan, turns your existing Internet connection into a high-quality phone line"
http://www.thetechzone.com/?m=show&id=252

I understood that I could just use the Linksys, but this web site suggested I also need a VOIP service plan. I guess that is something else then.

I really can just use the Linksys and an ordinary DECT phone?

And can I still ring out from my land-line (if the computer is off) or receive calls when the computer is off, or is it all or nothing?

thanks so much.

Much of what I read is a little too deep for what I want.

Cheers
[/url]

[mattpark]

Or, if you have a wirless router, you can have a look at something like this.

http://www.myphonecall.co.uk/voip/ip...telephone.aspx

Very tasty piece of kit IMHO.

Matt

[fred]

hmmmmmmm that really is a tasty bit of kit indeed Matt! I want one now! lol

[mattpark]

Its a few weekends of pocket money mind you....

[fred]

Originally Posted by Laurieston

Thanks Tommy,

This does make more sense, but I'm still confused.

I read what you said, but also "The New Linksys Phone Adapter, combined with a subscription to a specific VoIP service plan, turns your existing Internet connection into a high-quality phone line"
http://www.thetechzone.com/?m=show&id=252

I understood that I could just use the Linksys, but this web site suggested I also need a VOIP service plan. I guess that is something else then.

I really can just use the Linksys and an ordinary DECT phone?

And can I still ring out from my land-line (if the computer is off) or receive calls when the computer is off, or is it all or nothing?

thanks so much.

Much of what I read is a little too deep for what I want.

Cheers
[/url]

Hi
Basically you will have to use some kind of provider as voip calls are not free! Even some of the cheapest voip service providers charge for some calls. The idea behind buying the Linksys Pap2 is that it can be unlocked. Broadband buyer already offer this on their website which means that you can go to any provider to create a voip account. If you wish it all to be as simple as possible then you should decide how many calls you will make a month and what you currently pay. For example, Vonage charge £7.99 per monthe for completely unlimited calls to landlines any time of day or night and also include loads of calling features for free. The only downside is that any equipment they provide is locked to their service. There are other companies who do similar things eg Freetalk. Hope this helps.

[mattpark]

The only downside is that any equipment they provide is locked to their service.

I haven't used vonage in a while, but do they still make you pay if you want to use a softphone with them too? I think they have some interesting auth procedure so that you can't just punch in sip details and your off. They make you pay for specific sip details...?

...or am i talking out of my rear end?

[fred]

Hi Matt
yes they do offer a softphone but its £5.99 per month for 500 minutes I believe.

[mattpark]

Thats very cheeky you see.

Take me for example, i've dabbled about with quite a few sip providers, i know more than the average bod, but am in no way a expert.

I have softphones, and hardware already. I know how to use them, what they can do, and what they cant. Vonage wont let me use any of them at all with their service?

I feel that they are very much "over user friendly". Restricting what people can and cant do with their network, and charging at any moment they can, for a function or service that is included no questions asked, free of charge at other providers....

Why should an end user have to pay monthly rental for software phones, (which at the end of the day is xten) when they have it already....?