Introducing Cisco Small Business Analog Telephone Adapters

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ATA Connectivity Requirements

 

 

 

 

 

ATA Connectivity Requirements

An ATA device can be connected to a local router, or directly to the Internet. Each phone connected to an RJ-11 (analog) port on the ATA device connects to other devices through SIP, which is transmitted over the IP network.

In order to ensure connectivity between the devices connected to its FXS ports, the ATA device requires the following functionality to be supplied on the network connected to its Ethernet port:

Connection to an IP router with hairpinning support

Connection to an outbound Proxy server

When a phone connected to the ATA device communicates with another phone, it sends a SIP packet onto the internal LAN. The packet is then forwarded to the external LAN or directly to the Internet. The source address and source port on the original packet are assigned by the ATA device DHCP server. The address and port are translated by the ATA device using Network Address Translation (NAT) and Port Address Translation (PAT). The packet is then routed back to the internal network on the ATA device by the local router or the ISP router.

Problems can occur with calls between phones connected to the ATA device when an outbound proxy or a router with hairpinning support is not available. The ATA device cannot directly connect the two telephone devices, but requires a local or remote router to route the packet back to its destination on the local network from which it originated.

The necessary routing can be provided by a router with hairpinning support, or by an outbound SIP proxy, which is typically provided by the Internet Telephony Service Provider (ITSP). When relying on the ITSP for interconnecting phones on the ATA device, local phones connected to the ATA device are unable to communicate with each other if the Internet connection is not available for any reason. It is recommended you connect the ATA device to a local router that provides hairpinning support to prevent this problem.

ATA Administration Guide

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Cisco Systems WRP400, SPA2102, SPA3102, SPA8000, PAP2T manual ATA Connectivity Requirements

PAP2T, SPA8000, SPA3102, WRP400, SPA2102 specifications

The Cisco Systems SPA2102 is a versatile Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) adapter that serves as a bridge between traditional telephony systems and modern IP networks. Designed primarily for small to medium businesses, the SPA2102 is highly regarded for its reliability, ease of use, and rich feature set. This device allows users to make and receive phone calls over the internet while maintaining the ability to connect traditional analog phones.

One of the standout features of the SPA2102 is its dual-port capability. The device includes two FXS ports, allowing users to connect two separate analog telephones. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses that want to retain their existing telephony infrastructure while transitioning to a VoIP system. The ability to utilize two telephone lines simultaneously provides flexibility and convenience, especially for users in a busy office environment.

The SPA2102 leverages Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) technology, which is widely recognized for its robustness and interoperability. The support for SIP ensures that the SPA2102 can work seamlessly with various VoIP service providers, offering users a broad range of options for their telecommunication needs. In addition to SIP, the device supports various codecs, including G.711, G.726, and G.729, allowing for flexible audio quality settings and bandwidth management.

Security is also a critical aspect of the SPA2102. It incorporates advanced encryption methods, such as Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) and Transport Layer Security (TLS), to protect voice communications from potential eavesdropping. This focus on security makes the SPA2102 a reliable choice for businesses concerned about the confidentiality of their conversations.

The device is easy to configure and manage, thanks to its web-based interface. This allows administrators to quickly set up the adapter, manage network settings, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Furthermore, the SPA2102 supports Quality of Service (QoS) features, ensuring that voice traffic is prioritized over other types of network traffic, which enhances call quality and reliability.

Overall, the Cisco SPA2102 is a powerful, user-friendly VoIP adapter that combines traditional telephony with modern IP technology. Its dual-port capability, support for SIP, extensive security features, and ease of configuration make it a solid choice for businesses looking to innovate their communication systems while minimizing disruption. Whether used in a small office or a larger organizational setting, the SPA2102 continues to be a reliable component of VoIP solutions.