Codec Usage for VoIP

[guest]

What VOIP codecs do SunRocket and Lingo use? I'm currently a Lingo subscriber, but I'm not 100% satisfied with the quality of calls. I've tried using the higher quality codec, but then the calls fail to work all the time. I was wondering what codecs I currently am using as well as what Codecs SunRocket would be using to see if I could get improved calling with SunRocket.

Thanks.
Kenneth

[andyf]

Most providers can support multiple codecs. The highest quality codec is G711 which I believe both Sunrocket and Lingo can support.

What uplink bandwidth do you have available?

G711 equates to a 64Kbps data stream (8000 samples per second at 8 bit samples). This is one of the better codecs, the only downisde being the higher bandwidth requirements which with TCP/IP overhead gets as high as 84Kbps.

If you have a poor uplink bandwidth and you are surfing the web at the same time as placing a call (and do not have QoS) you may have problems with the quality of your call.

Andy

[guest]

I am using cable broadband - which has provided well over the recommended rates.

I do occassionaly surf the net while using the phone, but not normally. Most of the time that there are problems the computer is turned off. As for QoS, I haven't been able to set it up entirely due to the lack of router equipment and/or access to the cable modem's settings. If you have any recommendations on how to set that up, I would much like to have it set up.

As a note, due to the pricing of SunRocket, I have begun the switching process. I plan to move my phone number to SunRocket. However, I want to make sure I have my cable modem and the Gizmo properly configured for the best possible communications. Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Ken

[andyf]

Kenneth.

I agree, your cable broadband should have no issues. To be sure (and you may have already done this) check out Speednets broadband speed test, I found this to be an excellent test for both downlink and uplink.
http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/

For most ATAs, the QoS is achieved by ensuring your data router is downstream from your VoIP ATA (gizmo as Sunrocket call it). That way they can throttle the data connection if you are sufing the web at the same time as making a call to guarantee a QoS for your voice. In other words the ATA will prioritize the voice over the data. If the router is upstream from the ATA, there's no way of prioritizing the voice.

Andy