IAX or SIP for remote softphone. Which is Better? Why?

[dandy_don]

This is probably a very basic (stupid) question but I've looked and haven't yet found the reason... IAX uses a single port for everything and from what I have read, is much better at traversing NAT, etc. while keeping audio intact. And it seems to have other advantages over SIP. If this isn't correct, please help me to better understand.

So then why is using a SIP softphone vs. an IAX softphone better? Or what I'm actually asking is what is the advantage of using a remote SIP softphone instead of a remote IAX softphone?

And if using an IAX softphone, shouldn't/couldn't something akin to traveling man be used to open that port for only when it is needed by the legitimate remote IAX softphones? That way iptables could also protect the IAX port.

Thanks,
Don

 

[blanchae]

IAX uses a single port for everything and from what I have read, is much better at traversing NAT, etc. while keeping audio intact.

This is true and one of the main reasons that IAX was designed for.

And it seems to have other advantages over SIP.

It allows multiple calls on one trunk. SIP opens a new call for each trunk.

So then why is using a SIP softphone vs. an IAX softphone better? Or what I'm actually asking is what is the advantage of using a remote SIP softphone instead of a remote IAX softphone?

IAX is just in the process of becoming an Internet standard and is unique to Asterisk (InterAsterisk Xchange protocol). SIP has been around for a long time. There is lots more support for SIP and hence better softphones.

And if using an IAX softphone, shouldn't/couldn't something akin to traveling man be used to open that port for only when it is needed by the legitimate remote IAX softphones? That way iptables could also protect the IAX port.

Absolutely.

 

[wardmundy]

We're actually looking at some SIP/IAX-capable phones right now that would offer the best of both worlds. Just need to find someone to distribute them for under $50...

 

[markieb]

OMG that has got to be the uglyest phone I've ever seen Lol

 

[kenn10]

OMG that has got to be the uglyest phone I've ever seen Lol

I have to agree with you on that one. Yuck! No one ever accused Mitel phones of being esthetically pleasing.

 

[dandy_don]

Thanks for the information! Very helpful.

Don

 

[blanchae]

I do see in the lower right corner an "insert color options". I think that the color choice as displayed is not the best for this phone. But it would work if you have an office color scheme that is black and brown. Interior designers meet VoIP phone