Some help required for setting up VOIP

Hi after some help if possible

I am currently on Plusnet fibre with a landline that I use as business line, there is no handset connected and all calls are automatically diverted to my mobile


I am getting BT full fibre installed on February 16th and want to change my phone number to an external VOIP provider (I will need to port my existing landline number)

I am a one man electrical company, I will never make any outgoing calls on the landline it will be just for incoming calls

What is the cheapest way to do this I noticed looking on sipgate they mention there is a cost for diverting calls, I have an android phone so I can install an app if needed

Also what handset would you suggest for the landline bearing in mind it is just a placeholder

Oh and I need to do it quick as my Plusnet connection is being terminated on the 16th Feb and hopefully make it seamless so my business has minimal downtime :/

Personally I would sign up for a free Sipgate Basic account.
They send a letter to your address to validate it and assign you a landline number (that you may not wish to use).

It costs £30 to migrate your existing landline to their service, and you won't need a handset if you're happy to use your mobile phone (accessing Sipgate via an app on that).

The migration would likely result in the termination of your broadband connection, so just be aware that you pay attention to the timings.

Why is the connection being terminated on the 16th Feb?
Could you cancel that termination and instead get the new FTTP install done and then migrate the landline to Sipgate?

Note:You need to give Sipgate 2 weeks notice for the migration

You probably need to provide further information.

My immediate concern would be if your BT Full Fibre is at all connected to your current Plusnet landline number. If it is when you try to port your landline number you will be cancelling your BT full fibre.

The ideal way of doing this is have both the Plusnet and BT full fibre running at the same time. Once your BT full fibre is running you can then port your number from Plusnet to Sipgate (and this would/should automatically cancel your Plusnet).

This is what I am hoping to do when I am lucky enough to have full fibre available. I am hoping it will be with a altnet and not BT though but beggars can't be choosers.

Handset wise I think an app running on your mobile is probably the way to go?

I am still learning hopefully someone who has gone through this will post.

Hi BT have contacted Plusnet to let them know I am getting the new service so Plusnet have emailed me 'sorry you are leaving us'

So my new BT service will start on the 16th and the existing Plusnet will end on the 16th

I have currently got BT bringing my existing landline number over and I am getting the voice package with the Alexa advanced home phone

Thing is I dont want to use the BT smart hub 2 as I have my own setup using 3 routers with Openwrt (ignore that for now thats another headache I will need to figure out)

So I could leave for now as is and just get it up and running then port my number over afterwards

But what I want to know is what is the cheapest way to do it, so I would have my business landline but would never make any outgoing calls on it, all calls would be diverted to my mobile

Sipgate charge their standard rate for call forwarding, is there any other way to do it ie using an app on my android phone

EDIT: I have spoken to BT this morning and they are saying I will have to cancel and rebook it because stupidly I asked them to transfer my number over

Edited by gap300 (Wed 19-Jan-22 13:03:07)

In reply to a post by gap300:

I have currently got BT bringing my existing landline number over and I am getting the voice package with the Alexa advanced home phone

Unless I am misunderstanding something you will be stuck with BT as porting your landline number will then cease your BT full fibre. Not sure how you can sort this it will need someone to reply who is more familiar with the processes?

Sipgate charge their standard rate for call forwarding, is there any other way to do it ie using an app on my android phone

If you use an app on the Android phone, then it's not "forwarding"...you're just answering the call via the app. There is no charge for that.

In terms of what you're trying to do, if you want to keep hold of the landline number you currently have, then I would suggest cancelling the BT order.
Then re-ordering so that you have the FTTP service set up in addition to your FTTC connection.
Then start the process of migrating the landline to a VOIP provider (e.g. Sipgate).

Doing this means that you will be able to use your own router(s).
If you get the 'landline' via BT (or another ISP), then you will be tied to their hardware (router).

EDIT - I would also suggest there may be better / cheaper FTTP providers (who use OpenReach's infrastructure) that you could consider if you just want to have broadband.

Edited by MilesR (Wed 19-Jan-22 13:07:45)

OK so if I am understanding this correctly here are my options

Speaking to BT this morning they said let it all go through then port your number away

Or cancel the install

So my next question is can I port my number to Zoiper for example?

