VoIP Solution

[Mohamad Qayoom]

I have to implement a VoIP solution for a new facility which will house 150 users. If I use Cisco's solution, what do I need to get. Basically, I am trying to come up with a shopping list to implement Cisco's VoIP solution.

Thanks,

Mohamad

[Jonathan Schulenberg · Accepted solution]

A Cisco partner will need to build a itemized quote for you; this answer is just a high level. There are two differnet products to choose from in most cases as well.

Option 1: Cisco ISR-based solution

• Cisco 3925 with voice license and an SRE bundle for CUE.
  Note that a 2951 is capable of supporting 150 phones but this would leave you no room for growth. A 3925 supports up to 250.
  • Include VWIC/VIC interfaces for PSTN/Analog connectivity
  • Include PVDM3s for conference, media termination, and other functions.
  • Include Communications Manager Express (call agent), Cisco Unity Express (voicemail) and phone licenses.
  • Maintenance contracts for upgrade rights and technical support.
• Cisco Unified IP Phones.
• Cisco Catalyst PoE-capable switch.
• (Optional) Cisco Unified CallConnector for Windows software and server. This provides presence, instant messaging, and some phone control features.

Option 2: Server-based solution

• Cisco Business Edition 6000 (call agent and voicemail) One is required; you can buy a second UCS C200 server and run the applications in an active-active HA cluster if you desire.
  • There are several licensing options here. A Cisco partner would need to discuss the details with you. Most customers choose the Unified Workspace Licensing program.
  • Maintenance contract.
• Cisco ISR. This is used for PSTN connections and DSP at a minimum. Optionally it can be used as a limited-functional backup to the server.
  • If PSTN/DSP only: 2911 or 2921 would be sufficient.
  • If server backup SRST you will need a 2951 at a minimum. Again, a 3925 would leave room for growth.
    • Include SRST (backup call agent) licenses.
  • Include VWIC/VIC interfaces for PSTN/Analog connectivity
  • Include PVDM3s for conference, media termination, and other functions.
  • Maintenance contract.
• Cisco Unified IP Phones.
• Cisco Catalyst PoE-capable switch
• Cisco Unified Presence which can run on the BE6k server provides presence and instant messaging. Note that this may be included in some license models.

There are many other products such as contact center software; however, this is the baseline. I always gravitate toward option two but you'll need to have a discussion of which makes more sense to you with your partner.

[Mohamad Qayoom]

Thanks, Jonathan.