BCM 400 Capacity

[SPYBURN1138]

Anyone out there using a BCM 400 solution (linked cabinets?) to service 250+ users?

How far can a linked solution grow to?

As many as 400 users if needed?

Any issues or limitations encountered using this setup?

 

[senk1s]

there was another thread with a similar requirement

it is not advisable to start a BCM400 with 250 users

 

[biv343]

Judging by the lack of responses to your other posts regarding this subject, apparently nobody in this forum is doing that.

Total capacity of digital sets per BCM is 192, if you have no trunks in the system. Subtract 32 sets for each T-1. If you have 2 T-1's, you can have 128 phones. One T-1 and up to 16 analog trunks, 128 phones. This is per system.

So, theoretically, you could have 320 phones, and 2 T1's in a linked BCM.

Will it work? Yes, if implemented correctly. Is it the "best solution"? Probably not.

 

[SPYBURN1138]

Thanks for the responses.

Any specific tech issues that we should be cautious of or that may effect functionality?

What is the reason that, if possible, this is not a solution that anyone is using?

Is this just a poor worksaround?

We are attempting to build a case that this is a potentially problematic solution, and were looking for specific instances of tech issues that we might have.

Appreciate all help regarding this.

 

[senk1s]

BCM is not a 'distributed' switch

so each box has a processor - you may network them 'tightly', but not as a single system

Hope this helps

 

[biv343]

Main reason that it isn't done often is that it's more of a band aid than a solution. 250 phones has surpassed the capacity of a BCM - you're into a midsized PBX at that point. In my opinion, you'll have too many differences in functionality between the two systems, especially voicemail.

The BCM is a small to medium size solution - even Nortel says under 120 users (or somewhere in that neighborhood). The IP expansion came about as a band aid to add some additional capacity to maxed out systems. Think of it as a backwoods migration path.

The only way I would think of deploying this type of solution would be to have one system dedicated for phones and another for trunks. Put up to 192 phones in one system, all your trunks in another, and you would theoretically be OK.

I realize cost is an issue, but 5 years down the road if your organization grows that extra money will be a non issue if you outgrow this solution.

 

[DigitelD]

I agree with all the above but I still think you should go with Cisco Call Manager.

 

[acewarlock]

I think you should get an Option 11C

 

[DigitelD]

It depends on if you want a pure IP solution or the possibility of IP and digital. To get what you want the Cisco or Option 11C would work. If you want to stay with Nortel then the Option is a good choice.

 

[Johnthephoneguy]

he has had the same advice on the other posts he has about this. I think he is still looking for a magical "yes it is a good solution to link 2 BCM's" but no one has yet.

 

[SPYBURN1138]

We do not need IP, but would be nice to add a few sets if needed.

My concern is with capacity and functionality.

Although we do not intend to grow alot, we are starting off with 250 phones which many have inidcated is too much for this dual BCM configuration.

Several have mentioned issues with call routing, voicemail functionality and possible issues with this number of phones.

Is it possible to add another BCM cabinet if needed or is this adding additional burden and potential issues?

Appreciate all advice.

 

[DigitelD]

You can only have 2 BCM's connected. Since you don't want to go IP, The Option 11C is a good choice. Are you locked into a contract with the vendor? If you are, is there a way that they will look at other options for you?

 

[biv343]

You can continue adding BCM's if you want. Eventually you'll have a tangled mess though.

If you want a PBX with digital phones and the ability to add IP phones if you want, look towards a CS1000 (Option 11) from Nortel.

You can keep fishing, but I don't think you'll find anyone who would recommend this.

 

[DigitelD]

The Option 11C can be expanded to 5 cabinets and a total of 700 voice ports. I think the BCM idea is a bad one and the Option is a good solution.