Chapter 2 Installing the Cisco ATA

Installation Procedure

If you are connecting a telephone set that was previously connected to an active telephone line, unplug the telephone line cord from the wall jack and plug it into the Phone 1 input.

Warning To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunication line cord.

Caution Do not connect the Phone input ports to a telephone wall jack. To avoid damaging the Cisco ATA or telephone wiring in the building, do not connect the Cisco ATA to the telecommunications network. Connect the Phone port to a telephone only, never to a telephone wall jack.

Note The telephone must be switched to tone setting (not pulse) for the Cisco ATA to operate properly.

Step 3 (Optional) Connect the telephone line cord of a second telephone to the Phone 2 input port.

Note If you are connecting only one telephone to the Cisco ATA, you must use the Phone 1 input port.

Step 4 Connect an Ethernet cable to the uplink RJ-45 connector on the Cisco ATA. For the Cisco ATA 186, this is the 10BASE-T connector; for the Cisco ATA 188, this is the 10/100UPLINK connector.

Note Use a crossover Ethernet cable to connect the Cisco ATA to another Ethernet device (such as a router or PC) without using a hub. Otherwise, use a straight-through Ethernet cable.

Step 5 (Cisco ATA 188 only—optional) Connect a straight-through Ethernet cable from your PC to the 10/100 PC RJ-45 connector on the Cisco ATA.

Step 6 Connect the socket end of the power cord to the Cisco-supplied 5V DC power adaptor. Step 7 Insert the power adaptor cable into the power connector on the Cisco ATA.

Caution Use only the Cisco-supplied power adaptor.

Warning This product relies on the building’s installation for short-circuit (overcurrent) protection. Ensure that a fuse or circuit breaker no larger than 120 VAC, 15A U.S. (240VAC, 10A international) is used on the phase conductors (all current-carrying conductors).

Step 8 Connect the plug end of the 5V DC power adaptor cord into an electrical power outlet.

When the Cisco ATA is properly connected and powered up, the green activity LED flashes to indicate network activity. This LED is labeled ACT on the rear panel of the Cisco ATA 186 and is labeled LINK on the rear panel of the Cisco ATA 188.

Caution Do not cover or block the air vents on either the top or the bottom surface of the Cisco ATA. Overheating can cause permanent damage to the unit.

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 manual Installing the Cisco ATA Installation Procedure
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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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