Softphone for FreePhoneLine for mac without java?

Why not just install java on the mac? I mean there are issues with java (namely security flaws here and there), but that's the simplest solution.

I don't know, maybe because "there are issues with java (namely security flaws here and there)" ?

OriginalMacBabe wrote: ↑ I am setting up my parents to eliminate phone bills. I am going to port them to freephoneline and buy the SIP key for an OBi device.

Be aware that the OBi100 and OBi110 are discontinued: http://blog.obihai.com/2016/08/end-of-l ... 0-and.html
So, if you're looking to buy a new ATA, look for an OBi200 or OBi202 from Newegg.ca instead (they go on sale about once per quarter).

OBi200/202 Freephoneline setup guide can be found here (v. 1.30).
I would recommend reading the first 3 pages of that guide, regardless of the ATA or SIP app you use.


Related OBi200 discussion can be found here. For OBi202, click here.

The RFD Freephoneline thread is over here: http://forums.redflagdeals.com/freephon ... ip-821229/

Is there an alternative app or softphone that will work with the FPL number on the desktop or tablet without requiring SIP key purchase?

No.

And if your parents don't have their own router and are using a Rogers' Hitron modem/router combo, they may need to disable SIP ALG in it (which is only easy to do in the Hitron CODA-4582 modem/router combo) or get their own router (preferably one that is capable of running third party Asuswrt-Merlin firmware or third party Tomato firmware in order to have easy access to UDP unreplied and UDP assured timeout settings) and shove the whatever Rogers gave them into bridge mode if they're using the desktop app. Another option is port forwarding, but that's a security risk.

At least when you buy the VoIP unlock key, you can use voip4:freephoneline.ca:6060, which is used to help bypass faulty SIP ALG features in routers.

By the way, you might want to read through this thread since you're considering using the FPL desktop app on a MAC: http://forum.fongo.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=18931

OR, if I buy the SIP credentials for the ATA, can I use the same ones on a softphone

Yes. However, keep in mind that FPL only allows one device registration per account at any given time.
If you attempt to register the same account on multiple devices, only the most recently registered device will ring for incoming calls.
By the way, I happen to use Groundwire (from Acrobits) when testing on iPhones (it allows me to send 911 calls via cellular service in addition to allowing me to save battery using push notifications. But there's a drawback with push notifications in that your SIP credentials are essentially being given to Acrobits, in order for them to register the SIP username and password on their proxy server so that users can receive push notifications. Also, I tend not to use FPL with SIP apps as well due to the more than 5 registration attempts within 5 minute IP ban limitation; that could become a registration issue with the Acrobits proxy server for push notifications. But you don't have to use push notifications if you don't want to).
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/groundw ... d378503081


Try the free FPL desktop app: https://www.fongo.com/app/desktop/
(fwiw, I dislike this app)

Make sure that you're not muting anything (microphone/speakers), and that you tested to ensure your mic is working before fiddling around with the app.

(For Windows 10 users, this is related: http://win10faq.com/fix-microphone-settings/)

And make sure you test incoming calls for 1-way audio issues before paying a dime to FPL (you'll need a mic and headphones/speakers to test). Test on a computer that's connected to your router (without DMZ or port forwarding enabled). Should you encounter 1-way audio issues, look for a feature called SIP ALG in your router (you may need to call your ISP if you're using a modem/router combo) and disable that feature.

C. Hitron CGN3 series modem/router combos from Rogers

i. Typically it's better to have your own router (newer Asus routers or something that can run Asuswrt-Merlin or Tomato) and to stick whatever modem/router combo your ISP gives you into bridge mode.

ii. Disable SIP ALG in your own router. Many modem/router combos that are issued by ISPs have faulty SIP ALG/SPI functions enabled, with no way to disable them. These features can mangle SIP headers.

To understand why SIP ALG is often a serious headache visit http://www.voip-info.org/wiki/view/Routers+SIP+ALG



Otherwise, get your ISP to disable SIP ALG for you. The rep you speak to may not know how to disable SIP ALG. Be prepared for stupidity and resistance. Someone may try to enable DMZ in your modem/router combo; that's a security risk and very stupid. Be aware if you reset your modem or when your ISP pushes new firmware to your modem/router combo, SIP ALG will be enabled again by default.

