This niche product from Network Broadband Solutions (NBS) is targeted at small-to-medium businesses or even larger companies wishing to cut down on costs associated with phone and fax charges.

The 4400A is a stand-alone Voice over IP (VoIP) gateway that can be configured in various setups such as a networked gateway, a stand-alone PABX (Private Automatic Branch eXchange) or an IP-PABX. Services that would be beneficial and cost-effective for a business include international calling, free mobile phone roaming, distributed call centre and automatic call forwarding. The devices are modular, which means that additional units can be purchased if more ports are required or if other features such as conference calling ($979) are necessary.

Calling from one gateway to another incurs no charges. A perfect setup example would be that of a head office with branch offices throughout the country, say in regional areas and in different States. Calling or faxing other colleagues is just a matter of dialling the extension.

During testing, we found the device relatively easy to set up via the Web interface - in comparison, no harder than setting up a newer ADSL modem. NBS also offers training courses to set up and install their VoIP gateways, covering some of the basic and advanced functions available. Check its Web site for full details on training schedules.