Recommendations for Switch with Conference Bridge Card

[tiggerdad]

any recommendations on a small switch with conference bridge card? Any experiences (good or bad) with small bridge hardware?

We're looking to upgrade from a Partner ACS to a used NEC Electra Elite 192, with an 8 port conference bridge card. It seems like a great way to save in conference call expense, but not sure if it will be more trouble than it's worth...

 

[pansophic]

You may want to read the fine print and specifications for the 8-port conference bridge. Most conference bridges bundled w/ PBXs and EKSs can not handle more that 3 external parties on a given conference call. Usually, when you add the 3rd external call, the noise floor becomes so high that you can't even have the conference.

That is why there is custom hardware that does nothing but multi-party conferences, and it costs a fair amount of money. You will probably be better off outsourcing your conference calling to a third party. All of the major LD telcos provide services for conferencing, and there are even quite a few others who do this for a far more reasonable price.

I'm assuming that with a Partner system, your office is so small that it is easier to run down the hall and talk to someone that to conference call internally.
pansophic

 

[OMBD]

If you like the NEC product line then look at the next step up from the Elite 192 and go to a 2000IVS or IVS2. They are currently being produced(new) as a 2000IPS. NEC has a 32 port conference card for this system that is dip switch configurable for a single 32 port conference or two 16 port conferences or a single 16 port and two 8 port conferences or finally four seperate 8 port conferences. There are no limitations to number of external/internal parties to resolve. Don't know the exact specs off the top of my head for software level on used or refurbed 2000IVS but definitely do not go below 1900 series software for PRI/BRI applications that may arise in the near future. Software level 2100 is solid and supports IP gateway functions. I can research the card specs and let you know the exact software level and switches supported if needed. Not at the shop and all documentation is at work. Jerry Pannell

http://www.SCLB.com

techs@sclb.com

 

[IPGuru]

Avaya IP office can handle conference bridging with ease
(avaya are about to launce a "dedicated" conference bridge wich is in fact a rebadged IP406, posibly without the expansion details have still to be confirmed)