Irish Broadband and VOIP

Hello all

I am getting between 250k and 500k download speeds using Irish Broadband, however, VOIP is still breaking up, even though theoretically it should be able to work adequately on 64k.

Anyone got any ideas?

Regards

SM

Download speed is only part of the problem. You also need to upload at a certain rate. Most important though is the time it takes for data to get from your computer to the destination also has to be under a certain time. This is called latency. I found VOIP unusable on my NTL because the latency varied too much. Voice comms, games are very dependent on low latency (fast response time) to work. Generally anything around 100 ms latency or higher makes applications like VOIP and gaming unusable. Wireless solutions generally have poor latency. You can check by using "Pinging" of "Tracert" to test the VOIP server you are connecting though. You'll find at peak times, the latency gets worse, especially if your BB service is oversubscribed. Too many people on the same node/mast etc.

Look at the download/upload/latency you're getting.

It's not the speed per se that is the problem, VoIP calls typically only need about 100kbps up and down. Your problem is most likely caused by packet loss and/or jitter (variation in the amount of time packets take to be delivered). It's unlikely you will be able to fix this yourself but you could check with your VoIP provider to see what CODEC you are using, for example, G729 is more susceptible to these problems than G711. Use iLBC as your CODEC if it is available to you. Also, check to make sure that you are not uploading/downloading a lot at the same time as making calls.

Is it a SIP Client? I've found when using xlite with an Asterisk server that the best codec is ulaw only. You should ask your service provider how your account is configured and their recommendations. I have used xlite with blueface (no affiliation) both direct and via my own Asterisk server and got very good quality calls. HTH

wishbone said:

Is it a SIP Client? I've found when using xlite with an Asterisk server that the best codec is ulaw only. You should ask your service provider how your account is configured and their recommendations. I have used xlite with blueface (no affiliation) both direct and via my own Asterisk server and got very good quality calls. HTH

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Was that with IBB?

No, sorry it was with BT (2mb) - but I'd check out your VoIP service provider and see what they say - is it the same poor service for all VoIP - for example if you use Yahoo, MSN or other do you have the same poor quality.

I have Ripwave from IB and I use Skype and I noticed the following: if I change the port Skype uses to connect I get a good connection for a call or two, then the subsequent calls get very bad. I change the port and again I get a few good calls.

I would not be surprised if IB is doing traffic monitoring and shaping trying to stop VoIP. After all they sell a VoIP product.

I have Ripwave 2 and connection and download speed is ok during the day and in the morning but in the evenings its terrible(8pm-1am). I'm thinking to get brodband from some other provider.