For Hitron modem users . . .

http://communityforums.rogers.com/t5/fo ... 972#M28972

Datalink wrote: Call tech support and ask the CSR to disable the SIP/ALG setting of the modem.

If the CSR refuses to check or uncheck the function switch, or tries to direct you to the Techxpert support which is a pay service, terminate the call and send a private message to @CommunityHelps to disable the SIP/ALG. Include your modem MAC address and Cable Account Reference Number in the text area. The Cable account reference number is located within the Internet section of your bill. If you are a new customer, you will not have immediate access to the Cable Account Reference Number. This can be obtained by calling Customer support. You can then send that Reference Number, along with the modem MAC address to CommunityHelps. The account number that you normally see or use is comprised of various home services such as Internet, Home Phone, Home Monitoring, etc, but the requested reference number is located at the top of the Internet section of your monthly account statement.

The modem MAC address can be found on the sticker at the back of the modem, or in the HFC MACC Address located in the Status page of the modem when you are logged into the modem.


When that is confirmed as complete, reboot the modem to determine if disabling the SIP/ALG has remedied the problem.

http://communityforums.rogers.com/t5/fo ... d-id/12535

Datalink wrote:The only problem now is that a modem reset will require you to send a pm to @CommunityHelps to disable the SIP/ALG setting again. To possibly avoid that, do the following:



1. Login into the modem,

2. Navigate to the ADMIN..... BACKUP page.

3. Run the Backup function and store the backup configuration file somewhere on your pc.



If you ever have to reset the modem, return to the ADMIN.... BACKUP page, run the Restore function using the configuration file that you have just created and then reboot the modem. Hopefully that also restores any parameters set by @CommunityHelps, which you are unable to accomplish from the user interface

The newest Hitron CODA-4582 modem has an option to disable SIP ALG.


Concerning Bell Hubs,

Typically it's better to have your own router and to stick whatever modem/router combo your ISP gives you into bridge mode:
http://forums.redflagdeals.com/please-s ... r-1993629/




iii. Properly enable QoS in your router for your computer that's running the Freephoneline desktop app (and ensure no other programs are running on your computer that are hogging bandwidth while using the Freephoneline desktop app). Refer to your router's manual or contact your ISP if you were issued a modem/router combo from them (typically those routers suck and have horrible or absent QoS functions).

I'm not a huge fan of this website, but it suffices for an explanation of QoS: http://www.voipmechanic.com/qos-for-voip.htm
Avoid anything it says about the G.729 codec.


iv. If you still get one-way audio issues with the desktop app, you may need to

a) open a ticket and request a "forced registration" with your FPL account: https://support.fongo.com/hc/en-us/requests/new. Select Desktop app-->"account inquiry" as the issue type.
Test again after they perform a "forced registration." If the forced registration works, don't port forward.

and/or

b) port forward, which is a security risk (and not advisable).
The FPL desktop app uses ports 5060-5061,6060-6061,13000-13001 if you're going to port forward for the desktop app (you need to port forward to the LAN IP of the computer you're using. For most home networks the IP will begin 192.168.xxx.x). Refer to your router's manual to learn how to port forward (if your router came from your ISP, contact your ISP).

I would start just by port forwarding 13000-13001 only, which is for RTP (audio packets). If that still doesn't work, you can try adding 6060 or 6061. The most dangerous ports to forward are 5060-5061 and really shouldn't be necessary if you're forwarding 6060 or 6061 anyway. I guess if all else fails, forward all of them: 5060-5061,6060-6061,13000-13001

These are all UDP ports.

5060, 5061, 6060, and 6061 should be alternate SIP ports.

Only port forward if all else fails (and only do it temporarily, since it's a security risk).

Also, since this is for your parents . . .

I've heard scary stuff about VoIP 911. Isn't it unreliable?

VoIP E911 is a two step process. With Freephonline, after dialing 911, the initial E911 call centre, which does have my name, address, and call back number, still has to transfer the call to local dispatch (PSAP), which doesn't have my name, address, and phone number.

It's important, when signing up to a VoIP service you're planning on using 911 with that you always keep your address updated on file with them. If you move, update your address. Your VoIP service sends that information to the E911 call centre/Northern911, which they will keep on file.

