Newbie installing remote office voIP system with Avaya Multiport Gatew

[TrappedAtUF]

I am a computer/electrical engineering grad and recently my friend approached me to install phones that will tie into the main office over voIP.

Now he already got a quote to do this and I am working off that quote. Basically I guess they have an Avaya PBX system at the main office and they are going to use a Multitech gateway (4-port) to connect up the home and remote offices.

Is anyone familiar with this setup as I will need technical assistance throughout this project and am willing to pay for it!

 

[kmefford]

It would help if you knew the model of pbx you are working with.

I can help you if you have any specific questions.

Are you expected to do any programming on the PBX side or just the multi-tech?

kirk at coppertx dot com

 

[phoneguy55]

and the software version.

 

[TrappedAtUF]

The system is a Partner ACS Rel 7, and I assume I would have to...

1. Add the extensions to the main system (through programming the system some how)

2.Map those to actual external ports

3. Hookup those external ports to the Multi-tech gateway device

4. Program the gateway device to speak to the gateway device at the remote location

5. Hookup the phones to the gateway device at the remote location so it all works.

I assume those are the steps. I am new to this but am a very logical person and am sure I could handle this with someone more knowledgable's assistance. This is in the South Florida area.

 

[TrappedAtUF]

Anyone have any more information for me on this... are my assumptions correct? Do you know where I could hire a freelance tech to help me with the programming?

 

[kmefford]

Your assumptions are on the right track. If you are knowledgable in general networking and such, you can probably figure it out by carefully reading the manual.

Multitech has good manuals for configuring the devices and the last time I called them, they had excellent tech support.

If you don't plan on having multiple gateways and/or additional voip phones and only need one phone per port at remote end, the configuration is pretty simple and no pbx programming is required.

All of the extensions on the Partner pbx are also analog so the gateway can plug directly into an available port.

 

[TrappedAtUF]

Excellent, thanks for the input kmefford.

Could you guys recommend a reputable vendor with good tech support, where I could purchase the following:

- Avaya IP Multi Tech Gateway 4-port (qty: 2)
- Partner ACS REL 7 (qty: 1)
- 5 Slot Carrier (qty: 1)
- 18 Button Display Telset Black (qty: 4)
- Backup/Restore card (qty: 1)
- Partner Messaging R7 2-port (qty: 1)

I need a good place to purchase these that will stand by me during install and I can freely ask questions to their tech support, for a smooth installation as I am a newbie.

 

[phoneguy55]

Don't buy ACS release 7!!! It is full of bugs. Buy Release 6.

 

[TrappedAtUF]

Well, that is what their other office has so I have to stick with it for uniformities sake.

Any ideas on reliable vendors?

 

[phoneguy55]

I wouldn 't touch an R7 install with a 10 foot pole.

If you have to buy a R7, make sure you buy it from an Avaya BP with the latest patch. If you buy "gray market" you'll be sorry.

 

[1043]

I have a Merlin Magix and 2 Avaya Partners networked this way. Most of the programming is done on the MultiTech Gateway. The only programming on the Partner would be to program the extensions you are using into a hunt group (#505) and connect those extensions to the gateway.Then program a speed dial on everyones phone to access it.

Also donot solicit work on this board or you're post will be erased.

 

[kmefford]

To find an avaya business partner check the link below.

https://mywebtools.avaya.com/bplocator/start.swe?SWECmd=Start

There is probably one in your area that also know's the Multitech line.

 

[mforrence]

You don't want the Avaya IP version of Multi-tech's VoIP gateway - it is for use with Communication Manager Only. You want the standard version.
I HIGHLY recommend an experienced vendor for this project - it is a LOT of new territory for someone who has no telephone nor VoIP experience.
Mike