I have not researched this thoroughly so using Zoiper will I need a 'handset' or is it all done via the app, also is this the cheapest way

Bear with me here....

Edited by gap300 (Wed 19-Jan-22 13:15:09)

If you let it go through to BT, then I don't think you will be able to port that number away - and you will be forced to use their router + handsets at home (call forwarding costs would apply).

The mechanisms to allow porting to happen on the FTTC connections are complicated enough that only a handful of companies offer it (e.g. Andrews & Arnold - "re-number and export").
I don't believe that there's yet a process to enable it when on FTTP through BT.

Their (BT's) systems are all set up to link a landline number with the whole package, so if you port the number out it would terminate the whole thing.

Zoiper is the app for your phone.
You would install that, and (assuming you have a Sipgate account) would put the credentials for Sipgate into that app. When someone calls the number associated with your Sipgate account it would "ring" the Zoiper app on your phone.

As I say, if you want to preserve that landline number you currently have, I would personally cancel your order and re-think the plan of action.

Bear with me here....

Don't worry, we're all new'ish to this stuff!
I learned about the number porting stuff too late and lost a number before, thankfully I'm now on the other side and managed to port my latest one after I had FTTP installed in addition to my FTTC connection.

Edited by MilesR (Wed 19-Jan-22 13:24:11)

Ok will call BT and cancel

Thing is I am currently on 70/13 up on Plusnet

Was promised 500/73 from BT

I need to figure out a way to make this work

Also may be a good idea to sign up to Sipgate Basic. You get a free new landline number provider. You can then test that it works with your chosen android and/or Windows app. This is well worth checking/testing as incoming SIP calls may need opened firewall ports and/or a proper IP address (your mobile provider or even ISP may be using CGNAT).

If information posted here in the past is accurate if you do then port your existing landline to Sipgate this will get added to your account and then either your "free new landline" or your "existing landline" number would ring the "phone". Worth checking you can set the caller id - I assume you must be able to.

With Zoiper I have also heard Acrobits (Android) and MicroSip (Windows) mentioned as respected softphones that may be worth looking at.

[clarified CGNAT / add softphones]

Edited by think26872 (Wed 19-Jan-22 13:40:03)

I'm on 500/75 with TalkTalk Future Fibre (which is via OpenReach). £35 a month (just broadband - no landline / TV etc.)

The customer service at the beginning was hit & miss - but once all set up it works a treat (I'm running an OpenWRT install as my main router - so none of their kit).

I did it like this:
* Signed up to a Sipgate account - got a new / additional 'landline' number
* Tested that using an app on my phone / laptop
* I called TalkTalk and ordered Future Fibre from them - told them to set up as a new install (i.e. no migration from the old broadband).
* Their system automatically triggered a notice to my provider saying I was leaving - I called them and said no, it was a mistake
* I called TalkTalk - spoke to a very knowledgeable person who knew what the issue was and rectified it later that day
* Current provider confirmed there was no longer a cancellation in place
* Installation date - OpenReach turn up, do the physical install, I plug in my kit and get connected.
* After a couple of days to let it bed in, I sent off the forms to migrate my old landline to Sipgate
* Then I got a notification from the FTTC provider to say sorry you're leaving us
* On the day of migration, I got confirmation from Sipgate that the porting had been completed and then tested my old landline number worked on my mobile app

There's a number of people on here who've done something similar, so do feel free to ask a question (even if you think it might be daft). All this info could help someone out in future.

Perhaps you could order FTTP as a new service rather than as a transfer of your existing service. When the new service is then working you could then port your number to Sipgate which would terminate your existing service.

I have the Grandstream Wave app (AKA GS Wave) on my Android phone with a registration to Sipgate.

You need to buy broadband without a phone service from BT and not put your Plusnet phone number in at any point, this should mean your Plusnet broadband continues without interruption and exists alongside your BT FTTP.

Once you're happy the FTTP is working you then port your phone number to a VoIP provider of your choice (A&A, Sipgate, Voipfone, whoever) which will cease the line and the broadband when it goes through.

Yep - definitely worth doing this.

If information posted here in the past is accurate if you do then port your existing landline to Sipgate this will get added to your account and then either your "free new landline" or your "existing landline" number would ring the "phone". Worth checking you can set the caller id - I assume you must be able to.

Yeah, you can set the caller ID from it.

