C H A P T E R 2

Installing the Cisco ATA

This section provides instructions for installing the Cisco ATA 186 and Cisco ATA 188. Before you perform the installation, be sure you have met the following prerequisites:

Planned the network and Cisco ATA configuration.

Installed the Ethernet connection.

Installed and configured the other network devices. This section contains the following topics:

Safety Recommendations, page 2-1

What the Cisco ATA Package Includes, page 2-2

What You Need, page 2-2

Installation Procedure, page 2-2

Power-Down Procedure, page 2-5

Note The term Cisco ATA is used throughout this manual to refer to both the Cisco ATA 186 and the Cisco ATA 188, unless differences between the Cisco ATA 186 and Cisco ATA 188 are explicitly stated.

Safety Recommendations

To ensure general safety, follow these guidelines:

Do not get this product wet or pour liquids into this device.

Do not open or disassemble this product.

Do not perform any action that creates a potential hazard to people or makes the equipment unsafe.

Use only the power cube that comes with the Cisco ATA.

Warning Ultimate disposal of this product should be handled according to all national laws and regulations.

Warning Read the installation instructions before you connect the system to its power source.

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

 

OL-4008-01

2-1

 

 

 

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Cisco Systems ATA 188 manual Installing the Cisco ATA, Safety Recommendations

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.