I'm having problems with Vonage and internet?

Question

A had been having problems with the internet connecting for a couple of weeks, the calls dropped when the internet was gone becuase for some reason vonage works with internet. One they verizon support team finally picked up the phone and fixed it. Well when the phone is not being used the internet works perfectly. But just a few seconds after i'm speaking to someone in the phone, the internet drops and the phone too. I have no idea what the problem is.

Answer 1

Some clarification of your installation may be required before specific advice can be given.

For VoIP to work properly, you will always need a good solid Internet connection.  However, if you say your Internet connection is fine as long as you don't use your Vonage VoIP phone, then it appears there is something else going on besides the reliability of your Internet connection.

Typically, using VoIP should not have any effect on the stability of your Internet connection (other than bandwidth usage).

For good VoIP, a static IP is not a requirement.  I use dynamic IP address assignment from my ISP and I don't have any problems with my VoIP connections.

It's not likely your Modem needs a firmware upgrade either.

(but, without knowing more about your equipment and installation, anything is possible, I suppose.  It never hurts to always have the latest firmware for all equipment in use.)

What equipment models are you using (models)?

Modem, NAT-Router, ATA VoIP adapter, cordless phone, ...

Is everything in one combo box (Modem/Router/ATA all in one box)?

or is each device separate?

Are you using Wireless-G or N or both?

Are you using 2.4 GHz cordless phone, or 5.8, or DECT 6.0?

It is well known that 2.4 GHz phones and Wireless-G routers can cause interference between each other.  Separate the wireless devices as far apart from each other as possible to avoid or reduce RFI interference issues.  Some of the Wireless-N devices may even cause RFI with 5.8 GHz phones.  Safest bet is to use DECT 6.0 phone.

Or, test with "corded" phone to eleminate RFI issues with cordless phones.

In the end, you may have no option but to have Vonage and your ISP advise you, as it is their services and equipment you are using and having problems with.

Answer 2

You should switch to AT&T and get an analog land line.  An analog line won't go out if the power or your internet does.

Answer 3

You should contact Vonage directly at customer support. http://www.vonage.com/help_contactUs.php

It may be a modem issue that requires an update patch or it may be your Internet provider which in that particular case you will want to inquire about subscribing to a static IP for your service. Inform your Internet provider that you are a VoIP user and they may be able to help.