What speed for VOIP?

[jonno_081]

Hi all,

I use Vodacom's HSDPA service at the moment, but their connection is so unreliable lately that I think I should jump ship to ADSL...

The only concern I have at this stage is what line speed do I need? I use skype alot for calls (both receiving and making, on normal skype-to-skype, as well as skype-in and skype-out calls).

I need a line speed that will get me good quality calls.... Does anyone here use skype with ADSL?

Thanks...

John

 

[mass09]

I have a 384k connection and skype works ok most of the time, but would rather recommend a 512k or 1mb line...

 

[vyking_sa]

I recently upgraded from wireless to a 384 uncapped ADSL line and skype works brilliantly. I would recommend it any day. If you want video as well it works okay, but not brilliant

 

[paul5186]

Its not so much about speed, rather about latency and the degree of jitter. This would definitely happen on 3g.

 

[The_Other]

To give you an idée. Voice only uses about +-40Kb/s where video calls hover around the 100kb/s mark for fair quality video... so 384 bare minimum for voice only.

 

[The_Other]

Its not so much about speed, rather about latency and the degree of jitter. This would definitely happen on 3g.

true. We had that problem on out Video Conference line. Line sync fine on 4Mb but the latency was bad and had some jitter on it.... You either get a slide show or very bad picture quality(blocky)

 

[paul5186]

Also the problem with ADSL is that is is Asymmetric. Even on a 4MB adsl line is usually has an upload of 512kbs. Not great for sending high quality video and sound to overseas, let alone video conferencing.

 

[luketang56]

384 - Voice no problem at all, clear, - Video works ok with the occasional blocks popping up that they have mentioned above.

 

[ponder]

Also the problem with ADSL is that is is Asymmetric. Even on a 4MB adsl line is usually has an upload of 512kbs. Not great for sending high quality video and sound to overseas, let alone video conferencing.

For sound 384kb/s is more than enough. The issue is latency and jitter as mentioned aboved so your best bet it to have unshaped internet.
Keep in mind that telco grade voice quility only uses 64kb/s, modern codecs (as with skype) use even less. I recall having pretty good quality on skype with dial-up

 

[jonno_081]

Hi, everyone,

Thanks for all the comments...

So, it seems from the above the a 384Kb line would do the job for me (I never use video, voice only).

I am new new new to ADSL. If I get the 384Kb line and I later decide I want a faster line, can I get an upgrade?

Thanks again,

John

 

[cyberarmy]

Yes you can upgrade in future. Although your maximum line speed will depend on your telephone exchange.