Thing is looking at sipgate call rates it will not work for me as it is 1.18 for landlines and 9.90 for mobiles (call forward)

Just a note on this one, even if you don't put your number down, the OpenReach systems can interpret the installation as a migration of services apparently (based on the address).

If you're only answering calls (not dialing out) - then you will not have any charges.

When using the app on your device, you're not 'forwarding', you're simply answering the incoming call that's been routed through Sipgate's services.

1. Definitely don’t cancel the copper line just yet. You will need it - or at least the landline number for porting purposes.

2. Order the BT FTTP service as a completely new service. There is then no risk of accidentally ceasing the existing services or having a gap in service, be that broadband or voice.

3. Setup a sipgate account. You will get a free issued number of your choosing. Use this for testing purposes. Pop a fiver or tenner of credit on the sipgate account - as a means of having credit for outbound calls. You don’t need credit to receive calls.

4. Download the Acrobits app from play store or iTunes. Might cost you a one off fiver. Setup your Sipgate account on Acrobits. Check that you can receive and send calls successfully. Should work from anywhere you can get an internet connection on your phone. App doesn’t need to run in the background as it uses the native push notifications / call handing built into Android or iOS.

5. Wait for FTTP to be fully activated by BT - meanwhile keep testing Sipgate with Acrobits.

6. Once FTTP is fully activated, place a porting request with Sipgate to take your existing landline number across to them. One off porting fee payable. This will also cease your Plusnet FTTC connection.

7. Porting the number should take around 7 to 10 days to effect. You will not notice anything on your sipgate account. It will be seamless

Congrats you now have 2 ‘landline’ numbers on your sipgate account. They may even be completely geographically different. However both numbers will be simultaneously accessible from the one sipgate account.

Other things to note - as folks will call your landline number, then you no longer need to ‘forward’ this - notching up call forwarding charges in the process - calls are automatically routed to your smartphone by Acrobits which maintains a live connection back to Sipgate.

If you want a physical landline (rather than softphone) at home - you can for example get DECT bases with inbuilt VoIP functionality like the Gigaset N300 range - then your physical handsets will ring at the same time as your smart phone. This is cheap (£50 for the base about £40 for a DECT handset) and incurs no extra ongoing charges.

****
Be very aware, if you allow BT to migrate your landline number as per of any FTTP migration:
- your number will become inextricably linked to the FTTP service, making any separation of service / future number porting etc problematic as it will result in them ceasing the FTTP service.
- you can only use the supplied BT Smart Hub if you wish to use their Digital Voice (BTs in house VoIP service) with ordinary residential/non-BT Business accounts.
- Digital Voice is secure but very rigidly defined, it’s their way or the highway: you will NOT have the flexibility in accessing your landline in the way I have described above - it becomes literally like an old fashioned copper landline that can only be used from home. Just plugged into their router rather than wall outlet.
****

Edited by Pheasant (Wed 19-Jan-22 14:09:57)

In reply to a post by gap300:

Thing is looking at sipgate call rates it will not work for me as it is 1.18 for landlines and 9.90 for mobiles (call forward)

As above if you use the Acrobits softphone client I recommended - inbound landline calls will appear on your recent calls list on your smartphone if you don’t answer them. If you return the call you can simply just dial back with your mobile account and (presumably unlimited) call allowance.

No need to use the Sipgate account to call back - unless you want to explicitly make it appear as a landline call. Bit difficult to explain if you’ve never seen it, but honestly works a treat.

Ok I have just cancelled the BT installation and called Plusnet to 'uncancel'

BT have told me to call back in 48 hours to rebook a FTTP only installation

I will setup a sipgate basic account today

Just clarify something for me please, I do not need to have a working landline handset at home all calls will be always answered at my mobile even when I am at home

If I ever miss a call I always just call back using my mobile

What 'handset' do I need to purchase? and what app will I use on my mobile?

Sorry have just seen the post above, but still a bit puzzled as was mentioned earlier there would be no call forwarding charges?

Edited by gap300 (Wed 19-Jan-22 14:05:27)

In reply to a post by gap300:

Thing is looking at sipgate call rates it will not work for me as it is 1.18 for landlines and 9.90 for mobiles (call forward)

Warning I may be confused here...

