[March 12, 2012] Patton Introduces SmartNode BRI/FXS/FXO Gateway-Router Tweet Mar 12, 2012 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- Patton Electronics-together with Patton-Inalp Networks-announced and is now taking orders for the 8-to-24-call SmartNode 4660 BRI/FXS/FXO VoIP Gateway Router for mid-sized enterprises and service providers. With the announcement, Patton said it is addressing the demand for VoIP-enabling solutions in European markets where incumbent PSTNs offer 8-BRI services alongside FXS/FXO lines often supplied by CLECs. Initial shipments are expected during May 2012. Patton's SN4660 fills the void between high-cost modular VoIP equipment (overkill for most mid-size businesses) and kludgey multi-box solutions (cobbled together from lower-quality, smaller-port-count devices). Offering port combinations of 2-to-8 ISDN BRIs, a standard 4-port IP-Ethernet switch, and optional 4-to-8 analog FXS/FXO interfaces, the SmartNode 4660 IP-enables ISDN-PBX systems and POTS phone, fax, answering machine, and audio-intercom systems with a cost-effective, one-box solution for 8-to-24 voice or fax calls over IP. According to a release, four 10/100 Ethernet ports provide seamless WAN access via any existing cable, ADSL, VDSL, EFM, or fiber-optic modem, as well as enterprise LAN connectivity. "We just listened to our customers," said Bernhard Fluehmann, Converged IP Product Manager with Patton-Inalp. "SmartNode users know all about our can-do culture. Patton is focused on meeting real-world needs and delivering on hard requirements for actual projects. That's how the SN4660 came about. Customers asked and Patton delivered." As a mid-sized enterprise itself, Patton noted that it majors on manufacturing combined with responsive product engineering. ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]