Must The Modem Specify VOIP IN Spec?

[AmtrancEr]

Hi everyone, I've applied for ADSL on 27/08 and 2 days ago received a phone call from a techie at the exchange saying that the line is in place and they are coming to install the modem and stuff this week. Theres one thing i'd like to know about the modem because I'm not going to get Telkoms modem @ R999!! Anyway, does the modem have to specifiy voip in its specification a

 

[AmtrancEr]

Hi everyone, I've applied for 384 DSL on 27/08 and 2 days ago received a phone call from a techie at the exchange saying that the line is in place and they are coming to install the modem and stuff this week. Theres one thing i'd like to know about the modem because I'm not going to get Telkom's modem @ R999!! That is..does the modem have to specifiy voip in its description (jump.co.za) or is voip available anyway? And can I just connect one extra computer using a network cable from that computer and into the modem?

 

[Peter7]

I'm not going to get Telkom's modem @ R999!! That is..does the modem have to specifiy voip in its description (jump.co.za) or is voip available anyway? And can I just connect one extra computer using a network cable from that computer and into the modem?

Good deal, now you won't be stuck in a 12-month contract either!

ADSL is broadband and VOIP uses broadband, so you're modem doesn't have to "support" VOIP. Depending on the modem/router, you get either: USB or Ethernet

The ethernet version plugs into your network card.

Word of advice, make sure you get an ADSL modem and not just a router!
Most of the newer broadband routers have a built-in ADSL modem, like Netgear, D-Link, LinkSys, etc. Make sure you check on this! These broadband routers with the built-in ADSL modem usually offer you 4 network ports so you can share your internet connection between four directly connected PCs/devices.

 

[stoke]

Um - I think I saw a VOIP ready ADSL modem somewhere.

It includes a point in which to plug in a normal land line and then an out plug to plug in the normal POTS telephone line.

That's an example of connecting your land line to VOIP, and that will require a specific ADSL router/modem that has the VOIP hardware adaptor built in.

The usual ADSL router/modem does not even bother with these kinds of hardware connections, as they expect you to be doing VOIP solely on your PC.

So - if you want the ADSL modem/router that can do VOIP using a normal phone, then, check the modem/router carefully. Asking teklom if the router supports VOIP is a null and void question, because VOIP is an inherant part of any TCPIP network. You should ask if the ADSL modem/router can control VOIP access on your POTS (Plain old telephone system), that's more like the correct question to ask.

Gewd luck.