Configuring Voice over IP for the Cisco 3600 Series

This chapter shows you how to configure Voice over IP (VoIP) on the Cisco 3600 series. For a description of the commands used to configure Voice over IP, refer to the “Voice-Related Commands” chapter in the Voice, Video, and Home Applications Command Reference.

VoIP enables a Cisco 3600 series router to carry voice traffic (for example, telephone calls and faxes) over an IP network. Voice over IP is primarily a software feature; however, to use this feature on a Cisco 3600 series router, you must install a voice network module (VNM). The VNM can hold either two or four voice interface cards (VICs), each of which is specific to a particular signaling type associated with a voice port. For more information about the physical characteristics, installing or configuring a VNM in your Cisco 3600 series router, refer to the Voice Network Module and Voice Interface Card Configuration Note that came with your VNM.

Voice over IP offers the following benefits:

Toll bypass

Remote PBX presence over WANs

Unified voice/data trunking

POTS-Internet telephony gateways

How Voice over IP Processes a Telephone Call

Before configuring Voice over IP on your Cisco 3600 series router, it helps to understand what happens at an application level when you place a call using Voice over IP. The general flow of a two-party voice call using Voice over IP is as follows:

1The user picks up the handset; this signals an off-hook condition to the signaling application part of Voice over IP in the Cisco 3600 series router.

2The session application part of Voice over IP issues a dial tone and waits for the user to dial a telephone number.

3The user dials the telephone number; those numbers are accumulated and stored by the session application.

4After enough digits are accumulated to match a configured destination pattern, the telephone number is mapped to an IP host via the dial plan mapper. The IP host has a direct connection to either the destination telephone number or a PBX that is responsible for completing the call to the configured destination pattern.

Configuring Voice over IP for the Cisco 3600 Series VC-13

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Cisco Systems manual Configuring Voice over IP for the Cisco 3600 Series, How Voice over IP Processes a Telephone Call

3600 specifications

Cisco Systems 3600 is a high-performance modular router series designed for small to medium-sized enterprises and branch offices. Launched in the late 1990s, it has been widely recognized for its flexibility, scalability, and reliability. The series is part of Cisco's extensive networking portfolio and has played a vital role in delivering various services and applications while enhancing operational efficiency.

One of the main features of the Cisco 3600 series is its modular architecture, allowing organizations to customize the router according to their specific needs. The system supports various interface modules that can accommodate different types of connections, including serial, Ethernet, and DSL, which helps in building versatile network solutions. The modularity not only increases the router’s lifespan by enabling upgrades as technology changes but also supports future expansion as the organization grows.

The Cisco 3600 series routers utilize advanced routing protocols, such as RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and IS-IS, to ensure efficient data transmission and optimal network performance. This capability allows the routers to adapt to varying traffic demands and complexities, thereby optimizing bandwidth utilization and reducing latency in communications. With extensive memory options, including Flash and DRAM, the 3600 series can handle robust data processing and support intricate routing environments.

Security is another critical feature of the Cisco 3600 series. It includes support for VPNs, firewalls, and other security protocols, providing a secure environment for data transfer. The implementation of features like Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) enhances the overall security posture, making it suitable for organizations looking to protect their sensitive information.

In terms of scalability, Cisco 3600 routers can easily accommodate increased workloads and network growth. This is done through the provision of additional modules and cards to increase capacity and performance. The series can also support multiple WAN connections, enabling seamless integration with various telecommunication services.

Additionally, the Cisco 3600 series is designed for ease of management. Utilizing Cisco's IOS software, network administrators can manage and configure the routers efficiently, thanks to a user-friendly interface and extensive command capabilities. This makes troubleshooting simpler and ensures network availability remains high.

In conclusion, Cisco Systems 3600 series routers combine robust performance, security features, and scalability, making them an invaluable asset for businesses looking to maintain a reliable and efficient networking solution.