Polycom PathNavigator Frequently Asked Questions page 2

Polycom PathNavigator Advanced Gatekeeper
What is the difference between alternate gatekeeper and redundant server?
In an alternate gatekeeper environment, two servers are processing calls sep-
arately. If one of the PathNavigator servers were to go down, the "Alternate"
PathNavigator would take on the additional load of the other PathNavigator.
The endpoints that were registered with the "downed" server will register
with the active "Alternate" PathNavigator. One major difference between an
alternate gatekeeper and redundant server feature is that with an alternate
gatekeeper, the endpoints register with an entirely different system with a
different setup. In the redundant server situation, the server configuration
information is the same between the primary and backup PathNavigator since
the information is drawn from the same database. Furthermore, one server
always acts as backup where no endpoints register with it if the primary
PathNavigator is functioning; it only becomes active when the primary
PathNavigator server fails.
Non-PLCM Equipment
Manage Bandwidth across the network
• Register any manufacturer's endpoints
• Authorize calls
• Dial with number, H.323 ID, E.164
• Uses any Gateway or MCU
All the above features +
• Manage Bandwidth based on specific network topology
for LAN, WAN, and Groups
• Automatic Alternate Routing over IP and ISDN
• Simple Least Cost Routing
• Polycom OneDial* – hiding complex ISDN gateway prefixes
• Dial with name, email addr., URL, WINS, DNS
• On-line CDR and network performance monitoring
• Join or leave hunt groups from endpoint
*Polycom OneDial™ capabilities enhance Polycom and non-Polycom endpoints
What is Firewall Traversal?
Firewall Traversal allows IP video and voice to pass freely through network
security barriers. Video data, such as different signaling information, will
be able to pass through firewalls without opening up multiple ports to pre-
serve security.
Does the Firewall Traversal Support require additional licenses?
No. Polycom offers Firewall Traversal support as part of the standard
PathNavigator version 6 offering.
What is Bandwidth Authorization?
Bandwidth Authorization regulates whether ad hoc calls can be made based
on the Polycom Conference Suite schedule requirements. When a user is
making a nonscheduled call, PathNavigator will verify with Polycom
Conference Suite to determine whether or not to allow the call.
Polycom Headquarters:
www.polycom.com
Polycom EMEA:
Polycom Asia Pacific:
Frequently Asked Technical Questions
Is Polycom PathNavigator an Audio IP PBX?
No. Although Polycom PathNavigator can supply rudimentary H.323 audio
call processing and call forwarding, it was not designed as an audio IP PBX.
Polycom PathNavigator is more like an IP and ISDN video PBX that comple-
ments both IP and circuit switched PBXs.
How does auto assignment of DID numbers work in Polycom PathNavigator?
A Trunk DID number range is obtained from the CO and entered into Polycom
PathNavigator, assigning the appropriate E.164 to enable DID dialing. The
administrator can then assign these numbers in a logical number range based
on network topology.
How does Polycom PathNavigator compare to the ECS, NGK or the Cisco
gatekeeper?
See chart below.
Polycom Equipment
Same features as for Non-PLCM equipment
All the features from the non-Polycom product column +
• Polycom OneDial* – Hiding area and country codes, dialing
from directory, multipoint on demand
• Endpoint interface integration for Polycom OneDial & call forwarding
• Automatically collect all ISDN information on endpoints
• Automatically provision ISDN (DID) and E.164 extensions
How can I look into the health of my video network?
PathNavigator now provides RTCP statistics which includes packet loss, jitter
and latency over time. This helps administrators view calls and get reports for
issues within the video network. RTCP statistics includes real-time graphs.
How does a customer get a demo key?
The customer must contact a certified Polycom reseller. The reseller will then
contact the appropriate Polycom sales representative to obtain a demo key.
The Polycom representative will fill out the necessary paperwork to receive a
demo key. This process is not related to a purchased license key.
© 2004 Polycom,Inc. All rights reserved.
Polycom and the Polycom logo are registered trademarks and Polycom OneDial, Global Management System and Polycom Conference Suite
are trademarks of Polycom, Inc. in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
4750 Willow Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588 (T) 1.800.POLYCOM (765.9266) for North America only.
For North America, Latin America and Caribbean (T) +1.925.924.6000, (F) +1.925.924.6100
270 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4DX, (T) +44 (0)1753 723000, (F) +44 (0)1753 723010
Polycom Hong Kong Ltd., Rm 1101 MassMutual Tower, 38 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, (T) +852.2861.3113, (F)+852.2866.8028
Rev. 10/04