...just do not use Sipgate for outgoing calls if the rates are too high. I am not sure why you would still need to do any call forwarding?

You would have voip app on your mobile phone that would ring when someone would call on your landline number (that would need data allowance on your mobile). This means your landline number would be travelling wherever your mobile goes.

If you want to phone anyone back just use the normal mobile phone dialler (that would need voice allowance on your mobile).

The only "gotcha" would be having to perhaps remember (or copy/paste) phone number of your potential clients from VOIP app to normal dialler for returning calls.

Not knowing how VOIP apps work perhaps some apps allow you to configure outgoing dialler or there is a more elegant solution existing VOIP users know of?

Can of worms opening - you could also use a different VOIP provider for outgoing calls (some only charge 1p/minute for mobiles and free for landline numbers). Sipgate is not the only provider a different one may be better especially for business use. This is just probably making thing over complicated especially starting out.

No you are totally correct, I would use my mobile to call anyone back

So my sipgate calls I would answer on my mobile with no call forwarding charges

And I would use the app mentioned earlier

Thanks peeps some absolute legends here

Edited by gap300 (Wed 19-Jan-22 14:11:08)

Sipgate Basic account (free) + Acrobits softphone app. £5.99

That’s honestly all you need right now and in future. No more handsets or hardware.

As said above, you can setup/get both now and get yourself up and running. No need to wait for anything to do with your existing Plusnet or FTTP. The porting etc comes later.

Edited by Pheasant (Wed 19-Jan-22 14:15:02)

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

Sipgate Basic account (free) + Acrobits softphone app. £5.99

That’s honestly all you need.

Yeah - I second this ^^

In reply to a post by gap300:

a. Ok I have just cancelled the BT installation and called Plusnet to 'uncancel'
b. BT have told me to call back in 48 hours to rebook a FTTP only installation
c. I will setup a sipgate basic account today
d. Just clarify something for me please, I do not need to have a working landline handset at home all calls will be always answered at my mobile even when I am at home
e. If I ever miss a call I always just call back using my mobile
f. What 'handset' do I need to purchase? and what app will I use on my mobile?
g. Sorry have just seen the post above, but still a bit puzzled as was mentioned earlier there would be no call forwarding charges?

a. If I was you this is what I would have done
b. I would be doing everything possible to not mention your current landline number - if they want a contact number use a mobile number?
c. This is how I plan to learn, get a free account and try it out using a Windows and/or android softphone.
d. Yes - the future!
e. Yep
f. Just use your current Android phone. Zoiper and Acrobits all seem to have a good reputation there may be others more suited? Acrobits may have a small one off charge. DYOR I have not tried anything yet as I am still waiting for a full fibre provider.
g. Assuming I have understood I do not see why you need call forward. [pheasant has replied I have nothing to add ;) apart from reiterating you need to test before committing - easy with Sipgate Basic as you get a free number to test things out - you probably need to add £10 credit that is it £6 for Acrobits if you do not get a 30 day trial. Remember do not get over excited - do not port your number to Sipgate until after you have tested VOIP and your full fibre is working. Worse case you may have to pay for another month of Plusnet.]

Edited by think26872 (Wed 19-Jan-22 14:23:53)

Remember do not get over excited - do not port your number to Sipgate until after you have tested VOIP and your full fibre is working. Worse case you may have to pay for another month of Plusnet.

Good advice.

One other thing to note, Sipgate offer free voicemail.
If someone leaves you a voicemail, it can be emailed to you as a MP3 attachment, which is very handy.

The only other thing I need to work out now is how to get the app on my phone - OnePlus 7 Pro

I am using Lineage 18 ungoogled (I have the aurora store through F Droid) every app on my phone is FOSS

app purchases are not available on anonymous accounts (Aurora Store)

I never do things the easy way

In reply to a post by gap300:

The only other thing I need to work out now is how to get the app on my phone - OnePlus 7 Pro

I am using Lineage 18 ungoogled (I have the aurora store through F Droid) every app on my phone is FOSS

app purchases are not available on anonymous accounts (Aurora Store)

I never do things the easy way

You may struggle especially if you are completely Googleless. Zoiper and Acrobits may rely on Google facilities for notification of calls and purchase authorisation etc.

I am sure there are FOSS VOIP apps available though.

