Fax Services, Service Parameter | Cisco Systems ATA 188, ATA 186

Chapter 1 Cisco Analog Telephone Adaptor Overview

Software Features

•Configurable tone (dial tone, busy tone, confirm tone, reorder tone, call waiting tone)

•IP address assignment—DHCP-provided or statically configured

•Cisco ATA configuration by means of a TFTP server, web browser, or voice configuration menu.

•VLAN configuration

•Caller ID format

•Ring cadence format

•Silence suppression

•Low-bit-rate codec selection

•RTP media port configuration

•Hook-flash detection timing configuration

•Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP)

•User interface password

•Type of Service (ToS) configuration for audio and signaling ethernet packets

•Debugging and diagnostic tools

Fax Services

The Cisco ATA supports two modes of fax services, in which fax signals are transmitted using the G.711 codec:

•Fax pass-through mode—Receiver-side Called Station Identification (CED) tone detection with automatic G.711A-law or G.711µ-law switching.

•Fax mode—The Cisco ATA is configured as a G.711-only device.

How you set Cisco ATA fax parameters depends on what network gateways are being used. You may need to modify the default fax parameter values (see Chapter 6, “Configuring and Debugging Fax Services”).

Note Success of fax transmission depends on network conditions and fax modem response to these conditions. The network must have reasonably low network jitter, network delay, and packet loss rate.

Supplementary Services that the Cisco ATA Provides

Table 1-1lists the supplementary phone services that the Cisco ATA provides for MGCP. Table 1-1includes links to the corresponding parameters that allow you to configure these services.

Table 1-1 Supplementary Services that Require Configuration on the Cisco ATA

Service	Parameter

Caller ID	CallerIdMethod, page 5-21

Call Waiting	SigTimer, page 5-26

Call-Waiting-Caller ID	CallerIdMethod, page 5-21,SigTimer, page 5-26

Three-way Conference	ConnectMode, page 5-24—Bit 23

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

	OL-4803-01	1-7

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.

Fax Services

Supplementary Services that the Cisco ATA Provides

Service

Parameter

ConnectMode, page 5-24—Bit 23

ATA 188, ATA 186 specifications