Linksys RTP300 & BEFSR41 & Replay - WORKING!

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Feb 06, 2006 Posts: 3

I signed up for Vonage about a week ago. Just before that, I read much in the forums of people with problems in using 2 Linksys routers together, and also connecting to Replay service (via modem). I was interested in the service, but I didnt want to lose my replay channels, so I decided to try Vonage out. Then if it didnt work I could always cancel and keep my present phone carrier.

My equipment includes a Linksys BEFSR41 and a Replay Showstopper 2000 (using dialup for channels). Vonage sent me the RTP300 and it was received in 3 days of setting up my account.

I had to make several calles to Vonage and Linksys support to figure things out. Funny but they both tell you something different.

Linksys said I can not have 2 routers hooked together and both runing DHCP. They also said that it would effect voice quality.
A Vonage rep said that the service would not work with replay, and another rep said it would.

However, just so there is no question --> It works FLAWLESSLY!

Here is a quick FAQ:

1) Can I use my Linksys BEFSR41 along with the RTP300?

Yes, but if you only need 4 ports, just replace your old Linksys with the new one from Vonage, its easier. But you need more PC ports then connect it this way:

MODEM> RTP300> BEFSR41 (connected to WAN port)

Use the default settings and IP gateways on each router. 192.168.15.1 and 192.168.1.1 . You can also leave DHCP Enabled on BOTH routers.

JUST USE DEFAULTS: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO CHANGE ANYTHING!

2) Does it matter which order they are connected?
The RTP300 has a feature called QOS, which allocates voice traffic, so it is best to use that router closest to the modem. I havent tried it the other way around.

3) Does Vonage and the RTP300 work with Replay service (requiring a dialup modem)?

I have been using it for a week now and have not had one problem. I did not have to change ANY settings on the Replay, like modem speed, ect. Just added *70 to cancel call waiting.
(*99 does not work, it creates a fast busy tone on the line.)

** BOTTOM LINE **

I have been able to use Vonage service with great results thus far. No garbled audio, no disconnects. Works great even with 5 computers connected to 2 Linksys routers, and a Linksys USB print server w/ 4 port switch. And Replay channels download fine.

I was so excited to call my bell carrier and tell them where to go!
$50 with no features is a total ripoff (dont get me started)

Note: Those who get this working WITHOUT problems are not likely to come and post here. I almost did not. But I hope that sharing my experience can help others to know it IS possible, and how to do it.

Good luck! Smile

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Posts: 5 · New Forum Member Joined: Feb 06, 2006 Posts: 5

i am glad to get rid off BEFSR41 after countless dropped http
connections, upgrading software, keeping the unit cool, not seem to work at all

has anybody experienced dropped http connections, i ended up
reseting the router via fabricated power relay, ugly but did do the job.

i have a giga switch behind the router serving the lan maybe the chinese will come out with giga router some day

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Feb 06, 2006 Posts: 3

you did get it fixed right?

I have had no problems with the BEFSR41 here.

you have a choice to use that router with your new VOIP router, or just use the vonage one alone.

sometimes a "hard reset' can fix things, by holding the reset while powering it on, then leaving the pin in place for 30 seconds.

I had problems when a firmware upgrade was done, it was resetting itself, but after downgrading the firmware it was fine.

Posts: 2257 · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 9:51 am Post subject:

rclslick99 -

I'm just curious - I've never heard of a ReplayTV-based device that didn't have an Ethernet port. Is the ShowStopper really dialup-only?

I'm glad you got it working on dialup, but MAN those things are nicer when you get them hooked up on the Internet, especially when you use programs like www.dvarchive.org to transfer TV shows to your computer. Wink

Posts: 5 · New Forum Member Joined: Feb 06, 2006 Posts: 5

hi rclslick99,
yes the fix came as a new router from vonage(-:,
i would have never known ther outer drops the http connection or just hangs there if i had not used this app
"serveralive" which provideds a nonexpiration demo btw.
so we will see how the vonage router performance.