In some rare instances, I suppose it's possible that Northern911 (I'm guessing this is what FPL and other VoIP services in Canada use, but I'm not sure) may not transfer to the correct local dispatch (PSAP) number (human error happens). Some people I configured services for in the past were very paranoid about VoIP E911 and forced me to do a test call. Worked fine. That is, the first person I reached had name and address info; they ask for confirmation. And the call was promptly transferred to local dispatch and correct address info was given to local dispatch, verbally, by the first call centre. Worked fine each and every time I was asked to test.

How does this compare to 911 with a landline?

Landline 911 is not a two-step process. You don't need to keep your address updated. Landlines are the most reliable for 911 calls.
But landlines don't work after your telephone lines have been knocked out by a storm.

How does this compare with Mobile 911?

Mobile 911 is not a two step process. However, they do not have your exact address, but they should have an approximate location (they should at least have the cellular site/tower that's carrying your call), especially if you're in a major city (they may have latitude and longitude). If you're in a rural area, location based on cellular towers may not be very precise. 70%+ of 911 calls are now coming from mobile phones according to the CRTC. Going forward, this is where improvements are going to be made.


Also, keep in mind that with FPL each E911 call is $35. If you dial 911 less than twice a year (or less than every 3 years with Anveo's $1.20 USD/monthly fee) vs. paying $1.50 USD/month with Callcentric or VoIP.ms, you're ahead with FPL. And you're paying an ongoing minimum monthly fee of $3.98 with Ooma. Ask yourself how often you're calling 911. If you're a senior citizen with a lot of health issues, maybe FPL is a bad idea. (And I don't mean to belittle this point. Everyone gets old. Health is a serious matter.) Otherwise, you'll end up way ahead using a FPL in the long run (in terms of cost).

Here's the thing . . . I used to talk to FPL reps several years ago over the phone, back when they allowed tech support calls. And even then a e911 fee was listed (but not in the FAQs), and I inquired about it. I was told the fee was intended to dissuade people from test calling 911--and that people wouldn't actually be charged.

Fast forward to now, and the $35 per call E911 fee is listed in the FAQs. It's listed all over the place. It's certainly enough to prevent me from testing 911 on FPL. Reps are now saying you will be charged no matter what when you dial 911. Is that true? Maybe. Is that enough to scare me from testing 911? Sure. Has anyone been charged yet? I don't know. Anyway, no one is going to be calling 911 using FPL unless it's really necessary now, and if that's the intent, I'm fine with it. And if I really need E911 as a backup (my smartphone is always nearby), it's there for me. In the meantime, I'm not paying ongoing monthly fees for something I'm not using.


Obihai OBi200/202 ATAs with the OBiBT adapter can be paired with smartphones over bluetooth: http://www.obihai.com/obibt.
Then with an Obihai OBi 200/202 ATA, you'd add {911:bt} in your OutboundCallRoute, and then all of your 911 calls on your phones go out over your smartphone's 911 cellular service, provided your smartphone remains within bluetooth range of the ATA.


By the way, There's also Anveo's E911 service ($15 USD per year) available through the Obitalk.com web portal, as an alternative 911 service (limited to a maximum of 5 e911 calls per year): https://www.anveo.com/e911obi.asp (click the link for more information). People asking for help with this Anveo E911 service should probably ask canadaodyowner, who is using this service and is also a Freephoneline customer: merged-freephoneline-ca-free-local-soft ... st24980477. I have no experience with Anveo's special E911 service.


VoIP E911 is available all the time under these conditions:

1) You have electricity. A UPS is always a good idea.

2) Your internet service isn't out.

3) Your VoIP service isn't down.

I don't know anyone who doesn't have a smartphone.

Wow. That's a big answer. Thank you. I will read through carefully but wanted to quickly reply. I have been using the OBi100 with Rogers for a couple of years now without issue, but I didn't buy the FPL SIP credentials, I just forwarded that number directly to my mobile device. I used the OBi100 for my GV line and it has not failed me yet. I am giving that unit to my parents (yes, I know it is now discontinued and it has been updated to the latest firmware manually). I purchased a new OBi200 for myself.

