The Recommended setup for multiple lines??

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Feb 26, 2007 Posts: 3

Hi All,
This is my first post here but i am always reading the posts and thanks all for the good info posted on here.

I currently have two voice lines and one fax line thru Vonage and need to add a third and possibly a fourth voice line (running a business from home).
Initially, when i started with one v line from Vonage i added the linksys rt31p2 by my PC without any consideration for where it should be on my network. but know i need to probably rethink the whole situation and plan the layout to optimize the network to support all these lines.
What I want to know is what you would recommend as an ideal layout with multiple lines using Vonage. below i will list my network info.
Also does anyone know if i can prioritize the Voip packets? (either thru hardware device or router settings or both)

Physical network layout:
1. Cable modem connections thru comcast (according to the "voip speed test" I can handle up to 4 high quality lines)
2. Linksys Broadband router BEFSX41(this is my DHCP Server)
3. port 1 of the broadband router goes to 1st linksys RT31P2 (this one has 1 voice and one fax line)
4. port 2 of broadband router goes to a Netgear wireless router and 4 port switch. then port one of that switch goes to the second linksys RT31P2 (with one v line on it)

I am open to switching from cable modem to DSL or to something else if it is still cost effective. I usually have decent call quality and fax capability but on occasion it does act up some. I do worry that adding the additional lines can cause more noticeable problems unless i can some how improve my network/internet connection.
I do not know if Comcast is offering commercial accounts with higher bandwidths but am looking into it now.

Any recommendations on how to improve chances of having good service with multiple lines?

Once again thank you,
your friendly neigborhood
Carv

Posts: 41 · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 7:39 pm Post subject:

hi

your setup is exactly perfect
but make sure that the fax line is always on the first device, also keep all the devices well ventillated...

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Feb 26, 2007 Posts: 3

Hi Marc,
thanks for the reply. to be honest i never even considered ventilation. I will now. Thanks!

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Feb 26, 2007 Posts: 3

Ok I probably should start a new thread but this question is directly related to the first.

Given the setup listed above, Would it make sense to only enable QOS on the first router behind the cable modem and disable the QOS setting on the two RT31P2 s? (i gathered from the other threads that only one router should have QOS on) On that first router i set my upstream limit to 760 kbps. I actually have 788 on testing.

I think i'm finally understanding this. am i seeing this correctly or am I way off base?