Siemens Gigaset C450 IP Review

Some specifications

Both SIP (ethernet) and PSTN connection !
Can use STUN.
Available since 2006.
DECT/GAP-compatible. Up to 6 handsets.
SMS
Color screen with screensaver (illuminated) 101x80 px, 4 lines of text, 4096 colors.
Web configuration of base station.
Gigaset Quality of Service (QoS).
Polyphone ringtones.
Handsfree.
Memory for 100 numbers.
Display of number (FSK CLIP) and name (where available via connection).
Batteries: Standby 150h Conversation 10h.
Range: max. 300m outdoor and 50m indoor.
Upgrade firmware via web interface and handset.


Price: 140 euro at Dixons in The Netherlands but I also saw them online for about 100 euro.

Installation

After connecting the base station to the power supply and router it received an IP adres from the DHCP server at my home network. After configuring the telephone via the web interface to connect as SIP device to my Asterisk server I only have had to wait to charge the batteries. A good moment to do some wiring from the PSTN to the base station and read the manual.
Account details for SIP can be typed directy into the web interface, or you can use the VoIP connection wizard from the handset. Settings of the base station are protected by a password.

Usage

Right now, this phone replaced the analogue house phone and for calling out to landlines I use Voipuser. That works fine and quality is very good. Also sending and receiving SIP/IAX2 calls via my Asterisk box to FWD works fine with no problems at all.

POTS (i.e. non-VoIP) calls are coming in via the PSTN connection, also without troubles.

Good points


Very easy firmware upgrade. Have done this once already, without problems.

Easy installation.

Robust design.

Good manual. Two versions available in every language, a short and a long one. Also complete without spelling errors in my own language: Dutch.

Separate power supply for handset and base station. So base station is in some hidden place in the house and the handset docking station is in a prominent place in the living room.


Points for improvement


There are 5 polyphonic (16 voices) ringtones and 10 standard melodies available (still good), but there is no possibility to use your own ringtone.

Screensaver - same as for the ringtones - only 4 standard pictures and digital clock available. So also for the screensaver no possibility to upload your own picture. For the record, I use the clock as the screensaver.

The Phonebook is not accessable via web interface, so there's no possibility to update or save the phonebook from your PC.

Only 2 distinctive ringtones, 1 for external and 1 for internal.

The SMS service center is only reachable via the PSTN connection. I didn't find a way to route this (for free) to my Asterisk box.

Special

You can download developer files for the firmware, including tool chain.
http://www.siemens.com/developer/c450ip Actually only the SIP implementation is open source.

Conclusion
A good hybrid (VoIP + PSTN) starters telephone. Easy installation and classic robust design.

Added:  Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Reviewer:  Vincent de Groot
Score:
Related web link:  Manufacturer website: Siemens Gigaset C450 IP
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Language: eng

  

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Posted by gjsmith on Mar 23, 2009 - 09:51 PM Your rating: @p2pvoice Unfortunately you can't get this VoIP phone in the states. For now it looks like if you want a cordless VoIP phone you'll have to use a VoIP adapter with an analog cordless phone.

Posted by p2pvoice on Sep 09, 2007 - 12:00 AM Your rating: Where can I buy this phone (or similar IP models)in the US? Thanks.