Making Decesions about New Setup

Posts: 1 · New Forum Member Joined: Jan 24, 2008 Posts: 1

I will be switching over from landline to Vonage and I want to set it up right from the begining.

First my setup. I will be getting new cable internet at the same time -- switching from DSL.

I am also replacing current cordless phones at the same time since their failing inspired me evaluating current phone suystem.

I have two computers that I would need to connect with a router. One Mac and one PC

Here are the options asd I see them.

1--- Use the Vonage Portal connected to a router that I would buy seperate (reccomendations would be appreciated). Good high quality cordless phones would also be bought seperately. Would I then also need a seperate adaptor to integrate Vonage into home telphone wiring for corded phones?

2 - -- Use the IP8100 Cordless phone and a seperate third party router. Would I then also need a seperate adaptor to integrate Vonage into home telphone wiring for corded phones?

3-- Use a VT2542 wireless router to connect computers and buy seperate high quality cordless phones. Would I then also need a seperate adaptor to integrate Vonage into home telphone wiring for corded phones?

Am I missing something -- is there a better choice?

Thnak you so much for your help -- I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience.

Posts: 433 · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 4:03 pm Post subject:

If you don't currently have a router, I would recommend the VT2542 if you want wireless or the VT2442 if you don't need it. I've never used either but I have seen some good reviews about them. Most state that the Vonage routers work well for moderate networks. If you don't even have a router now, I would assume you aren't doing complicated things with a home network. Also, Vonage routers have QOS built in to ensure that your Voip data gets priority over other data on your network. That ensures quality calls even when your computers are using your internet connection at the same time.

I would steer clear of the IP8100 because the adapter only works with the handsets provided so if something happens to your handsets, you can't just go buy another phone. Also, I've seen a fair amount of bad reviews and posts that describe problems with them.

To connect to your home wiring, all you need to do is plug your Vonage adapter into an existing phone jack in your house instead of plugging it directly into a phone. Do not do this until after you have physically disconnected the the phone line coming to your house from your current provider. You can do this in the box on the side of your house. Those are the simple instructions to connect to your home wiring. You may run into problems depending on how your house is wired and how old the wiring is. But you can get help here if you have specific problems.

Good Luck!

Posts: 203 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Mar 04, 2006 Posts: 203

Personally, for networking I would recommend a good wireless router, and connect everything to it. I would not recommend a Voip router all in one. IMO an ATA should be an ATA not a ATA/router/wireless etc. Asking a device to do too much is asking for trouble.

With that said my recommendation would be a Buffalo WHR-G54S wireless router. If you are comfortable flash it with Tomato (3rd party) firmware, and set up QoS properly. If not the buffalo has pretty good firmware built in and it's cheap. I would also go with a Vonage Pap2 (if you can find one). If not the Moto will be fine just put it behind the router and don't connect anything to the LAN port.

That's just one guy's opinion, in the end you'll need to decide.