Chapter 13

Configuring Voice

Introduction

The two voice ports in the SmartSwitch 1800 provide connectivity over frame relay for telephones, PBXs, fax machines, and analog modems.

Voice support includes:

Ability to transmit voice and data over the same DLCI between SmartSwitch 1800s

Digital signal processing (DSP) technology, providing quality equal to calls placed through a public telephone network

Compression options from 4.8 Kbps to 64 Kbps

Built-in echo cancellation

Digital Speech Interpolation (DSI) to maximize bandwidth efficiency during silent periods in a voice conversation

Support for all common analog telephony interfaces, including FXO, FXS, 2- and 4-wire E&M, and AC-15

Support for both rotary and pulse dialing

Store and forward dialing

Variable number lengths and wildcard mapping

Start and delay E&M signaling

Group III, V.17, V.27, and V.29 facsimile support, with primary rate of 14.4 Kbps and fallback rates as low as 2.4 Kbps

Three major configurable components of the SmartSwitch 1800 are involved in setting up a voice call over frame relay:

Voice ports (channels), which connect to telephony equipment.

Speed/long dial table, which assigns user-defined short speed-dial numbers to longer numbers.

Voice interfaces, which designate frame relay DLCIs for voice/data trans- mission.

Calls are routed between voice ports and frame relay ports by internal mapping (using the dial table) that reads the destination node number for a voice call and associates it with a voice interface. The voice interface record includes an associated frame relay port and DLCI over which the Call Request frame will be sent to the destination node.

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Cabletron Systems 1800 manual Chapter Configuring Voice, Introduction

1800 specifications

Cabletron Systems, a leading player in network management and telecommunications solutions during the late 20th century, introduced several innovative products that played a crucial role in shaping enterprise networking. Among these were the Cabletron FRX6000, FRX4000, and the FRX1800, which delivered advanced features aimed at enhancing network performance, security, and scalability.

The Cabletron FRX6000 was designed as a robust multi-layer switch, ideal for large-scale enterprise environments. It supported extensive routing capabilities, allowing organizations to manage traffic efficiently even under heavy loads. The FRX6000 boasted high throughput rates and low latency, making it suitable for demanding applications. With support for various network protocols, including IP, IPX, and AppleTalk, its adaptability made it a versatile choice for diverse networking needs. Moreover, security features like VLAN support and Access Control Lists (ACLs) provided enhanced protection against potential threats.

Moving to the FRX4000, this model offered a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. The FRX4000 maintained many of the essential features of its larger counterpart while catering to medium-sized enterprises. It provided Layer 3 routing and could handle multiple simultaneous connections, ensuring seamless communication across departments. The modular design allowed for easy upgrades, enabling businesses to expand their network infrastructure without significant overhauls. This made the FRX4000 an attractive option for organizations looking to optimize their network investments.

Lastly, the FRX1800, designed for small to medium businesses, focused on simplicity and ease of use while still incorporating powerful network management capabilities. Its user-friendly interface made it accessible for organizations lacking extensive IT resources. The FRX1800 provided essential functionalities such as Integrated Layer 2 switching and routing, network monitoring, and basic security features, ensuring that even smaller companies could maintain efficient, reliable networking without overwhelming complexity.

All three models utilized advanced technologies, including a high bandwidth backbone and state-of-the-art switching architecture, to enable fast and reliable data transfer. They also supported Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, allowing businesses to prioritize critical applications and ensure consistent performance across the network.

In summary, the Cabletron FRX6000, FRX4000, and FRX1800 were pivotal in enhancing network capabilities, providing organizations with scalable, secure, and high-performance options tailored to their specific needs.