GL-1

Numerics

10BASE-T

G L O S S A R Y

10-Mbps baseband Ethernet specification using two pairs of twisted-pair cabling (Categories 3, 4, or 5): one pair for transmitting data and the other for receiving data. 10BASE-T, which is part of the IEEE 802.3 specification, has a distance limit of approximately 328 feet (100 meters) per segment.

A-law	ITU-T companding standard used in the conversion between analog and digital signals in PCM
	systems. A-law is used primarily in European telephone networks and is similar to the North American
	µ-law standard. See also companding and µ-law.
AVT tones	Out-of-bound signaling as defined in RFC 2833.

category-3 cable	One of five grades of UTP cabling described in the EIA/TIA-586 standard. Category 3 cabling is used
	in 10BASE-T networks and can transmit data at speeds up to 10 Mbps.
CED tone detection	Called station identification. A three-second, 2100 Hz tone generated by a fax machine answering a
	call, which is used in the hand-shaking used to set the call; the response from a called fax machine to
	a CNG tone.
CELP	Code excited linear prediction compression. Compression algorithm used in low bit-rate voice
	encoding. Used in ITU-T Recommendations G.728, G.729, G.723.1.
CLIP	Calling Line Identification Presentation. Shows your identity to callers with Caller ID.
CLIR	Calling Line Identification Restriction. Hides your identity from callers with Caller ID.
CNG	Comfort Noise Generation.
codec	Coder/decoder. In Voice over IP, Voice over Frame Relay, and Voice over ATM, a DSP software
	algorithm used to compress/decompress speech or audio signals.
companding	Contraction derived from the opposite processes of compression and expansion. Part of the PCM
	process whereby analog signal values are rounded logically to discrete scale-step values on a nonlinear
	scale. The decimal step number then is coded in its binary equivalent prior to transmission. The process
	is reversed at the receiving terminal using the same nonlinear scale. Compare with compression and
	expansion. See also A-law and µ-law.

Cisco ATA 186 and Cisco ATA 188 Analog Telephone Adaptor Administrator’s Guide (SCCP)

	OL-3141-01	GL-1

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.

Numerics

G L O S S A R Y

expansion. See also A-law and µ-law.

ATA 188, ATA 186 specifications