[asterisk-users] Softphones IAX vs. SIP, remote connectivity.

[Nick Ellson]

Hey all,

A previous annoyance with not being able to call out to my brother on FWD 
from my Asterisk system had me thinking that since I have my own PBX, and 
that system has it's own 1-to-1 static NAT to the internet, I should be 
able to act as the provider for him or any of my family, and have them as 
local extensions of my PBX, right?

So I took my laptop to work (using the X-Lite SIP softphone) and watch my 
ACL logs on my router for any denies to my Asterisk box. As expected 
udp/5060, then once that was open, a series of randomish udp/10000+ 
requests. My phone registered, and I tried to call one of the phones 
behind a PAP2. Worked first shot, and just as clear and responsive as it 
was when I was home. But, the phones at home could not call me, they when 
to voice mail.

I had heard that SIP doesn't survive NAT all that well, and that IAX 
native phones do a better job. My question is, given my description of how 
I am set up and what I am trying to accomplish, should I be looking at SIP 
or is IAX a more robust choice? (I was hoping to get video working as 
well, h.263 I believe it is).

Nick


-- 
Nick Ellson
CCDA, CCNP, CCSP, CCAI,
MCSE 2000, Security+, Network+
Network Hobbyist, VFR Private Pilot.