Travel Technology - voIP on the road - vonage etc

not actually having vonage, i am wondering what i have to pack with me if I am on the road...just the little black box (e.g. linksys router with NT1) and then my own POTS phone since the hotel phone is likely a PBX?

What if I got fancy and started to buy my own hardware/software for the road. What would I need?

If you're interested in Vonage, why not try this:

http://www.vonage.com/device.php?type=VPHONE

Looks and sounds pretty cool to me, however I've never personally used it. If you do end up getting it please let me know how you like it!

-T

If you have a laptop, then any of a nearly infinite number of VOIP softphone providers, for which you'll need a mic/speakers or one of the vendors that allows for callbacks.

I've used gizmoproject (http://www.gizmoproject.com) from a flyertalk rec, and also several of the voip[buster (http://www.voipbuster.com), stunt, discount, etc.] family, for calls to/from USA, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Japan.

Quality varies from poor to very good, and has been getting better almost month by month. Costs can vary quite a bit also, and have been dropping significantly.

So, I do a couple things.

EITHER, I take the vonage box, (or now the sunrocket box) that is all and use the hotel phone. It is usually a device that will work in a regular outlet. If that doesn't work, full pbx phone, then I am in a pretty NICE place and there is usually a phone in the BATHROOM, often an old princess. Just pop off the wall and you're done.

And, I use sunrocket now, and call forwarding is free to any number in the US, and is immediate and accessable over the internet. So, I usually just forward it to my hotel line, or cell phone.

Then, I use skype on the pc, and use a bluetooth headset on the road, the same one I use for the cell phone. So, I setup the laptop on the internet, login to my skype aco...., all free in the US, and just leave it running. I connect my bluetooth headset to the computer, and when the phone rings I just answer with the headset.

So, I forward then sunrocket to the skype account and boom, I have my same number ringing to my skype account on the pc.

That is all, IF I don't just take the sunrocket box, which is what I do when I am away for a week or more. I'll take it in a month to Hong Kong and try it there.

Oh, and the sunrocket voicemails go straight to my email, on my pocketpc, so I know when I get one and I just listen to it on the cellphone/pocketpc/pda.

I cannot let VoIP threads slide with out mentioning Asterisk.
Asterisk is a FREE linux-based VoIP PBX that lets you basically become your own phone company. I personally prefer Trixbox (www.trixbox.org) which is a complete downloadable CD. You slap it in an older PC (like $75 on ebay...talking 386 even) and it installs linux, Asterisk and a web-based GUI front-end.

Once you get it loaded you can do ANYTHING. You can get a free (Iowa) number from freedigits.com...you can connect to a SunRocket, Telasip, Broadvoice (my pick) or any VoIP provider (that supports open protocols)...and you can really make it work the way you want.

For instance you could get a $10/month broadvoice account with a 1-800 number then from any phone call that 1-800 number...your Asterisk server answers and you enter your pin and presto you have a dialtone just like you where home in Chi-town. You can also get a x100p card off ebay for about $10 that allows you to connect an asterisk/trixbox server to a regular POTS phone line.

You can also carry a WiFi VoIP phone, but I'm not a fan. (My plugs aren't even shamless anymore...they are just getting rude: http://www.archatechs.com/blog/files/wip330.html). You can also just use a softphone and your laptop and a bluetooth headset.

But, if you have a cellphone that has free incoming calls, you just set-up Asterisk/trixbox with a call-back. That means, you call your asterisk/trixbox server, it recognized the callerID on your cell phone and hangs up on you. Then it calls you back (Free call!) and gives you a dialtone...and then you just dial any number you like!

Can you tell I'm obsessed?
IF you have it in you to load a CD into an old PC, then you can setup Trixbox....much simpler than even a two years ago when I got hooked....then it took hours of tinkering. So, grab an old PC off ebay or a friend, load trixbox, get a free or cheap account...or mix and match several, and you are up and running. If you want to take it to the next level then you can get VoIP phones for your home (expensive) or get an ATA (analogue telephone adaptor, like the linksys PAP2) and convert your existing phones to VoIP...and you are your own vonage!

oh, and asterisk does all the voicemail and faxing and digital this-and-that you can think of. You can get an SMS, email, fax, phone call, and smoke signal (ok, not true) for a voicemail...you can send and recieve faxes via email....its frickin' sweet!

But...none of this really answers your question.
IF you go the asterisk/trix route:
if you want to pack LIGHT you need a laptop and headset (bluetooth works as does wired).
If you want to play with WiFi phones, wait until Linksys releases the new firmware for the WIP330.
For in between you can get an ATA and analogue phone...but that sucks :D ...
I'd favor the call-back or 1-800 approach mentioned above...carry nothing!

