VoIP Router Compatibility Guide

Edwin Frondozo

The following is a list of known routers and modems that we have determined to be compatible, incompatible or compatible with changes to the device’s configuration. We have also provided a list of devices that we are aware of but have not yet tested ourselves. We highly recommend checking all network equipment on site against this list before deploying our Hosted PBX service in your office, or, if you are already using our service, before making changes to your existing network. If your router is not listed, please contact a Slingshot Business VoIP representative to discuss. Should you have additional information on a device and would like to add your findings to our list, please contact us.

General Business VoIP Router Notes

For optimal voice quality, we recommend the following setup:

  • Use a standalone modem, or if one is not available from your ISP, bridge your modem/router to an external router.
  • Maintain a physical connection to the phones. We do not recommend using wireless internet service or connecting the phones to wifi.
  • If possible, the phones should be given their separate internet connection, physically separate from the one used by your computers. If this is not possible, then use a small business-grade router that has reliable QoS.

Some router settings can cause unpredictable connectivity issues such as dropped audio and calls that fail to ring:

  1. SIP ALG – should be disabled. Consistent NAT. The router should keep the NAT port for the phones the same for as long as the phones are connected.
  2. MTU. Make sure the router’s MTU setting matches what your ISP recommends for the modem they supplied.
  3. Single WAN. The phones will not work across dual WAN connections. If there is load balancing, it must be disabled, and if there is an outage failover, the threshold should be set to a very high number, such as 30 seconds.
  4. Use a single router.

Recommended Router Devices

The device or devices in this section are our current recommendations. Please note that this section can change over time as new information becomes available.

Cisco RV130 / RV130W

Current Status: Staff Recommendation
Suggestions: Suitable for offices of all sizes; unmanaged switch suggested for deployments requiring more ports.
Comments: This is a business-grade multifunction router, including Gigabit Ethernet, VPN and Wireless-N capabilities. We deploy this unit regularly and can recommend it for a range of small to medium business needs. This unit offers four Ethernet ports; consider adding an unmanaged switch if you require more ports.

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Other Compatible Devices

Apple Airport

Current Status: Compatible
Suggestions: Suitable for 1-3 phones
Comments: There are no known issues with this router, although it is best used for smaller offices (1-3 phones). This device is not believed to offer QoS, which may be a drawback in certain deployments.

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Cisco Routers (general)

Current Status: Compatible; may require changes
Suggestions: Confirm model with Slingshot
Comments: The Cisco routers we have encountered appear to be quality devices that are compatible with our service but may require some changes.


Cisco 837

The router’s NAT service for SIP should be disabled, with the command:
no IP nat service SIP UDP port 5060

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Cisco RV180W

Current Status: Not recommended; use RV130 / RV130W
Comments: We suggest using the Cisco RV130 or RV130W, as shown under our “Recommended Devices” section at the top of this page.Back to

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Cisco Linksys RV082, RV016, RV042, RV042G

Current Status: Compatible if the correct firmware version is used. May require settings change
Suggestions: Not Recommended
Comments: This family of routers will work well with our Hosted PBX services so long as the firmware version on the unit is v4.2.1.02. Other versions may cause issues. The MTU settings under ‘Setup’ -> ‘Network’ should be set to 1500 (Cable) or 1492 (DSL).If this router has issues with phones not ringing, the issue may be UDP sessions being closed early. Our staff have resolved this by upgrading to 4.2.1.02 firmware, then going to the hidden page at HTTPS://(router LAN IP)/f_general_hidden.htm and then changing the UDP Timeout from 30 seconds to 300 seconds.


Cisco/Linksys WRVS4400N

Current Status: Compatible as of last page update
Comments: This is an excellent router with all RV-series routers’ features (above) that also offer Wireless-N connectivity and Gigabit Ethernet speeds. The router has four ports; if more is required, we recommend connecting an unmanaged switch to the WRVS4400N.

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Cisco/Linksys E1200

Current Status: Compatible
Comments: Suitable for a small office of 2-5 phones

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Cisco/Linksys E2500

Current Status: Compatible
Comments: Suitable for a small office of 2-5 phones and offers stronger Wi-Fi than 1200 with Wireless-N.

