Router and phone adapter combinations / recommendations

Posts: 7 · New Forum Member Joined: May 21, 2006 Posts: 7

Hi guys, I am new to the forum, and to Vonage as well. I am going to be setting up my Vonage service soon, but before I buy, I want to see if you guys would help me choose a router/Vonage phone adapter setup.

Here is what will be connected to my network:
2 PC's (one on VPN from 8am - 5pm)
1 laptop
1 game console

First option: Initially I was considering a WRTP54G, but I have read some negative reviews on it. Although I must say, I do not do a lot of Bit Torrent (only very seldom, and never while using the Vonage line). If it were not for the reviews this would ideally be the best setup for me, since it would reduce desk clutter. Plus it would be free after rebates.

One thing to consider. One of my PC will always be connected to my corporate VPN during the day, and I will use the Vonage line extensively during this time as well. Do you guys think this will cause the WRTP54G router to freeze up on me? My current piece of crap Netgear router requires that I reboot it at least once every two days. This gets to be very annoying when I am in the middle of work, and I definitely do not want to be doing this in a middle of a call.

My second option: I am able to pick up a new WRT54GS (one which allows the linux firmware) at a local retailer for about $90 plus tax. If I get this router, I can put either a WRTP54G or a RT31P2 behind it.

Again, I would much prefer the first option since it would:
A. reduce desk clutter
B. Save me $90+

I really appreciate all of your help, and all opinions are welcome.

Thanks!

Posts: 323 · Vonage Forum Evangelist Joined: Jan 29, 2006 Posts: 323

First welcome to Vonage.

Your setup and reason for use sounds very much like mine. I work from home 2 days a week, during which I am connected back to work through our corporate VPN the entire day.

First, I would recommend a separate router from your Vonage device. I've said this to a few people recently, but mostly because I have seen it mentioned on this site when I joined.

The Vonage devices are generally good phone devices but poor routers.

I use a Linksys WRT54GX4 as my router and I have a RT31P2 with both a home and office line on it. I really got this for getter wireless range more than anything else. It has had problems with the firmware and Voip, but they seem to be past this.

I also use a Hawking Broadband Booster in front of my router to do QoS for me instead of using the features on the router itself. I use this for two reasons.

1. When I bought it I had another router that didn't support QoS.
2. I like the fact that it is just there and running without anything to configure or worry about.

I don't have experience with the Linux based routers, but they are well liked by people around here because you can load 3rd party firmware to get good QoS.

Even though the setup cost me money, I feel it has been worth it because my setup is stable. I almost never have to reboot my deivces to keep everything working.

You also may want to consider a small to mid-size UPS for your modem, router and Voip device so that if you lose power you still have phone. I'm not sure how important the phone is to you for work if you don't have a computer, but just so that you keep it in mind. I did this more for security than for work (i.e. being able to use the phone when the power is out) but still something to consider.

Hope this helps,
John

Posts: 7 · New Forum Member Joined: May 21, 2006 Posts: 7

Good advice!

How is the sound quality on the RT31P2? I know it is an older model, but I can pick one up on eBay for about $20.

See now that you mention that I should get a separate Vonage device from my router, if I get the Linksys WRT54GS, I can stack the RT31P2 underneath. But obviously voice quality is a lot better than appearance/clutter for me. Are there better options for voice quality than the RT31P2, or are all the models essentially the same?

So you have the Hawking->Router->RT31P2? Do you turn off DHCP on the RT31P2? Do you have it on the DMZ port on your router?

Thanks again!

Posts: 3198 · Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 5:44 pm Post subject:

I'll let the person you were replying to answer your questions, but the ebay idea is bad unless you just want to spend $20 on a device that won't work. search the forum for ebay for plenty of examples.

Posts: 323 · Vonage Forum Evangelist Joined: Jan 29, 2006 Posts: 323

OK. Let me make sure I answer your questions here.

1. I think the sound quality on the RT31P2 is OK. I've heard others say that the other devices are better, but I have no basis for comparison since I have only had the RT31P2.

2. You should be able to stack any Voip device under your primary router. Hopefully someone else with chime in with comparisons on the various voice devices since I've only used one.

3. Yes you should turn off DHCP on the RT31P2. I do not have it in the DMZ, just behind the router... no different than another computer. The only other things I do are to enable remote administration and give it a static IP address. This way I can connect to it and I always know what the IP is. I don't go in to the Vonage device very often, but it is nice to have a shortcut that works, and with a static IP you get that.

And listen to reebok on the Vonage devices from ebay. Bad idea because they will not activate it for you.

Posts: 7 · New Forum Member Joined: May 21, 2006 Posts: 7

Thanks for the eBay tip. Good call. I had the person who was selling a, "new," rt312p," send me the MAC address so that I could verify with Vonage, and I got the invalid MAC address message.

You guys saved me some hard earned cash!

I think I am either going to purchase the PAP2, or the vt1005v. Anybody care to give me pros and cons to either of these units?

I picked up a WRT54GS v4 from CC yesterday, so I think I am set with the router portion of my purchase.

Posts: 3198 · Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 7:25 am Post subject:

I would let Vonage send me whatever, but if you insist on buying, go with the pap2. not that the mta is really all that bad either, just a little older, plus it doesn't support things like acr and a few other features (not that Vonage does yet, but if they ever do, you'll be out of luck).