[Asterisk-Users] Systems Admin; Telecom Newbie - What do I need?

[Dan Perik]

No, you most likely wouldn't need to massively expand your network. 
Most of the "higher end" IP phones have a built in switch.  So you plug
phone into network, and plug computer into phone.  No extra wiring. 

- Dan

Ed Pastore wrote:

> Thanks for all the great help! I finally feel a little grounded when 
> thinking about this stuff... at least enough to put a ballpark figure 
> on my budget, anyway.
>
> But as I think about it a little more, one huge question appears to 
> me... do I need to massively expand my network?
>
> But currently, I only have one ethernet jack per office. Routing 
> another 60 or so ports would add a very substantial expense in both 
> cabling and backbone expansion (what category ethernet is required, 
> BTW?).
>
> My ComDial routes over what appears to be 4-wire phone wire RJ-
> whatever... 11? 45? I get those confused. Anyway, are those wires 
> acceptable? What do you folks do in a situation like mine?
>
> And is there any chance in hell I could use my ComDial DigiTech 7700 
> phones with Asterisk? I assume that's right out, but might as well 
> ask....
>