Have a Static IP? Oy Vey

If you have a complicated system like mine, with multiple routers, switches, and -- this one's important -- a static IP address, Ooma will also work perfectly -- eventually. But you'll have to tweak and fiddle, reconfigure and unconfigure, and do a little Irish jig while standing on one foot and whistling Dixie.

Let's Get Technical

For those of you technically-minded: Ooma wants the prime location -- right after the cable- or DSL-modem -- instead of letting the router have the spot. That way Ooma gets the best, highest-bandwidth signal; all the other devices on the network are next in line.

That arrangement's fine if your router's using a dynamic IP address and DHCP [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_Host_Configuration_Pro tocol].

It's more complicated when your router is set up with a static IP [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address] address. Ooma insists on having that static IP address -- remember, it's first in line -- and the router is treated as just another device on the network, and must revert back to DHCP.

As a work-around, I connected the Ooma directly to the router, making it now, unhappily, second in line. The voice quality wasn't nearly as good as it could be, until I spent another hour changing the router's QoS settings and opening selective ports. Then I tried the Ooma and the voice quality was superb.

My total investment? Four hours of diddling. I had to kvetch and e-mailed a senior Ooma tech person:

"Here's my conclusion: Average users with a simple broadband configuration may not have any setup problems. But the task of setting up the Ooma with a static IP address means reconfiguring the router; ultimately, it's exceedingly time consuming and a far more difficult task than an average user can -- or should -- handle."

Her remarkably frank reply:

"Your analysis is pretty much correct. Ooma isn't for everyone and those with a more complicated network can find it problematic if they do not have the full knowledge needed to make each device co-exist happily or wish to make the necessary changes to their environment to make the system work.

"Those that do invest the time typically get it up and running, but for the most part, the more devices they have in line, the more room for error they leave.

"As a simple residential product, it may not be up to task for the small business user who has a mildly complex environment."

Some Before-You-Buy Ooma Decisions

If you're still reading, and still intrigued, you have some things to think about before you purchase the Ooma.

During the online activation process, you can move your existing phone number to the Ooma. It costs $40, but it's free if you purchase a one-year Ooma Premier [http://www.ooma.com/premier/features] $10 per month service. That's a smart idea if you plan to disconnect your landline. (Click the link above to learn about Premier's terrific features.)

On the other hand, if you plan to keep your landline, Ooma will give you a new local number that's used exclusively for the Ooma.

Whether to use the Ooma with your existing landline or cut the cord with Ma Bell can be a difficult decision. The advantage of keeping the landline is you always have a hard-wired connection, critical if you need to call 911. That's because if the Internet goes down (and when does that ever happen?), or your power goes out, Ooma won't work.

I want to emphasize that. If you rely solely on Ooma and an Internet connection, your link to 911 ends when the connection ends.

With a landline, and an old phone that doesn't need power to operate, you have the assurance of a phone connection. Your other option, of course, is to have an inexpensive mobile phone handy.

Ooma: Keep Thinking

There are a bunch of other issues to consider, things that a buyer making what I think is a significant technology change, ought to know about. Unfortunately, Ooma's site doesn't always make this information easy to find.

* The Ooma has a built-in answering machine and the device needs to be located near your Internet modem. So unless you're using Ooma's cordless handset [http://www.ooma.com/products/ooma-handset], you'll have to go to that location to check for messages.

* Ooma suggests that if you have a home alarm system that uses a phone line, keep the landline.

* Read the Ooma FAQ [http://ooma.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/135] if you use a fax.

* Unless you subscribe to Ooma Premium [http://www.ooma.com/premier/features] service ($120 per year), you'll need to pay monthly taxes and fees. Mine calculated to a little over $40 per year, making the premium service -- and its extensive features -- almost worth the money.

* Ooma includes their premium service for two months and then, and oh-how-I-hate-it forces you to opt-out in order not to pay the $10 per month fee.

* They limit you to 5000 outgoing minutes [http://www.ooma.com/blog/2009/10/08/oomas-unlimited-home- phone-service/] per month, a number I don't think most people will use. Not a problem unless you're running a call center.

My Take on Ooma

The Ooma is a fine product with excellent voice quality and nifty features. if you can do without a landline and have a cheapo mobile phone for backup, Ooma can probably pay for itself in a couple of years. I encourage you to buy and try one from a store that will let you return it without penalty.