[asterisk-users] Advice on ISDN and Asterisk in the UK

[Gordon Henderson]

On Fri, 24 Oct 2008, Phil Knighton wrote:

> Hello all
>
> What I'm looking for is some plain speaking advice on ISDN.
>
> Currently using 4 analog lines connecting via a four port TDM400P FXO 
> card.  We need to physically move our installations, and on requesting 
> the analog lines be moved - our telco (BT) is suggesting we replace our 
> analog lines with ISDN2.  We would have 3 x ISDN2 connections, giving us 
> six voice channels.  They've even offered us free installation of the 
> lines (as opposed to a £560 charge for moving the analog lines!)

BT are sounding desperate! (And why go from 4 channels to 6?) Also watch 
out what they tie you in for - I suspect they'll offer the free 
installation if you sign up for a 5-year contract. One of my clients was 
offered that recently...

> What hardware would you recommend in the Asterisk box?  I don't mind 
> admitting I'm a newb and a lot of the info I've found is over my head. 
> I've been looking at a TE410P - would this achieve what I want which is 
> to connect the 3 ISDN2 connections, giving me six voice channels?

Same hardware you currently have, but with an ISDN2 card rather than 
TDM400.

I use the mISDN drivers, and for the most-part they seem OK. Last one I 
bought was an openVox B200P from Voipon.co.uk. You'd need the B400P for 6 
channels (3 ports)

> Assuming the TE410P is what I'm looking for (or an equivalent - 
> suggestions?) what are the basic points for what I would need to change 
> in my current config?

Compile/install/load the mISDN drivers and then add in the configs. It's a 
bit fiddly, but seems to work OK. I did have some compile issues with the 
latest mISDN drivers though.

Or port it into VoIP and wave at BT ...


Gordon
--
www.drogon.net