Problems with my internet phone?

Question

I have a tesco internet phone(uk) and normally the other person has problems hearing me.Sometimes it can be clear and othertimes im always breaking up to them.

Iam running a 3mbps connection which never slows down so i know the connection is fast enough. This problem happens too when they ring me.

The question is,is this glitch a usual thing with internet phones or would it be worth while to by skype which is an alternate make? I dont want to purchase another phone if the problem is normal with internet phones.

I am only ringing house phones not other internet phones.

Answer 1

Please see my web site: CQ VoIP Call

for information on "Many Ways to VoIP". (link through my profile).

It has a lot of info on alternative ways to VoIP.

There are many factors that effect the quality of VoIP calls.

In it's entirety, it can be a complex subject.

Are you using cordless phone and/or Wireless-G router with your VoIP service?  These are big causes of poor voice quality.  Only way to eliminate any wireless problems is to test with a "corded" phone connected to ATA (analog telephone adapter).

Is your VoIP phone adapter connected direct to the router or is it wireless?  Test with a direct connection to router to eliminate wireless RFI issues.

Is your computer running when you have problems with your VoIP calls?  Turn off the PC and test your VoIP calls with no PC running.

Unless your Router/ATA has strict QOS (quality of service) rules enabled (which gives voice priority over data), your VoIP calls are competing with your PC downloading Internet data.  Turn off computer and test with Modem/Router/ATA running only.

Router configuration can effect VoIP calls. VoIP requires various incoming ports to be opened on the router.  Sometimes the Router/Firewall is blocking some essential ports causing problems.  

And, depending on your ISP and VoIP provider, your calls are affected by overall traffic on the Internet.  Sometimes, your ISP could be contributing to the problem.

The fact that you are paying for 3Mb Internet doesn't mean you are actually getting that speed (again a complex issue).

Test your speed:

http://www.inphonex.com/speedtest/test-y...

There are various good VoIP alternatives.

I use many different providers.  Some with configurable soft-phones and some with my Linksys configurable ATA.

I have good results using Skype too.  I talked to my brother on Wednesday for 1.5 hours and yesterday for another 1.0 hour using Skype.... the call quality was perfect and loud and clear.  Some people have good results with Skype, and some people don't.  The reasons are varied, but I think much of the problems people have with Skype is due to Router/Firewall configuration issues.

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Update:

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Now that you mention you are VoIPing through PC USB port and not separate ATA box:

Check your PC firewall as well as router firewall.

I have Windows XP firewall enabled as well as my Router firewall running.

Check your PC Network card settings.  Is QOS enabled?  If not try enableing the Windows Network Card QOS.  This may give VoIP higher priority and help reduce break-ups.

But your router port-forwarding for VoIP ports is important too.

Depending on your VoIP program, you may need at least port 5060 open incoming and outgoing.  5060 is standard SIP port.  But sometimes you also have to open other RTP (real time protocol) ports to function properly too...

But, some different VoIP programs and services use other ports.  You need to check with voip provider support pages and see what ports are required for your specific VoIP service.

Skype uses random ports that you can specify and must set in your router to match.  Or, Skype allows you to specify as an alternat "use Ports 80 and 440 as alternates".

Answer 2

I get the same thing too, How much traffic is actually travelling thru your USB conection too ? If you are moving a lot of files through a USB cable and a HUB that also might affect it. It does to my Skype since the phone it's self is plugged into a USB hub. My House skype phone plug directly into my router and work crystal clear. My phone quality does degrade when I am using the WIFI phone. If my connnection is less than middle to full strength the other party does have trouble hearing me. There are other times that There is no interference. I also running consistantly running higher speeds than you too, dowenload at 25 mbps and uploading at 7-8 mbps.  I hope it helps.