[asterisk-users] US-based echo test servers?

[SIP]

Nikhil Nair wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm running a small Asterisk server in the UK, just for personal use. 
> I've been experimenting with various VoIP providers for international 
> calls to PSTN numbers, particularly to the US (often California).  My 
> results, to date, have been very variable indeed, so much so that I'm 
> considering getting a suitable card and using the PSTN.
>
> I have found a VoIP provider with an excellent reputation, and it gives 
> very good quality.  However, I seem to get quite a bit of delay at times, 
> enough to make conversation awkward.  As the setup at the far end was not 
> completely trivial, I'm not 100% sure the problem was in my connection, 
> but I'd like to test that.
>
> Are there any US numbers I can call to get an Asterisk-style echo test? 
> Ideally, a California-based numnber, so I can try to call it from an 
> ordinary PSTN phone here, and compare calling via VoIP, and see if there's 
> an appreciable difference in the delay/quality.  I don't anticipate using 
> this for very long, so it doesn't necessarily need to be a free service.
>
> Failing that, does anyone have access to a US-based Asterisk server which 
> would allow me to make connections to its echo test?  Presumably, if I had 
> this, I could rent a PSTN number from a US-based provider, and point it to 
> the appropriate SIP/IAX address.  I expect my total usage would be just a 
> few minutes, though having the facility available for a few weeks would be 
> helpful, to allow me to play around with various options.  Again, I'd be 
> willing to pay a modest amount for this.
>
> Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Nikhil.
>
>   

Nikhil,

Can't help out on the California number, but IdeaSIP accepts incoming
calls to its echo test.   301 at proxy.ideasip.com

Alternatively, for a west-coast PSTN number to call, you could get a
number from IPKall.com, and forward it to 301 at proxy.ideasip.com, and
have a rough estimate.

N.