[Asterisk-Users] Re: Anyone using verizon fios ftth for analog voice?Any echo?

[LJ]

I am using Verizon FIOS to my home.  I subscribe to a 5 MB down 2 MB up data package.  I continue to pay for a standard voice line in addition to the broadband connection only for local calling, fax and emergency 911 use.

The way it works is that the fiber optic connection is terminated on the house via an ONT (optical network termination).  The ONT can provide connectivity for three types of service, voice, video and data. 

A CAT5 cable is connected from the ONT to a location in your home where the router is installed.  The in home copper Telco connection is then moved from the existing demarc to an analog termination point in the ONT.  At this point both traditional voice (not VoIP) and broadband data, utilized a single fiber connection to the CO.

In my case I am terminating the analog port from the ONT to my Asterisk box v1.2.2 with a TDM400 interface.  All local, E911 and toll-free calls are routed via the Verizon voice circuit and the quality is great. 

I've been running Asterisk in my home for about two years now.   With both copper (prior to FIOS) and fiber line connectivity the quality was about the same for me on the voice circuit, but I only live about 1.5 miles from my CO.  Both provide opportunity for echo issues.  When I moved from Asterisk v1.0.9 to v1.2.1, I needed to redo my zapata.conf settings due to noticeable near-end echo.  Once properly tuned I have not had anymore echo on the Verizon trunk.

Where the FIOS service really shines is in my VoIP SIP / IAX trunk performance.  I use both VoicePulse and FWD on G.711 codec's, with excellent results.

I can't tell you if moving to FIOS will alleviate your customers echo issues, but with free installation and increased bandwidth, replacing an older copper connection from CO to home with a brand new fiber optic connection was the right move for me.

Larry