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Cisco/Linksys E3500

Current Status: Compatible
Comments: Suitable for a small office of 2-5 phones and offers robust Wi-Fi.

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Cisco/Linksys WRT160N

Current Status: Compatible
Suggestions: Suitable for 1-2 Phones
Comments: There are no known issues with this model router at present. The router does not offer QoS, but this may not be a major issue in offices with only one or two employees. We would not recommend this router for larger-scale deployments.

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Cisco/Linksys WRT54G2

Current Status: Compatible
Suggestions: Suitable for 1-2 phones
Comments:
This router is compatible and suitable for 1-2 SIP phones. She appears to have problems with 3 or more SIP phones caused by NAT issues. Use DDWRT firmware instead in this case if hardware revision allows for this. Back to Top


Siemens Speedstream

Current Status: Compatible
Suggestions: Suitable for 1-3 Phones
Comments: There are no known issues with this router. This router has no QoS (Quality of Service), which is a drawback if you use it in an environment where there are computers or other non-VoIP equipment. We would not recommend this device for larger-scale office deployments. Back to Top


Sonic Wall

Current Status: Compatible
Suggestions: Firmware v5.8.1.12 or lower, Disable SIP ALG
Comments: Firmware v5.8.1.13 and higher contain a bug that causes issues with incoming calls. We recommend customers set to enable ‘Consistent NAT’ (check the box) and disable ‘SIP Transformations’ (uncheck the box). Ensure that the MTU is set correctly for your ISP.Select the Firewall Settings -> Edit LAN>WAN Rule -> AdvancedTCP Connection Inactivity Timeout (minutes) to 60
UDP Connection Inactivity Timeout (seconds) to 3600Select the Firewall -> Access Rules and add a new rule with the following:

    Action: Allow

Service: Any
Source: WAN, Address Range 67.223.99.1 to 67.223.99.254
Destination: LAN, Address Range * to *
Comment: Slingshot D1
If there is an option for ‘Allow Fragmented Packets,’ then please enable this option.
TCP Connection Inactivity Timeout (minutes) to 60
UDP Connection Inactivity Timeout (seconds) to 3600Select the Firewall -> Access Rules and add another new rule with the following:

    Action: Allow

Service: Any
Source: WAN, Address Range 64.15.155.1 to 64.15.155.254
Destination: LAN, Address Range * to *
Comment: Slingshot D2
If there is an option for ‘Allow Fragmented Packets,’ then please enable this option.
TCP Connection Inactivity Timeout (minutes) to 60
UDP Connection Inactivity Timeout (seconds) to 3600Back to Top


Devices believed compatible after changes

2Wire Routers and Modems

Current Status: Possibly compatible after Changes
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG or Bridge to Supported Router
Comments: To use this router, you need to log in to the router’s web interface and disable the ‘SIP ALG’ setting on it. If this option is not available, you will need to bridge the router to a compatible router so that the 2wire router acts as a simple modem rather than a router. If bridging is not possible either, you must replace this device to prevent you from using our service.


D-Link DIR-615

Current Status: Compatible after Changes, Hardware Revision B Only
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG
Comments:
This applies to Hardware Revision B only. Other hardware revisions are not compatible with VoIP as they do not have the disable SIP ALG option. This router has known issues with VoIP services if SIP ALG is not disabled. We recommend disabling the SIP ALG setting on the router available in firmware releases 2.2.4 and higher. This option is available within the firewall settings under the ‘Application Level Gateway (ALG) Configuration.’ The SIP option should be unchecked. Back to Top


D-Link DIR-625

Current Status: Possibly Compatible after Changes
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG
Comments:
We recommend disabling SIP ALG through the DIR-625’s web interface. After the change, this router appears to be compatible and serves up to three or four phones. Customers who have tried to connect a larger number of phones to this router have found that the additional phones fail to register with our server. We would not recommend this router for a larger-scale deployment as it does not appear to perform reliably. Back to Top


