Using ATA Gateway Devices to Connect Analog Phones and Faxes- FXO FXS explained
When
to use ATA gateway devices to connect analog phones, a fax machine or other
analog devices to a VoIP PBX phone
system.
Some on premise IP-PBX VoIP installations involve analog devices and/or non-IP phones that need to be connected to the IP-PBX. These endpoints could include phones where adding an Ethernet cable is not cost effective. In addition, there are other analog devices that need to remain analog, not IP, such as fax machines. The best way to establish the connection with dial tone for these endpoints is by using a gateway device with enough ports for the number of devices. Each port then becomes an assigned extension in your IP-PBX. These FXS Gateway devices offer RJ-11 ports to connect up analog office phones, fax machines and other analog devices that then communicate with your VoIP PBX system. Depending on the number of analog devices, you will want to choose a device with a sufficient number of RJ-11 ports. A "best practice" installation would allow for one or two additional ports when dealing with more than four endpoints.
When only one or two devices need to be connected, the most suitable choice should be a small ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter), like the Cisco SPA112 or SPA122. These ATAs are excellent for use as a fax interface or when you need to connect a few analog telephones or DECT phones. We have even completed installations using three of these devices in the same location. There remains the benefit when using several smaller gateway devices. If one device becomes damaged, only one will need to be replaced, rather than having to replace a large more costly unit. ATAs typically come in various sizes based on the number of FXS ports, from one and two FXS port models to larger four-port or eight-port gateways. When there are six, eight, twelve or more analog phones/devices, then consider a larger multiport gateway as a good choice, like the Grandstream HT818. The HT818 is a larger version of the older well-established HT814. Depending on the installation and other variables, cost and complexity should be weighed when determining the need for multiple smaller ATAs versus one or two larger ones. Typically a device that offers more ports comes in at a less per port cost. However, the trade-off could be the possibility of losing a device from a storm that hits. Sporadically you'll find a particular port can become defective, and an easy fix is to simply swap to a good port, if one exists. If more damage is done, then the entire ATA will need to be replaced. Replacing one SPA112 is less costly than a HT414 or HT818. Another consideration is the ATA used for the fax machine, if required. Cisco SPA ATAs have a good track record of being used for a fax interface when the proper settings are configured.
FXS and FXO explained.
FXS (Foreign eXchange Subscriber) An RJ-11 port used to connect on-premise to an analog office phone, fax machine or other analog device. FXS ports are the traditional telephone jack on the wall that provides telephony services and supplies battery power, provides dial tone, and generates ringing voltage to the phone.
FXO (Foreign eXchange Office) designates a telephone signaling interface (port) that receives POTS, aka plain old telephone service. An IP-PBX appliance requires the use FXO ports to accept each active copper telephone line from the telco service provider. If you are keeping one, two or more traditional telephone lines (service) when installing a VoIP PBX system, then the best solution is an appliance with enough built-in FXO ports, like the Grandstream UCM6204. FXO ports are used to connect traditional POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service or analog telephony) telco lines and generate off-hook and on-hook.
The
IP-PBX connects up to the VoIP carrier via SIP trunks or PRI (T1 telephony
card required). Each analog device is assigned an extension in the IP-PBX
and connected via the ATA gateway via RJ-11 then to Ethernet to the LAN.
Existing RJ-11 connections are routinely in the telco closet, keeping all
equipment organized. In some mixed use buildings like a warehouse with
offices using
analog DECT Panasonic cordless phones provides
mobility. Mobility can be very efficient, especially in a warehouse setting
if conditions are not unfavorable.
For the best prices on Analog Telephone Adapters;
CISCO DESIGNED Remanufactured SPA122 ATA with Router
Grandstream HT801 Single-Port Analog Telephone Adapter
Cisco ATA 192 Multiplatform Analog Telephone Adapter, 2-Port Handset-to-Ethernet Adapter
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