Lineage may have SIP accounts built in so you may not need Zoiper or Acrobits. In the Dialler view Settings and look for Calling Accounts and then Sip Settings. Warning though all the features that may save you from firewall and CGNAT problems will not be present for the built in Dialler so test, test and test again.

Let us know how it goes.

Edited by think26872 (Wed 19-Jan-22 14:36:04)

Another legend spotted @think26872

https://postimg.cc/MMK4YX08

Edited by gap300 (Wed 19-Jan-22 14:45:53)

In reply to a post by gap300:

Another legend spotted

Thanks but most of what I know I have learned from this forum so credit goes to everyone who has help me in the past also. I just hope that one day I can put it into practice - if there are any full fibre gods please answer my prayers and do me next!

In reply to a post by gap300:

Another legend spotted

https://postimg.cc/MMK4YX08

The bottom slider is worrying....

You definitely, 100% do NOT want an 'old fashioned' VoIP app that has to be kept open in the background of a modern smartphone, constantly polling the VoIP provider: purely because it will gobble up your battery life and needlessly use data.

The solution I'm advocating does NOT entail actively running the app in the background - it can remain fairly and squarely closed.

The inbound call notifications are done using a combination of Android / iOS built-in/system push notifications AND the Acrobits servers which keep the SIP connection back to the actual VoIP provider (i.e Sipgate) "alive". When a call comes in, the operating stem on the phone then handles it in the background and wakes up the app. as needed.

In reply to a post by think26872:

In reply to a post by gap300:

Another legend spotted

Thanks but most of what I know I have learned from this forum so credit goes to everyone who has help me in the past also. I just hope that one day I can put it into practice - if there are any full fibre gods please answer my prayers and do me next!

Have just setup sipgate basic now have to wait 2- 4 days for code in the post

Mobile connected straight away

https://postimg.cc/S2KXpFbp

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

In reply to a post by gap300:

Another legend spotted

https://postimg.cc/MMK4YX08

The bottom slider is worrying....

You definitely, 100% do NOT want an 'old fashioned' VoIP app that has to be kept open in the background of a modern smartphone, constantly polling the VoIP provider: purely because it will gobble up your battery life and needlessly use data.

The solution I'm advocating does NOT entail actively running the app in the background - it can remain fairly and squarely closed.

The inbound call notifications are done using a combination of Android / iOS built-in/system push notifications AND the Acrobits servers which keep the SIP connection back to the actual VoIP provider (i.e Sipgate) "alive". When a call comes in, the operating stem on the phone then handles it in the background and wakes up the app. as needed.

That is a very good point, going to check what FOSS options there are regards VOIP and if thats a fail will go with Acrobits (which has 39 permissions btw lol)

Again thank you so much for the very informative information

Checked over at r/fossdroid and people seem to like this one

https://postimg.cc/yJJStCm3

>Have just setup sipgate basic now have to wait 2- 4
>days for code in the post
>Mobile connected straight away

Out of interest what is the code for?
What did you decide to use on your mobile?

Thanks

Code will be for verification of address for 999 emergency calls placed.

In reply to a post by think26872:

>Have just setup sipgate basic now have to wait 2- 4
>days for code in the post
>Mobile connected straight away

Out of interest what is the code for?
What did you decide to use on your mobile?

Thanks

Hi mate went with linphone (fdroid version)

OK little update I am getting BT 900mbps installed on the 9th February

Waiting for code off sipgate so I can test the phone then if all good will port Plusnet landline number over

Off topic:

When my new FTTP Line is installed will my netgear r7800 connect directly to the ONT? (running openwrt)

Or do I need to purchase a modem ie Draytek Vigor 130

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

In reply to a post by gap300:

Another legend spotted

https://postimg.cc/MMK4YX08

The bottom slider is worrying....

You definitely, 100% do NOT want an 'old fashioned' VoIP app that has to be kept open in the background of a modern smartphone, constantly polling the VoIP provider: purely because it will gobble up your battery life and needlessly use data.

The solution I'm advocating does NOT entail actively running the app in the background - it can remain fairly and squarely closed.

The inbound call notifications are done using a combination of Android / iOS built-in/system push notifications AND the Acrobits servers which keep the SIP connection back to the actual VoIP provider (i.e Sipgate) "alive". When a call comes in, the operating stem on the phone then handles it in the background and wakes up the app. as needed.

