VoIP Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is VoIP and how does it work?
VoIP is an Internet phone system that allows you to make and receive calls using your high-speed Internet connection. The technology behind Voice over IP service converts your voice into little packets of data so that it can be sent over the Internet using your high-speed or fiber connection.
All you need to do is plug your computer, high-speed Internet connection, and standard household phone into the provided Linksys adapter. Calls are made and received the same way you would with any telephone – simply pick it up and dial the number you wish to call. Click here to see how it works.
Q: Who can use VoIP?
TouchTone VoIP is available to anyone who has high-speed Internet, DSL cable, or fiber connection.
Q: Can I use my existing phone?
Yes! VoIP works with most standard corded and cordless phones. We’ll send you a starter kit complete with adapter and easy to follow instructions.
Q: Is VoIP both PC and MAC friendly?
Absolutely! To program your adapter (if needed) you will need Internet Explorer 5.5 or Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.X for Windows, and Apple Safari 1.0 on a Mac OS 9 or OS X.
Q: What's included if I sign up for VoIP service?
To learn more, visit the Calling Plans and Equipment section of this website.
Q: Is it right for me?
If you would like to lower your long distance bills and enjoy convenient calling features, then TouchTone VoIP is for you!
Q: What kind of equipment do I need?
Besides the start-up kit that we ship to your home, you will need broadband (high-speed Internet) connection, a broadband router or gateway to share Internet connection, and a standard analog touch-tone telephone or fax machine. In most cases, you can use your existing phone or fax machine.
Q: What’s included in the start-up kit?
Your start-up kit includes:
• Phone adapter
• Power adapter
• Network cable
• Easy to follow installation guide
Q: Can I keep my current number?
In most cases you can keep your existing telephone number. To check availability, please call Customer Service at 800-266-4006.
Q: Who can I call?
Anyone who has a phone - this includes calls made to local, long distance, international, and even mobile telephone numbers.
Q: Can I make calls while I’m browsing the Internet?
Yes. VoIP will not interfere with your other broadband-based services (Internet access, etc.). You can make Internet phone calls or send a fax while browsing the Internet, however, upstream data traffic passing through your Internet connection may affect the quality of your telephone call.
Q: What does E-911 compliant mean?
TouchTone VoIP is E-911 (Enhanced 911) compliant, a helpful free feature that provides customers with reliable 911 services (where available).
911 calls are routed to designated Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) such as your local or county police, fire and rescue departments. E-911 automatically provides PSAPs with the telephone number of the 911 call, and is also capable of transmitting the customer's name and home address to assist in dispatching emergency care. For more information, visit the VoIP 911: It's Different section of this website.
Q: Can I make calls if my Internet connection is down?
No, your high-speed Internet connection must be active to place Internet phone calls. If you require immediate assistance please call TouchTone Customer Service at 800-266-4006.
Technical Information
What is the maximum number of IP addresses that the Phone Adapter will support?
The Phone Adapter will support up to 253 IP addresses.
Where is the Phone Adapter installed on the network?
In a typical environment the Phone Adapter is installed between the cable/DSL modem and the local area network (LAN). Plug the Phone Adapter into the cable/DSL modem’s Ethernet port.
Does the Phone Adapter support IPX or AppleTalk?
No. TCP/IP is the only protocol standard for the Internet and has become the global standard for communications. IPX, a NetWare communications protocol used only to route messages from one node to another, and AppleTalk, a communications protocol used on Apple and Macintosh networks, can be used for LAN to LAN connections, but those protocols cannot connect from the Internet to the LAN.
Does the Phone Adapter support any operating system other than Windows 98, Millennium, 2000, or XP?
Yes, but at this time Linksys does not provide technical support for setup, configuration or troubleshooting of any non-Windows operating systems.
Does the Phone Adapter support ICQ send file?
Yes, simply follow the below instructions.
1. Click ICQ Menu => Preference => Connections Tab=>
2. Check,"I am behind a firewall or proxy."
3. In the Firewall Settings option, set the firewall time-out to 80 seconds. The Internet user can then send a file to a user behind the Phone Adapter.
I set up an "Unreal Tournament Server," but others on the LAN cannot join. What do I need to do?
