ASUS' new motherboards convert PSTN to VoIP

If you still haven't pulled the trigger on setting up a VoIP system in your domicile, and you're looking to build a new rig from the ground up anyway, ASUS is handing over the perfect excuse to do both. While the firm has already teamed with Gigabyte for a bit of motherboard collaboration, the M2N/TeleSky and P5B/TeleSky boards will now include a "telecom adapter" to convert your standard PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) lines to VoIP. Moreover, the adapter touts the ability to "to switch the house phone connection between PSTN and VoIP networks" depending on call-to-call preferences. While we aren't certain on how much ASUS plans on charging for the limited edition units, we do know that 60 SkypeOut minutes will be included "while supplies last," so you may want to make haste on picking one up if this combo suits your fancy.

[Unomi @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:19PM]

Will this make the implementation of Asterix easier?

- Unomi -

[Hugh Jass @ Dec 3rd 2006 2:28PM]

It's Asterisk, not Asterix...
But yes, it will make it easier.

[Chip @ Dec 3rd 2006 6:17PM]

Nothing terribly fancy, looks like the PSTN interface is just a USB dongle attached to a back-panel bracket. If it were actually built onto the motherboard with just a pair of RJ-11 jacks in the backpanel connector cluster, that would be noteworthy.

[Dave Pevsner @ Dec 3rd 2006 7:31PM]

it's not a USB dongle, it's an add-on card that you put in an empty PCI slot. I may get one if i get an unlimited plan with skype...just connect that computer to my phones the way my VoiceWing VOiP system is now, switch my service and landline number to skype, and get unlimited calls on both my house phone and any computer with skype all at once.


it'd be nice if asus told us the ringer equivalence number on the device...i had to throw out one of my phones because its REN was too high for the VoiceWing system.

[Andrew @ Dec 4th 2006 12:30PM]

I think Chip is right, according to the specs. you use a PCI slot, but it runs of a USB port internally. I don't think it is embedded in the mobo, but that would be most excellent if it was.