D-Link EBR-2310

Current Status: Compatible after Changes, Hardware Revision B Only
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG
Comments:
This applies to Hardware Revision B only. Other hardware revisions are not compatible with VoIP as they do not have the disable SIP ALG option. This router has known issues with VoIP services if SIP ALG is not disabled. We recommend disabling the SIP ALG setting on the router available in firmware releases 2.2.4 and higher. This option is available within the firewall settings under the ‘Application Level Gateway (ALG) Configuration. The SIP option should be unchecked. Back to Top


Fortigate/Fortinet

Current Status: Compatible after Changes
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG
Comments: Step 1:In the CLI of the FortiGate, type the following: config system settings
set sip-helper disable
set sip-nat-trace disableReboot the device in the CLI type the following: Config system session-helper
show
(now look for SIP, mostly it will be “12”)
delete 12

 

Don’t use any protection profiles on the firewall of the sip rules. Step 2:– change the default –VoIP –alg-mode. Run the following commands: config system settings

set default-VoIP-alg-mode kernel-helper based

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Juniper – Netscreen

Current Status: Compatible after Changes
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG
Comments: You must disable the SIP ALG on the Netscreen router. Navigate to the ‘Configuration’ page and choose ‘Advanced.’ Then choose ALG and un-check the SIP check box.

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Motorola Surfboard

Current Status: Compatible after changes
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG and ensure appropriate firmware is running
Comments: The following changes/checks are required:

1) Must be running firmware v3.3 or higher
2) Must have SIP ALG disabled.

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Netgear FVG318

Current Status: Compatible after Changes
Suggestions: Update firmware and disable SIP ALG
Comments:
This router is known to cause issues related to storing configuration and failed firmware downloads with Aastra series phones. Aastra phones on this router require frequent reprogramming and firmware replacement. This router appears to work with VoIP services with the SIP ALG setting is disabled. The router does not work properly with VoIP with the SIP ALG setting enabled (which is enabled by default). You should make sure you have the most recent firmware for this router before using it. First, to disable the SIP ALG, log in to your router and select ‘Rules’ from the left-hand side menu. Next, check the box that says ‘Disable SIP ALG.’

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Netopia

Current Status: Possibly compatible after changes
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG or replace a device
Comments:
Netopia has SIP Passthrough “on” by default and will not work with VoIP services properly unless SIP ALG is disabled. (Or SIP ALG in newer models) To work with voice-over-IP, you must turn SIP Passthrough (SIP ALG) off. Note that not all Netopia routers may allow this change; if yours does not, you must replace the device with a compatible router to use our service.

The SIP ALG setting is not in the web GUI. You have to telnet into the router, then type. Each line is a new command.

configure
set IP sip-passthrough off
save
exit
Restart

On the Netopia 4622xlt
Telnet into the device
Use the arrow keys to highlight ‘quick menu’ and press “ctrl-n.”
That brings you to the console.

type:

IP nat alg sip enable no
save
exit
restart

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SMC 3100

Current Status: Possibly compatible after changes
Suggestions: Bridge device to a supported router
Comments: This router is not compatible with VoIP services unless it is bridged. We recommend bridging the router to an alternative router so that it acts as a modem only.

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Tomato Firmware Routers

Current Status: Possibly compatible after changes
Suggestions: Adjust router settings
Comments: We have encountered a scenario in which a router running the Tomato firmware would only let one phone register at a time. We were able to resolve this problem by entering the router settings under ‘Advanced’ and then ‘Conntrack/Netfilter,’ where we enabled the SIP option for ‘Tracking/NAT Helpers.’ The router on which this was encountered was an Asus RT N16, but this issue and resolution may apply to other routers running Tomato.

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Zxyel

Current Status: Possibly compatible after changes
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG or bridge device to the router
Comments:
This router is not compatible with VoIP services without modifications. We recommend either bridging the device to another router or disabling the SIP ALG. To disable the SIP ALG, you must first telnet into the router/modem. Choose (24) System Maintenance and (8) Command Interpreter Mode. From the command line type:

IP nat service sip active 0

You will receive the message “SIP ALG Disable.”

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Incompatible Devices

Actiontec GT704WG

Current Status: Not Compatible
Suggestions: Replace the device
Comments:
This router is not SIP Compatible. Drops call after 20 seconds.

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Asus RT-N66U

Current Status: Not Compatible
Suggestions: Replace the device
Comments:
This router is not SIP Compatible. It has no SIP ALG or SIP Fixup options and does not work with Polycom, Aastra or cisco phones.

