ASUS Integrates VOIP and PSTN Into Motherboards

yahyamf writes "ASUS recently announced that their TeleSky telecom adapter will now be included in two of their motherboards. The TeleSky converts an ordinary house phone into a multi-functional Skype phone. With one jack connected to the house phone and the other to the ground telephone line, the TeleSky can switch the house phone connection between the PSTN and VoIP networks. While it sounds interesting, how would this compare to the dedicated VOIP adapters available from SIPURA and others?"

But does it run on Linux?

I'm not trying to do the standard Slashdot post. I'm actually serious. Does anyone know if it works in Linux? The system requirements on the page state Windows, but that's rarely a good indicator. I would definitely plan to have one of these motherboards in my next PC if the adapter works in Linux.

Re:But does it run on Linux?

Just set up Asterisk. Asterisk is actually not that tough to run once you get past the jargon. I just recently blogged how I set up Asterisk with PSTN termination [latenightpc.com] at home. Since then I've also gotten an unlocked Linksys ATA and I'm beginning to use it as a replacement for my old phone line.

No, they don't.

They integrate a line interface in the mainboard, which is mostly a glorified connector to the soundcard. The telephone acts as a microphone and a speaker. That's it. The VOIP is all software.

With skype?

So what's the situation here? Did Asus get licence for embedding skype technology in hardware? Or did they just learn how to use it?

Re:With skype?

It's not in the hardware. This is just a telephone to mic/speaker adapter that is built into the motherboard. Skype uses a mic/speaker to do its thing, as usual.

Skype probably gave them money to develop it, and then use their name on it. Great advertising, really.

Fallback

To answer poster's question on comparison: the main advantage (IMO) to having PSTN access is fallback.

I can think of some cases where long distance might be different, and you might want to use VoIP for some numbers and PSTN for others, but we just implemented a new PBX at my office with a feature wherein if our VoIP calls encounter a certain amount of packet loss, if they drop below a certain audio quality (not enough bandwidth available), or if we just plain old feel like it, we can switch our voice access from our T1 to our four old fashioned copper n' wire lines.

It provides security. Bosses like security. ;)

Telemarketers

Good, I can manage all telemarketers through a single motherboard.

Actually not such a bad idea

Really, I use a lot of onboard services on my little network system these days. A 500GB HDD for network storage, printer attached for printing across the network, I run my internet service through it and it does FTP and HTTP externally for my personal remote access to my network. Why not have it do VOIP telephony too? Sounds convenient enough, and none of my other resources on the system would draw overhead hardware-wise.

Would I recommend this kind of setup for a poweruser that likes to cut down on all background processes on their overclocked Windows gaming rig? Nah. But it's keen for those of us that like to have a main system for our use, and a small server that sits off in the basement running the little things.

So of course, the question of whether or not there's Linux drivers for it is very valid.

sipura

Sipura doesn't exist anymore. Its now part of Linksys.

Not a so good idea

The problem is that it would certainly require your computer to be on. I'd rather have a router with a VOIP capability: no need to switch on the computer and no need for (presumably) Windows-only drivers.

Dear Asus,

This is why I buy Gigabyte motherboards.

Also WTF is a phone line? VoIP goes over the net (re: ethernet) not a POTS (otherwise what's the f'ing point?).

Why not integrate a PS3 into it while you're at it?

Tom

Why on earth?

Why on earth would someone prefer proprietary VoIP in a motherboard when one can have those cheap Sipuras/linksys 3000 with much more functionality, open standards backed from most VoIP leaders, no need for a computer nor to have a it 24/7/365 on, with little power requirements, fall back to PSTN when Internet fails, plus a tone options. It is really a no brainer.

In the long run Skype is doomed.

Re:Why on earth?

First, I agree with you, but lets just see what happens when we substitute a few words...

Why on earth would someone prefer proprietary OS in a computer when one can have those cheap linux/*BSD ones with much more functionality, open standards backed from most hardware leaders, no need for dedicated anti-virus programs, with little system requirements, better support and customization options, plus its free. It is really a no brainer.

In the long run Windows is doomed.

Interesting...don't you think? It isn't technology that matters the most, its marketing/partnerships/business savvy. People know about Vonage and Skype and to some extent aren't "afraid" of it...but asterisk??? For another example, MythTV is superior to TiVo, but guess who is winning that battle?

Telephone reliability a thing of the past?

I was just talking to somebody the other day about the reliability of VOIP, cell phones, etc. in case of emergencies. I remember as a kid when Ma Bell was a monopoly here in the US. We rented our phones from them, couldn't hook up additional phones, answering machines, or any other "unauthorized" devices to our phone line. I also remember when deregulation began and suddenly we suddenly owned the phones that we had rented for so long, and got stickers from the phone company to stick on the bottom of the phones indicating that they were now ours and not theirs.

But I digress. One other thing I recall clearly is that even if there was a prolonged power failure, even one lasting multiple days, the telephones always worked. The power needed to run the entire telco system is provided from the phone company. Each central office has huge banks of lead-acid batteries and backup generators to provide electricity in the event of a power failure. You could pretty much guarantee that your phone would work for days while nothing else in your house did, a comforting thought if any emergencies arose.

