Path: utzoo!telecom-request Date: Sat, 18 May 1991 04:25:17 GMT From: Brian Cuthie Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Re: Wanted: Recommendations For Small Key-System Message-ID: Organization: Univ. of Maryland Baltimore County, Academic Computing Services Sender: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu Approved: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 11, Issue 370, Message 6 of 9 Lines: 67 In article alexb@cfctech.cfc.com (Alex Beylin) writes: > In article is written: >> May I suggest looking into the Northern Telecom Norstar system. It is >> the low end system in the Meridian line. (actually, I wrote this) > Couple of questions, if I may: > 1. Can this system use standard phones in addition to NT phones? Yes, with the addition of a $200 digital to analog instrument adapter. It offers some of the features available on the digital instuments, but it is kind of klunky. Not bad for modem use, but I would *not* recommend it for actual human use. It does have some bugs, but will work with V.32 modems (I am using it now for this connection). One nice feature for me, is that I live between Baltimore and Washington D.C. Consequently, I have lines that are both local to DC and B'more. I have the lines grouped into pools, such that when the ATA (Analog Terminal Adapter) goes off-hook, it get's local dial-tone. Then dialing '8' get's an available DC line, '9' get's a B'more line. BTW: This system generates nice call progress tones. They are all the standard tones heard from a real PBX or C.O. Not the cheesy tones used in the Panasonic switches. > 2. What are the limits for number of incomming lines and phone sets? Three systems are made: 6 x 16 System similar in physical design (in that it mounts flat to the wall) as the Panasonic. 3 x 8 (NEW!) May not be available yet. 8 x 24 This system is expandable to up to 128 ports, in any comination, more or less, of trunk/line. The other advantage of this system is that new software seems to be available on this system first. > 3. How is modem support handled? Can I make a "direct connect" > between an incomming line and a modem port on my PC based on hours or > can the switch detect modem on the line and automaticly transfer the call > to a pre-assigned extention? There is not a specific feature that allows this, however, you may be able to use some version of NIGHT/DAY service. Also, you could do this quite nicely from a PC with the developer's kit. Of course, you'd need $25,000 (As much as I like the switch, NT is business illiterate). > 4. What is the pricing like? The instruments are about $200 to $300 a piece new. You can get them refurbed from a number of sources. In fact, you can get the KSUs refurbed from some sources as well. New price on the 6 x 16 KSU is about $800. If you beat someone over the head, and don't want service or installation, you can get the 6 x 16 for as little as $500. Brian Cuthie brian@umbc3.umbc.edu VOICE: 301 381-1718