Connecting analog devices in an IP phone environment

[SBL110]

Hi Everyone,

We have a new 100,000 sq. ft. addition to our hospital going up and I was told that our CFO wants to go IP phones throughout. We're primarily a TDM shop running everything from 24xx to 7xxx stations. We have a handful of IP phones running now, but they're really just a novelty for the IT department.

In this new building, fax machines and the occasional TTY phone would require an old fashioned analog port. Has anyone used an IP to analog converter?

For the record, we're dual S8710 running CM 2.2 and MM 3.0.
The next trick will be to add the appropriate amount of MedPro and CLAN boards to accomodate the estimated 160-200 phones in this new building.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or replies.

Scott

 

[4merAvaya]

If you're going to run G711 you'll get 64 calls per MedPro. A single C-LAN board should handle the registration. You will have to decide if you are going to use static IP addresses or DHCP. As far as the analog devices go, I don't know of any converter. You may just want to extend the analog ports to the new addition.

Kevin

 

[SBL110]

Thanks for the info on MedPro and CLAN capacity Kevin. As for running dedicated analog lines where needed, sure we can do that, but that defeats the goal of all IP. Additionally, we'd be running around 70 dedicated drops. The buildout for this expansion calls for a minimum of 60 patient rooms.

I know there are alternate solutions for these services(run fax through Modular Messaging and do TTY through a PC or laptop and connect to an IP relay domain) but the goal (someone elses) is to have everything funnel through the IP network.

The reality is that not all patients pack a laptop, we don't lend out systems and most users still prefer getting their fax the old fashioned way -- via printed paper from a dedicated fax machine or multifunction printer.

Anyone else out there working with or in healthcare? What are you doing about providing phones in your new expanded areas?

Scott