What is the best wired router for VOIP

[cri5py]

I'm looking for a recommendation for a router for my business. We currently run about 10 phones that are using a hosted service. What would be the best router in terms of both QOS and reliability? I don't want a wireless router.

I have found the following:
Linksys RVS4000 - random crashes, buggy web interface, qos not working correctly
Linksys RV042 v1 - good unit but no longer available
Linksys RV042 v2 - tons of issues, buggy firmware
D-Link routers - not properly setting NAT. Doesn't really work, random disconnects and loss of registration.

Any other ideas?

 

[ralphl]

What is best router for voip QOS

I too would like to know how to get a router with a very good and fast QOS.

I have an Ooma Telo ATA box. Because I can't get the Ooma QOS to work, my setup is Internet, Modem, Linksys WRT54G router, Ooma box. While the WRT54G has QOS, it doesn't seem to work very well (sluggish--voice is delayed if computer upload is taking place). If I run the Speakeasy.net Internet speed test while talking on the phone the remote phone "breaks up" and is delayed during the speed test upload. I have QOS set for highest priority to the MAC number of the Ooma box. If I disable router QOS for Ooma, the "beakup" gets much worse, so the router QOS is doing something--just not enough.

I can think of two solutions: 1. Load alternate firmware (such as DD-WRT, or Tomato) into the WRT54G; or 2. Buy a new router.

Alternative 1. I don't know if either DD-WRT or Tomato would fix my sluggish QOS problem. Moreover, I am not sure that I can revert back to the standard Linksys firmware, if DD-WRT/Tomato don't work. Does anyone know if I can switch back????

Alternative 2. What router should I buy.?? I have two PCs and an iPhone that connect wirelessly to the router, and of course of I have the Ooma box connected using ethernet.

Any help appreicated!!!

 

[CaptainSTX]

Time For a New Router

The 54G routers were great in their day, but their day was eleven years ago.

Depending on which model you have you could have 16Mbs of RAM and a 200 Mhz processor. Routers are no different than PCs in that more memory and a faster processor equal better performance. Current high performing routers have 128 or 256 Mbs of RAM and processors with speeds of up to 600Mhz.

As your problems demonstrate, your current router just doesn't have enough power to handle both downloads and VOIP concurrently. DD-WRT may give you better QOS control and the ability to overclock you processor but you really need a more powerful router.

Check the ratings on this site and select a newer router that meets your requirements and fits your budget.

 

[tipstir]

DD-WRT is only for turning on features that are disabled by default. To me it shorten the life of the router. I don't use anymore. The best policy it to go with a wired router and wireless access point along with switch in between them.

If your tired of spending so much money buying all these routers that don't perform so well, then time to invest more into a better router.

Fast NAT and throughput on the LAN routers are better. Larger MPU/NPU 500MHz or 1.1GHz @ 64-bit more RAM 64, 128, 256, 512MB.

Manage ports
Dual WAN
VPN

Something to consider. But again whatever works for you. I recommend SafeStream™ Gigabit Dual-WAN VPN Router TL-ER6120 from TP-LINK Business Enterprise Line. Mine running for year now no issues. Fast NAT beyond their specs. I just wanted stable router instead of buying all they D-LINK, Netgear, Belkin, Cisco Linksys an etc.. Costing so much and adding up in cost.

For Wireless SMB AP best to added to this mix. This is one way.

 

[stevech]

Been there, done that...

Best router for VoIP is none. Use your cable company's digital phone. Wireline Quality/reliability. It is not VoIP because your packets do not get on to the wild west of the Internet routing.

VoIP over a home router and across the Internet's routes to a VoIP provider that has Level 3 and the like involved in routing, and so on, won't meet expectations of near wireline quality. IMO. IME (my experience having tried 3-4 VoIP providers before paying more for Cable Modem digital phone. But much less than nasty AT&T was charging for POTS. The WAF will be "the brand-x VoIP a toy phone").