[ILUG] [OT] Looking for VOIP ATA adapter

[Michael Watterson]

Niall O Broin wrote:
> On 15 May 2009, at 08:08, Michael Watterson wrote:
>
>> The Grandstream may not look as pretty, but is easy to configure, has 
>> every feature you could ever want and works reliably.
>
> Have looked into these a bit more now. 386 looks to be very cheap and 
> cheerful. 502 seems to be a nice device - 2 FXS ports, and a router.
>
If you *ONLY* need an ATA, the 286 does everything and is very cheap. 
Obviously there are many options.
I tested the 486 also.

>> Don't consider a Grandstream Phone, or any other VOIP phone.
>
> What have you got against the whole family of VOIP phones? I have a 
> couple of Grandstreams here in boxes somewhere and IIRC they worked 
> nicely, even if somewhat limited in features.
>
Expensive, confusing, inflexible, bulky.
The Grandstream ones do exactly what they claim to do. I tested them too.
>> DECT on ATA is a better solution also than a WiFi SIP phone (tested a 
>> lot of those too.)
>
> Certainly a less expensive option, with better battery life.
DECT + 286 ATA:
more ergonomic
easier to configure ATA (Web client instead of stupid tiny screen GUI)
more range
no WiFi QOS issues
Usually better audio.
less expensive
much better battery life
Up to 4 cheap handsets can share one ATA

If you DO want WiFi SIP phone, some of the Nokia E series work better 
than dedicated WiFi SIP. But have no firewall support. If you are using 
blueface it's still possible to work though with suitable NAT/Firewall 
settings, Other SIP services mostly don't work.
If you have OpenWrt on router you can add a transparent SIP proxy to 
make E series work with most services.
>
> Niall
>