Budget time 2

[skymax]

Starting the budget cycle for the coming fiscal year. Our support vendor has recommended we consider getting a signaling server for our Meridian Option 11c. Can someone explain to me the benefits of getting a signaling server. I would also appreciate a ballpark figure which I recognize might not include the installation charge.

In addition, we have 10 remote communities using i2004 phones. I would like to hear the advanages of using a 9150 at the larger communities from someone that has them. Or, is there a better feature to bring redundancy to these larger communities?

Will the 9150 allow the Option 11c and it to work seemlessly together? Once the 9150 has been installed correctly, will staff be able to use Call Pilot and the other features they currently have access to. Or, will additional features need to be added to the 9150?

Thanks for your time and any assistance you can give me.

Tim

 

[acewarlock]

With the 9150 you use standard phones at the remote and they act the same as if they are at the main office.

 

[EddieDuece]

Keep in mind that the 9150 only supports up to 32 Nortel phones though. I works well with the Nortel switches, but does not provide redundancy. As far as the Call Pilot goes, not a problem. Works well with that as well.

I had a 9150 connected to a option 61 over a microwave, which worked pretty well. I would get a little echo when we encountered severe weather.

 

[LeeMcCauslin]

And popcorn?

 

[gwebster]

Adding a "signaling server" to your Option 11C Chassis/Cabinet turns it into a CS 1000M Chassis/Cabinet. Think of the "signaling server" as a general purpose 1U server which runs multiple applications. The "IP Line" application which you currently have running on an IP Line (ITG/VGMC) card for your IP Phone 2004 is one of those applications. Running it on the "signaling server" increases the number of IP Phones which you can support as well as provides a failover mechanism - if the "signaling server" fails (or you lose the network connection to it), then the IP Line application on the VGMC can take over. With the "signaling server", you can also use Personal Directory/Callers List/Redial List on the IP Phones. Another application on the "signaling server" is Element Manager - a web-based configuration utility for the CS 1000M. If you have multiple CS 1000 / M1 systems connected via ITG Trunks/H.323/SIP, then the "signaling server" can also host a network numbering plan application to route calls around the network.

 

[gwebster]

For your remote sites, you could look at the SRG 50. It is based upon the BCM 50 platform so has the ability to provide local PSTN trunking at that remote location and networks back to the main CS 1000M for "normal" service so no change to your IP Phone 2004 users. If the WAN connection goes down (or the main CS 1000M), then it goes into a "surviveable" mode where the local IP Phones can still get service until the connection is restored - can can use the local PSTN trunks for example if emergency calling is required.

 

[skymax]

Thanks for the information. I have started doing additional research on the signaling server, 9150 and SRG 50. I have one follow up question. If you had to decide between the three and you were trying to smooth out you VoIP installation - which would you decide to budget for this coming fiscal year?

I have two hard nuts I want to get rid of. I want to be able to manage my i2004 phones better with outside vendor support. I also want to put some failsafe features into the larger communities. My issue is I can only budget for one.

-Tim

 

[gwebster]

Choice of one - signaling server.

 

[johnpoole]

Choice of one - signaling server

agree with that.. and then budget for additional training. training is expensive but it's way cheaper then paying a vendor. plus when you handle work inhouse you know it's done right the 1st time

john poole
bellsouth business
columbia,sc

 

[skymax]

Johnpoole - I would like to know what classes you would recommend and from whom. I had asked my prior support vendor for this, Nortel for this and now the new support vendor. They all gave me their word I would get this information, but follow thru has been limited.

I basically have taught myself by reading in this forum and one other. Or, getting onto the system while reading a manual. Therefore, my knowledge is limited to areas that can cause me some difficulty.

 

[MagnaRGP]

Instead of taking classes, if you are truly interested, USE your vendor. Buy some training time from them and have them teach you in the real world -- YOURS.

When you have a service call, shadow the technician and ask questions. Book a 4 hour time-slot and prepare some scenarios in advance. Then have your tech run them through with you.

This is cheaper than classes and more relevant. Also, you can get to know your tech a bit better and develop the relationship a bit.

Finally, come to this forum and ask questions based on what you are told.

Oh yeah --- sig server and SRG are definately the way to go.

Good Luck