Minimum internet speed for Vonage VoIP?

Posts: 5 · New Forum Member Joined: Jul 17, 2005 Posts: 5

Hey everyone, I was looking to setup VoIP at my place in London, Ontario, through Vonage. I was going to use Rogers as my hi-speed internet provider, since I won't be getting a "normal" landline through Bell, and I don't want to have to pay extra for naked Sympatico DSL.

Anyways, I was wondering what speed of internet connection would be sufficient without degrading my VoIP phone quality? Rogers offers 4 types of internet plans, and I don't know which one to get:

Extreme (5.0 Mbps download, 0.800 Mbps upload)
Express (3.0 Mbps download, 0.384 Mbps upload)
Lite (0.256 Mbps download, 0.064 Mbps upload)
Ultra-Lite (0.128 Mbps download, 0.064 Mbps upload)

I am worried that if I go cheap and get the Lite service, which would probably be good enough for checking e-mail etc., that my VoIP quality would go to crap. Is this a real concern? What would be the minimum speed internet connection for using VoIP? If anyone can offer any input, it would be greatly appreciated! Smile

Thanks,
Anish

Posts: 110 · Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 6:22 pm Post subject:

I wouldnt go any lower than the Express (3.0 Mbps). Although, I'm pretty sure it will work with the lite and the ultra lite, but you will most likely get QoS issues (calls being disconnected, calls being all cracky, person on the other end not hearing you).

You should have no problems with the Express (3.0 Mbps). I myself have the rogers Extreme (5.0 Mbps). and my setup is as follows Modem -> Wireless Router -> PC -> Voip Adaptor. I still have great QoS with this setup.

Hope this info helps Smile

Posts: 10 · Vonage Forum Associate Joined: Jun 27, 2005 Posts: 10

The lowest speed I would say is Lite but given that speeds change with day to day I would go with the 3mbps.

I use 3mbps and i surf at the same time with no effect.

Posts: 508 · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 7:37 pm Post subject:

I have the 3M, and it works great, I have my RT31P2 behind another router, and off the first router is a LapTop and atleast 1 PS2 sometimes 2.. off the RT31P2 I have my computer.. (modem and first router and game sys, are all in another apt)..

I have never really had any call quality issues, couple times calls were crappy, but hang up, call back and then they are fine..

I'm just outside of London to the East.. Smile

Posts: 493 · Vonage Forum Evangelist Joined: Apr 29, 2005 Posts: 493

I don't know if it costs to upgrade, but if it doesn't you could start with the Lite or Ultra-Lite and then upgrade until you found a satisfactory speed level.

Posts: 53 · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 2:48 pm Post subject:

As a benchmark, my Vonage worked well with DSL, I know you're looking at Cable, but the speed of my DSL was:

Download 1,320,704 bps = 1.32Mbps
Upload 423,528 bps = 423 kbps
QOS 99%
RTT 84 ms
MaxPause 31 ms

I was told that my internet connection would support a maximum of 5 simultaneous high quality Vonage® VoIP connections.

Express might be you're best bet, Lite maybe too slow.

Posts: 5 · New Forum Member Joined: Jul 17, 2005 Posts: 5

Thanks for all of your replies, everyone. I think I'm actually going to go with Bell, even though I hate them, they are offering dry/naked Hi-Speed (3.0 down, 0.8 up) for $40/mo... I think that should be enough bandwidth to support high quality VoIP through Vonage.

Posts: 182 · Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 10:23 am Post subject:

VoIP uses a little over 50kbps of bandwidth so you can pick your package based on your expected usage. 128kbps will be fine - you can use the Internet while you're on VoIP. The only thing I would recommend if you do this is to get the RT31P2 router or a router of your own that supports QoS prioritization so that your VoIP traffic trumps your other Internet traffic.

Jim

Posts: 5 · New Forum Member Joined: Jul 17, 2005 Posts: 5

Jim,

I was planning on using the router I already have (Linksys WRT54G) plus the PAP2 telephone adapter. Would the WRT54G support the "QoS prioritization" you were talking about? What would be a good website where I can read about QoS prioritization and how to implement it?

Thanks,
Anish

Posts: 182 · Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 10:49 am Post subject:

Your router does indeed support QoS so you'll be fine.