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Belkin

Current Status: Not Compatible
Suggestions: Replace the device
Comments:
This router is not compatible with VoIP services. We cannot support this router in any way, and it must be replaced before using our service.

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D-Link DIR-825

Current Status: Not Compatible
Suggestions: Replace Device
Comments:
This router is not compatible with VoIP.

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D-Link WBR-1310

Current Status: Not Compatible
Suggestions: Replace Device
Comments: This router is not compatible with VoIP applications as it lacks an option to disable the internal SIP ALG, which interferes with IP Telephones.

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Linksys WRT54G, WRT54GX, WRT54GL, WRT54GS

Current Status: Not Compatible
Suggestions: Replace Device or Replace Firmware
Comments: This router is not recommended for use with VoIP services using the stock firmware from Linksys. This model router is known to damage and modifies SIP packets so that it prevents VoIP packets from being formatted correctly and can cause a multitude of problems.

You may be able to install custom firmware such as DD-WRT () as a replacement. Note that the procedure does require some technical knowledge and ability. The DD-WRT firmware allows you to disable SIP ALG and enable QOS (Quality of Service), but this has not been tested in our labs yet.

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Thompson TG-585

Current Status: Not Compatible
Suggestions: Replace Device
Comments:
This router is not compatible with VoIP services. There is no method to disable the internal SIP ALG on the device. Other customers have found that bridging the device to a compatible router did not result in a workaround. We recommend replacing this device with a compatible modem and router. Back to Top


Netgear FVS318

Current Status: Not Compatible
Suggestions: Replace Device
Comments:
This router is not recommended for use with VoIP services. This router causes issues related to storing configuration and failed firmware downloads with Aastra series phones. The router appears to work some of the time but lacks the ability to disable the SIP ALG, which causes intermittent issues with phone service. If possible, we recommend avoiding this router until Netgear makes it possible to disable the internal SIP ALG setting on the router to be compatible with voice-over-IP. Back to Top


Netgear WGR614

Current Status: Not Compatible
Suggestions: Replace Device
Comments:
This router lacks the ability to disable SIP ALG and is not compatible with VoIP services. Back to Top


Netgear WGT624

Current Status: Not Compatible
Suggestions: Replace Device
Comments:
This router lacks the ability to disable SIP ALG and is not compatible with VoIP services. Back to Top


Netgear WRN2000

Current Status: Not Compatible
Suggestions: Replace Device
Comments:
This router lacks the ability to disable SIP ALG and is not compatible with VoIP services. Back to Top


SMC routers – general

Current Status: Not Compatible
Suggestions: Replace Device
Comments:
Most SMC routers do not appear to be compatible with VoIP services. We would suggest that you either replace this router with a compatible one or bridge it to another router. Back to Top


Devices not yet Tested.

Cisco Pix

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Untested
Comments:
We have Untested this router in our labs, but the following information may be helpful. The cisco pix firewall requires that in version 7.0 or later, look at the “inspect” fields. (Before version 7, it was called “fixups,” not “inspect.”) Make sure that the “inspect SIP” field is NO. “Oo inspect sip” is the proper setting. With ‘inspect sip’ on the PIX firewall replaces the phone’s internal IP address with the external IP address. We use both pieces of information to deliver the call accurately. The internal IP address must be inside the SIP packet for proper functioning. Back to Top


D-Link DI-524

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Untested
Comments:
This router has not been tested for compatibility with VoIP services. We recommend testing the router before using it in a production environment. Back to Top


D-Link DI-604UP

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Untested
Comments:
This router has not been tested for compatibility with VoIP services. We recommend testing the router before using it in a production environment. Back to Top


D-Link DIR-628

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG
Comments:
This router has not been tested for compatibility with VoIP services. If the router has an option to disable SIP ALG, we would recommend disabling it. Back to Top


D-Link DIR-655

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG
Comments:
This router has known issues with VoIP services if SIP ALG is not disabled. We recommend disabling the SIP ALG setting on the router. This option is available within the firewall settings under the ‘Application Level Gateway (ALG) Configuration.’ The SIP option should be unchecked. Back to Top


