Graves On SOHO VoIP

The folks at Junction Networks / OnSIP have recently posted a review of the Aastra 6730i, a recent entry-level offering in the Aastra lineup.

The entire 67xx series features Aastra’s Hi-Q technology. Hi-Q includes the combination of the G.722 wideband codec and software based compensation for the physical properties of the transducers on the device.

Read the rest of this entry »

The trend toward wideband telephony continues unabated. Earlier this week I learned that Aastra’s recent v2.5 firmware release for their SIP phones has added support for a variety of wideband codecs. Aastra phones have long been a favorite, their 480i CT being a cordless solution that I used for about a year.

In a move to rationalize their newer series of phones and certain older models, the 480i was redesignated as model 9480i CT. It appears that this new firmware is applicable to their entire range of SIP phones. It’s not clear if my older 480i CT will benefit much from the upgrade.

I still have that 480i so at some point I will try this new firmware. It will be interesting to see to what extent the hardware is capable of leveraging quality possible with the wideband codecs. I’ll also perform some basic G.722 interoperability testing against with Eyebeam, Gigaset and Polycom phones.

Since first posting about availability of the new Aastra MBU-400 SIP/DECT system I’ve seen considerable interest in the device, but no-one stepping up with any first hand experience with its use.  The device is in fact vaguely related to the snom m3 SIP/DECT systems that I own and enjoy using. Both are based upon reference designs from RTX Telecom.

As an OEM product from RTX Telecom the hardware design is largely fixed, but Aastra has a lot of control over the firmware. I know that snom has made considerable progress with firmware enhancements for the m3 since it was introduced to the US about a year ago.

Read the rest of this entry »

Back in September Aastra made a few announcements, starting with a new SIP/DECT cordless phone solution targeting the SMB market. Designated the MBU 400 this new system is starting to show up in vendors catalogs. I recently found it listed at .E4 Strategies where availability is given as “Early November.” Furthermore, the retail price is given as $299 for the base and one handset with additional handsets $189 each.

Being a curious sort I downloaded the brochure and the manuals and gave them a quick look. The system certainly appears to be built on a platform from Denmark’s RTX Telecom. This is not at all surprising as they are a leader in the DECT space and OEM for many popular brand names. Snom’s m3 is built on RTX technology as is the as yet unreleased Polycom IP200W.

Read the rest of this entry »

One of the great things about the traditional PSTN is that it keeps working when the power goes out. I’ve repeatedly read others recommending that people sustain traditional POTS service at least in part because of this fact. Their theory being that VOIP service isn’t sustained during a power outage. But this need not be the case given just a little forethought.

Prior to migrating to Asterisk we had been using a Panasonic KX-TG4000 KSU (seen left). This phone system has four FXO interfaces for analog lines.

Panasonic KX-TG4000B KSU with built-in battery backup

It also featured a built-in battery backup so our phones stayed up through power outages. In migrating to VOIP within our home and office I felt it necessary to strive for this kind of reliability. It has certainly made my wife happier.

Read the rest of this entry »

The folks over at Packet8 today issued a press release stating, “8×8, Inc. Hits New Milestone for Packet8 Virtual Office Service With Over 10,000 U.S. Companies Subscribing.”

That’s nice. Packet8 were on the short list of vendors considered for a hosted PBX project that I’m involved with, but at the end of the day the business went to Junction Networks. Why you ask? Two simple reasons. Read the rest of this entry »