Chapter 8 Troubleshooting

Symptoms and Actions

•A busy tone indicates that the party you called is not available. Try your call again later. A fast-busy tone indicates that you dialed an invalid number.

•After power up, if the function button continues to blink slowly, the Cisco ATA cannot locate the DHCP server. Check the Ethernet connection and the availability of the DHCP server.

•The DHCP server should show an incoming request from the MAC address listed on the product label or given by the voice prompt.

•If you place a call to another IP telephone, detect ringing, and the called party answers but you cannot detect the speaker’s voice, verify that the Cisco ATA and the other IP telephone support at least one common audio codec: G.711A-law, G.711µ-law, G.723.1, or G.729A.

Symptoms and Actions

Symptom Parameters with values set using the web server interface or voice configuration menu revert to their original settings.

Possible Cause You are using TFTP for configuration (the UseTFTP parameter is set to 1). The Cisco ATA has a cached version of its configuration file stored in its flash memory; this is what displayed or played through the web server interface or voice configuration menu. If UseTFTP is set to 1, then the cached value of the Cisco ATA configuration file is synchronized with its configuration file located at the TFTP server. This synchronization update of the cached value occurs at approximate intervals determined by the CFGInterval parameter value as well as when the Cisco ATA powers up or resets.

Recommended Action If you are using TFTP for configuration, do not use the web server interface or voice configuration menu to modify the value of the Cisco ATA configuration file. Use the web server interface or voice configuration menu only to initially configure the Cisco ATA to contact the TFTP server for the Cisco ATA configuration file.

Symptom Unable to access the web configuration page.

Possible Cause Software versions earlier than 2.0 require the web configuration page to be enabled using option 80# on the voice configuration menu.

Recommended Action Upgrade the software.

Symptom The Cisco ATA does not seem to be configured using the TFTP server.

Possible Cause The TFTP server address is not properly set.

Recommended Action Ensure that the TftpURL is correctly set to the URL or IP address of the TFTP server that is hosting the configuration file for the Cisco ATA. If you are using DHCP to supply the TFTP server IP address, make sure that the TftpURL is set to 0. Also, unless the TftpURL is an IP address, be sure that the DNS1IP and DNS2IP values are properly set to resolve the TftpURL supplied by DHCP.

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

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Cisco Systems ATA 186, ATA 188 manual Symptoms and Actions
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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.
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