[Asterisk-Users] Nortel --> Asterisk-------->Asterisk

[Jim Van Meggelen]

asterisk-users-bounces at lists.digium.com wrote:
> I am looking at setting up the following configuration and any
> help/input/comments before signing the PRI contracts will be greatly
> appreciated. 
> 
> PRI                  Tampa                  PRI
> Sarasota   PRI
> <--> Nortel BCM-->Asterisk<------------------>Asterisk<--->
> 
> I would like to link the Nortel BCM to * using the a digital
> trunk card.

Your diagram is a bit confusing to me. Still, the use of PRI in the BCM
is a good plan. You've avoided using the highly unstable VoIP functions
in the BCM. 

PRI support on the BCM is based on the Norstar architecture, which is
very stable. So that basic design philosophy should serve you well.

> The BCM will continue to service the Tampa location, the * box would
> simply be used to pass extensions over the PRI to another * server in
> Sarasota and for a few SIP clients in other locations. Both
> servers will
> require two T100P cards. The Tampa server requiring one for
> communication with the BCM and one for the PRI to Sarasota.
> The Sarasota
> server will have one for communicating with the PRI to Tampa
> and one for
> accessing the PRI for local lines.

That should work well. One thing you may want to consider is fronting
the BCM with the Asterisk, as the Asterisk dial plan is far more
flexible.
 
> I really could do away with the * server in Tampa but I
> figured with an
> * solution being so much cheaper then another proprietary system the
> added redundancy for any SIP clients would be worth the extra money,

Never mind the money, Asterisk is technically superior to the BCM in
every way on the VoIP and OS side of things. The only place the BCM
might be able to argue a slight advantage is the wealth of key system
features it offers on its sets. 

Whatever you do, avoid using the BCM for VoIP - you *will* regret it.

Bottom line? The BCM has a limited future, whereas Asterisk *is* the
future!

> plus Tampa has twice the data rate capacity of Sarasota already.
> 
> I am really looking to achieve the following:
> 1. Reliability

Asterisk - BCM is famously unstable (as is its operating system -
Windows NT4.0).

> 2. Call quality

The BCM may offer a slight advantage on the legacy links, but Asterisk
is no slouch in this regard.

> 3. Cost effectiveness

Asterisk - The BCM is closed, obsolete and expensive

> 4. Redundancy

Asterisk - Linux has far more redundancy options than BCM ever will.
 
> Thank you in advance for your input.

Good luck.


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