C H A P T E R 4

Basic and Additional H.323 Services

This section provides information about key basic and additional H.323 services that the Cisco ATA supports:

Important Basic H.323 Services, page 4-1—This section includes a list of parameters that you must configure in order for the Cisco ATA to function in an H.323 environment.

Additional H.323 Services, page 4-7—This section contains information about additional, commonly used H.323 features, with references to the parameters for configuring these services.

Complete Reference Table of all Cisco ATA H.323 Services, page 4-12—This section contains a complete listing of Cisco ATA services supported for H.323, and includes cross references to the parameters for configuring these services.

Note The term Cisco ATA refers to both the Cisco ATA 186 and the Cisco ATA 188, unless otherwise stated.

Important Basic H.323 Services

This section provides descriptions and cross references for configuring required H.323 parameters and also for configuring important H.323 services:

Required Parameters, page 4-1

Setting the Signaling Image to H.323 Mode, page 4-2

Setting Up User IDs for the Cisco ATA, page 4-3

Using the Cisco ATA with an H.323 Gatekeeper, page 4-3

Using the Cisco ATA Without an H.323 Gatekeeper, page 4-6

Setting the Audio Codecs, page 4-7

Required Parameters

If the UseSIP parameter is set to 0 (you are using the H.323 protocol), you need to supply values for the required H.323 parameters shown in Table 4-1. The Parameter column provides the name of the parameter and a cross reference which provides a more-detailed description of the parameter.

Note See Chapter 5, “Parameters and Defaults,” for information about additional Cisco ATA parameters.

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

 

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4-1

 

 

 

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Cisco Systems ATA 188 manual Important Basic H.323 Services, Required Parameters

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.