So many VOIP adapter, which is best for me?

[PontiacVibe]

Hello, sorry for creating such a thread for newbe, but I got to ask...

There are tons of VOIP adapter options out there and I am looking for the best fit for me.

Here is what I plan to do:
1. Buy the VOIP Unlock Key from http://www.freephoneline.ca and use a VOIP adapter so I could get a cordless phone (analog) within my house.
2. I want to ensure I have future support (firmware). A good manufacturer that support here product.
3. Feature set that works is important, reducing cost is not a high priorty. I tend to buy something good and use it for long time.
4. I would like to use it with a fax machine.
5. I will add home security in my house. Some alarm system require a phone line for remote monitoring. A VOIP adapter that could do this is gold!

Again, so many choice out there:
1. Cisco SPA2102
2. Cisco PAP2T
3. Cisco SPA112
4. Cisco SPA3102
5. Cisco SPA8000-G1 (has a fan~)
6. Cisco WRP400

Which is good? SPA800-G1 seems to be a overkill and has a fan (that's negative). How about the SPA3102? Is the most expensive in the consumer line, does that mean is better? Any other recommendation is appreciated!

I do not need build in router or wireless.

[Jake]

This isn't quite the right section for this, but a mod should move it to the right place.

But anyway -
I have a PAP2T and have been very happy with it. I got mine from Dell on special, but anywhere (apart from the cheap ones on ebay) should be the same. I know there are some here that don't like them, but mine has been good as gold.

With regards to your point 1. - I would sign up on DellVoice rather than FPL. It is the smae service except you will also have the option of using it on your smartphone. I know if you are going to use it in an ATA so it is a moot point right now, but what if they set up call forking or multiple registrations at some point. If you are with FPL it might not be implemented. Obviously I have no idea what they are planning, but I think FPL might be taking a back seat from now on.

I have sent and received faxes with my PAP2T. Complicated faxes tend to stick a bit, but normal text faxes go through without problems. When receiving faxes you can always let it go to answerphone, then the FPL voicemail will take the call and receive the fax then it will be in a PDF format.

I upgraded the firmware initially, but it has been perfect ever since so I have not looked to see if they have updated it.

I can't answer about an alarm system, but others should be able to help you.

[bridonca]

If you want firmware support, I would stay away from Cisco products. I believe most of their ATA devices have firmware as old as 6 years. Saying that, most of the major bugs have be taken care of. There is a reason why Fongo switched to selling a Grandsteam ATA device.

I have been hard pressed to find an ATA device that did not work for me, so you are pretty safe on what you pick. I would be more concerned with the router. NAT issues are the biggest issue with SIP VOIP, and a lot of routers just cannot cut it.

As for a FAX machine and alarm system, that depends almost entirely how good your internet connection is, and less on the ATA you choose. Speed is usually not a factor, jitter is. You need to be particularly concerned about the internet connection's upsteam, because that tends to be the weakest link.

[PontiacVibe]

After some research, looks like the Cisco SPA3102 is a very well feature VOIP adapter for the consumer level.

Before I place my order, any reason why I shouldn't get the Cisco SPA3102 for Fongo VOIP? I will be buying the unlock VOIP key once I receive this Adapter.

[dibsmft]

The SPA3102 is a nice adapter which is not really from the Cisco stable as it started out as the Sipura SPA3102 then became Linksys and finally Cisco. It supports both PSTN and voip (SIP) so if you no longer have a PSTN line then there may be better choices. I used one for many years without any problems until last year when I gave up my PSTN line and changed to a Yealink T22P (3 lines SIP IP phone) as I needed the extra SIP lines.
Perhaps the weakness of the SPA3102 is that it offers a very wide range of options and can be a bit daunting for a new user to configure but there are quite a few users around so help can usually be found.
It allows you to forward calls from the PSTN line to the SIP line or from the SIP line to the PSTN line both manually and automatically which can be useful. For example, you can use SIP to call the ATA from the UK to Canada and then use it to transfer the call to your local PSTN in Canada making the call free. I live in St. John's NL where the FPL service is rather limited (some free calling and no DIDs) so I have not purchased the unlock key and have not tested my SPA3102 but I see no reason why it should present any problems (there are users on this site that have it) but can predict that you might find it a little harder to configure than the Grandstream 286 that has far fewer features (I have one of those as well). The SPA3102 does of course support using cordless phones and regular phones.

[CSCO]

Given most situations, my conclusion is that one should get a basic ATA. Main reason for this is limited routing performance shown on most, if not all of those models. It appears there is limitation of 12Mbps for older ones and slightly better for the newer ones.

You should consider SPA3102 if you are planning on keeping PSTN. Only downside for this would be not being able to have two phone lines. I like having my own line so I can have direct line just for me on top of shared line for the place. Also there is some sense in that having second VOIP provider acting as a backup in case if service goes down for the first line.