Merlin systems and interconnecting 2

[bithead9]

Hi folks,
We have two independent Merlin Legend phone systems. Is it possible to connect them so that the voice and extentions can be shared? Right now there is no physical connection between the two. But in a few weeks we are laying cable to connect the buildings. We will have CAT5e pairs available. Is there any other features we can exploit by joining the systems? I've seen mention of the Magix and networking but not too much on the Legend. Any info you can provide would be great.

 

[TouchToneTommy]

If you have release 7 Legends, you can install T1 cards in each, and use the Cat-5 between the buildings to network them together. This would make it appear as if you had one big system, and be able to use one voice mail unit to serve both systems.

 

[Ghostin]

Just to add a bit to what Tommy is saying. You can acutally go as low as Legend Rel. 6 to do networking. You must have at least a 6.1 to do a centralized voice mail. Since you are going to have cable between the two, you can use a couple of dry pairs to emulate a point to point T-1. I am not sure how far you can go, but you should be able to get at least 1000 feet.

 

[ken07734]

as long as you are using CSU's on both ends you should be able to get up 1000 ft. anything beyond I would consider maybe a fiber modem or equivalent.

 

[bithead9]

Hey thanks for all the responses and info! The distance between the two are less than 1000 feet. Can the connection (using 6.1 or higher) be made with CAT5e and not require any additional equipment ? I'm a bit new to all this. Is the CSU a card used for T1 access ? Or can I use an existing port on the current systems to link them.

 

[Ghostin]

you can get away with just having T-1 cards in each system and using a Cat 5 cable plugged in at each end. The Cat 5 cable must be pinned for T-1 crossover using pins 1 & 2 and 4 & 5. I have a cheat sheet for the programming if you need it.

 

[bithead9]

Ghostin,
The programming crib sheet would be great. Can you post here or is email better?
Thanks!