Chapter 4 Basic and Additional H.323 Services

Additional H.323 Services

Network Timing

You can fine-tune your network timing with the following parameters:

TimeZone, page 5-29—Use for time-stamping incoming calls (offset from Greenwich Mean Time) with local time.

NTPIP, page 5-30—Use for configuring the IP address of the Network Time Protocol server. NTP is a protocol built on top of TCP that ensures accurate local time-keeping with reference to radio and atomic clocks located on the Internet.

AltNTPIP, page 5-30—Use to configure an alternate NTP server IP address.

ConnectMode, page 5-28—Used to control the connection mode of the H.323 protocol.

Polarity Settings

You can control line polarity of the Cisco ATA FXS ports when a call is connected or disconnected by configuring the Polarity bitmap parameter (see the “Polarity” section on page 5-27).

Progress Tones

Values for the following parameters (all defined in the “Call-Progress Tone Parameters” section on page 5-41) must be determined based on the country in which the Cisco ATA is located:

DialTone

BusyTone

ReorderTone

RingBackTone

CallWaitTone

AltertTone

Selecting DTMF and Hookflash Transmission Methods

The Cisco ATA is designed to use H.245 messages to relay DTMF and hookflash events. Both the H.245 alphanumeric IE method and the H.245 signal IE method are supported for transporting DTMF events. The H.245 signal IE method has higher precedence if the far end also supports this method.

Use bits 4-5 (Phone 1 port) and 20-21 (Phone 2 port) of the AudioMode parameter to configure the DTMF transmission method.

Use bit 6-7 (Phone 1 port) and 22-23 (Phone 2 port) of the AudioMode parameter to configure the hookflash transmission method.

Related Configuration Parameter

AudioMode, page 5-20

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

 

OL-4008-01

4-11

 

 

 

Page 67
Image 67
Cisco Systems ATA 188 Network Timing, Polarity Settings, Progress Tones, Selecting Dtmf and Hookflash Transmission Methods

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.