Equipment Controller

The equipment controller is the heart of your premises equipment. It is made up of one or two carriers — the plastic housing consisting of the backplane and cover. The backplane distributes power to the premises equipment, and has slots where modules are placed; the cover slides onto the front of the backplane after all the modules have been installed.

The system must have a primary carrier for support of up to 12 lines and extensions, and can be expanded to include an expansion carrier for support of up to 12 more lines and extensions. A fully loaded system has both carriers.

Modules

The following modules are installed in your equipment controller:

■Primary processor module. The primary processor module manages the components of your premises equipment. It has jacks for a music-on-hold audio source, a loudspeaker paging system, and a call reporting device (SMDR), such as a printer. The primary processor module is always installed in the center slot of the primary carrier.

■Expansion processor module. (optional) The expansion processor module extends the primary processor module’s management capabilities to the lines and extensions connected to modules in the expansion carrier. An expansion cable connects the primary processor module to the expansion processor module. This module is always installed in the center slot of the expansion carrier.

■206 Modules. Each 206 module connects a maximum of two Centrex lines and six extensions to the equipment controller. You can connect telephones and other telecommunications devices (such as fax machines, answering machines, or modems) to the extension jacks on the 206 module (either directly or through your building’s extension jacks). Each 206 module has a green power indicator that shows it is receiving power from the equipment controller. At least one 206 module is required in the leftmost slot of the primary carrier.

■400 Module. The 400 module is similar to the 206 module, but without extension jacks. It has jacks for four Centrex lines. The 400 module is always installed to the right of a 206 module.

Capacity

The number of 206 and 400 modules you install in the equipment controller determines the number of available lines and extensions. The controller implements the Centrex requirement of one line for each extension. Therefore, when you install a 400 module (four lines) next to a 206 module (two lines, six extensions) in a carrier, the combined pair provides an equal number (six) of lines and extensions. For the maximum number of lines and extensions in a two-carrier configuration, pair four 206 modules with four 400 modules—for a total of 24 lines and 24 extensions.

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AT&T II manual Equipment Controller, Modules, Capacity, 8Overview
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II specifications

AT&T II, a pivotal case in the landscape of telecommunications regulation, emerged from the expansive antitrust actions against the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T). Following World War II, AT&T had established itself as a telecommunications behemoth, monopolizing the market. The ramifications of this dominance spurred a significant shift in regulatory measures, leading to the dissolution of the Bell System in 1984, which consisted of AT&T and its regional operating companies.

One key feature of AT&T II is its emphasis on promoting competition in the telecommunications sector. The court's decision aimed to dismantle the monopolistic practices that had stifled innovation and restricted consumer choice. By encouraging competition among various service providers, the ruling paved the way for an environment where new technologies could flourish.

The technologies that emerged post-AT&T II significantly transformed the telecommunications landscape. The introduction of new digital switching systems allowed for improved call quality and increased network efficiency. The evolution of fiber-optic technology also played a crucial role, enabling faster transmission speeds and greater data capacity. Moreover, innovative services, such as mobile telephony and broadband internet, proliferated as competition increased.

Another characteristic of AT&T II is its focus on accessibility and consumer protection. The ruling mandated that telecommunications services be available to a broader swath of the population, ensuring that underserved communities had access to essential communication services. This shift not only democratized access but also laid the groundwork for the modern internet revolution, fostering the growth of the digital economy.

The impact of AT&T II can also be seen in the regulatory frameworks that followed. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted policies aimed at enhancing market transparency and ensuring fair practices among competitors. These regulatory changes helped to create a more equitable playing field, allowing smaller companies to compete against established giants.

In summary, AT&T II marked a turning point in telecommunications history, characterized by a focus on competition, technological advancements, and consumer protection. The dissolution of AT&T's monopoly allowed for the rapid evolution of technology and services, ultimately benefiting consumers and fostering an environment ripe for innovation. This ruling not only redefined the telecommunications industry but also set a precedent for how markets are regulated in the United States.
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