If you have a dedicated "Unreal Tournament Server" running, you need to create a static IP for each of the LAN computers and forward ports 7777, 7778, 7779, 7780, 7781, and 27900 to the IP address of the server. You can also use a port forwarding range of 7777 to 27900. If you want to use the UT Server Admin, simply forward another port (8080 usually works well but is used for remote admin. You may have to disable this). Then in the [UWeb.WebServer] section of the server.ini file, set the ListenPort to 8080 (to match the mapped port above) and Server Name to the IP assigned to the Phone Adapter from your ISP.
Can multiple gamers on the LAN get on one game server and play simultaneously with just one public IP address?
It depends on which network game or what kind of game server you are using. For example, "
Unreal Tournament" supports multi-login with one public IP.
How do I get Half-Life: Team Fortress to work with the Phone Adapter?
The default client port for Half-Life is 27005. The computers on your LAN need to have “+clientport 2700x” added to the HL shortcut command line; the x would be 6, 7, 8, and on up. This allows multiple computers to connect to the same server. One problem: Version 1.0.1.6 won’t let multiple computers with the same CD key connect at the same time, even if on the same LAN (not a problem with 1.0.1.3). As far as hosting games, the HL server does not need to be in the DMZ. Just forward port 27015 to the local IP address of the server computer.
How can I block corrupted FTP downloads?
If you are experiencing corrupted files when you download a file with your FTP client, try using another FTP program.
The web page hangs, downloads are corrupt, or nothing but junk characters are being displayed on the screen. What do I need to do?
Force your Ethernet adapter to 10Mbps or half duplex mode, and turn off the “Auto-negotiate” feature of your Ethernet adapter as a temporary measure. Look at the Network Control Panel in your Ethernet adapter’s Advanced Properties tab. Make sure that your proxy setting is disabled in the browser. For more information visit www.linksys.com.
Will the Phone Adapter function in a Macintosh environment?
Yes, but the Phone Adapter’s setup pages are accessible only through Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape Navigator 5.0 or higher for Macintosh.
I am not able to get the web configuration screen for the Phone Adapter. What can I do?
You may have to remove the proxy settings on your Internet browser (e.g., Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer), or remove the dial-up settings on your browser. Check with your browser documentation, and make sure that your browser is set to connect directly and that any dial-up is disabled. For Internet Explorer, click Tools, Internet Options, and then the Connection tab. Make sure that Internet Explorer is set to Never Dial A Connection. For Netscape Navigator, click Edit, Preferences, Advanced, and Proxy. Make sure that Netscape Navigator is set to Direct Connection To The Internet.
What is DMZ Hosting? Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) allows one IP address (computer) to be exposed to the Internet. Some applications require multiple TCP/IP ports to be open. It is recommended that you set your computer with a static IP if you want to use DMZ Hosting. To get the LAN IP address, see “Appendix B: Finding the MAC Address and IP Address for Your Ethernet Adapter.” Visit www.linksys.com for additional information.
Q: If DMZ Hosting is used, does the exposed user share the public IP with the Phone Adapter?
No.
Q: Is the Phone Adapter cross-platform compatible?
Any platform that supports Ethernet and TCP/IP is compatible with the Phone Adapter.
Q: Does the Phone Adapter replace a modem? Is there a cable or DSL modem in the Phone Adapter?
No, this version of the Phone Adapter must work in conjunction with a cable or DSL modem.
Q: What modems are compatible with the Phone Adapter?
The Phone Adapter is compatible with virtually any cable or DSL modem that supports Ethernet.
Q: How do I get mIRC to work with the Phone Adapter?
Use the Router - Application screen, configure an entry and set the Starting and Ending Ports to 113 for the PC on which you are using mIRC.
Q: How do I make a phone call?
Once connected, pick up your phone and dial the number you wish to reach. It’s that simple!
Q: What is Network Address Translation and what is it used for?
Network Address Translation (NAT) translates multiple IP addresses on the private LAN to one public address that is sent out to the Internet. This adds a level of security since the address of a PC connected to the private LAN is never transmitted on the Internet. Furthermore, NAT allows the Phone Adapter to be used with low cost Internet accounts, such as DSL or cable modems, when only one TCP/IP address is provided by the ISP. The user may have many private addresses behind this single address provided by the ISP.
Troubleshooting
Installation and Troubleshooting: Visit www.linksys.com.
Technical Support: Call TouchTone Customer Service at 800-266-4006.
Reference User Guides:
> VoIP Web Portal Quick Reference User Guide [click to download]
> VoIP Voice Mail Quick Reference User Guide [click to download]
> VoIP Features Quick Reference User Guide [click to download]
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