[Asterisk-Users] New To Asterisk/POTS - Hardware Setup Question

[john at cusick.ws]

Regards to All,

I recently setup an Asterisk system (A at H) and it works like a charm so
far. It is in a SOHO behind another Linux iptable NAT firewall with no
problems.

Hopefully this isn't too dumb a question, and its the right place to ask it.

The situation is that at this time I have only one incoming PSTN line
which I have not yet hooked up (I have a single port FXO wildcard arriving
soon for test purposes) which I would like to have available whether the
server is available or not.

I'm thinking that a Sipura or Grandstream analog adapter with PSTN
passthrough is the solution, but I'm not sure, as I'm new to the whole
PBX/POTS system. Everything I've seen with passthrough is also a
router/gateway. Is that necesary and will it work or is there a better
solution?

For example, we have regular power outages here at my location lasting
anywhere from 1 minute to two hours and if the system is down I would like
to still have access to local 911 as well as other local numbers.

The obvious thing to do is just unplug one of the phones and plug it
directly into the POTS line, but I'm hoping there is a product available
that will work with both Asterisk and allow passthrough that will not only
transparent, but be less expensive than setting up a UPS system that will
hold the server up for an hour or so. A UPS to hold up the adapting device
and phone for an extended period would be far cheaper, I think.

TIA for any replies.

Regards,

John C.