October 19, 2005
VoIP-enabling devices
There are several devices available that VoIP-enable existing phones. Internet Phone Wizard (IPW), developed by Actiontec, is one such device. It provides access to a VoIP line that uses Skype and a POTS line. The IPW does not require a power supply; it is powered by the USB port, which it uses to connect to the PC. The IPW has dimensions 4.5 X 3.25 X 1 inch. Its three ports include two RJ11 ports for an incoming line and the handset and the USB port mentioned earlier.
The IPW can be used to make calls on any of the two lines and one can be put on hold to receive a call on another. At present, the IPW works only with Windows XP and 2000. The device has a flawless design and is a useful addition for Skype users. It is priced at $ 70.
PhoneGnome, developed by TelEvolution, is similar to IPW as it provides a POTS and a VoIP line. It has the advantage of being compatible with any SIP-based service and it acts as a gateway to other SIP providers. However, it cannot work with Skype and Vonage. This is because Skype uses a proprietary protocol and Vonage does not permit gateways to other VoIP providers. The PhoneGnome requires a separate power source but can work without a computer. It has two RJ11 ports for an incoming line and the handset and one RJ45 port for a broadband connection. However, the PhoneGnome requires a POTS line for initialization. The PhoneGnome is a standards-based service priced at $120 and includes features such as voicemail and email blocking. Its rates for calls to POTS lines are comparable to that of Skype.
--
Did you enjoy this post?
