Planning The Network; Gather Information - Inter-Tel AXXESS Manual

Appendix A — Networking
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INTER-TEL AXXESS

2. PLANNING THE NETWORK

2.1
the network will be difficult to program and maintain.
A. GATHER INFORMATION
2.2
questions such as these:
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Page A-4
MANUAL VERSION 11.0 – May 2008
The most important step in setting up a network is planning. Without careful planning,
As you read through this section, fill out the planning sheet on
How many systems (nodes) are in the network? How will they be numbered?
Where are they located?
What additional hardware will you need?
(For T1 connections) What additional services need to be ordered? Does the local tele-
phone company offer point-to-point clear channel connections to the areas for the
desired nodes? Does the customer have existing cable/fiber/microwave, etc., connec-
tions that can be used? In many cases, the network connection can simply be a cus-
tomer-provided cable. The maximum length of the customer-provided network cable
should not exceed 6000 ft (1800 m). If more than 6000 ft (1800 m) of cable is required,
some type of amplification, such as a repeater, is required.
Does the customer already have a data network? It is very possible the customer already
has an existing data network. Is it possible to use bandwidth from the existing data net-
work for voice? Does the customer want to combine voice and data on the network?
What type of drop and insert devices will be included in the network plan?
NOTE:
For T1 connections, the System requires T1 channel 24 in any network span.
How will the network be configured? How will the trunks connect to the network? Will
all the trunks connect to one node or will the trunks be distributed?
(For IP connections using IP Networking Module) Will an IP or frame relay device,
such as the IP Networking Module, be used for routing calls to other nodes? This can
substantially impact the spans between each node. Each span between nodes can carry a
maximum of 23 [30 for Europe] simultaneous calls.
Call patterns for each node should be determined to configure the appropriate number
of channels necessary for the network connections. Remember to include incoming/out-
going intercom, incoming/outgoing central office, automated attendant, operator, voice
mail, hunt group announcement and overflow messages, and Record-A-Call traffic in
your calculations.
NOTE:
(For IP connections using the IP Networking Module) No special programming
is required when using IP or frame relay devices, such as the IP Networking Module, in
place of T1 connections. Each remote node will still have programmed node trunk
groups and off-node devices.
When planning the system, note that each node trunk group can have up to 23 [30 for
Europe] trunks, thus limiting the number of incoming and outgoing calls. Make sure you
have enough T1/PRI or T1/E1/PRI cards connected to the IP or frame-relay device(s) to
support the customer's call load.
page A-33 as you answer
Planning the Network