VOIP Query

[stpimpernel]

Hi

I am completely new to VOIP, and am enquiring about this service for my existing ADSL connection. As I would be switching most of my telephone services from Telstra, does a VOIP service offer the following features;

- The ability to manage different people’s usage of the telephone service (costs & usage). eg Telstra's "Multiple Number Service" allows two phone numbers via the one phone line
-The ability to receive faxes via a distinctive ring (eg Telstra Fax Duet) or using another number which can be recognised by the VOIP hardware & my PC's modem.

I currently am running a Linksys WAG54G ADSL Gateway, WinXP Pro SP2 and am looking at the Linksys PAP2 for my VOIP service.

What software or hardware solution what meet my requirements?

Many Thanks

 

[Sympology]

Try to stick to things using the SIP standard, it's an open standard and more and more devices are supporting it.
You'll need to think as VoIP (especially SIP) less like traditional Phones and more like PC's

For example you may have a number such as 02345 12345678, but this will point to an address such as
sip:myname@mydomain.com.

Sounds complex, but VoIP can be as easy or as difficult as you make it.

I can't speak for providers as I'm not US based, but here are some links and ideas:

SIP Server: allows you to set up your own "phone" network, take a look at OnDo.
ATA devices, converts IP to "normal" phone signals for your faxes and phones etc.
IP Phones, just that.
Softphones, phones for your pc.

Once I move house, I will set up my own SIP server with an ATA (with a port for PSTN) adapter on it. Then set all my friends and family up on that server. That way we will be able to call each other for free provided they buy the boxes.
Bit of a hybrid solution, but fine for me.

Few Links:

http://www.brekeke-sip.com/wiki/

http://www.sipforum.org/

http://www.computertelephony.org/

Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004