Are you suggesting that I might have trouble with the Rogers modem and the FPL credentials even though I didn't have trouble with the GV? I don't recall having to do anything special to the modem to get the OBi100 with GV to work perfectly. (But I appreciate the info on the @communityhelps because I've run into issue with the idiot insisting I need TechExpert BS before for simple things)

Also, no, they won't be using a soft phone desktop app 1) because it requires JAVA and 2) because they have a handset system they will be using. I just wanted to set up the desktop so I could play with it while I was setting up the system. If there isn't another option, it isn't really a problem, I'll just work directly with the phone. There is no Windows or Android anything anywhere in our homes, so that isn't an issue.

As for 911, my Dad knows that he must use his mobile device for those calls. Or if they make a mistake and end up paying the $35, it won't be the end of the world ... it is still cheaper than staying with Rogers.

I'll read the rest more carefully and comment back if I run into anything. As always @Webslinger, you are super helpful.

OriginalMacBabe wrote: ↑
Are you suggesting that I might have trouble with the Rogers modem and the FPL credentials even though I didn't have trouble with the GV?

Yes.

1) GV uses a different protocol with Obihai ATAs than FPL does. GV is XMPP (when used with Obihai ATAs). FPL is SIP.

2) Getting FPL to work is a lot more complicated than getting GV to work. For one, the Obitalk.com Freephoneline preset configuration is not completely correct the last time I checked (refer to pages 5 and 6 in the PDF guide for the OBi200/202 I linked earlier).

And then FPL configures its switches differently than most other VoIP providers. You may experience one-way audio issues. Refer to pages 34 to 35 in the PDF guide I linked to (the OBi200/202 setup guide).

For newcomers, especially since FPL does not offer free technical support, FPL can be a bit daunting.

I do not recommend using the Freephoneline preset configuration at Obitalk.com. Instead, I would use the PDF guide and go through it step by step.

3) It's not an issue with the modem. It's an issue with the router, which is built into the modem (modem/router combo or gateway), specifically a feature called SIP ALG.
Basically, you need to either get SIP ALG disabled or use voip4.freephoneline.ca:6060 for the SIP server.

You can't use voip4.freephoneline.ca:6060 with the desktop app, which is intended to help circumvent faulty SIP ALG issues, but you can if you buy the VoIP unlock key (and use it with something other than the FPL desktop app).


Typically, I suggest people try the desktop app first before buying anything (despite the fact I dislike the app).

If you won't be using the desktop app, you can ignore what I said about ports in my original reply.

OK. Thank you. I will take a closer look about the setup and get back if I have more concerns. I have no concerns about manually setup; I've been programming computers and writing my own code for years.

I'm glad, as usual, that I stopped first to ask here. It did not occur to me that I'd have trouble switching them to FPL since my setup at home with GV works fine (and I have no other landline, just the Rogers modem).

I do not intend to use the desktop version, my parents won't understand it. My plan was to buy the SIP credentials. I am going to wait until after I'm sure it was working with the FPL number before I ported their phone number into the account, so that is why I was trying to figure out where to put the box. I can certainly test simply by removing their current Rogers phone device from the loop instead.

But, from what you are saying, unless I delete the Rogers phone entirely, there is no way to use the OBi for their long distance calling (without unplugging the Rogers phone) ?.

Also, Is there any security issue or other concerns involved in using the voip4.freephoneline.ca:6060 with the OBi, because if not, I'm good with just going ahead that way (we were planning to buy the SIP key anyway).

OriginalMacBabe wrote: ↑
But, from what you are saying, unless I delete the Rogers phone entirely, there is no way to use the OBi for their long distance calling (without unplugging the Rogers phone) ?

No. Rogers Home phone runs on their own network. It's VoIP (it's marketing nonsense to claim that it's not VoIP), but it's running on their own separate network. Rogers Home Phone has nothing to do with (or does not affect) your internet related services.

The issue is the modem/router combo they use. They call it a gateway. Typically, the brand is Hitron. The SIP ALG feature in it (it's a router function) doesn't work properly.
And unless you have the Hitron CODA-4582, there's no way to disable SIP ALG in those Hitron (modem/router combo) gateways without
a) having your own router (preferably with SIP ALG disabled in it--unless it's an Asus router; SIP Passthrough/SIP ALG appears to work fine in Asus routers) and sticking the Hitron device in bridge mode
or
b) getting someone at Rogers (good luck lol because the tier 1 folks typically have no clue what SIP ALG is) to disable SIP ALG in the Hitron modem/router combo for you.

