VoIP routers review

Using VoIP can save you money, but you need the right hardware to do it — so we put seven VoIP capable modem routers to the test.
 
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02.Results

 The following models scored the best results in our test 

What to buy
Brand Price
Neatgear DG834GV $195
Open Networks 824RLW $112
Billion BiPAC 7401VGP-M $134
 

 

Results table

Full results for all models are showin in the table below 

   
Energy use
Features
Manufacturer/Model Price Paid (a) Ease of use overall (100%) Energy consumption (W) Annual Dimensions (HxWxD) mm Weight (g) Ports available Box Contents Warranty (years)
Netgear DG834GV
www.netgear.com.au		 195 88 6.5 9.7 28x221x152 609 4 x RJ-45 10/100 ethernet, 4 x RJ-11 (ADL, PN failover, handset x 2) VoIP router, power adapter, RJ-45 ethernet cable, RJ-11 phone cable, ADL filter, antenna, 2x molded stands, GNU license, warranty card, CD-ROM 2
Belkin F1PI242EGau [b]
www.belkin.com.au		 279 85 10 14.8 35x249x160 1022 4 x RJ-45 10/100 ethernet, 4 x RJ-11 (ADL, handset x 2, PN failover), UB

VoIP router, power adapter, RJ-45 ethernet cable, RJ-11 phone cable, ADL filter, antenna, omizone brochure, IP account details, quick start guide, CD-ROM, Belkin setup wizard software.

 2
Dynalink RTA1046VW
www.netcomm.com.au		 190 85 10.7 15.9 35x220x154 1044 4 x RJ-45 10/100 ethernet, 4 x RJ-11 (ADL, PN failover, handset x 2) VoIP router, power adapter, RJ-45 ethernet cable, RJ-11 phone cable, ADL filter, antenna, CD-ROM 1
Draytek Vigor 2700VG
www.draytek.com.au		 240 84 9 13.4 31x220x159 963 4 x RJ-45 10/100 ethernet, 4 x RJ-11 (ADL, PN failover, handset x 2) VoIP router, power adapter, RJ-45 ethernet cable, 2x RJ-11 phone cables, antenna, wall mounting kit, quick start guide, Web Content filter activation guide, 2008 desk calendar, CD-ROM; oftware included: 30-day trial urfControl web content filter, Firmware upgrade utility, yslog, mart VPN client. 2
Open Networks 824RLW [c]
www.opennw.com		 112 84 9.6 14.3 30x210x148 964 4 x RJ-45 10/100 ethernet, 4 x RJ-11 (ADL, PN failover, handset x 2) VoIP router, power adapter, RJ-45 ethernet cable, RJ-11 phone cable, ADL filter, antenna, console tool, quick start guide, CD-ROM. 1
Billion BiPAC 7401VGP-M
www.billion.com.au		 134 83 9.3 13.8 40x180x120 873 4 x RJ-45 10/100 ethernet, 3 x RJ-11 (ADL, PN failover, handset) VoIP router, power adapter, RJ-45 ethernet cable, RJ-11 phone cable, ADL filter, antenna, console tool, quick start guide, warranty card, CD-ROM, RouterFinder software. 2
NetComm NB9WMAXX [d]
www.netcomm.com.au		 180 73 10.2 15.2 40x227x144 586 4 x RJ-45 10/100 ethernet, 4 x RJ-11 (ADL, PN failover, handset x 2) VoIP router, power adapter, RJ-45 ethernet cable, 2x RJ-11 phone cable, antenna, quick start guide, CD-ROM; pyware Doctor 5.1 (3 month trial) security software. 1
 

Table notes

1 Price paid in September 2008.

2 Ease of Use (80% software, 20% hardware) Based on the hardware set up, including installation. Software was also evaluated, including the menu layout and configuration, setup wizards, steps to configure the VoIP component, and QoS.

[a] In most cases the actual price paid for the units tested was well below RRP, so shop around to get the best price.

[b] Only available from iiNet.

[c] 4-port model tested. There is a 3-port model also.

[d] Two years extra warranty enabled by website registration.

How we tested

Ease of use

We looked firstly at how easy it was to install and configure the hardware and software, including how many steps it takes to get each VoIP modem running for voice communication. We then examined how easy each was to manage and use.

Performance

The performance of each VoIP modem was assessed in terms of the quality of calls compared to a traditional phone line. We tested using a standardised voice call from a VoIP line to a landline, and from a VoIP line to an additional VoIP line. The call quality was also tested when the ADSL2+ connection was both idle and under load, and with and without QoS (Quality of Service) enabled.

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