Chapter 1 Cisco Analog Telephone Adaptor Overview

H.323 Overview

Figure 1-2 Cisco ATA 186 as Endpoint in an H.323 Network

 

 

 

 

Layer 3

Telephone/fax

V

 

Broadband

IP infrastructure

 

Ethernet

 

 

Cisco ATA 186

Broadband CPE

 

 

 

 

(DSL, cable,

 

 

 

 

fixed wireless)

 

Voice

gateway

V

PSTN

 

H.323 Gatekeeper

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Figure 1-3 Cisco ATA 188 as Endpoint in an H.323 Network

 

 

 

 

Layer 3

Telephone/fax

V

 

Broadband

IP infrastructure

 

Ethernet

 

 

Cisco ATA 188

Broadband CPE

 

 

 

 

(DSL, cable,

 

 

 

 

fixed wireless)

 

Voice

gateway

V

PSTN

 

H.323 Gatekeeper

72854

H.323 Overview

H.323 is the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standard for transmitting voice, video, and data across an IP network. Like other VoIP protocols, the H.323 standard is designed to address the functions of signaling and session management from within a packet telephony network. Signaling allows call information to be carried across network boundaries. Session management provides the ability to control the attributes of an end-to-end call. The H.323 standard includes support for call signaling and control, multimedia transport and control, and bandwidth control for both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint conferences.

The H.323 standard includes the following protocols:

Call signaling using the H.225 protocol

Media control using the H.245 protocol

G.711, G.722, G.723, G.728, and G.729 audio codecs

H.261 and H.263 video codecs

Data sharing using the T.120 protocol

Real-time transport protocol (RTP) and RTP Control Protocol (RTCP) for media transport

Cisco ATA 186 and Cisco ATA 188 Analog Telephone Adaptor Administrator’s Guide (H.323)

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Cisco Systems ATA 188 manual Cisco ATA 186 as Endpoint in an H.323 Network

ATA 188 specifications

The Cisco Systems ATA 188 is a versatile Analog Telephone Adapter designed to facilitate the integration of traditional telephone systems with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks. This device has been key in bridging the gap between legacy telephony and modern IP-based communication, allowing users to leverage their existing analog phones while enjoying the benefits of digital connectivity.

One of the main features of the ATA 188 is its ability to connect regular analog phones to a VoIP network, enabling users to make and receive calls over the internet. This significantly reduces calling costs, especially for long-distance and international calls. The ATA 188 supports two phone lines, allowing simultaneous voice calls. This dual-line capability makes it a suitable choice for small businesses or home offices that require multiple lines without the need for extensive infrastructure.

The device is equipped with various technologies that enhance its functionality. It supports the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and H.323, making it compatible with a wide range of VoIP service providers. Additionally, the ATA 188 features Quality of Service (QoS) settings, which prioritize voice traffic over the internet, ensuring clear voice quality without interruptions or delays. This is essential for maintaining a professional communication experience, especially in business environments.

Another characteristic of the ATA 188 is its user-friendly configuration interface. It allows users to easily set up and manage their devices through a web-based portal. The configuration process is straightforward, with options to adjust settings such as codec selection, call features including call waiting, and call forwarding functionalities.

Security is also a priority for the ATA 188, as it provides robust protocols to protect call data. The device supports Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt voice traffic and manage signaling securely. This ensures that sensitive conversations remain confidential.

Overall, the Cisco Systems ATA 188 is a reliable and efficient solution for users looking to transition from traditional telephony to VoIP. Its dual-line capacity, compatibility with multiple VoIP standards, user-friendly configuration, and built-in security features make it a valuable asset for both personal and professional communication solutions. In an ever-evolving telecommunications landscape, the ATA 188 remains a relevant and practical choice for integrating legacy telephony with modern internet-based services.