Possibly newer firmwares for those Hitron gateways have methods of disabling SIP ALG. But the only one I've seen with the option to disable SIP ALG is the Hitron CODA-4582 (white cube modem; if you request one ensure there's a black dot by the UPC on the back; the black dot means they added RF shielding).

Also, Is there any security issue or other concerns involved in using the voip4.freephoneline.ca:6060[/i] with the OBi

No. The idea is that by using UDP port 6060, you are able to circumvent the faulty SIP ALG feature in whatever router you're using. SIP ALG typically monitors traffic on UDP port 5060 instead (which is the UDP port that voip.freephoneline.ca and voip2.freephoneline.ca use).

Also, I updated my guide (in a mad, hurried rush): http://forum.fongo.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 805#p73839
This version of the guide is safer to use.

Lastly, should you continue to experience one-way audio issues despite using voip4.freephoneline.ca:6060, I would submit a support ticket request: https://support.fongo.com/anonymous_requests/new. For the issue type, select VoIP Unlock Key–>My Account Inquiry. Ask for a “forced account registration.”

If no one responds to your support ticket, provide the ticket number in a private message to Fongo Support after registering and logging into the forum: http://forum.fongo.com/ucp.php?i=pm&mode=compose&u=7852

Great. Thank you. I spoke with someone (Sherman) in escalated tech support at Rogers today.

As was described above there is, of course, no place to add the OBi into the loop to use the one phone set. I could get it to work with a separate set of phones, which we don't want., but it isn't that big an issue because we will be cancelling the Rogers phone service anyway, so only the OBi will be feeding service to the handsets.

Sherman said that because we have the CGN2 and not the CGN3 modem, we should not have the issues. He said his own phone system is using an OBi device, but admitted he wasn't using FPL. He walked me through the steps to disable the SIP APG directly through the online modem/router interface, but also said there was no issue with just forwarding the port. Whether he is correct or not remains to be seen, but you've given more than enough information for me to be comfortable to order the SIP credential key from FPL and set up the system to work.

I'll let you know.

OriginalMacBabe wrote: ↑ but also said there was no issue with just forwarding the port

That is an issue. Port forwarding is a security risk: http://forums.redflagdeals.com/newegg-o ... #p27515978

If you know how to disable SIP ALG, though, that's good.

So I read through all this information and now am very confused, but probably just because I need to actually do it.

Sherman must have been talking about the screens he sees and not what is available to us as clients. I have sent a PM to CommunityHelp asking them to disable the SIP ALG

I am setting up the OBi100 with FPL and the GV is already in it.

1. Are the instructions for the OBi200 and the OBi100 the same (except for the screen captures of the menus)?
2. Is there any issue with me manually coding if the GV is already in it?

OriginalMacBabe wrote: ↑
Sherman must have been talking about the screens he sees and not what is available to us as clients.

I was under the impression that setting was hidden as well in your Hitron gateway. But I'm not positive. I've never used that specific modem/router combo.

I have sent a PM to CommunityHelp asking them to disable the SIP ALG

In the event a firmware upgrade is pushed to your modem by Rogers, it's possible SIP ALG (if the feature exists in your Hitron modem/router combo) will be re-enabled automatically anyway.
I think I would just forget about contacting Rogers and use voip4.freephoneline.ca:6060 to circumvent SIP ALG instead.

1. Are the instructions for the OBi200 and the OBi100 the same (except for the screen captures of the menus)?

They're similar, but some settings are different--or don't exist.

You can try this PDF guide: http://forum.fongo.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=16196. I would also do what Mango wrote.

