[Asterisk-Users] Startup Question

[Dana Olson]

On Wed, 9 Feb 2005 13:46:41 -0600, Anton Krall
<akrall-lists at intruder.com.mx> wrote:
> Guys, Im new to asterisk and voip but Im have a couple of questions
> regarding the initial setup.
> 
> 1. Im going to install an asterisk server at home, where I have 2 phone
> lines, what kind of card do I need to get? I was thinking about 2 X100P
> Cards, so 1 can have 2 FXO ports and regarding phones, what else do I need?
> Ive seen the Grandstream HandyTone HT-286, I guess that servers as and FXS
> devide for attaching analog phones right? Any phone? Is it better to use
> those or use IP Phones?
> 
> The software solution for voip like sokol's one seems a bit unstable due to
> winxp limitations :) so Im thniking about going the HW way.. What do you
> think? Are those IAX compatible?
> 
> 2. I checked stuff about IAXNet and FWD, but Im still unclear as to what
> really FWD is? And how does it help you on? For example, Im in Mexico City,
> can I setup my asterisk box and for example, how can I use it so that I can
> make calls to the US by using a US dialtone? Of what does FWD really does?
> Is it a network of asterisk boxes connected to each other so FWD users can
> talk to each other? Or is it a network with POTS line that can help you get
> international dialouts?
> 
> Thank you for your patience as I can imagine this has been asked a lot of
> times :(
> 
> __________________________________________________________________
> Anton Krall



I'd recommend a TDM22B card. That would give you 2 FXO and 2 FXS all
on one card. I'm using a TDM11B, with, you guessed it, only 1 FXO and
1 FXS. It works great in my old Pentium 2 system.

I have a cordless phone plugged into it, and it works great.

I've also got a HandyTone 286 on the way, for plugging up another
phone downstairs. I have a Packet8 DTA that is hackable to some extent
and *works* with a phone plugged into that, but I don't recommend
wasting your money.

Can't help you with FWD, as I haven't touched it yet. I've signed up
with a local IAX provider, but only have had a few days' experience. I
canceled my land-line's long distance today. :)
--
Dana