Trixbox & Fritzbox

[luka007be]

Hello,

First of all, I hope it’s ok to post in English over here (as I don’t write/read German).

Here is my situation:
- I’m currently testing the latest version of trixbox (asterisk 1.2.9.1; linux kernel 2.6.9-34.0.1.EL; DistroCentOS release 4.3 (Final)).
- I bought an AVM Friztbox FON WLAN 7050 (UK version, annexB part # 20002327 ). The firmware revision is 14.03.91.

I’m trying to use this fritzbox as gateway for outbound and inbound ISDN calls.

1) I tried the (default) SIP option to do so: the asterisk is defined as “internet telephony” account. There are some limitations: for outbound calls (asterisk -> isdn), one needs to use “call through” feature; and for inbound calls (ISDN -> asterisk) call divert feature. In this latter case, ISDN caller ID is replaced by the fritzbox ID on the IP interface. Following avm support, this is normal and can not be changed.
2) CAPI over TCP: I enabled capi over tcp in the fritzbox by the code #96*3*. This is working as I was able to receive/dial calls over this interface with FRITZ!fon windows utility. Now, I don’t find any information on how to implement capi_over_TCP at the asterisk side. I’ve seen several CAPI softwares, but as far as I understand, they are intended for local hardware cards. Are some of them capable of sending CAPI over TCP? If yes, where do you configure the fritzbox IP address (and TCP port)?
3) I guess there are other ways enabled by changing the firmware. However, in my case, I’m a bit worry about this option: my original firmware (UK version, annex B DSL modem) isn’t published by AVM. So modifying it will be irreversible. And for the German ones, I don’t see the distinction between annex A/annex B models… And ok, I admit this is easier for me to deal with an English interface rather than a German one

So, any advice is welcome!


Best regards,
Luka.

 

[telocho]

About 3)

You might have received a CDROM with your Fritz, is there perhaps a recover image from your version available? This might help overcome your fear for reversal.

The difference Annex A and Annex B is both in hardware and settings. The hardware has a different cut off frequency low pass filter. The setting is merely used to negotiate with the DSLAM, what frequencies are OK to start training on.

You can always modify the setting and use Annex B hardware to work on Annex A, provided you are satisfied some of the (better) lower frequencies are not used and total bandwith is less than optimal (10%?). The opposite way is a bit more trivial as you will have interference of the lower ADSL signals with ISDN signals. Only possible in this combination: Annex A hardware, Annex B setting and POTS line. But this is not interesting for your situation as no country outside Germany delivers Annex B ADSL over a POTS line.

About how to do modifications (firmware upgrade or alteration) I recommend other posts in this forum. Since you will have to use German firmware, better study as most instructions are as well...

 

[luka007be]

Hi Telocho,

Thanks for your answer.

I'm running ADSL over ISDN.
If I well understand you, the German firmware are annex B types (so ok with my situation)?

PS: I've checked the CD and no firmware image was on it.


Luka.

 

[robinsonR]

Hello,

First of all, I hope it?s ok to post in English over here (as I don?t write/read German).

Here is my situation:
- I?m currently testing the latest version of trixbox (asterisk 1.2.9.1; linux kernel 2.6.9-34.0.1.EL; DistroCentOS release 4.3 (Final)).
- I bought an AVM Friztbox FON WLAN 7050 (UK version, annexB part # 20002327 ). The firmware revision is 14.03.91.

I?m trying to use this fritzbox as gateway for outbound and inbound ISDN calls.

