VoIP HELP FOR WIFI

[RTRANS]

Is it possible to use, Vonage or one of the other internet phone services, connecting through a wireless bridge to a Wifi hotspot. I have an RV with an internal wireless network which is networked via cable and/or wireless card, to a wireless bridge. When we pull into a hotspot area/campground, our network has an internet connection. But I'm not sure if the bandwidth will accomdate a VoIP. And if it can be done, any idea on the number of calls it could handle at one time?

[M/Q]

I would like to help, but your question is very dependent on each circumstance. I can only suggest that you ask the hotspot owner their opinion on the matter. I might add I would consider it a common courtesy to do so, just to not overwhelm the network.

[golfnut]

The Vonage service requires certain ports to be open on the router at the hotspot so it probably won't work.

You could use a wireless VOIP SIP phone (i.e. Zyxel) along with a virtual phone number provided by VOIP service provider (i.e. Broadvoice) and these will work anywhere within range of a wireless signal of an open network. If the hotspot location requires a username / password to access the network, SIP phones don't support this. The only way around this would be MAC ID passthrough.

I think SIP phones consumer about 128k of bandwidth however, the quality of the call is based on the quality of the wireless network (QoS) and most wireless networks and hotspots aren't designed to support this.

Greg

[RTRANS]

I also believe that one should be courteous and not monopolize the service. As in all things a few bad apples can spoil it for everyone.

[RTRANS]

Thanks, I wasn't aware of that on Vonage. Does the same port issue apply to other services such as Skype?