-N

p.s.
here is a REALLY shameless link to my first, and very poor blog posts:
http://archatechs.wordpress.com/2006/04/
its about our first year with Asterisk and VoIP. Even since I've written those things have taken off...and become more user friendly. This was written before trixbox. Take a look at www.nerdvittles.com - Ward did a GREAT howto on setting up Trix.

But, if you have a cellphone that has free incoming calls, you just set-up Asterisk/trixbox with a call-back. That means, you call your asterisk/trixbox server, it recognized the callerID on your cell phone and hangs up on you. Then it calls you back (Free call!) and gives you a dialtone...and then you just dial any number you like!

This FREE call is only for the cellphone right, because you still have to pay for the asterisk to make the call TO you, and if say I am using the cell from another country, even though the minutes might be free, I have to pay for the asterisk call TO that cell, in another country.

Who carries the LD on this solution?

interested, finally.

This FREE call is only for the cellphone right, because you still have to pay for the asterisk to make the call TO you, and if say I am using the cell from another country, even though the minutes might be free, I have to pay for the asterisk call TO that cell, in another country.

Who carries the LD on this solution?

interested, finally.

Well there are a few ways to handle it.
For instance, you could get an account from freedigits.com that gives you a free incoming number. Then you can get another account that has free outgoing calls- although they are usually limited to 1-800 and are a dwendeling lot.

Most of the major VoIP carriers offer a package around $20 that includes unlimited LD to most major countries (at least Europe). Voxbone.com local numbers in most major countries for about $17/month (unlimited). So depending on what your needs are you might end up with a charge around $20/month.

I guess I think free because here at home we use Broadvoice tied to a Trixbox server for our main phone service. So its not free, but not costing me any extra...and since we were paying $79/month for phone I still feel like I'm making out ok.

That being said, if you dig, there are ways to do this whole thing for as close to free as you can get. For instance, if I do the cell thing and have it call me back with a dialtone, I can call any phone in my house (like to talk to Mrs. SpaceBass) for free because I'm just calling an extension on my PBX. So depending on who you need to call, or have call you, or where you are.....its pretty flexible. When we travel abroad for vacations, I get a voxbone number for the country I'll be in. Then I get a SIM card for my GSM phone. Once in the country I can call that local number which recognized my cell's CID and gives me a dialtone and I can make calls just like I was in Va. If someone calls my house/office and needs me they can press a number and enter a pin and it will call out over boradvoice (unlimited LD to most countries) and connects to my cell. Although many have pointed out, pre-paid cards can be less expensive...but NOT NEARLY as geeky!

Most of the major VoIP carriers offer a package around $20 that includes unlimited LD to most major countries (at least Europe). Voxbone.com local numbers in most major countries for about $17/month (unlimited). So depending on what your needs are you might end up with a charge around $20/month.

so, international mobiles are almost always NOT included in the free to many countries voip accounts. mobiles usually carry such a high surcharge, .15-.25$ cpm, I'd really like to find one.

that being said, my sunrocket service only charges .15$ to call the lichtenstein mobile (yes, the riiing card) but that is .12$ more than most, and not part of the FREE minutes that I get from them.

I'll take this offline, i'd like to find out how to make a call back box at home, to use my VOIP connection to call me back on my international mobiles.

You can also get a x100p card off ebay for about $10 that allows you to connect an asterisk/trixbox server to a regular POTS phone line.I'm about to set up an Asterisk system in my house. I've only found the $400 Digium analog cards. Tell me more!! -- a PM is fine...

Why not keep it here, someone else might be curious.

An option is to use an X100P card. You can find them all over ebay (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2 F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=x100p&category0=) for under $20.


They work fine, but sometimes produce an echo. I have a problem with echo on one particular build of Asterisk@home, the precursor to Trixbox.

You can also use an external device called an FXO, which takes an POTS/PSTN line and sends it out via an ethernet jack. You just configure it to talk to Asterisk/Trixbox as a "trunk". The Sipura SPA-3000 was a great one, included 2 ATA (or FXS...outgoing) ports and 1 FXO (incoming).


I know taking the plunge straight to VoIP isn't easy...my wife would have strung me up! But if you do like your Asterisk server or Trixbox then consider moving to VoIP for your provider as soon as you can. I still like BroadVoice and I hear great things about Telasip...it makes life easier and feels so good to stick it to Ma Bell.

To connect your existing phones you need to use an ATA. You can get a Linksys PAP2 for about $90. The vonage version is about $40 and if you snoop around you can find what it takes to unlock it so you can use it with Asterisk.

