Analog Phone Make/Model Suggestion

[tearl42]

Greetings to all,

The company I work for is moving from your old Siemans PBXs over to a complete UC implementation. The one thing that I'm trying to figure out is there a good suggestion on what make and model phones for connecting to a VG224?

Thanks,

Tom     

[tearl42]

As an example I was looking at the Panasonic KX-T7737 and it looks like it will meet the needs of my users, but has anyone used this in conjunction to a VG224 (or other model VG)?

Thanks,

Tom     

[James Hawkins]

To be honest I think that using analog phones via a VG224 is a bad idea. You will not be able to use proprietry features and will not have centralised control of things that need to be set directly on the handsets themselves.

You will be able to set up feature codes to allow users to access features such as call forward, hold transfer etc. but I do not think many users will be happy with that. The URL below has more details of feature codes for the VG224.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/ios/voice/fxs/configuration/guide/fxssccpsplmft.html

I would look at the cost of deploying basic IP phones such as the 6901 instead of analog phones connected to VG224 gateways. The 6901 costs less than $100 and would give the users a better experience.

[Jonathan Schulenberg]

I second James' answer. Using analog connectivity is my option of last resort. Unless there is a specific requirement for analog (e.g. intrinsically safe use) we try to avoid it as much as possible. Ethernet switch ports and IP phones are the way to go. Remember that you can run a phone on Cat3 four-pair wiring using 10Mb half duplex.

[paolo bevilacqua]

I agree with the both of you above but for some customers IP phones everywhere is not an option.

Eg, elevators, utility rooms, lack of cat5 cabling, desire to put a device that only costs $10 in case is broken or stolen.

An honest discussion on analog instruments is certainly useful. Personally I've always liked the brand named by the OP.

[tearl42]

That is exactly the case here. It's not something that I want to do, but something I have to do.

@Paolo - What do you mean by "Personally I've always liked the brand named by the OP"?

Thanks,

Tom    

[James Hawkins]

OK - the analogue phone that you linked to looks quite advanced but seems to be intended for use with Panasonic

KX-TA624/KX-TA824/KXTAW848/KX-TDA series PBX.

I doubt whether any of the advanced features of the phone would work if it were connected to a VG224 (and I am not even sure the basic features would work as the phone quick reference guide describes it as a Proprietary Telephone).

I would tend to go for a basic analogue phone intended for direct connection to an analogue PSTN line such as the model at the link below:

http://www.businessdirect.bt.com/products/bt-bt-decor-1100-white-corded-phone-4CYK.html