[Asterisk-Users] SoftPhones: Bad, or just bad QoS?

[Time Bandit]

> Hi again, folks. I've been getting feedback from this list and
> elsewhere that softphones are generally not considered good enough
> for hardcore business use. Can someone point me to where I can find
> more detail on this debate?
Search the list. there is been a lot of talk on this subject.
Try google (with "site:lists.digium.com")
 
> Is the problem that the technology isn't mature, that the load on the
> computer is too high, or simply that it doesn't work well in a poorly
> designed network?
YMMV. I like the portability of a softphone, but sound may jitter
because of other apps running on the computer.
 
> Any time I mention VOIP and network, people tell me to make sure that
> I have QoS capabilities. If I do, and can tweak it appropriately,
> will that eliminate (or at least greatly minimize) problems with soft
> phones?
If you are on your LAN, it can help. But remember that when you get on
the net, you don't control the equipment.
 
> I am really loathe to rewire my building, and I really have to move
> to gigabit for unrelated reasons, so I would like to be able to use
> the single gigabit port in every office to serve both the computer
> and the phone. That seems to mean either soft phones or putting a
> small gig hub in every office, no?
Lots of VoIP phones come with 2 LAN ports : 1 for the LAN and the
other to connect the computer. So no need to have a hub. And, avoid
hubs, better use a switch.

hth