Cannot connect VOIP phone

Hi all, whilst this isnt 'exactly' a networking question I think it probably the closet place I'll find to get an answer!

I recently bought a Skypephone and have connected it to a switch box which I also bought recently. This switch box connects to my Motorola modem connected to Virgin Media broadband (The modem has only 1 ethernet port, hence the switch box purchase).

The problem is that I cannot get the phone working and also have the ability to use the internet. If I plug the phone directly into the modem it finds the ip and works perfectly but generally cannot find the ip when connected to the switch box. If it does manage to find the ip then it kills the connection to the pc (although the network icon in the taskbar always says connected)..

I'm thinking it may be an ip issue...?
Should I be using a static ip?
In the modem interface, should I disable DHCP?
Should I throw the switch box at my wife and tell her to sort it?

Any suggestions much appreciated!

 

If you have the same service as I do the switch box isn't enough to run your VOIP, you need a router or set up ICS on your main computer.

The router is the better option as VOIP will work even if your main system is turned of.

Virgin Media in my area (Ex Blueyonder) did (perhaps still do) offer a second IP for an additional monthly cost, this solution would also work but in the long term a router would be the cheaper option.

 

A modem is a point to point device. That is, it gives one device connection to the remote network (in this case the remote network is the internet). You need a router to share an internet connection as wildfire has said.

Personally, I'd chuck the modem out and buy a router compatible with the Virgin media network (one that has the modem function built it).

 

Actually the modems VM supply are also DHCP capable, though you'd need a switch and extra IP's from VM to use that capability.

Not an option, VM keep track of MAC addresses of their modems and only those will work (legally) with their network, any attempt to use others is against their T&C's

The above is assuming it's the cable side of things (ex Blueyonder or NTL) I don't know how VM's ADSL works having never used it.

 

Then you are right. An additional DSL (not ADSL) router is the solution!

 

Thanks for all your replies..
I ended up getting a router as some of you suggested & it works like a dream!

thanks again.

 

Splendid.

Thank you for posting back with your solution.

 

Good to hear,

Out of curiosity what VOIP service did you go for and how do you find the quality?