GL-3

FXO

FXS

Glossary

Foreign Exchange Office. An FXO interface connects to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) central office and is the interface offered on a standard telephone. Cisco FXO interface is an RJ-11 connector that allows an analog connection at the PSTN central office or to a station interface on a PBX.

Foreign Exchange Station. An FXS interface connects directly to a standard telephone and supplies ring, voltage, and dial tone. Cisco's FXS interface is an RJ-11 connector that allows connections to basic telephone service equipment, keysets, and PBXs.

G.711	Describes the 64-kbps PCM voice coding technique. In G.711, encoded voice is already in the correct
	format for digital voice delivery in the PSTN or through PBXs. Described in the ITU-T standard in
	its G-series recommendations.
G.723.1	Describes a compression technique that can be used for compressing speech or audio signal
	components at a very low bit rate as part of the H.324 family of standards. This Codec has two bit
	rates associated with it: 5.3 and 6.3 kbps. The higher bit rate is based on ML-MLQ technology and
	provides a somewhat higher quality of sound. The lower bit rate is based on CELP and provides
	system designers with additional flexibility. Described in the ITU-T standard in its G-series
	recommendations.
G.729A	Describes CELP compression where voice is coded into 8-kbps streams. There are two variations of
	this standard (G.729 and G.729 Annex A) that differ mainly in computational complexity; both
	provide speech quality similar to 32-kbps ADPCM. Described in the ITU-T standard in its G-series
	recommendations.
gateway	A gateway allows SIP or H.323 terminals to communicate with terminals configured to other
	protocols by converting protocols. A gateway is the point where a circuit-switched call is encoded and
	repackaged into IP packets.

H.245	An ITU standard that governs H.245 endpoint control.
H.323	H.323 allows dissimilar communication devices to communicate with each other by using a standard
	communication protocol. H.323 defines a common set of CODECs, call setup and negotiating
	procedures, and basic data transport methods.

ICMP	Internet Control Message Protocol

Cisco ATA 186 and Cisco ATA 188 Analog Telephone Adaptor Administrator’s Guide for MGCP (version 3.0)

	OL-4803-01	GL-3

ATA 188, ATA 186 specifications

The Cisco Systems ATA 186, or Analog Telephone Adapter, revolutionized the way traditional telephony interacted with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems. Designed primarily for home and small office use, the ATA 186 allows users to connect standard analog phones and fax machines to a network, enabling them to take advantage of the benefits of VoIP technology.

One of the defining features of the ATA 186 is its dual port architecture. It includes two FXS ports, allowing users to connect up to two analog telephones. This functionality means that multiple devices can leverage VoIP services simultaneously without the need for separate adapters for each phone. The flexibility of the ATA 186 helps streamline the user experience, facilitating voice communication over an IP network while ensuring users can still use their existing phone equipment.

The ATA 186 employs various technologies to maintain high-quality voice calls. It supports standard voice codecs such as G.711 and G.729, which ensure efficient bandwidth usage while preserving call clarity. The adaptive jitter buffer technology further enhances call quality, compensating for network variations and minimizing latency, which is crucial for clear and uninterrupted conversations.

Additionally, the ATA 186 provides users with advanced calling features that were traditionally available only on PBX systems. These features include caller ID, call waiting, and voicemail functionality, integrating seamlessly with typical telephony services. The device also supports T.38 fax relay, allowing users to send and receive faxes over the internet, thus addressing the needs of environments where fax communication remains essential.

The security of VoIP conversations is also a priority for the ATA 186. It employs encryption protocols such as Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) and Transport Layer Security (TLS), ensuring that voice data is securely transmitted across the network. This focus on security helps protect sensitive information transmitted during calls.

Installation and configuration of the ATA 186 is streamlined, with an intuitive web-based interface that simplifies the setup process. This accessibility makes it suitable for users with varying levels of technical expertise, as frequently required adjustments, such as network configurations and firmware updates, can be easily managed.

In conclusion, the Cisco Systems ATA 186 stands out as a versatile and robust solution for users looking to integrate analog phones into a VoIP environment. With its dual port capabilities, high-quality voice codecs, advanced call features, and security measures, it offers a compelling choice for both residential and commercial users seeking seamless telephony integration. As technology evolves, devices like the ATA 186 remain cornerstones in bridging traditional telephony with modern communication systems.

Internet Control Message Protocol

ATA 188, ATA 186 specifications