is there a way to separate bandwidth

[robphelan]

from internal network use vs. VOIP/internet use?

A better question is: Is there a way (easy) to have basically 2 networks - 1 for internet VOIP use and another for LAN(I stream and ftp large files (video))... and to have both networks available to all devices?

have 1 PC, 1 laptop, 1 modded Xbox + Packet8 VOIP.

whenever I'm streaming or FTPing large files from PC to xbox, and simulataneously on the phone, my phone connection becomes erratic. I assume this is because the router has only so much bandwidth capability.

I'd like to totally separate the workload so the FTP from PC to xbox doesn't interfere with VOIP.

However, I'd still need access to the internet (of course) from PC & xbox.

I'm currently using the Dlink DI-624 802.11g (superG)router.

any ideas?

tia,
rob.

 

[ohnnyj]

May have to run two cable lines to your house or get a DSL connection with cable connection or vice versa depending on what you now have. Or get a T1 line .

 

[kazeakuma]

Buy yourself a decent switch with good backbone bandwidth. Plug your PC, laptop, Xbox etc into it, and the Dlink router into the uplink port (although most switches nowadays are auto crossover). And you're done, if you are having bandwidth problems on the router, this should solve them handily.

Just check the specs on the switch when you buy it, and make sure it's overall bandwidth actually equals 200Mb per port. So an 8 port switch would have a total of 1600Mbs bandwidth. Some even have more, for some reason I have an 8 port that has 2000Mbs overall.

 

[phisrow]

It looks like you may need QOS(quality of service) support in your router. This assigns priority to all packets flowing through it, according to function, and allows high priority stuff(VOIP) to go ahead of lower priority stuff(data) and keeps the connection quality high. It doesn't look like your router supports that out of the box, and I don't know what the aftermarket firmware scene for Dlink looks like. You may need to grab a nice linksys router, which as aggressive aftermarket firmware and a lot of nice features, in order to get QOS. Do, though, poke around your configuration page to see if you can find any mention of it.

 

[robphelan]

thanks for the ideas... will check router config/firmware updates first... then may look into a switch.

thanks again.
rob.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Switch is the easiest. Just segment your network a little.

ISP -> Router -> Switch -> PC
............... | .......... |
............ VoIP ..... Xbox

- M4H

 

[brookz]

Yea, Cheap router
100mbs is plenty of bandwidth for many ftp connections and voip lines.
Like 'phisrow' said, look for a router that does QoS or get a better switch

 

[piasabird]

We have a Siemens VOIP system at work and the VOIP works best if it has its own IP Address. What I mean is that it is not good to have a device that plugs into the same Ethernet as one computer's Ethernet cable off the back of a computer. Instead plug it into a switch/router. Most home routers will not manage the throughput to give one source more priority. However, I have seen some routers that are VOIP Ready and are designed with Voip in mind. This might save you money in the long run if you have fewer devices plugged in.

 

[bearxor]

the linksys wrt54g wireless has qos. I use it for my xbox so that when my brother-in-law plays wow, it doesn't lag me.

Or get a extra DSL/Cable line (whatever you don't have already) and a load-balancing dual-wan router.

 

[ribbon13]

Speakeasy.net DSL has automatic packet prioritizing.

 

[robphelan]

follow up:

ordered a swtich(Gigafast EZ800S) from Newegg and hooked it up in the configuration shown above by MercenaryForhire.

So far works great. Haven't had any issues with VOIP.

Another huge benefit is the increase in FTP speed from my PC to the xbox. Previously topped out at 6.2 Mbs. Now, it's hitting over 9Mbs. 50% increase in speed!

That was using FlasFXP. I'll try some other FTP software out to see how well they do.

For ~$8 after rebate, i couldn't be happier - probably my best purchase in a year.

 

[corkyg]

In all their latest commercials, Qwest says they can prioritize your bandwidth allocations, i.e., tailor them to your needs. As a Qwest customer I am ROTFLMAO!