The Max series product line is aimed at helping small/medium businesses (SMBs)
get on board the Net2Phone VoIP network. Net2Phone brings their per-minute
calling rates to the corporate environment allowing SMBs to utilize their
existing premise equipment for call routing over the Net2Phone network using
the Max T1/E1. �The Max� as it�s called, is a gateway that links an
enterprise�s existing digital PBX to Net2Phone�s network using a T1/E1
interface and a LAN connection. Built in conjunction with LG Electronics,
the Max T1/E1 is a turnkey solution, available for purchase through an
approved vendor/reseller, such as MacroVoice Networks (www.macrovoice.com).
INSTALLATION
Installing the hardware is simply a matter of connecting the PBX (or in our
case a Gordon Kapes 930 telephony/PBX simulator) to the T1/E1 card on the
Net2Phone box. We also provided a LAN connection with DHCP service,
(Net2Phone recommends grounding the device too) and lastly a serial port
connection was made with a PC to provide a HyperTerminal interface option.
Configuring the device to function as a seamless gateway between a
premise PBX, the PSTN, and Net2Phone�s IP network, wasn�t quite as �1-2-3�
for us. Several reboots were in order before our DHCP server successfully
detected and addressed the device. Once the addressing was complete (static
addressing is also supported via HyperTerminal, or using an FXS/FXO port and
handset if the device is equipped), correctly filling out a Windows-style
username and password prompt will gain administrative personnel access to
device setup. The same login requirements are necessary to access the device
menu via TelNet or HyperTerminal.
Once it�s on the network, the Web GUI will display the IP configuration
of the device. Several things must be tuned correctly to allow the Max to
both pass packets to the outside world, and communicate with a PBX. Company
firewalls must be set with UDP port 6801 open. Also note that the Max will
not work behind a proxy. The digital trunk configuration must also be set to
match the PBX requirements allowing effective communication between the two
devices. Our Max was set up with the following configuration choices: T1
trunk type, B8ZS line code, Extended Super Frame frame mode, and the
signaling type was set to DTMF. An ISDN configuration is also available.
DOCUMENTATION
The documentation did a fair job of detailing what�s expected of an
administrator to get the Max up and running. Though once the unit was
installed and configured, some questions remained about how exactly to set
up the device in conjunction with our PBX simulator. Our initial
configuration of both the Max and the Gordon Kapes simulator left us with
either a fast-busy signal after dialing 9 and a telephone number, or no tone
at all. We really didn�t have a good feel for where to look to solve our
set-up issues; the documentation could stand to use several examples to help
the user determine whether or not the system is set up correctly. Perhaps a
troubleshooting guide or a list of supported PBXs with general setup
instructions for each? Normally, a vendor/reseller would install the device,
however additions such as the aforementioned may satisfy administrators
faced with setup after an office move, PBX upgrades, or other modifications.
FEATURES
The Max platform provides a gateway for value-added telephony services (via
connection with MAX billing server), and connects to a PBX via a one-wire
RJ-48 connection. The device supports 24 (T-1)/30 (E-1) virtual ports,
static or dynamic IP addressing, requires 17Kbps Internet throughput per
line, and is OS independent. The Max also features a built-in IVR, one-port
asynchronous serial communication at 19,200 bps, and additionally provides a
Web-based setup and management GUI. The Max can be used as a standalone
device for use with the Net2Phone network, or can be used in conjunction
with another Max for a reduced rate via the Net2Phone network.
OPERATIONAL TESTING
Setting up our PBX simulator took a little longer than anticipated,
eventually though we achieved transparent access to the Net2Phone network by
simply dialing from any extension connected to the PBX simulator as we
normally would. Our simulator was configured to dial �9 to get out,�
which gave access to a second dial tone. Dialing a �1� for domestic
calls, the area code and the seven-digit phone number was required to send a
call out through the Max. We connected every time and could honestly not
tell the difference between a PSTN or Net2Phone network call. The quality
was excellent.
