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Question

VoIP hardware

Oct 5, 2012 5:07AM PDT

Hello folks,

I am just curious if anybody here is well versed with VoIP hardware for residential use.

My current phone system is with Cablevision (which is VoIP too). I would like to replace it with cheaper alternative. Ooma and OBi are options but I don't know what exactly is it called as in technical lingo.

I am looking for open hardware (similar to OBi) which can be used with any VoIP provider. I am sure companies like Cisco or Linksys must be making it but I am unable to figure out due to the lack of technical jargon.

Many thanks in advance.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Open voip hardwares?
Oct 8, 2012 4:19PM PDT

Is there such thing? I believe Obi is tied to Google Voice, Vonage and Nettalk have their own system. I think the best way is to try it and see if it's for you or not. Personally I had telephone service with my cable company which isn't bad at all. My problem started when they started charging me for toll call and Canada, which was suppose to be free. I now have nettalk, which is not as good as the cable phone ( however I am not sure if my cable phone is voip or not). If it is voip..it's a little bit more special than your average voip. I also have been on the receiving end of vonage...but to me, it some leave something to be desire (quality wise).

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Yes, there are
Oct 9, 2012 12:29AM PDT

There are many hardwares. Its just how much you really want to spend. OBi is not only tied up to Google but actually it is one of the open hardwares. It advertises for google voice because everyone loves free and its very good marketing strategy but it works with many other SIPs. I personally plan to have a google voice account and one more VoIP account for international calling.

Cable company's charge for phone is outrageous. They make a ton of money. I calculated mine. My usage is about 800 minutes per month. With VoIP provider, it will cost me $8 per month + taxes. $10 for round figure (without any compromise on quality). The cable company wants me to pay $35+taxes for the same services. Hence, I said bye bye. Our ignorance is their benefit. Its our call if we want to be wise and make best use of technology or get ourselves ripped off.

I did a lot of research. At the moment, OBi100 is the cheapest and best hardware (feature-wise) I could find. I am yet to configure and use it and can not comment on that part. I will be glad if somebody more knowledgeable than me can correct me.