1) I tried the (default) SIP option to do so: the asterisk is defined as ?internet telephony? account. There are some limitations: for outbound calls (asterisk -> isdn), one needs to use ?call through? feature; and for inbound calls (ISDN -> asterisk) call divert feature. In this latter case, ISDN caller ID is replaced by the fritzbox ID on the IP interface. Following avm support, this is normal and can not be changed.
2) CAPI over TCP: I enabled capi over tcp in the fritzbox by the code #96*3*. This is working as I was able to receive/dial calls over this interface with FRITZ!fon windows utility. Now, I don?t find any information on how to implement capi_over_TCP at the asterisk side. I?ve seen several CAPI softwares, but as far as I understand, they are intended for local hardware cards. Are some of them capable of sending CAPI over TCP? If yes, where do you configure the fritzbox IP address (and TCP port)?
3) I guess there are other ways enabled by changing the firmware. However, in my case, I?m a bit worry about this option: my original firmware (UK version, annex B DSL modem) isn?t published by AVM. So modifying it will be irreversible. And for the German ones, I don?t see the distinction between annex A/annex B models? And ok, I admit this is easier for me to deal with an English interface rather than a German one

So, any advice is welcome!


Best regards,
Luka.

Sorry for that, but why don't looking for a english spoken forum?

 

[telocho]

Yes your OK with German firmware and no modifications for Annex needed.
All German versions (I mean the country not the language) are Annex B (ISDN compatible) and therefore must be somehow possible to use with your box.
For instructions how-to see elsewhere in this forum, search 'annex' or 'english' or so and there are some instructions to install the German version on a international box (and keep the annex... you don't change it in your case).

Please concidder one thing: you may not use speech codec G729 this way, that is the only thing not offered in this firmware. But in return you many new features and bug fixes, and most important a much higher stability in internet and voip calls. The used codec is to be optimised between these four variables: 1. your voip provider, 2. your internet uplink(!) speed, 3. your desired voice quality and 4. your ISP charging model.

If your uplink is anything bigger than 350 KByte, and your provider supports G711, and you have flat fee internet, I would recommend G711 so you don't even need G729. G711 is the same codec as in the B-channel of ISDN, so has "roughly" the same quality (MOS value of > 4).

Sorry to hear there is no image on the CDROM in case of trouble, anyone?

 

[telocho]

offtopic

The Fritz is so hugely popular in Germany and sold in so little amounts in other countries, there are no English forums available or at least there would be no activity.

Weil es die Fritz Modelle fast nicht gibt ausserhalb Deutsch gesprochen ländern (Also D-A-CH) fällt es Ihm warscheinlich sehr Schwierig da ein Forum zu finden. Ausserdem, Fragen steht ja frei.

Mann sollte nicht die unterschätzen dat, obwohl Verkaufe von AVM ja anders aussagen, das das Ausland immer Grösser ist.

AVM marketing soll sich noch mal überlegen, das in Europa (vor allem Benelux) ISDN sich ziemlich gut durchgesetzt hatt, das die Fritz reihe daher ein Killer ist (mit internen S0 Schnittstelle) und noch aggressiever verkauft (gebundled mit ADSL? KPN?) werden könnte. Würde mich allerdings freuen. Und dann eben mit aktueller firmware in English, weil das bleibt meist Universal.

 

[luka007be]

Sorry for that, but why don't looking for a english spoken forum?

Hi there,

Well, I think telocho somewhere replied already but here are my thoughts:

- ISDN is certainly a German speciality. However it is used in some other countries (such as Belgium where I'm based).
- AVM Fritzbox is a German product with a better German support.
- I think this forum is probably the best one for addressing issues regarding Fritzbox/Asterisk.
- I regret not being able to read/write German and I hope wrinting in English is not perceived as an aggression of any kind.
- And with translation tools and a bit of patience, I'm able to follow a German-technical howto...

Luka.

 

[luka007be]

...
Please concidder one thing: you may not use speech codec G729 this way, that is the only thing not offered in this firmware.
...
Sorry to hear there is no image on the CDROM in case of trouble, anyone?

Since the Fritzbox is considered as my Asterisk gateway, I'm using a (switched) LAN connectivity between these nodes. So delay/bandwidth is not an issue and G.711 codec is fine.

If someone can provides a backup UK firmware then I'll dive in the German firmware adventure


Thanks again for your advices.

Luka.