You can also make the move to all VoIP phones...I did it and its really cool...but man did that dent my wallet.

That's all nice to know but for most people they are not technically inclined like you.

[QUOTE=SpaceBass]I cannot let VoIP threads slide with out mentioning Asterisk.
Asterisk is a FREE linux-based VoIP PBX that lets you basically become your own phone company. I personally prefer Trixbox (www.trixbox.org) which is a complete downloadable CD. You slap it in an older PC (like $75 on ebay...talking 386 even) and it installs linux, Asterisk and a web-based GUI front-end.

That's all nice to know but for most people they are not technically inclined like you.

[QUOTE=SpaceBass]I cannot let VoIP threads slide with out mentioning Asterisk.
Asterisk is a FREE linux-based VoIP PBX that lets you basically become your own phone company. I personally prefer Trixbox (www.trixbox.org) which is a complete downloadable CD. You slap it in an older PC (like $75 on ebay...talking 386 even) and it installs linux, Asterisk and a web-based GUI front-end.

I guess the thing is....could my mother build a Trixbox server? Probably not. Could my wife or friends (non of whom are technically inclined), probably yes.
Take an old computer, throw in the CD and reboot...in 20 minutes you have a server with a nice web-based GUI...

But I'm not trying to force this on anyone...just want people to know there are options out there for taking control of phone costs and services.

[QUOTE=henryholz333]That's all nice to know but for most people they are not technically inclined like you.



I guess the thing is....could my mother build a Trixbox server? Probably not. Could my wife or friends (non of whom are technically inclined), probably yes.
Take an old computer, throw in the CD and reboot...in 20 minutes you have a server with a nice web-based GUI...

But I'm not trying to force this on anyone...just want people to know there are options out there for taking control of phone costs and services.

I know you are. Over and over again :D

But while your solution may offer the most options, for the average traveler it really seems too much. I am perfecly happy with Skype and/or Vonage Softphone when on the road. And I carry a VoIP phone that'll roam onto WiFi. I don't have to mess around with different VoIP operators, I don't have to keep a box running at home either... I came very close to going your route, but then decided I really don't need it.

Is there a VOIP handheld phone that you can use over WiFi when you are travelling ?

I think Google is working on having VOIP phone set-up with Nokia but its not ready yet

Rally

Is there a VOIP handheld phone that you can use over WiFi when you are travelling ?

I think Google is working on having VOIP phone set-up with Nokia but its not ready yet

Rally

Linksys makes two: the WIP330 and WIP300...frankly the both suck currently.... here is the review I did http://www.archatechs.com/blog/files/category-4.html

My favorite is the Hitachi Cable IP5000.

The bottom line is that most of them are in the $200 - $350 range, but here's the kicker...the WIP330 is the only one with a web browser. Since most hotspots redirect you to a captive portal before you can get online, you have to have a browser on the device...the other problem with the linksys devices is the lack of NAT traversal support (usually STUN), so you often get one sided audio or no audio at all.

You CAN however create an ad-hoc network on your laptop using a 2nd wireless card or a wired connection and your existing card.

We use Skype. It only takes a download and headset to operate. Computer to computer is free worldwide and computer to landline/cell seems to be at a pretty good price.

I didn't have to get any special equipment, I am just using a set of Logitech headphones with the attached mic, that I picked up at Target for 20 bucks. There is only a charge IF you use "SkypeOut" or "SkypeIn". If you stay computer to computer, they don't even ask for a CC. You add credits through a CC or PP AND only when you want to use SkypeOut (calls to normal phones or mobile phones). Right now you can SkypeOut to the US and Canada for free until December 31st.


ETA: Looks like Skype is pretty popular and well covered already on here. (LOL) ^

We use Skype. It only takes a download and headset to operate. Computer to computer is free worldwide and computer to landline/cell seems to be at a pretty good price. Right now you can SkypeOut to the US and Canada for free until December 31st.

As much as this pains me, Skype and Gizmo are nice options...really simple, low cost (or free) and easy to use.
Great audio too!

looks like its a couple years out before usable VOIP phones are usable.....

Rally

my guess is more like 6 months...but yeah, they arn't great for roaming around at this point.
I am hearing great things about the UTstarcom F3000 though, but I haven't played with it.

HEy just another thought....
I just updated my Nokia 770 - thats the internet tablet thingy - to their new OS...there is a SIP client from Gizmo available and it has google talk and Jabber built in....
Since it has a browser it can clear captive portals...this might be a great option for travelers!

HEy just another thought....
I just updated my Nokia 770 - thats the internet tablet thingy - to their new OS...there is a SIP client from Gizmo available and it has google talk and Jabber built in....
Since it has a browser it can clear captive portals...this might be a great option for travelers!

