The PN Hub2 phone port

[#1]

Hi

I will have fttp installed next week and have just received a PN hub2. I notice right away there is an analogue phone port. Can this unit be configured for use with a third party sip provider, is it disabled in firmware and does the ATA hardware exist inside the box?

I had not planned using it beyond proving the new connection, but the ability to plug a phone in is appealing. I've not kept up to date with the hardware.

Many thanks.

[#2 · Accepted solution]

@keeka 

No - it is disabled in the firmware.

If you need a phone port you'll need to get an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA) which plugs into the router via an ethernet cable.

Brian

[#3]

Thanks @bmc I had started using an ATA recently. The compactness of the hub2 and the prospect of dispensing with the ATA was attractive. It is a pity it is disabled. I will stick with my existing gear and hook up the hub if I encounter issues proving the connection or to satisfy the installer.

[#4]

@keeka 

Not only is the phone port disabled, even if it were, as in the BT Smarthub 2, of which the Hub2 is a derivative, It would only be compatible with the non standard proprietary ‘digital phone’ protocol used by BT and EE.

[#5]

If you want a 'all in one' unit, have a look at a second hand Fritzbox 7530 (ax).

https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail/?id=4023125029301

[#6]

@keeka 

I'm a bit confused. When your Full Fibre is installed your lose your PSTN service so there is no check to do to confirm the phone line works. If you want to continue with a phone you need to set up a VOIP service with an independant provider. You have 30 days from when your phone line is "ceased" to port the number. You do not start the port until the line is ceased.

As @mystreet1 has indicated you can get routers which offer a built in ATA, The one referenced not only has an ATA built in but also a DECT Base Station.

Brian

[#7]

Provided you have a SIP / VoIP account one can use a VoIP Desk Phone / Cordless
or use a VoIP app on a mobile or use a VoIP program like MicroSIP

Use of Cisco or Grandstream ATA or a Router based ATA is only needed to support
legacy analogue phones / call alarms / building alarms etc.

Since 2017 we have used a Cisco ATA supporting a Building Alarm on a dedicated number,
the Cisco ATA cost about £70 where a new alarm system might be £2,000+  

[#8]

I lost PSTN when I renewed my FTTC broadband. I ported the landline number at the time and have been using VOIP since, but only recently with an ATA (long story). Just seeing the BT port on the hub2 made me wonder. I've been thinking of simplifying the home setup. Currently too there's much going on with it and I worry, if something happens to me, no one will be able to look after it.

[#9]

When I initially lost PSTN, I bought a secondhand gigaset N300 and some handsets to go with it. Whilst it worked, I had an issue with outgoing calls to a BT customer that more often than not dropped remote audio. I spent much time diagnosing this and learnt a fair bit as I went down the VoIP rabbit hole. In the end I replaced it with a Cisco ATA, plugged in our old Panasonic DECT and no dropped audio. Everyone is happier and the handsets and audio quality are IMO superior.

[#10]

@keeka if you want a router with a built-in VoIP port then look at the Fritzbox 7530. You can often pick them up used for around £50

[#11]

---

@bmc wrote:

As @mystreet1 has indicated you can get routers which offer a built in ATA, The one referenced not only has an ATA built in but also a DECT Base Station.

---

Using a router with a built in DECT Base Station sounds by far the best and neatest solution to me.

[#12]

@keeka 

FritzBox are well regarded units. I use a 7530 on my PN connection though I don't have VOIP.

As stated one unit tidies things up and is easier to provide power backup if so desired (onlu one unit to worry about).

Brian

[#13]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will bear these in mind when I start rationalising my equipment.

[#14]

@keeka 

CEX used to have lots of FritzBox routers on sale but the supply seems to have dried up recently. Most are / were ex Zen Internet routers. There is one there now but who knows in the future. You may be able to get them second hand elsewhere if it's your chosen unit.

Brian

[#15]

I very impressed with the Fritzbox 7530 AX, its a very feature filled router & also easy to set up with a Fritz repeater if you want to set up a mesh network. 

If you go Fritzbox 7530 AX then you might find this info useful.

Setting up a telephone in the FRITZ!Box | FRITZ!Box 7530 AX