Additionally,

1. The ITSP Profile (FPL) digitmap should be changed.

Navigate to Service Providers–>ITSP Profile (FPL)–>General
DigitMap: (1xxxxxxxxxx|011XX.S3|[2-9]xxxxxxxxx|*98|911)

Here’s an alternative example:
(1xxxxxxxxxx|011XX.S3|[2-9]xxxxxxxxx|<211:4163974636>|<311:4163922489>|<511:4162354686>|<611:4164772010>|<811:8667970000>|*98|911)

The digitmap is appropriate for Toronto. For 211, 311, 511, 611, 811 you will need to look up the
corresponding phone numbers for your area and replace the phone number after the colon.
<1> means add or prepend 1 to the beginning of the phone number
<:1> also means add 1
<1:> means remove 1 from the beginning (and replace with what follows after the colon)
[2-9] means match any single digit from 2 to 9
XX. means match any phone number you dial (also XX. is an indefinite variable, and without XX.S3, for
example, your ATA will wait 10 seconds for you to finish entering in a phone number before dialing out).
S3 reduces the wait (represents 3 seconds).
011XX. means any number starting with 011 (for international dialing), and again XX is an indefinite
variable. Without the .S3, your ATA will wait 10 seconds.
011xxxxxxxxxxxx. is wrong if the international phone number is less than 11 digits.
Mipd is for IP dialing.
[^*#]@@. is for SIP URI.
Neither is needed with Freephoneline. They should be removed.
[6-7]x*xxxxxxxxxxx. listed in another guide should never be used since it can't logically apply to
anything.
XX. is usually not needed (and actually, inadvisable, since it can apply to anything and, due to it being an
indefinite variable creates a 10 second timeout in the ATA while it waits for the user to finish entering a
phone number).
*98 is for voicemail, which works with Freephoneline, by default.
For more information on Obihai Digitmaps, visit
http://www.obihai.com/docs/OBi-DigitMap ... l-v1-1.pdf

2. Service Providers-->ITSP Profile (FPL)-->SIP-->RegisterRetryInterval should be 120

3. Navigate to Service Providers-->ITSP Profile (FPL)-->SIP

Uncheck the box under the Value column to disable X_Use302ToCallForward
Freephoneline requires calls to be bridged if you want your ATA to forward calls.
If X_Use302ToCallForward is enabled, calls that are forwarded by the ATA (as opposed to using
Freephoneline’s Follow Me feature) will be dropped to voicemail

4. Navigate to Voice Services-->SP(FPL) Service-->X_UserAgentPort would be better as a random port number between 30000 and 65535. Just pick a port
number in that range. By using a high random port you help to thwart SIP scanners and may also circumvent a faulty SIP ALG
feature in your router.

2. Is there any issue with me manually coding if the GV is already in it?

No. Navigate to Physical Interfaces-->Phone Port-->PrimaryLine

Change Primary Line to what you actually want to your Primary Outgoing Line to be.
If you have FPL setup on SP2, for example, and you don't want to dial **2 + phone number to dial out on FPL, then change PrimaryLine to SP2 service--with the understanding that you'll now have to dial **1 + phone number to dial out on GV.

At default settings, it's easier to have FPL configured on SP1 and GV on SP2. This post is related: http://forums.redflagdeals.com/newegg-o ... #p27516043.

The OBi200 guide is more comprehensive. If you run into problems trying to enable the OBiTalk.com expert menu (if you're using obitalk.com), then refer to that guide to figure out how to enable the expert menu.

Webslinger wrote: ↑ I was under the impression that setting was hidden as well in your Hitron gateway. But I'm not positive. I've never used that specific modem/router combo.

In the event a firmware upgrade is pushed to your modem by Rogers, it's possible SIP ALG (if the feature exists in your Hitron modem/router combo) will be re-enabled automatically anyway.
I think I would just forget about contacting Rogers and use voip4.freephoneline.ca:6060 to circumvent SIP ALG instead.

UPDATE: @CommunityHelp agrees and insists they cannot disable SIP ALG in the CGN2. They suggest I use my own router. I have an airport basestation on the system, but it is just being used as an extender at the moment and honestly, it seems more work than necessary.

I could go back up to executive level, but I think I'm just going to take your advice and move on if it is really just six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other.

In the meantime, I got sick, my harddrive collapsed and my parents got dinged for another outrageous phone bill. This week or bust.

I'm sorry to read about your illness and hope you feel better soon! (I've also been dealing with some medical issues).

Firmware 3.1.1 (Build: 5589) is now the latest OBi200/202 ATA firmware: http://fw.obihai.com/OBi202-3-1-1-5589.fw

Changelog is located at https://www.ukvoipforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=987

If you're not having problems, there's no need to update.

Anyway, good luck!