[GLLUG] An obscure VOIP problem

[Chris Bell]

On Saturday, 8 October 2022 17:48:28 BST John Winters via GLLUG wrote:
> On 08/10/2022 17:38, Chris Bell via GLLUG wrote:
> [snip]
> 
> > Almost everything works fine except when dialling a telephone number that
> > requires a subsequent button press to select the required service. This
> > always works or always fails, depending on the destination.
> > She has a new Siemens Gigaset C570HX handset, C575A DECT base station,
> 
> I use Gigaset stuff for VoIP and the button stuff seems to work fine.
> There are settings in the base station (under advanced VoIP settings) to
> tweak relating to this.  You are right in assuming that they are
> transmitted digitally and not as tones.
> 
> As always, using Andrews and Arnold will save you a world of pain.
> 
> Cheers,
> John

I am suspicious that the problem is due to the dialled number (in this case 
the local ASDA supermarket) not registering the brief DTMF, and needing a 
replacement for their old PABX.
I am not sure which way we are heading with VOIP.  It seems to me that we do 
not need a fully working top quality DNS system as well as a telephone 
numbering system. Businesses could arrange as many different direct dial 
systems as they need for their services, with no requirements for subsequent 
button presses.
OpenReach do not have a schedule for installing FTTP In this area, and there 
is no choice of supplier because it is cost effective for a single supplier to 
cable an entire local area. Some huge tower blocks are getting Hyperoptic, a 
large nearby business area gets ITS Technology,  while residential areas are 
getting CommunityFibre.co.uk. You can get a different supplier, but the cost is 
prohibitive.
CommunityFibre offer a basic internet connection with all dynamic addresses and 
a very restricted optional residential VOIP service, and the choice is between 
that and arranging an independent VOIP supplier, more than most of their 
customers are able to cope with. Many of the alternatives aim to provide a 
full business class service, probably way beyond their capabilities and needs.
I purchased a Gigaset N300A DECT base station with analogue and VOIP 
capabilities for myself, even though I do not expect FTTH here any time soon, 
and may eventually have to get another for my sister.
-- 
Chris Bell
Website chrisbell.org.uk