Chapter 1 Cisco Analog Telephone Adaptor Overview

H.323 Overview

Components that the H.323 standard employs include a system of interconnected voice terminals, gateways, gatekeepers, multipoint control units (MCUs), and proxy servers. Voice terminals provide point-to-point and point-to-multipoint conference capability for audio, video, and data. Voice gateways interconnect the packetized IP network to the PSTN or ISDN network. Gatekeepers provide admission control and address translation services for H.323 voice terminals and gateways. MCUs enable two or more gateways to engage in point-to-point or point-to-multipoint audio or video conferences.

This section contains descriptions of the following H.323 components:

 

• H.323 Terminals, page 1-3

 

• H.323 Gateways, page 1-3

 

• H.323

Gatekeepers, page 1-4

 

• H.323

MCUs, page 1-4

 

• H.323

Proxy Server, page 1-4

 

Figure 1-4

H.323 Architecture

 

 

 

Multipoint Control

 

H.323 Gatekeeper

Unit (MCU)

Analog Phone

 

 

H.323 Gateway

H.323

CSN/PSTN

Network

 

Terminal

72858

Analog Phone

Terminal

Cisco ATA

H.323 Terminals

Voice terminals in an H.323 network must feature system control units, media transmission capabilities, audio codecs, and network interfaces suitable for transmitting and receiving packetized data.

H.323 Gateways

H.323 gateways feature a mixture of characteristics of both standard Switched Circuit Network (SCN) access points and H.323 access points. Gateways perform the translation of audio, video, and data transmission formats as well as interacting with communications systems and various protocols. A primary responsibility of an H.323 gateway is the call setup and teardown necessary to complete a call to and from a packetized IP network and a standard switched network.

Note Gateways are necessary in an H.323 system to connect calls over a packetized IP network to a switched circuit network such as the PSTN.

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

 

OL-4008-01

1-3

 

 

 

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Cisco Systems ATA 188 manual Terminals, Gateways
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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.
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