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 _______________________________________________ Asterisk-Users mailing list [email protected] http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users To UNSUBSCRIBE or update options visit: http://lists.digium.com/mailman/listinfo/asterisk-users
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