Important Router

In order for your network to work correctly with the Fonality Connect service, there are a few general settings that need to be in place.

Please ensure the following configurations are in place on any routers, firewalls, or modem/router devices on your network. These changes are typically made by logging into the web interface of the device.
 

Recommended Router Settings

• Double-NATing (Double Routing) :: The best set up is to have only a single device performing network routing functions. Double NATing is known to cause many issues for VoiP based traffic. It is best to eliminate or bridge any extra routing devices or modem/router combinations. If you are unsure how to bridge a device, please contact your ISP or your device manufacturer.

• Allow SIP, UDP, and RTP Protocols :: These are the protocol that we use to send/receive voice traffic. If there are any firewalls blocking these types of traffic it will interfere and cause issues.

• Disable SPI Firewall (Stateful Packet Inspection) :: SPI is a feature that gives a thumbs up or a thumbs down to each incoming packet and often times rejects valid voice traffic as a security risk. Disabling this feature does not completely open you up to attack as the intrinsic nature of NAT (Network Address Translation) helps protect you. In addition, you should always have a software based, application firewall on your individual computers for maximum protection.

• Disable SIP ALG (Application Level Gateway) and/or SIP Transformation :: These mangle the SIP packets our service uses and results in traffic flowing improperly.

• Disable any VoiP-specific settings :: There are many network devices that come pre-equipped with customized settings for other VoiP services. Many times these will interfere with the Fonality Connect service. Our system does not require any proprietary or VoiP-specific features.

• Ensuring the above settings are made will resolve most VoiP related issues. In most cases you will need to restart your network devices for these changes to take effect.
   

Things that will not work

• Built-in RJ-11 ports/ATA adapters :: These built in ports design to interface with analog devices typically use the same communication ports that Fonality Connect uses and will conflict with your VoiP service.

• Wireless of any kind :: WiMax, Wifi, Wireless T1, Satellite, Microwave connections, Cellular connections. All of these types of services are not equipped and are not robust enough to handle voice traffic and will result in dropped calls and call quality issues. Speed isn't the issue here so ignore whatever these providers tell you. Delay variance is the biggest concern and they just can't make it consistent enough with these services.