In the same fashion that a PBX can be used to make a PSTN-to-Net2Phone IP
call via the Max, an incoming Net2Phone IP call can also be answered via the
same Max and PBX configuration. To effectively receive a Max-to-Max call,
the Account Configuration page must be configured with the incoming caller�s
Net2Phone account number. Once that information is set, additional call
routing can be detailed from the Web-based GUI. When done, a Max user need
only pick up a handset, dial �*72� and the account number of the Max to
be reached. Of course the PBX will have to be configured correctly allowing
the additional digits in the dialing string. Since a T1 configuration was
used, we were allowed to use up to 24 account numbers and pins, one for each
channel. As indicated in the documentation, many PBXs are unable to transmit
the asterisk (star) through their digital line card. If this is the case,
the Max�s routing table can be configured to add the asterisk (star)
prefix to an outgoing dial string.
MAX VALUE?
For simplicity�s sake we�ll invent a 50-person office that generates an
hour of outgoing, domestic long-distance calls per person, per day. We�ll
say this particular long-distance carrier used charges a flat rate of 5�
per minute for domestic long-distance calling. Some quick calculations
indicate tallies of $150.00 per day, $750.00 per week, $39,000.00 per year
accrued in domestic long-distance charges alone. Using Net2Phone�s MAX
T1/E1 gives companies access to 3.9� per minute domestically, however
depending on call volume, a Max-equipped enterprise may be eligible for a
lower 2.1� per minute domestic rate, according to our sources at Net2Phone.
Given the variance in rate, we thought SMBs would probably qualify for a
per-minute rate somewhere in between the two extremes, at say, 3� per
minute. Using this figure to re-examine long-distance charges for our ersatz
office indicates to us that it�s possible to save 2� per minute, or what
translates into a hypothetical savings of $15,600 per year, using these very
basic and blanketing calculations. Through this example, a company would
theoretically experience a very satisfying ROI within a period of about four
months or so. Most of Net2Phone�s calling to Western Europe is priced at
about 4.9� per minute and all Max-to-Max direct calling is 1� per minute
both domestically and internationally.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
From the administration GUI there didn�t seem to be an avenue to access
billing for one or more Net2Phone accounts the device is capable of storing
for billing purposes. Though a Net2Phone billing server can be added, thus
granting access to such information, nothing is provided from the product
itself. At the time of review, the only option to verify account minutes and
visit CDRs was to log onto the Net2Phone Web site and punch in account
number and password.
Though most settings are available through the Web GUI, we found the
Master clock setting for the T1 signaling only to be available through a
HyperTerminal or Telnet session. This being the case, it wasn�t clear
initially that we had the option of making it a slave if need be, depending
upon the PBX settings. Similarly, the PBX Configuration page didn�t
instruct the user whether or not a reboot was necessary after making
configuration changes through the Web GUI.
Lastly, the first time the Max was rebooted the system locked up. Upon
further investigation we discovered that disconnecting the CAT 5 cable that
connects the PBX and Max during a reboot allowed our Max to start up without
incident. We upgraded to a newer version of firmware, however still
encountered the same problem each time the system was restarted. Finally, by
arriving upon the correct settings thus allowing the PBX simulator to work
in conjunction with the Max, we eliminated the problem. During the setup
process however, we had to disconnect the unit each time we restarted. Lucky
for us, the PBX simulator and the Max box were right next to each other.
CONCLUSION
Though time constraints prevented us from comprehensively testing the unit�s
service during peak calling periods, we found all our calls connected with a
high degree of clarity and a low degree of latency. This product seems to
gain even more value when utilized in terms of dialing up satellite office
facilities overseas for example, or in instances when a heavy degree of
international calling is present. Further, at one-cent-per-minute regardless
of location, Max-to-Max calling seems to offer an even larger cost savings.
Through our small battery of tests it appeared to us that the Net2Phone Max
T1/E1, while perhaps still a tinge green, does seem to offer a high level of
value and ROI to potential buyers.
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To The April 2002 Table Of Contents ]
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