Using VOIP phones in hotels

[Foreigner]

Hi all,
Would like to use VOIP phone in hotel rooms when travelling. I travel with laptop. Most hotels have Wi-Fi but some also have Ethernet connection. Possible?

 

[markis10]

Hi all,
Would like to use VOIP phone in hotel rooms when travelling. I travel with laptop. Most hotels have Wi-Fi but some also have Ethernet connection. Possible?

You would struggle given the issues with authentication of the service, unless your phone has a browser.

 

[Daver6]

Not sure where the OP thinks the issue may be?

I've used it on numerous occasions, albeit running a soft-phone on my PC. So no firewall issues there.

If you have the hardware and there is an ethernet port, it should work. Shouldn't be any authentication issues as surely you would have pre-configured it prior.

If you require an ethernet port and the hotel only has wifi, an option could be to use a wifi access point to bridge the mediums.

 

[markis10]

If you have the hardware and there is an ethernet port, it should work. Shouldn't be any authentication issues as surely you would have pre-configured it prior.

If you require an ethernet port and the hotel only has wifi, an option could be to use a wifi access point to bridge the mediums.

Most systems that talk to the hotel PMS for billing look at device by mac address, so adding a new bit of hardware would invoke an authentication session, putting in room number and name could an issue on a phone.

 

[Foreigner]

Not sure where the OP thinks the issue may be?

I've used it on numerous occasions, albeit running a soft-phone on my PC. So no firewall issues there.

If you have the hardware and there is an ethernet port, it should work. Shouldn't be any authentication issues as surely you would have pre-configured it prior.

If you require an ethernet port and the hotel only has wifi, an option could be to use a wifi access point to bridge the mediums.

I'm familiar with use of VOIP phones at home and at work. The cat5 cable plugs into modem/router and works seamlessly. My question relates to using the VOIP phone in the hotel guestroom. From your post I take it that with bridging, I can somehow make calls using the connection (Wi-Fi or wired) off my laptop. Is this so?

 

[Daver6]

Most systems that talk to the hotel PMS for billing look at device by mac address, so adding a new bit of hardware would invoke an authentication session, putting in room number and name could an issue on a phone.

Ahh...still morning in Perth and my brain is still asleep. Very valid point. Totally forgot about the need to pay for internet in this country I just assumed free internet and none of this having to pay BS

 

[Daver6]

I'm familiar with use of VOIP phones at home and at work. The cat5 cable plugs into modem/router and works seamlessly. My question relates to using the VOIP phone in the hotel guestroom. From your post I take it that with bridging, I can somehow make calls using the connection (Wi-Fi or wired) off my laptop. Is this so?

Yes as long as you know (or just ask your IT department) how to bridge the wifi and ethernet adaptors on your laptop. Would also get around the authentication issue Markis pointed out.

 

[marki]

I have used VOIP overseas with limited success. But the allure of having a Australian number where-ever you are has worn off, because of other possibilities like Skype. (mostly) but a great app called viber is fantastic and provides a free service. Also textfree app downloadable from the US store(advice is available elsewhere on how to circumvent geographical restrictions)It basically gives you a US mobile phone number. You choose which state and all your SMS's are free, People can call you for free too. The 150Aud telstra mobile plan now includes 100 worth of calls and text when overseas(certain locations) another unexpected bonus.
My last crack at VOIP was in WARSZAWA at the Marriott Hotel. It did not work and the internet was 21-28 USD a day. I complained as the VOIP box was blocked by a firewall. They promptly opened the appropriate ports for me and (maybe) registered my mac address. Anyway I stayed another several days and stayed online for VoIP -- even though I paid for the one day. Yeah!(Bonus)

 

[ferni]

I use a SIP application on my iPhone called Softphone. Works well - used it all over the world to call home. Except Dubai, where I think they block VOIP & Skype.

 

[NM]

Most systems that talk to the hotel PMS for billing look at device by mac address, so adding a new bit of hardware would invoke an authentication session, putting in room number and name could an issue on a phone.

There are ways around that "problem" . I carry a small WiFi router with me, that can be configured in several different modes. One mode operates as a true router and hence presents all traffic (either wired or wireless) as a single MAC address, hiding the fact that I may be using more than one device behind my router. So just use one devices to "authenticate" the service and then any number of devices can be routed through the connection.

But note that some home VoIP services may be configured to only operate if the source IP address is within that provider's range, so it may work at home but not then you are on a public network. Some VoIP providers enforce this limitation because they have no control over the connection quality when you are not "on" their network.

 

[Foreigner]

There are ways around that "problem" . I carry a small WiFi router with me, that can be configured in several different modes. One mode operates as a true router and hence presents all traffic (either wired or wireless) as a single MAC address, hiding the fact that I may be using more than one device behind my router. So just use one devices to "authenticate" the service and then any number of devices can be routed through the connection.

But note that some home VoIP services may be configured to only operate if the source IP address is within that provider's range, so it may work at home but not then you are on a public network. Some VoIP providers enforce this limitation because they have no control over the connection quality when you are not "on" their network.

I've passed to my daughter the VOIP phone that I have used in Sydney for many years. Now she uses it in the USA. Works reliably with cable connection and router.

I'm inclined to get another to use at home or on my travels.

 

[serfty]

May be a different solution, but I have been able to employ Skype on my Android 'phone using Wifi at hotels (after signing up). Mainly staying at Hilton family hotels I get Wifi complimentary.)

 

[JessicaTam]

May be a different solution, but I have been able to employ Skype on my Android 'phone using Wifi at hotels (after signing up). Mainly staying at Hilton family hotels I get Wifi complimentary.)

I use Skype the same way on my iDevices. The browser does the initial authentication and I am good to go.

 

[Simo]

Some ISP's are slowing down VOIP services or some carries are banning VOIP type services.