Going Digital with Merlin Legend

[dlins]

I am looking to integrate voice and data over a T1 at our office. We currently have 12 phone lines and a DSL line. We are looking to increase the speed of our internet connection and use the T1 to also handle our voice data. I know this is possible, but can it work with the Merlin Legend? Our current sent is all analog. Can this system be upgraded to support a T1? ANY RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

 

[Blueline]

A couple things will work here. The T1 could be split up into channels for voice and data (Internet ) using a Channel Bank or a Drop and Insert Mux. The Channel Bank can give you analog dial lines that are compatible with your current configuration. That is, if the service provider can accomodate this. Most CLECs ( Competitive Telephone Companies ) are doing this. The Drop and Insert mux would require a DS1 card installed in the Merlin. The D&I would split the digital channels for you. The provider you are getting the T1 from should have professional advice available to you on how to best setup the T1.

Hope that helps.

 

[dlins]

Ok, now that I now this can be done. I was reading that there are services available such as VoFR that will allow data bandwidth to increase if the load on the PBX is low. However, when calls come in, it will cut into channels that the data side is using. I believe I read about this as part of Sprint ION? This just adds to the complexity, but in theory I sounds like it would be worthwhile. I know I might be better off going the old fashioned. Split the T1 in half and give half to the phones and half to the internet.

 

[fonedude]

The Merlin System also supports an INA board called the R-100. INA standing for Integrated Network Access. The board has a CSU, a router and a firewall built in. It also contains a DHCP server. I have installed these wit a T-1 line. You can break the 24 channels any way you want with 56K per channel for internet access. It is a little complicated to set up but works OK. The R-100 card costs about $2100 and I think you need at least version 7.0 CPU software.