[Mac-telephony-list] VOiP Gateways / Bridges

[Flavio Donadio via List]

Hello!


I am considering switching from my hardware PBX (which kind of sucks,  
to be honest) to an Asterisk/Afelio/OpenPBX/Whatever-based solution  
for a long time now.

I already asked some questions, got some answers, but I'm still not  
confident enough. The hardware I need is still a little expensive for  
my budget. I am afraid of cheap stuff, since I already got  
disappointed with my current setup. I want to get a "permanent"  
solution.

We have an E1 with 30 voice channels, digital R2 signalling, supplied  
by Embratel, one of the biggest enterprise-oriented telcos in Brazil.  
Last time I checked, people suggested me a VoIP gateway which, from  
my understanding, is a box that connects to the central office  
through my E1 (which "runs" over a radio link) and communicates with  
a switch or PBX through an IP network, using SIP, IAX, H.323 or  
whatever...

So, with this in mind, I think I need at least a VoIP gateway and a  
computer (Asterisk server). I would also need a way to connect my  
extensions to the server, and that could be made through a lot of  
different ways: FXO ports for analog phones; software IP phones on  
computers on the network; and hardware IP phones on the wired network  
(or Wi-Fi phones on a wireless network).

Well... If that's correct, I am figuring a set-up like this:

• Epygi Quadro E1/T1;
• PowerMac G3 350MHz;
• Linksys WIP300 Wi-Fi phones.

I am considering the Wi-Fi IP phones because I already have a  
wireless network set-up and running well. Though, the 3Com AP seems  
to be a little crappier than I thought it would be and I am  
considering switching it for a better one.

My questions:

1. Have anyone here used the Epygi Quadro E1/T1? Is it any good? Is  
there any good (or better) hardware at the same cost ($2,300.00 USD)  
or even cheaper? I am considering it because it is certified by  
Anatel (the equivaldent to FCC here in Brazil). Cost is a serious  
concern to me but, as I said, I am afraid of cheaper and crappy  
stuff. This is the cheapest gateway I've found that seems to be good  
enough.

2. I considered the G3 because I have no use for it as of now, and  
see no chance in putting it to any use. This box is getting old fast,  
but I think it's still a good machine and I can mount it on my rack  
with the appropriate hardware. Will it handle 10 to 15 extensions (I  
have 7 extensions now and don't expect having more than 15 in the  
next 18 months or so)? From what I have seen on this list, I guess  
this G3 will do the job.

3. The Linksys WIP300 is the cheapest alternative from a recognized  
name-brand that I've seen. Is there anything better than that at the  
same price point? Is there anything good enough that is even cheaper?

4. From the specs of the equipments, I see that G.729 would be a  
great codec choice, since all the equipment supports it and it  
delivers good audio quality. Also, there would be no codec  
conversion. I do not plan on using a VoIP provider now; I just want  
VoIP on my internal structure.

Well... I guess that's it for now. This message is really long  
already. I know I should pay for this kind of consuting service, but  
I am shamelessly asking for some free advice on the list before I  
consider putting money on this project. Sorry if I am being  
inconvenient and, if I do, please let me know.


Thanks in advance,

Flavio Donadio