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![]() ![]() But this configuration caused other problems(*2), so beware: the devil is in the details. Once I got QoS working, my call MOS scores with an outgoing load returned back to about 4.3. This seems consistent with a saturated uplink. I could definitely hear drops in my (echoed) voice on the test call (option #3), whereas playing music (option #4) had no drops. The result? without QoS turned on, my MOS scores dropped from about ~4.3 to about ~3.3. One call was to a test call number (408) 647-4636, and the other to a friendly human. The purpose of the long-lived upload was to saturate the upload direction ( ~4.4 mbps in my case ) so that the Ooma upstream traffic would have to compete with other traffic on a saturated link. What I did was this: I uploaded a huge file to my Dropbox (an upload that would last for tens of minutes) and then made some calls. I just ran a test with my Telo sitting behind a Cisco RV180 router with QoS turned on. ![]() #2 You may want/have(*1) to experiment with QoS features on your router, if it has any. (There are other reasons, too: point-to-point Ethernet links are dedicated media, not a shared channel collisions & retransmissions don't occur in full-duplex wired segments, whereas they definitely occur in wireless). Simply put, the chances of problems are far greater with WiFi than a wired (Ethernet) channel. Not saying you are going to have problems if you link your router and Ooma via WiFi it's just that wired connections rely on technology which is (a) simpler, (b) faster, and (c) are almost completely immune from interference issues. We’ll keep an eye out for reports of excessive heat-related problems with cable modems, and update our picks as needed.RWCarr wrote:Should I do anything special to get best call quality? #1 if your integrated (modem+) router has any Ethernet ports, I would recommend a Ethernet connection to the Ooma box directly to your router (no intervening switches) each and every day of the week over a WiFi link. Modems might be a bit ugly, but that doesn’t mean you should hide yours away in a drawer. To prevent your modem from overheating, make sure the vents aren’t covered up, and keep it in an open space. Most manufacturers list the operating temperature on modems as up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty hot for any electronic device. Heat: Read the owner reviews for almost any modem, and someone mentions that the modem gets hot. ![]() Modems capable of full gigabit or faster speeds are significantly pricier ($150 to $270). Price: We’ve found that you should expect to pay $50 to $90 for a DOCSIS 3.0 modem that works with most plans and has the features you need to get the highest speeds available to you.Malfunctions are not a common occurrence with modems, but since purchasing your own means you don’t get a warranty through your cable provider anymore, the warranty is good to have in case anything goes wrong. A warranty is useful because a company will typically replace a modem if it stops working due to defects. Warranty: Most modems come with a one- or two-year limited warranty that covers any catastrophic failure.We don’t recommend 8×4 or 4×4 modems-ISPs are phasing out support for those older models, even on lower-speed plans. Our top picks work for any plan up to 600 Mbps. If your internet plan is over 300 Mbps, you need a 24×8 modem or better. If you have service ranging from 100 to 300 Mbps, a 16×4 modem is enough. The median internet speed in the US is around 193 Mbps (as of December 2022), and the fastest cable tier most major ISPs offer is between 1 Mbps (aka gigabit). The right cable modem is the one with the right number of channels for your service tier. This means that if the ISP offers only 16 downstream channels in your area, using a 24×8 modem won’t improve performance. With DOCSIS 3.0, the more channels your modem has, the faster the speed, provided your ISP supports those channels. Modem channels appear on the box as a number, such as 16×4, 24×8, or 32×8. Channels: Channel bonding refers to the number of downstream (for downloading) and upstream (for uploading) channels your modem can access.If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where you can choose among multiple ISPs, the capability to bring your modem from one provider to another is a nice bonus. The first thing to do is to check your ISP’s approved-modem list-here’s where to check for Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Sparklight, Optimum, Mediacom (PDF), and WOW (PDF). A modem either works with your ISP or doesn’t. Compatibility: ISP compatibility is the main factor in choosing a cable modem. ![]()
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