[Asterisk-Users] Can Asterisk replace Cisco 5350?

[Linuxnizer The Mesmorizer]

>From: Jean-Michel Hiver <jhiver at ykoz.net>
>
>Linuxnizer The Mesmorizer a écrit :
>
>>Hi,
>>  We are using Cisco5350 as a gateway with 2 E1 cards (part# 
>>AS535-DFC-2CE1) to terminate calls. We need 2 more gateways, my question 
>>is can we save some money and use Asterisk + PCI E1 cards?
>
>I've had the same issue lately. I need to set up a 4E1 / g.729 solution.
>
>
>Asterisk way
>========
>
>- 4 asterisk boxes with 1 E1 card (approx $2k each)
>- 120 g.729 licences ($1.2k)
>- 1 SER box to dispatch the calls on the 4 asterisk boxes ($1k)
>
>Total: 4 * 2 + 1.2 + 1 = 10.2
>
>
>In the end, I went on voipsupply.com and saw that they offer Audiocodes 
>mediant 2000 (4 E1 version) for about $10k. Since this box also does SS7 
>(which is nice if you want to properly interconnect some day), can scale up 
>to 16 E1 and is conveniently packed in a 1U rackable unit, I have decided 
>to go with Audiocodes.
>
>Since I am not set up yet, I can't tell wether it is a good decision or 
>not. I will let you know :)
>
>
>Cheers,
>Jean-Michel.

Hii Jean-Michel,
  Couple of notes, I didn't find Audiocodes at voipsupply.com. As far as the 
E1 is concerned, I think that there are many standards for R2-E1 signaling. 
Cisco support many variations, not sure if these cards or Asterisk support 
such wide variaty of R2 signaling. Check Cisco paper on this 
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/iosswrel/ps1826/products_feature_guide09186a00800dc5cf.html

Final note, I can get a used Cisco5350 for around $7000 with 2E1 cards, your 
solution seems a bit pricey compared to a used Cisco. Any advantages or 
features that come with Asterisk that can't be done with a Cisco5350?

Regards,
Linuxman.

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