"Dave" <weirdoboy@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:airfk1pv0pbpdnc389ldh5gq44o8vt064q@4ax.com
> I a newbie to voip and am currently researching
> equipment. Could do with a bit of advice though.
>
> Currently I have a blueyonder cable connection shared
> between 2 computers using internet connection sharing and
> a crossover cable. While this does work ok, it has it's
> disadvantages like the main PC having to be on for the
> secondary one to access the internet, so I would like to
> do things properly and get a router to share the
> connection.
>
> I also have a BT phone line. I have been playing about
> with Sipgate over the past couple of months using a
> softphone and have been most impressed. So I think the
> time has come to ditch my BT line and move solely to a
> voip system.
Unless you have internet access via a cable provider you will need a BT
line in order to get your broadband connection..!
> So bascally I am looking for a voip router/adapter which
> i can plug a normal telephone into as well as something
> that can replace my internet connection sharing method.
>
> I have been browsing Sipgate's shop section, and am
> intersted in the Netgear TA612V and also the Grandstream
> Handytone 486 (which can be bought on ebay for £45)
The Netgear TA612V is specifically designed for Sipgate and is locked to
it, so you won't be able to use any other provider. This is obviously a
disadvantage for many people, but may not be for you, only you can make
that decision. It does require a separate modem (not router) as it
contains a router of its own but no modem. It works well with cable modems
so if you go that route it may well do what you want.
The Grandstream 486 is purely an ATA, it needs an existing router to
connect to, and only has one phone port, rather than the two of the
TA612V.
> Reading through the instruction manuals, am i correct in
> thinking that although they will do the voice element, to
> share the internet connection I am still going to need
> another router, something like the Netgear RP614?
The Netgear has a router (but no modem). The Grandstream has neither.
> If this is the case then because the RP614 can be bought
> for under £20i suppose I could probably live with that.
> However, are there any devices that can do what i want
> to achieve all in one for a similar price?
My personal favourite (for a BT line, it doesn't work with cable) is the
AVM Fritz!Box Fon which contains an ADSL modem, router and ATA. It only
has a single ethernet port though (as does the Netgear TA612V) so an
additional hub or switch is needed, but these are relatively cheap.
> Also does the Netgear TA612V have any advantages over the
> cheaper Handytone 486 (other than the 2 lines)?
>
> How easy are they to configure? Does caller display work
> through them?
Caller display should work ok, it depends on your phone. It works fine
with mine. Configuration varies, the Fritz!Box is very easy, it was
literally plug and go after entering account details, some other devices
(notably Sipura) are much more complicated and do require some
knowledge..!
> Any help appreciated.
Hope this helps..!
Ivor
Re: hardware advice for newbie 
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