[Asterisk-Users] newbie uk questions...

[Alistair Cunningham]

Darrell,

Yes, done several implementations of Asterisk and Cisco Call Manager 
Express in this range in the UK. In both cases, I used Cisco 7940s for 
most users and 7960s for managers (they like to feel 'special'). On the 
CCME one, I used PoE. I used 2 BRIs (4 channels) on CCME, and a PRI E1 
with 8 channels active with Asterisk.

I also experimented with a VoIP provider for the Asterisk customer, but 
they decided on the PRI for QoS and SLA reasons. In my experience, most 
business users still want ISDN for these reasons; VoIP providers are not 
yet proven. I expect this will change in the next year or two.

For 2, 4, or 6 channels, BRIs are cheaper. For 8 or more, you should 
choose a PRI. Personally, if I wanted 6 channels, I'd get an 8 channel 
PRI. I'd be wasting 2 channels (8 is the normal minimum for PRIs in the 
UK), but the ease of installation and less messing around from the 
provider would be worth it.

I know this is an Asterisk list, but you should consider CCME. It 
doesn't have as many features as Asterisk, but then again is not 
dependant on PC hardware. You can pick up a CCME platform (minus 
interface cards) for about 1500 pounds these days.

Alistair Cunningham,
Integrics Ltd,
Telephony, Database, Unix consulting worldwide
+44 (0)7870 699 479
http://integrics.com/


Darrell Berry wrote:
> hi:
> 
> Just starting out with *, and I'm planning to heed the advice to start 
> simple and small, but the goal i'm aiming for eventually is:
> 
> *-based pbx for 10-20 seat small business, based in the UK. Users will 
> have PoE SIP hardphones. So far so good, but two questions, both 
> UK-specific, relating to connection to the outside world (PSTN or VoIP):
> 
> - are there any UK-based VoIP providers targetting small business users: 
> by which I mean support for multiple simultaneous connections in and out 
> on the same DDI (to simulate traditional multi-channel ISDN PBX 
> capabilities), and guaranteed SLAs/professional support? If so, has 
> anyone dealt with any of them and do you have any recommendations 
> (either for or against?). This includes ISPs getting into the VoIP arena.
> 
> - failing that, what my options for *-compatible, UK-legal 
> interconnections between a *-based PBX and UK PSTN? I'm looking for more 
> channels than I will get from ISDN-2e, but less than ISDN-33 (probably): 
> enough for say 4-8 simultaneous incoming/outgoing calls. I admit this is 
> the area I'm least clear on!
> 
> Even better: has anyone actually implemented either of these scenarios 
> in the UK? Any feeeback/cheatsheets?
> 
> Thanks
> 
> - Darrell
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