CME gave me an easy call-processing app that delivered PBX functionality. I plugged both analog and IP phones into the routers and watched them register with CME. Read an in-depth look at Cisco telephony.
The 3800 Series routers continue support for existing WICs (WAN Interface Cards), VICs, and network modules like the CUE AIM (Advanced Integration Module) and NAM. CUE's voicemail network module comes with a GUI to set up users, voice mailboxes, voicemail features (like call-forward busy and hunt), and an auto-attendant. There is also a GUI script editor that provides a visual programming environment to create auto-attendant scripts.
The NAM traffic analyzer lived up to its name when I had trouble setting up the Abacus 5000. At one point, the ICG3 call generators were communicating on the network but not with each other, so I used NAM to capture packets and decode them to get call-setup information. With that information, I identified the proper route between the call generators to originate and terminate calls, as well as monitor the traffic flows in real time.
The Cisco 2821 and 3845 ISRs aren't bargain-basement routers. On the street (Cnet), prices start at $2,900 and $8,966, respectively. But if you need to converge voice, video and data or expand a Call Manager environment to a branch office without a conventional PBX, check out these units. You can add network modules and reduce the number of appliances in the data center.
Sean Doherty is a technology editor and lawyer based at our Syracuse University Real-World Labs®. Write to him at [email protected].
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