D-Link DIR-855

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG
Comments:
This router has known issues with VoIP services if SIP ALG is not disabled. We recommend disabling the SIP ALG setting on the router. This option is available within the firewall settings under the ‘Application Level Gateway (ALG) Configuration.’ The SIP option should be unchecked. Back to Top


D-Link DGL-4100

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG
Comments:
We suggest trying to disable SIP ALG by going into the router’s web interface and selecting Advanced -> Firewall -> Application Level Gateway and disabling (unchecking) the SIP checkbox. Back to Top


Dynex Routers

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Untested
Comments:
These routers have not yet been tested for compatibility with VoIP services. We recommended testing the router before deploying it in a production environment. Back to Top


Firebox Routers

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Untested
Comments:
These routers have not yet been tested for compatibility with VoIP services. Discussions with Firebox engineers indicate that the router is not likely compatible with SIP-based devices such as IP telephones due to NAT concerns. We recommended testing the router before deploying it in a production environment. If the router has SIP ALG or SIP Translations, we would recommend trying to disable them. Back to Top


Hitron CGN3 (Rogers Advanced WiFi Modem)

Current Status: Not Compatible
Suggestions: Replace the Device or Bridge it to a compatible router.
Comments:
This device’s router feature lacks the ability to disable SIP ALG and is not compatible with VoIP. We recommend that it be replaced with a standalone modem and router that is compatible or bridged to a compatible router. We DO NOT recommend placing a phone on the DMZ of this device, as it would compromise the phone’s security.


Hotbrick Routers

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Untested
Comments:
These routers have not yet been tested for compatibility with VoIP services. We recommend testing the router before deploying it in a production environment. If the router has SIP ALG or SIP Translations, we would recommend trying to disable them. Back to Top


Linksys BEFSR41

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Untested
Comments:
This router has not been tested for compatibility with VoIP services. Back to Top


Linksys RVS4000

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Untested
Comments:
We have not yet tested this router in our labs, but due to its similarity to the RV series routers (recommended), we believe it may be compatible. However, the SIP ALG setting on this router should be disabled. To disable the SIP ALG, you will need to login to the web interface and select ‘Firewall’ and then ‘Basic Settings. Ensure that the ‘SIP Application Layer Gateway’ is set to ‘Disable.’ Back to Top.


Linksys WRT110N

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Untested
Comments:
This router has not been tested with VoIP services to determine compatibility. We recommend testing it before deploying it in a production environment. Back to Top


Linksys WRT310N

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Untested
Comments: This router has not been tested to determine compatibility with VoIP services. We recommend testing the router first before deploying it in a production environment. Back to Top


Linksys WRT350N

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG
Comments:
Firmware release 1.03.7 on Sept 14, 2007, introduced an internal change that disables SIP ALG within the software. SIP ALG interferes with VoIP services, and we would suggest trying to upgrade to this firmware version or higher. This router has not been tested for VoIP compatibility. Back to Top


Linksys WRT610N

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Disable SIP ALG
Comments:
This router has not been tested for VoIP compatibility. If this router has a SIP ALG setting, we would suggest disabling it. Back to Top


Thompson TG-585

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Untested
Comments:
The internal SIP service needs to be disabled. You will need to use the telnet (port 23) client to connect to this router’s IP address using putty or another telnet client. The username and password are the same as those used to access the Web UI (default username Administrator). You will need to first login to the Web UI and change the password before you can telnet into the device. Once connected to the router, you will need to type these commands: connection unbind application=SIP port=5060
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Thompson Speedtouch ST-585

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Untested
Comments:
The internal SIP service needs to be disabled. You will need to use the telnet (port 23) client to connect to this router’s IP address using putty or another telnet client. The username and password are the same as those used to access the Web UI (default username Administrator). You will need to first login to the Web UI and change the password before you can telnet into the device. Once connected to the router, you will need to type these commands: connection unbind application=SIP port=5060
save all back to Top


Trendnet Routers

Current Status: Untested
Suggestions: Untested
Comments:
This router has not been tested for compatibility with VoIP services. We recommend testing it extensively before using it in a production environment. Back to Top


List of all Devices, by Model

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