IP trunks VS IP phones

[FDproductions]

I have a design question. I will be upgrading a customer to a BCM 400 (or 450 depending on their time frame) but i was wondering which would be best to use with a remote office, IP phones or a BCM 50 and IP trunks.

They currently have a MICS and have the digital phones in place. They want a centralized receptionist to handle all calls, local and remote offices. They have a 5Mb WAN connection between the offices.

I have another customer who uses IP trunks with their BCMs and they seem to work great. Then i have another customer who has a remote office with 10 IP phones that are working great. So what are some benefits of each and does anybody have a preference? Thanks for your opinions!

 

[danthephoneman]

The 1 issue I would Keep in mind is 911 calling if you are going to use IP Sets at remote locations.

 

[SCs5thGen]

First, will it be long distance for the remote office to call in their area going through the far end BCM?...ie is it in a different city. I usually set up another BCM with local trunks and IP trunks. That way there is a fail safe if something happens with the WAN connection

 

[FDproductions]

They currently are in different cities, but same area code, they have local toll charges. They are using an MCK Extender currently but after 3 boxes, it is still not working. So they have a "Bat" phone for 911 calls.