VOIP Question

[jcpicard]

I currently have DSL but I'm seriously considering switching to cable for broadband. I'm also considering VOIP with either BHN, Vonnage or VoicePulse. My main issue is that I have a monitored alarm with ADT which requires a live phone jack. Is BHN my only option, because they hook up into all of my existing phone jacks?

[qqqqq]

You can probably connect your house's phone lines to just about anybody's VOIP adapter to do this. I say probably because you may have (and be using) mutliple phone lines in the house and because I'm not expert!

I have Verizon's FiOS, but cancelled their phone service. I use Broadvoice VOIP (~$8/month w/ taxes/fees/etc) for my landline. I disconnected my house's phone line from Verizon's phone line in their Optical Network Terminal (on the side of my house) and plugged the phone side of my VOIP adapter into the house's phone line. I can now plug in a phone anywhere in the house and it goes to my VOIP adapter. But be careful - it's my understanding that connecting your VOIP adapter to the house line while that line is still connected to the ONT or NID will probably cause equipment damage. I put a note in the ONT not to reconnect for this reason.

Your alarm (and TiVO and fax, etc.) may have trouble operating over almost any VOIP service due to the digitization that happens. I have read reports that it works fine for some and not so well or not at all for others. I have not tried passing any non-voice traffic over my phone lines.

[joelbav]

I've not been able to establish a dialup connection thru Vonage (over RR) with either the TiVo or a laptop modem. But I've also read it said by some that they were able to. Wouldn't want to count on it, tho.

Maybe the alarm company can provide an IP-based option?

FWIW: I've been pleased with the Vonage service since I signed up last November...

:)

[Harry]

Most alarm companies today have a wireless option. Usually a safer approach since the bad guys don't get to disable the alarm system by cutting the phone line (or the broadband line as the case may be). The problem is that they charge a healthy amount for the adapter and the service. Check it out. I am getting a new alarm system from alarm.com as part of my planning to go VOIP, in the future. They have a neat internet interface back into your alarm system and its status.

Harry

[Dekard]

This is an issue with Tivo, DirecTV, DishTV as well anything that dials out... :( I've been looking for a way to let my DishTV DVR dial out without having to have hooked up to a LAND line phone..

[Bschneider]

Most people are having success dialing out when they put a DSL filter on the VoIP port that you are using. Have you tried that?

[BlackCatt]

Check out NextAlarm http://www.Nextalarm.com. I have heard some people with VOIP use them and are very happy with them.

[jcpicard]

Thanks to all for sharing your knowledge! I think I'm gonna switch from DSL to Cable and I will probably try Vonage. I found some pretty good details on their website for wiring all the jacks in my home for VOIP. At this point if I can't get the ADT alarm to work properly, then I will check out Next Alarm.

[teampozer]

I have Vonage through BHN/RR hooked up "backwards" though my existing house phone wiring and it works just fine. I also have a Brinks alarm and DirecTV and both dial out just fine without any adaptors or special equipment.