I currently use a Telstra ADSL service connected to it via an ADSL modem in bridge mode connected to an ASUS AC87U Wifi Router that is providing my main Wifi and wired access to the Internet.
I have placed an order for Telstra NBN (via FTTN) and have received the Telstra Gateway Max Router.
When I switch over to NBN I know that I will need to move to Telstra's VOIP service that is provided automatically via the Telstra Gateway Max Modem/Router.
However for me to still use my ASUS Router I will need to put the Telstra modem into BRIDGE MODE, which (from what I have read and cant confirm) will automatically disables the VOIP service on the Telstra Modem
Further reading in these forums claims that the VOIP service on a BRIDGED Telstra G Max modem may still work - but it is a "NON standard configuration" - what is the impact of running VOIP through a BRIDGED Telstra G Max modem?
I have a Linksys SPA 3102 VOIP device that I could plug into my Wifi router to acess Telstra VOIP services but that is not possible as Telstra will *not publish* the SIP ATA settings for generic VOIP devices.
After much reading I have discovered that I could attach my Telstra Gateway Modem / Router to my Wifi Router which could then connect to Telstra's VOIP service but in doing so I lose my ability to establish a VDSL connection to the VDSL connected FTTN NBN!
The only other option is to purchase ANOTHER Telstra Gateway Max router/modem to perform the VDSL connection and place that in bridge mode. I could buy a compatible VDSL modem (eg TP LINK or ASUS) but Telstra wont guarantee support for VDSL modems it does not provide as part of its service.
This is what the connectivity would look like
[ FTTN NBN] ---> (VDSL) ---> (PSTN) [ Telstra G Max (bridged mode) ]
(LAN PORT)
|
+---> (WAN Port) [ Asus Router ]
( LAN PORT)
|
+---> ( WAN port ) [ Telstra G Max (VOIP) ]
( VOIP phone port )
|
[ My home DECT phone ]
The Telstra G Max modem in VOIP mode is the one Telstra provided me as part of my sign up for NBN.
I also assume that I will have to arrange port forwarding on my ASUS router to the Telstra G Max VOIP.
What port forward settings will I need to set on the router to direct traffic back to the Telstra G Max used for VOIP plugged into the Wifi Router?
I have also read that I may also need to tag all VOIP data with QoS setting DSCP 0 else they will be blocked by Telstra or is that not an issue for the Telstra GMax as it is already tagging it.
Now from what I have read the VOIP modem uses your FNN (your full national number - home phone number ) to identify itself with Telstra so it shouldnt matter what Telstra G Max modem I plug in to get my VDSL service connected - correct?
I have also read that the IPoE connectivity that Telstra uses to connect VDSL modems to its network uses a reverse lookup on your home phone number (FNN) to identify your account details on the Telstra server side. Thus no need to enter PPPoE Telstra usernames and passwords within your modem - you just plug in and it works.
My questions given the above arrangement are:
1) Will the 2nd Telstra G Max modem that provides VDSL connection to Telstra (and is not pre-registered for VOIP) confuse Telstra with the other G Max Modem pre-registered for my VOIP service and the VDSL service?
2) Will the 2nd Telstra G Max modem that connects VDSL just work when I plug it in?
3) Will the 1st Telstra G Max modem that I am using purely for VDSL just work when I plug it in - successfully connecting me to Telstra's NBN?
4) Will VOIP work on a Telstra G Max Bridged modem ? - what are the limitations of using it?
5) How else can I retain my WIfi Router and still use Telstra's VOIP service - how is it possible to configure?
6 ) Why is Telstra not supplying generic SIP details for their VOIP service like other Telcos?
My configuration of Basic Modem -> Your own Router is very common - why wont Telstra support this arrangement in a more flexible way?
If Telstra cant support my arrangement I may need to cancel my NBN service and move to another provider who can accommodate my configuration.