How is that different from a PocketPC with the xten client?

How is that different from a PocketPC with the xten client?
Not too much I suppose...
from a form standpoint it might be a little less elegant even, but I've been through 3 PocketPCs and I cannot stand window mobile.
Frankly that is another good suggestion, a PocketPC with a softphone works pretty well too for traveling...the only disadvantage I've found is with the Windows Mobile phones...the softphones want to use the speakerphone speaker not the ear speaker....if that makes any sense.

ScottC- I've gotten the feeling we are kindred nerds!

Not too much I suppose...
from a form standpoint it might be a little less elegant even, but I've been through 3 PocketPCs and I cannot stand window mobile.
Frankly that is another good suggestion, a PocketPC with a softphone works pretty well too for traveling...the only disadvantage I've found is with the Windows Mobile phones...the softphones want to use the speakerphone speaker not the ear speaker....if that makes any sense.

ScottC- I've gotten the feeling we are kindred nerds!

Actually, my Dell Axim has a mic line in on the headphone jack, something Dell doesn't advertise much. With the right adapter I can use almost any cellphone headset on it. The problem with windows mobile on phones is that the phone hardware portion is totally seperated from the rest of the device, MS still hasn't managed to make the phone core part of the OS core, which is one of the reasons they suck so much...

not actually having vonage, i am wondering what i have to pack with me if I am on the road...just the little black box (e.g. linksys router with NT1) and then my own POTS phone since the hotel phone is likely a PBX?

What if I got fancy and started to buy my own hardware/software for the road. What would I need?

If you are just trying to use your VOIP account from a fixed location (Hotel, etc.) when traveling all you need is the "device", a standard J phone wire and a POTS phone. I use Sunrocket, travel with the device, a phone wire, and a small router (the old fashioned little type without a switch) so I can use my laptap and phone concurrently in a hotel room, and a small "princess type" phone in case the room phone is not usable. It all fits handily in my pc case.

Totally non-technical-you don't have to be a nerd-and if you're paying the $10 BUX/Day for the net connect you, if your use patterns are like mine, will more than make it up in hotel phone charges. When crashing with friends or staying in a private residence I've got my own phone with me.

Gizmo and Skype are both offering free calls to landlines in the US and many other "popular" countries at least until the end of the year. Tough to beat that, I say.

Gizmo and Skype are both offering free calls to landlines in the US and many other "popular" countries at least until the end of the year. Tough to beat that, I say.

Skype has a real "image problem"; professional users hardly use it. Skype is still seen by many as a gimmick, something kiddies use to chat about their newest myspace changes. Even though Skype has evolved massively in the past 2 years (no doubt thanks to a couple of billion from Ebay), they really do need to focus on grabbing more money-spending customers, even their website still looks like something out of the Cartoon Network family...

Actually, my Dell Axim has a mic line in on the headphone jack, something Dell doesn't advertise much. With the right adapter I can use almost any cellphone headset on it.
What kind of adapter is that?

What kind of adapter is that?

http://www.pocketpctechs.com/main~unit~Dell_Axim_X51v-509~area~accessories~item~PPCPADPT17.htm

In related news, the US and UK are pursuing legislation that would require VoIP calls to be easily tapped by the government, or even proactively record your calls and then send them on to the gov't voyeurs for listening:

http://technology.guardian.co.uk/weekly/story/0,,1830460,00.html

http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2006/07/broadening_cale.html

Even if you're not concerned about crime, personal privacy, etc., plenty of governments around the world tap phone calls to gain economic intelligence from business travelers.
http://www.pocketpctechs.com/main~unit~Dell_Axim_X51v-509~area~accessories~item~PPCPADPT17.htm
Thanks

I would run it throguh your laptop

In related news, the US and UK are pursuing legislation that would require VoIP calls to be easily tapped by the government, or even proactively record your calls and then send them on to the gov't voyeurs for listening:


Thanks
Just another reason to use encryption...there are PGP VoIP products, SSL stuff, SIP even has a secure version...

You can understand why governments would be threatened though. I have a VoIP phone at my parents house that connects through an IPsec tunnel to my server....basically from phone to phone the entire conversation is totally encrypted. Not suggesting that talking to my mother is anything anyone would care about, but if I can do that so can someone with something malicious on their mind.

Nevertheless, if we care about privacy we need to work to defend it...Bills like those make me sick. As soon as some new technology emerges that someone doesn't understand they feel the need to regulate it.

I mean the internet is not just a dump truck, its a series of tubes...wait, wrong topic. :D