Today, however, with the advent of voip, cell phones, etc. it seems like the promise of always-availble telephones is bound to disappear eventually. VOIP surely won't work if your cable modem or DSL router (or your ASUS motherboard) doesn't have any power. How will you recharge your cell phone during a power failure once you've drained its battery?

Don't get me wrong - I think all this new technology is great, but at what cost? Many people these days probably don't realize that hardwired land lines provide a reliability that all these modern gadgets can't in times of emergencies. I just wonder if the telcos will eventually give up on providing that reliability if they feel it's no longer providing a costly & desired service.

Re:Telephone reliability a thing of the past?

I have always wished that my computer would be as easy to use as my telephone. My wish has come true. I no longer know how to use my telephone.
- Bjarne Stroustrup

Re:Telephone reliability a thing of the past?

Take a look in your house and tell me how many telephones you own that do not require an AC adaptor of some sort.

I, and all my immediate family members, and a few friends I know, all have one that doesn't require any additional power specifically for this reason.

We've come full circle

Have people forgotten what a modem is already?

Why motherboard?

I connected my phone to router (some sh**ty Speedtouch). It work like magic. I diverted all calls through router so they go over internet. They are free in most of Europe, States, Australia, and so on (voipcheap.com). Plus they're dirt cheap to use in South America (for my wife).
If I want to still use PSTN I just dial 9 + number... It works even without power, just SIP is disconnected and only PSTN works.
And most important: that router is also wireless and is dirt cheap. And it doesn't take any resources from motherboard. And has built in DynDNS client + ... + ....

So my question is: What's the point of using Skype? Which in addition uses YOUR bandwidth to connect calls of other users!

That my 2 cents (sorry I'm in UK, 1 penny :)

VoIP

Or use an ATA. In combination with a open source softswtcih (Freeswitch, Yate, OpenPBX.org, ...) you can do some amazing stuffs like FoIP (T.38 with OpenPBX.org), voicemail (to email), conference, forward to VoIP/mobile/PSTN, .... Why are people sticking to a non-open protocol and non-free program is beyond me, there are so much open and free stuff that are much better.

My Centillium MTA-1

My TA supports ANY phone to be plugged in, and the AT&T Callvantage VoIP service supports, as long as you're willing to reserve bandwidth for it, Fax/Modem over VoIP. The TA is a small box, smaller than the cable modem, you plug it in, and it does what it does, brainlessly. I can't see how putting any of this function on a PC is a step up.

How This Works

It seems like there is some confusion on what this feature can actually do. These motherboards let you connect your computer to your phone line so that you can make and receive Skype calls using any regular phone. All you have to do is plug your phone and your computer into the same phone network. You no longer have to use a headset or microphone like most people use when using Skype.

This kind of thing is very useful to people that make a lot of international calls but want the convenience of not being tethered to the computer. Making Skype calls can be annoying; in my case, it involves connecting a Bluetooth headset and loading the Skype software. Picking up the telephone is much easier, more comfortable and can be done without getting out of bed.

One great feature would be if the Skype functionality could work when the computer is powered off (but still plugged in). Before you flame me for being an idiot, let me tell you that I own an Asus motherboard that can play CDs with the power off. A very small part of the motherboard is always powered and supports some basic functionality. I don't know if the Skype stuff works with the power off and I wasn't able to find any manuals or specifications that explained this, so I would guess that the computer needs to be on.

Re:What I'd like

I'm sure there are many technical reasons why current motherboards aren't compatible with CPUs 7 or 8 generations old (I suspect a 33MHz 386 on a 1066MHz FSB might fry quite quickly) and trying to add compatibility would require so many obsolete and expensive components dedicated to the legacy processor that you'd barely be testing the real motherboard at all.

There are also good marketing reasons such as adding a built in "test if it works before I put it in a PC" diagnostic implies something of a lack of confidence in your product's reliability.

It's far more efficient to put in simple diagnostic components that output (as many do) an audible failure indication when the fully-built system is booted. I've had my share of duff motherboards and ranted and raved at the time wasted constructing and then dismantling a PC but I think a built-in test CPU is overkill.

Re:You should never use Skype

Uh just checked that Badware site that you link to - Skype is not mentioned. I realise that Skype is not open source (or open anything really - proprietary protocol et al) but it's not fair to call it badware, as it installs no adware or spyware on the host it runs on. No need to spread FUD about it though.

Disclaimer: I don't work for Skype and have no commercial relationship with them aside from being a more or less satisfied customer.

Re:You should never use Skype

Mod parent up - if you are willing to put up with Skype, that is
your choice, but it does not make those of us who are not flamebait.

There is no reason not to use SIP - it has everything Skype has,
and so much more potential because it is open. Do not be fooled
by Skype propoganda and FUD.

It is a shame that this offering is Skype only - for me that is
enough reason to make it a non-starter. It sounds like a good
idea - I hope they will come out with a usable version, i.e.,
no Skype.

Re:Storms and modems anyone?

And how is this any different than having modems onboard as we've had for years? Just use a surge protector that supports these lines.