In many cases receiving incoming calls should not result in additional battery being used because the VoIP functions are usually handed off to the modem/context CPU, which is always on anyway. Of course this may not be supported by some devices so worth testing, which is why the warning exists about battery life.

Also worth nothing that the built in VoIP of the Phone dialler is depreciated and is no longer available in new versions of Android. https://www.xda-developers.com/android-12-killing-na...

In reply to a post by E300:

In reply to a post by Pheasant:

In reply to a post by gap300:

Another legend spotted

https://postimg.cc/MMK4YX08

The bottom slider is worrying....

You definitely, 100% do NOT want an 'old fashioned' VoIP app that has to be kept open in the background of a modern smartphone, constantly polling the VoIP provider: purely because it will gobble up your battery life and needlessly use data.

The solution I'm advocating does NOT entail actively running the app in the background - it can remain fairly and squarely closed.

The inbound call notifications are done using a combination of Android / iOS built-in/system push notifications AND the Acrobits servers which keep the SIP connection back to the actual VoIP provider (i.e Sipgate) "alive". When a call comes in, the operating stem on the phone then handles it in the background and wakes up the app. as needed.

In many cases receiving incoming calls should not result in additional battery being used because the VoIP functions are usually handed off to the modem/context CPU, which is always on anyway. Of course this may not be supported by some devices so worth testing, which is why the warning exists about battery life.

Also worth nothing that the built in VoIP of the Phone dialler is depreciated and is no longer available in new versions of Android. https://www.xda-developers.com/android-12-killing-na...

Well I would prefer to use the baked in system than install another app on my phone so I will test both

Thank you for the link

I move my number recently MilesR & pheasent gave the steps needed.
I kept my old Plusnet line running and set up a brand new Cityfibre (Vodaphone) line with FTTH.
Had to keep my old line running, the internet going down was not an option as the son couldn't handle no gaming broadband (he has issues), you also need the old line running as has been discussed so you can port the number to a Voip service.

Once you get the sipgate code you can use/test the number you picked when you signed up, you then ask for them to port your number over which cancels the original line. The code is required by them to tie the number to you / your address.
A good way to think about it your old number is it's virtual so when you get a call on the original landline number, your mobile rings, I use GS wave app and have set it up on the wifes mobile too so both ring when we get a call on the old landline number. Not fully decided if I should get the hardware required to have the line back in the house so we have the virtual "landline" that rings in the house again.

Not an expert but recently went through the process and figured out what I needed to do before going for it. As has been said I only use the mobile to make calls and just use the virtual number to get calls on the old landline number. That way no costs for calls, I did load £10 to it so I could test the outgoing line but will probably never use the remaining credit.

Glad to know it's helped.
Hopefully these sort of threads will be found by others who can follow a similar path.

Hi bit of an update I have received the code from sipgate earlier today

Am currently using the baked in option in android (not using any apps atm)

All calls coming through fine - battery life seems normal

Thanks for the update. It is annoying that SIP/VOIP is probably being removed by Google from Android though. It seems a bit of a strange move considering the main purposes of a phone - making and receiving calls.

In reply to a post by think26872:

Thanks for the update. It is annoying that SIP/VOIP is probably being removed by Google from Android though. It seems a bit of a strange move considering the main purposes of a phone - making and receiving calls.

Further update the inbuilt SIP option is currently hit and miss it seems fine on initial setup but an hour or two later calls fail to connect

I installed the linphone app from fdroid which is fine but it using a tad more battery

Using the baked in system the battery was more or less same as usual

I need to do more testing/research

Also applied to sipgate to port my number and they have sent me the forms, I will hold fire until my FTTP is installed

In reply to a post by gap300:

Further update the inbuilt SIP option is currently hit and miss it seems fine on initial setup but an hour or two later calls fail to connect

I installed the linphone app from fdroid which is fine but it using a tad more battery

Using the baked in system the battery was more or less same as usual

I need to do more testing/research

Also applied to sipgate to port my number and they have sent me the forms, I will hold fire until my FTTP is installed

If it still makes outgoing calls fine but is failing to receiving incoming calls randomly this may be due to the software using IPv6. Sipgate has 4 servers it uses for IPv6, so what can happen is the VoIP device uses a keepalive to one of the IPv6 addresses, and if you get a call in on that IP address this keepalive has kept a path open through the firewall and you get the call. However if the incoming call is received from one of the other server addresses, a firewall will block it.

