Establish a working IP network. For more information about configuring IP, refer to the appropriate release of the Cisco IOS IP Configuration Guide.

You can access this document at Cisco Product Documentation > Cisco IOS Software Configuration > Cisco IOS Software Release you are using > Configuration Guides and Command References.

Complete basic configuration for the universal gateway, which includes, as a minimum, the following tasks:

Complete your company’s dial plan.

Establish a working telephony network based on your company’s dial plan.

Integrate your dial plan and telephony network into your existing IP network topology. Merging your IP and telephony networks depends on your particular IP and telephony network topology. In general, Cisco recommends the following suggestions:

Use canonical numbers wherever possible. It is important to avoid situations in which numbering systems are significantly different on different routers or universal gateways in your network.

Make routing and dialing transparent to the user—for example, avoid secondary dial tones from secondary switches, where possible.

Configuration Tasks

Configure your IP network for real-time voice traffic

You need to have a well-engineered network end-to-end when running delay-sensitive applications such as VoIP. Fine-tuning your network to adequately support VoIP involves a series of protocols and features geared toward quality of service (QoS). It is beyond the scope of this quick start guide to explain the specific details relating to wide-scale QoS deployment. To configure your IP network for real-time voice traffic, you must consider the entire scope of your network, then select the appropriate QoS tool or tools.

It is important to remember that QoS must be configured throughout your network—not just on the universal gateway devices running VoIP—to improve voice network performance. Not all QoS techniques are appropriate for all network routers. Edge routers and backbone routers in your network do not necessarily perform the same operations; the QoS tasks they perform might also differ. To configure your IP network for real-time voice traffic, you must consider the functions of both edge and backbone routers in your network, then select the appropriate QoS tool or tools.

To configure QoS, refer to the relevant chapters of the Cisco IOS Quality of Service Solutions Configuration Guide. You can access this document at Cisco Product Documentation > Cisco IOS Software Configuration > Cisco IOS Software Release you are using > Configuration Guides and Command References.

Configure dial peers

Configuring dial peers is the key to setting up dial plans and implementing voice over a packet network. Dial peers are used to identify call source and destination endpoints and to define the characteristics applied to each call leg in the call connection.

For more information about VoIP, refer to the Cisco IOS Multiservice Applications Configuration Guide. You can access this document at Cisco Product Documentation > Cisco IOS Software > Cisco IOS Software Release you are using > Configuration Guides and Command References.

Where to Go Next

For additional specialized configuration procedures, refer to the appropriate Cisco IOS software configuration documentation on the Documentation CD-ROM and on Cisco.com:

For detailed configuration information specific to the Cisco AS5350 and Cisco AS5400 Universal Gateway:

Cisco AS5350 and Cisco AS5400 Software Configuration Guide.

You can access this document at Cisco Product Documentation > Access Servers and Access Routers > Access Servers > Cisco AS5350 or Cisco AS5400.

For detailed configuration information for specific features:

Configuration Guides and Command References for the Cisco IOS software release installed on your Cisco gateway.

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Cisco Systems Cisco AS5400, Cisco AS5350 quick start Where to Go Next, Configuration Tasks

Cisco AS5400, Cisco AS5350 specifications

Cisco Systems is a global leader in networking and telecommunications technology, and its AS5350 and AS5400 models are prominent offerings in their product line. These devices cater primarily to service providers and large enterprises looking for advanced VoIP, data, and multimedia capabilities.

The Cisco AS5350 is a versatile voice gateway that supports a wide range of protocols including VoIP and PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). Designed for scalability, it can handle numerous simultaneous calls, making it an ideal solution for businesses that require robust communication systems. Some of its main features include built-in support for various signaling protocols such as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) and H.323, which allow seamless integration with existing networks. Additionally, the AS5350 is equipped with high-density digital signal processors (DSPs) that enable efficient call processing and transcoding, ensuring high-quality voice transmission.

On the other hand, the Cisco AS5400 takes this functionality a step further by offering enhanced capabilities suited for more demanding environments. It supports both voice and data services, allowing service providers to deliver a comprehensive solution that includes voice calls, multimedia applications, and broadband services. The AS5400 features a modular design, allowing users to adapt the device to specific needs by adding or removing modules as required. This modularity enhances flexibility and future-proofs the system against evolving technology demands.

Both the AS5350 and AS5400 incorporate advanced security features to protect sensitive communications and data. Features such as encryption, secure signaling, and network access controls are essential for enterprises looking to safeguard their operations in an increasingly vulnerable digital landscape. These gateways also support Quality of Service (QoS) protocols, ensuring that voice traffic is prioritized over other types of data, thereby maintaining call clarity even in times of high data demand.

In conclusion, the Cisco AS5350 and AS5400 are compelling solutions that showcase Cisco's commitment to delivering reliable and high-performance telecommunications devices. By offering state-of-the-art technology, robust features, and a modular approach to scalability, businesses and service providers can ensure they remain competitive in the ever-evolving telecommunications landscape. Whether it is for voice, data, or multimedia applications, these gateways deliver the performance and flexibility needed to meet current and future challenges.