Slashdot has a current discussion about which domestic router is best for Quality of Service (QOS) provision for Voice over IP.

The original question posed is by someone using a Linksys WRT54G wireless broadband router with Bittorrent and other high-bandwidth applications to consider. Unfortunately, the WRT54G isn’t quite cutting it when used alongside Vonage.

Inevitably for Slashdot, there is some gravitation toward open-source products. Open firmware for the WRT54G is suggested by some while another comment mentions that m0n0wall, an open-source firewall VPN distribution, can be deployed on relatively low-end commodity hardware and provides the type of QoS required.

Alkahest has an interesting bit on the ‘pros and cons’ (but mainly cons) of Voice over IP in what sounds like a large oganisation when you have to switch over to using old kit that doesn’t support QoS in quite the way you need.

QoS or Quality of Service is a prioritisation concept for network traffic which is especially critical for Voice over IP. If your network packets can’t get through then neither can your calls.

The point is also made that your VoIP suppliers, if the must also be your support, must be good at actually helping you rather than just selling you products.