iiNet BoB wireless modem

Upside

In an attempt to simplify home networking and internet telephony, ISP iiNet has partnered with Belkin to launch an Australian developed modem/router/VoIP phone device to be marketed under the name of BoB. (The name is apparently a play on "Broadband in a Box"; but why, given its Aussie genetics, could they not think of an appropriate acronym for BRuCE we ask?)

BoB's got four Ethernet ports and wireless b/g/n capabilities to connect up to 16 wireless devices, so networking whatever you want to in your household should be no problem. It also serves as a base station for standard phone or VoIP calls when teamed-up with either a BoB handset or your existing DECT-compatible handset. It can support up to three separate phone lines and five telephone handsets at once.

If you have an ADSL connection and a normal PSTN phone line, BoB works as a normal phone. If you have a VoIP service, BoB will by default use VoIP to make and receive calls when your broadband connection is active with failover to PSTN if the connection drops out for any reason. And if you're on iiNet's Naked DSL, all local and national calls will route through your internet connection.

iiNet claims that BoB's very easy to set up. Once the power and phone cables are connected, the rest of the set up can be managed remotely by iiNet using your specific broadband account and settings.

It also has two USB ports on-board. One "charge" USB port can charge mobile phones, iPods or any other USB-charge device. The other USB port is designated as "storage/3g" for network sharing of files stored USB hard drives and flash drives. It is planned that this same port will also be able to support 3G (mobile broadband) dongles; however, its 3G functionality is not currently available and will have to be enabled via a future firmware upgrade.

Downside

If you're using another internet service provider, you'll have to switch, as BoB is exclusive to iiNet.

And sorry, a router with the same name as my father is just weird.

Outlook

The pricing structure allows you to buy the unit for AU$369 outright (including a handset) or AU$269 if you sign up for a 24-month contract. You can connect up to five additional BoB phone handsets at AU$69 each.

Depending on how much you're spending on broadband and telephone charges, BoB might be a simple way to get your home network up and running as well as cut the cost of your landline telephone, providing you're willing to sign up with iiNet.

http://www.cnet.com.au/iinet-bob-wireless-modem-339297865.htm