Solution is to ensure the firewall is told to allow all IPv6 traffic from 2001:ab7::/64.

Alternatively you could use Sipgates IPv4 IP address 217.10.79.23 in place of sipate.co.uk in the settings to force IPv4 and see if that helps. Sipgate only uses one IPv4 address so it doesn't change and get stopped by a firewall, assuming keepalive packets are working.

In reply to a post by E300:

In reply to a post by gap300:

Further update the inbuilt SIP option is currently hit and miss it seems fine on initial setup but an hour or two later calls fail to connect

I installed the linphone app from fdroid which is fine but it using a tad more battery

Using the baked in system the battery was more or less same as usual

I need to do more testing/research

Also applied to sipgate to port my number and they have sent me the forms, I will hold fire until my FTTP is installed

If it still makes outgoing calls fine but is failing to receiving incoming calls randomly this may be due to the software using IPv6. Sipgate has 4 servers it uses for IPv6, so what can happen is the VoIP device uses a keepalive to one of the IPv6 addresses, and if you get a call in on that IP address this keepalive has kept a path open through the firewall and you get the call. However if the incoming call is received from one of the other server addresses, a firewall will block it.

Solution is to ensure the firewall is told to allow all IPv6 traffic from 2001:ab7::/64.

Alternatively you could use Sipgates IPv4 IP address 217.10.79.23 in place of sipate.co.uk in the settings to force IPv4 and see if that helps. Sipgate only uses one IPv4 address so it doesn't change and get stopped by a firewall, assuming keepalive packets are working.

This setting is currently set to automatic, do you think changing it will help?

https://postimg.cc/B8wHs9Kw

In reply to a post by gap300:

This setting is currently set to automatic, do you think changing it will help?

https://postimg.cc/B8wHs9Kw

I don't think so, in my experience keepalives are sent even on IPv6 anyway.

Either try the IPv4 address to force IPv4, or set a firewall rule to allow all incoming IPv6 traffic from Sipgate address range (2001:ab7::/64). The firewall rule of course is only possible whilst you have control of the network.

In theory you don't need keepalives on IPv6 at all provided the firewall is set to allow incoming traffic from Sipgate servers. In this particular case the keep alive is keeping the connection open through the firewall but only for one of the possible servers that could want to signal a call to you, so if you are on IPv6 with Sipgate with the firewall not recognising the other 3 servers and so blocking them, it gives rise to random failures on incoming calls because sometimes they come in from the other servers. Outgoing calls are always okay as firewalls allow outgoing traffic by default.

Hope that helps.

Edited by E300 (Tue 25-Jan-22 11:47:25)

In reply to a post by E300:

In reply to a post by gap300:

This setting is currently set to automatic, do you think changing it will help?

https://postimg.cc/B8wHs9Kw

I don't think so, in my experience keepalives are sent even on IPv6 anyway.

Either try the IPv4 address to force IPv4, or set a firewall rule to allow all incoming IPv6 traffic from Sipgate address range (2001:ab7::/64). The firewall rule of course is only possible whilst you have control of the network.

In theory you don't need keepalives on IPv6 at all provided the firewall is set to allow incoming traffic from Sipgate servers. In this particular case the keep alive is keeping the connection open through the firewall but only for one of the possible servers that could want to signal a call to you, so if you are on IPv6 with Sipgate with the firewall not recognising the other 3 servers and so blocking them, it gives rise to random failures on incoming calls because sometimes they come in from the other servers. Outgoing calls are always okay as firewalls allow outgoing traffic by default.

Hope that helps.

Yes thanks that helps a lot

I was having some issue with bluetooth in my vehicle and as soon as I changed from sipgate.co.uk to the IPv4 address my incoming calls instantly came through

There is one setting in android that I need to keep an eye on 'All calling accounts' I have noticed it switches itself off if you make any changes

Thanks for all your help on this, I will keep you updated

Edit: Since changing to IPv4 everything seems 'snappier' calls are coming through instantly

Edited by gap300 (Tue 25-Jan-22 12:07:20)