Dedicated VOIP handset
AndyQ:
Since I've had my OBI110, I've noticed that my broadband speed is much higher ... except when I am using my landline (picking up an analogue phone connected to the PHONE side of the OBI and pressing # to 'barge' immediately halves my data rate). Clearly there is something in my internal wiring that is interfering with the broadband signal, and one of the unintentional things the OBI is doing is to isolate my BT master socket from the internal wiring whenever the landline is not use.
One option I have is to fix the internal wiring, another is to go DECT-only, another is to junk the internal telephone wiring and use my ethernet wiring.
But that last option leads me to ask what is probably an easy question... Clearly an intended use of the OBI bridges is to allow people to use their existing internal analogue wiring to access VOIP services (or landline as appropriate with the 110), but I'd like to do effectively the reverse - i.e. to have a completely IP-based internal network bridging onto a landline (or VOIP as appropriate).
The question is... if I do this then is it possible to use a dedicated VOIP phone rather than a PC-based softphone/USB handset on the internal network? This means there is no need for any PC to be on, and my family will see something that is as near as possible to being identical to the current setup...
The standalone VOIP phones I can see on Amazon are CISCO, are PoE-based, and presumably require a CISCO gateway. Are there any that will work with an OBI?
Thanks
Andy
Stewart:
If you connect an ADSL filter between the wall jack and the OBi Line port (or between the wall jack and an analogue phone), it will probably fix your broadband speed issue.
My own setup is as you suggest -- we use IP phones exclusively. Except for testing, there is nothing connected to the Phone port.
Some IP DECT systems also have an analogue connection, for example see http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gigaset-S30852-H2312-B101-C610-IP-pianoblack/dp/B004U6NTXU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1334464787&sr=8-3 . The lower-end A580 IP, which is offered in Duo and Trio packages at attractive prices, does not appear to be sold in the UK, but see http://www.amazon.fr/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_fr_FR=%C5M%C5Z%D5%D1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=a580+ip . With such a system, if your VoIP service is SIP only, you would not need the OBi. Of course, the OBi could still be used as a bridge to Google Voice, or for the many tricks it can perform (especially useful for inexpensive calling from UK mobiles).
There are many brands of IP desk sets that do not require PoE. The OBi is perfect for allowing landline access from such phones. We have some old Polycom 501 phones. Polycom phones are designed for PoE, but an included or optional (depending on model) AC adapter can also be used. http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=polycom+soundpoint+IP IMO, Polycom has the best speakerphone performance, and are first class in other respects as well. However, configuration can be difficult.
We also have two Aastra 6730i phones at our winter place. Among other things, they can make and receive calls over the pseudo-landline (Orange Livebox) connected to the remote OBi. http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=aastra+6730i&rh=n%3A560798%2Ck%3Aaastra+6730i&ajr=0
Other inexpensive IP phones of good repute (though I have no experience with them) include Yealink and Grandstream.
AndyQ:
Many thanks for a most informative answer. I've ordered a Yealink, as a low-cost way of exploring the technology, and I'm looking forward to having a play with it :)
Andy
AndyQ:
Well the IP Phone has arrived, and after much reading of manuals and scratching of head I have come to the conclusion that I haven't a clue what I'm doing! I don't even know if I'm meant to be configuring the OBi to be aware of the phone, or the phone to be aware of the OBi... (I suspect a bit of both)
The phone config page has the following tab (the other tabs are just standard info). The (?) buttons are no help! If anyone has any idea where I should start then I'd be grateful for a few clues.
Thanks
Andy
Ostracus:
Hard to read the image but it looks like the page were you fill in your VOIP provider information.
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