Setting up ISDN

[dparrott]

Hey all,

Recently we moved our warehouse, which is connected to our main network via an ISDN connection. The new site (across the street) is actually served from a separate CO so we need to get new numbers, or we have to pay milage. Our old network administrator locked the configuration for the ISDN Modems (Officeconnect ISDN LAN Modem from 3com), and when he left, did not give us the password. So, the result is that I cannot tell what our current configuration is. I have downloaded the instruction manual for the OfficeConnect ISDN LAN modem, and have discovered how to restore the modems to the factory settings. However, that doesn't help much, as most of the rest of data that the manual says it needs, I don't understand. If someone could tell me the information I need to get from the local telco, I would appreciate it. I have all the internal stuff (IP Address, subnet mask) and know how to use it and what it is.
If you need any more information, please let me know.
Thanks.
Danny

 

[ISDNman]

For each ISDN BRI you will need to know

1) The ISDN protocol being used (normally National ISDN-1 or National ISDN-2). This is sometimes referred to a "switch type" whihc is not the same as the switch.

Ideally you should know what Switch it is as well.

2) You'll need to know your two Telephone numbers, usually referred to as "DNs" or Directory Numbers. If you don't get these odds are you can figure it out from the SPIDs (see below) but you should not count on it.

3) Finally you will need to know what your 2 SPID (service profile ID) numbers are.

If it is an NI-2 line you MAY not need to enter DN's and SPIDS.

This is what you need to enter into the ISDN TA to make it talk to the line. As far as configuring the IP side that I can't help you with.

A couple of other issues.

If you did not order your lines using the specs from the 3com manual there's a good cance the line may be configured incorrectly. You may want to inviestigate that before you spend to much time

If you will be charged by the minute for dialing calls between your two building then cancel the lines and start frm scratch. IN this case get two ISDN BRI Centrex lines installed at the two location. These willbe able to call eachother with no per-minute charges.

Good luck

 

[dparrott]

ISDNMan,
Thanks for the input. I have a few more questions. First of all, Basic Rate ISDN U interface with built-in NT1 is listed in the manual under "ISDN Standards and Interface", which I am assuming to mean National ISDN-1. Is this assumption correct?
Secondly, if I am not changing where the ISDN at the remote warehouse is connecting to (here at the main building), will I need to change anything? It is the modem that will be getting the new numbers. But it will be dialing to the same numbers as before. The other modem, here at the main building is going to need to dial a new number, right?

Thanks for your help.

 

[ISDNman]

Your welcome dparrott

No, the built in NT1 just means it connects directly to the ISDN 2-wire interface. Virtually all modern ISDN "modems" (I hate the misnomer) support National ISDN-1. And most NI-1 devices will work on a NI-2 line.

But US ISDN was designed with an "infinity minus one features" mindset so it is is tricky to order. (BTW this is not the case in most other countries where ordering ISDN is easy).

SOme telco's support "IOC packages" (ISDN Ordering Code packages) which makes it all easier.

If you cannot find very speicfic information in the manual on how to order ISDN for this modem then I would suggest you ue the information here (which is fairly generic for a voice + data ISDN device). You can tell them you want "Circuit Switched Data" only (rather than Circuit Switched Data _ CIrcuit Switched Voice) if you won't be connecting a phone/fax to the Modem's analog ports:

http://www.telos-systems.com/techtalk/Z-ISDN_Info_Order_Form_2002.pdf

This link also has a quick overview of the tech and terminology. Best to actually fax them the ISDN order data from themanual if you can find it.

Now about the numbers it must dial. This dempends soemwhat on which modem is doing the dialing. In some cases either unit can dial, but I don't think all.

Sorry, I know the actual ISDN part of it, but not the 3COM/IP part of it.

good luck.