Using ATA device router question

Using a Grandstream ATA device or similar, will it need to be from a VOIP provider who presumably pre-configure with account details, OR can you get one privately and set it up after getting a provider account?

Secondly, the ATA plugs into a LAN port on the router. Does the router actually _need_ to have any config options to allow the VOIP to work? I've seen here mention of SIP/ALG. thankyou

In reply to a post by bradlink:

Using a Grandstream ATA device or similar, will it need to be from a VOIP provider who presumably pre-configure with account details, OR can you get one privately and set it up after getting a provider account?

You can buy ATA's (analogue telephone adaptors) from Amazon or other shops, and configure them yourself, for example this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grandstream-HT801-Fast-Ethe...

Secondly, the ATA plugs into a LAN port on the router. Does the router actually _need_ to have any config options to allow the VOIP to work? I've seen here mention of SIP/ALG. thankyou

In many cases an Application Layer Gateway for SIP in the router MAY cause problems. The internet connection needs to have the public IP on the router (e.g. if your ISP uses CGNAT you will have a problem as no incoming calls). Most ATA will use techniques such as STUN to work out how to ensure incoming calls reach the ATA behind a NAT translation.

Some pureist VoIP providers (e.g. A&A) will recommend you use their broadband so that you get a full public IP address that you can configure on the ATA itself, and then firewall this from the rest of the internet. That is a pureist view as many networking professionals really dislike the way NAT works.

Just to add that if someone chooses to buy one privately then make sure it's not locked to a provider or set up on an auto-provisioning platform to configure itself to use a specific provider whenever it's reset to defaults. Buying new from a decent reseller is usually the way forward, buying from eBay or an Amazon seller might see you needing to use the return option.

If you buy the hardware from a VoIP provider it's worth ensuring that the hardware isn't locked to them and they will release it from any provisioning system should you choose to end your service with them.

I have Gigaset N300 Dect base stations which are not to difficult to configure . I could publish the settings I use for Sipgate, Voipfone and A&A

I also have Cisco ATAs for wired phones. These have more settings that have to be got right.

I would suggest that you buy hardware that your chosen VOIP provider can tell you how to configure, or the information is publicly available.

When I first got my Gigaclear FTTP connection 10 years ago, I could not get VOIP to work. I gave Voipfone remote access to my Cisco ATA and they changed an obscure setting in my Cisco ATA and it then connected. I also complained to Gigaclear. They changed a setting on the router/ONT which I don't have access to and the N300 was then able to connect.

Why do you need an ATA ?

Why not go straiight to a DECT solution?

Behind schedule on some things getting here late. Appreciate replies.

to jchamier
Well I'll have to check on the CGNAT issue, and look up STUN...doncha luv dem aggronyms

jpm

Yes, although some ebay sellers say brand new unused and, possibly here or elsewhere, saw some postings about s/h with old settings causing hassles. I'm leaning to a VOIP provider, likely VoipFone.

to mchare/mch

I had hoped to continue with my good old handset but I don't know really about the DECT stuff. Does that just plug into a router LAN port on its own and works - with some config from the VOIP provider?

In reply to a post by bradlink:

Behind schedule on some things getting here late. Appreciate replies.

to mchare/mch

I had hoped to continue with my good old handset but I don't know really about the DECT stuff. Does that just plug into a router LAN port on its own and works - with some config from the VOIP provider?

Yes. a Gigaset N300 just connects to a router LAN port as woud an ATA for a wired phone.
There also is an Android app called GS Wave which can be used for VOIP calls.

The DECT looks more like someone wanting multi handsets for people in a house, there's only me, seems a bit overkill maybe.

to jchamier

So I see what STUN is. The CGNAT, that looks implemented more on mobile networks thoufh some ISP detials offered via TBB show they employ it.

Would you know if those mobile networks that now offer HomeBroadband on 5G, they are likely to have CGNAT and so that would cause problem trying to use VOIP via their device?

In reply to a post by bradlink:

to jchamier

So I see what STUN is. The CGNAT, that looks implemented more on mobile networks thoufh some ISP detials offered via TBB show they employ it.

Would you know if those mobile networks that now offer HomeBroadband on 5G, they are likely to have CGNAT and so that would cause problem trying to use VOIP via their device?

Try a pc soft phone program, like microsip and along with a free trial form a voip provider. then you can work out if a) you are able to set it up - can ask lots here. And be if its ok with your net connection.

Free toe dipping!!!!!!