Buyer's Remorse

[Roger1322]

I've only had a few calls but so far things don't look good. I can hear my callers well but they pick up on about every other word I say. I've tried different configurations and support doesn't seem to have any answers. I use a cordless Uniden which has been a super phone and used it with Packet8 (now 8X8, I think, with great results). Don't use the USB cable, do have a good, fast cable internet connection, Skype video calls work great, so ummmm, wonder if it's just majicJack. I'm pretty computer savey so, unless I'm missing something here I think this thing goes back to Best But pretty soon.
Any advice or hints would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Roger

[cell14]

That might be the problem.Try a regular phone. If it works try a V-tech.
I had to get rid off my Panasonic

[Roger1322]

Thanks, maybe it's worth a shot.

[tony]

do have a good, fast cable internet connection,

Another aspect in addition to speed is the quality for VOIP calls. Do a Google search for "voip test" and a bunch will come up. Here's one http://myspeed.visualware.com/voip/ What kind of score do you get for MOS and jitter. Do the tests report your connection can sustain a VOIP call.

Also, as others have suggested, try a corded phone as a test to eliminate the variable of a cordless phone.

Also read the posts about proxies, it could be you are connecting to an overloaded proxy for your calls.

[Roger1322]

Thanks! Did the test - no problems there. I'll take a look at a corded phone but will really be disappointed if that's it because using a cordless is most of the appeal. Just thought of something - Okay, I'm back. I think the problem is solved, just did a test call. I had two other computers going in the house - just shut them down, made a test call with no problems. Now, the problem is - it is really going to be inconvenient to have to shut the other computers down - I need them running for various reasons. The solution will probably be an upgraded router. I have an old Linksys G. Any recommendations?
Thanks

[tony]

A "g" router should be more than enough. MJ works fine with a "b" router which is all I get in some hotels.

Some more questions. As for your various computers, is your MJ computer connected by wire to your router or by wifi? Wired to your router gives the best call results. Consider plugging your MJ into the computer that is connected by wire to the router.

Next step is to give your VOIP calls priority over other traffic on your Internet connection. Check your router to see if it has the ability to turn on QOS (quality of service). Alternatively there is a hardware solution (besides a new router) in the form of a Hawkings Broadband Booster or similar. Search these forums or eBay. Either enabling QOS on your router or installing a booster will give phone calls priority on your Internet connection. Then other traffic from your other computers won't interfere with your call.

I think you are on your way to better calls, just need to tweak all the variables along the way.

[Alpman]

There have been some known problems with Linksys g routers and MJ. Do a search. You may be able to upgrade the firmware to solve your problems.

[Roger1322]

Thanks to both of you! I think I'v got my ducks in a row and tend to think in terms pf replacing the router - any names?

[nightstryke]

For those who aren't too tech savvy i'd say stick with Linksys first, then netgear, belkin's alright, d-link in my personal experience would be the worst type of router to get. Though I've currently got an Untangle Box Setup as my router now, but that's only if you absolutely know what you're doing with computers. For the simple stuff stick with those brand names normally they won't let you down, just make sure you configure in them the Quality of Service for the Magic Jack.

[Roger1322]

Thanks, I'm comfortable with all those but what do you mean configure with MJ quality of service - how?
Thanks

[nightstryke]

Well normally when you setup a router, usually you're able to connect to a web interface via the router ip on your home network and usually in the advanced setting tabs or somewhere on that interface is QoS or as most people call it Quality of Service.

[Roger1322]

Well, thanks for that info - I hadn't thought anything about any of the settings since I first set it up four years ago. I just went to my account on Linksys and went through the works twice and saw nothing about QOS - could it be because this is such an old router? It's a WRT54G, Version 4.1. Firmware is totally updated.
Thanks

[nightstryke]

Yeah from what i understand they only recently started the QoS settings in routers so if you have a router made before 2-3 years ago it probably won't have it in there even if you upgrade the firmware. If you buy a new linksys router its in there for sure, as far as the other companies i'm not sure if they've started added it in standard.

Edit: You may want to check this picture out, i found it on the DSLReports Forum if you login to your router and check where this picture indicates you may be able to set something up.

[Roger1322]

Thanks, my friend. I haven't been able to get to get the link to work but I'll keep trying. In the meantime I'm going to think about a new router, maybe a Linksys N, even though this thing works flawlessly. More and more I think the router is probably the MJ problem. Hey, it's not that much and it's time to move on. If it doesn't work after that - no big deal.
Thanks for your interest - I'll report back.
Roger

[nightstryke]

I updated the link see if you can find it in your router web interface.

[Roger1322]

Amazing - I guess I need pictures! Okay, changed the QoS and will make some calls tomorrow and post whai I think then.
Again, Thanks!
Roger

[Roger1322]

Well, I made and received calls - now I have an echo on the other end?????????? I'll keep treaking the router settings.

[tony]

Re: echo, there's a Wiki page that has trouble shooting steps for choppy/echoing calls. Check that out http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/MagicJack/ ... oppy_Voice.

Sometimes the echo is only on one end. What is the response from the person at the other end in terms of how they perceive call quality?

[Roger1322]

The echo is on the other end - infact, all issues have been on other end - local, Florida, 100 miles from here, etc.

[hsweiss]

Thanks! Did the test - no problems there. I'll take a look at a corded phone but will really be disappointed if that's it because using a cordless is most of the appeal. Just thought of something - Okay, I'm back. I think the problem is solved, just did a test call. I had two other computers going in the house - just shut them down, made a test call with no problems. Now, the problem is - it is really going to be inconvenient to have to shut the other computers down - I need them running for various reasons. The solution will probably be an upgraded router. I have an old Linksys G. Any recommendations?
Thanks

Is the machine with the MJ connected via an ethernet cable to the router or via 801.11? Try going wired if you're currently running wireless. It'll make a big difference.

[hsweiss]

Well, I made and received calls - now I have an echo on the other end?????????? I'll keep treaking the router settings.

Try lowering your volume settings in the soft phone.

[Roger1322]

Thanks! I am wired. When you say soft phone, what do you mean?
Roger

[tony]

When you say soft phone, what do you mean?
Roger

The soft phone is the "phone" like application that appears on your computer monitor. Probably short form of software phone.

There is a menu option where you can adjust the volume settings. The suggestion is to reduce the volume settings will reduce the echo.

[Roger1322]

Well, I figured that and did that so we'll see what happens.
Thanks