When I changed over to Naked ADSL2+ with Internode, I had to sort out a replacement for the home phone. It was a tough journey and about 12mths of problems before I found a reliable combination of devices.
The problems ranged from
- Failure to ring
- Low Volume
- Dropped calls mid call
- One way voice
- Poor call quality
After 12 mths of drama’s I found only Panasonic DECT handsets where reliable with the VOIP solutions.
I also found that running a “single box” solution is less hassles than “multiple box” solutions.
DECT has a much greater cordless range than most other handsets.
Here are the combinations I tried and the issues associated.
Routers
Netgear WNDR5500 + Netgear DM111p + Open Networks 812L VOIP
- Rubbish combination, awful reliability, even after warranty replacement.
- VERY unreliable, mostly due to router
- Telstra DECT and Uniden WDECT = heaps of problems as well
- My WNDR3300 review here
Netgear DG834G v3 + Open Networks 812L VOIP
- Very reliable, very stable, but limited features
- Reliable with fixed handset
- Unreliable VOIP with Telstra DECT and Uniden WDECT Handsets
- Single box resolves interop issues on volume and ringing
- Took a few firmware versions to improve reliability
- Still needs rebooting for DHCP reliability
- Fast
- First unit was buggy, replaced under warranty
- Reliable calls only with Panasonic handsets
- Billion recommends only using fixed handsets, not cordless (from their support line and whirlpool)
Cordless Phone Handsets
I prefer to use 1.8GHz DECT handsets where possible, they have MUCH (2x-10x)greater range than 802.11, and don’t use the same 2.4GHz wireless spectrum. 5.8GHz has worse range than 2.4Ghz or 1.8Ghz. Higher frequency = less range.
There seems to be some issues with call stability and cordless handsets. I can only guess from all my testing that it relates to off-hook detection. I played with every setting under the sun, and nothing helped. 12mths of stuffing round to find that Panasonic handsets work well.
- Telstra Touchfone T200
Fixed handset – works well in all circumstances, if the router allows the call in. - Telstra DECT Cordless – Poor quality and hang up problems, poor call quality and cheap handsets.
- Uniden WDECT – LOTS of problems with VOIP, don’t bother. AWFUL.
The problems are twofold. Radio interference is a nightmare, even when seperated by 10+M
The on/off hook sensing of the router and the base station appear incompatible, hanging up on calls all the time.
- Panasonic DECT – Worked well
- Panasonic DECT – Works VERY well
So I take your ‘all in 1’ still emulates a PSTN line for the DECT handsets…. Get with the times…. Use a native 11g SIP handset.
Great Solution! I use a very similar solution. Enables you to reuse existing cordless phones at a low cost. Like it 🙂