Linksys PAP2
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[edit] Hardware
The Linksys PAP2 is an Analog Telephony Adapter (commonly referred to as ATA), which allows for the connection of a “normal” telephone to a VoIP provider using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) protocol. The device is one of Linksys's first entries into the Consumer / SOHO Voice over IP devices market.
The device is based around a Sipura SPA-2000 ATA.
The PAP2 is powered by a ESS Visba 3 (ES3890F) chipset. It utilises a Realtek RTL8019AS 10BaseT Ethernet controller, which provides a 10 Mbit/s/ half duplex connection to a LAN.
The PAP2 has been bundled with popular VoIP services such as Vonage and AT&T’s offering. These may be locked to their parent service.
An unlocked version of the device (which is directly comparable with the Sipura device), is available through certain online retailers. This is referred to as the PAP2-NA, and retails for around £40 GBP.
The units have 2 RJ11 sockets, which allows for two "lines" (each with their own unique SIP registrar / username etc, for truly separate configuration), however in the case of the locked units, the second line may be inaccessible, unless your provider specifically sets it up (i.e. if you had two Vonage lines).
[edit] Firmware
For a while, people were able to unlock the "locked" devices offered by providers such as Vonage, however since mid November 2005, a firmware update has been released which "corrects" some of loopholes being used to unlock the devices. In one particular instance, Vonage have actually withdrawn some of their PAP2's from UK retailers such as Comet Group Plc in order to replace them with units containing the newer firmware, so that there is little chance of them being unlocked.
[edit] Useful Links
- Linksys Product Information - Information about the PAP2
- PAP2 Support Group - An unofficial support group for the PAP2 on Yahoo! Groups.