VoIP setup using Avaya S8700 on a Cisco network

[craig.watson]

Does anyone out there have experience or knowledge in using an Avaya S8700 with Avaya IP phones on a Cisco network? We have a mesh of Cisco switches, some 3550s, 3560s, 4500s, etc and I am already aware of the issue with some of the Cisco equipment not supporting 802.3af Power-over-Ethernet that the Avaya IP phones require.

What I am looking for is general information, things to watch out for, other hints that those in the field have already gone through and experienced. Any detailed info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[jlangford]

I am about to do the same (Avaya IP phones and PBX on my Cisco network). I found the following information from Avaya:

Avaya IP Telephony Implementation Guide

http://www1.avaya.com/enterprise/applicationnotes/av-iptel-imp-gd-acm-0503.pdf

Configuration for AutoQos on Cisco Routers and Switches to Support Avaya:

http://www1.avaya.com/enterprise/applicationnotes/autoqos.pdf

Both really helped me in my design.

Also use 3560s and 4000s and not the 3550 for 802.3af PoE as the 3550 is not 802.3af compliant.

[kleo]

Here's some pointers and i'am very happy with my S8700 servers on my cisco network. No issues and i feel i have the best of both worlds>

1) use only 4601 4602 4612 4620 ip phones, older gen phones (4624/4612) have issues.

2) You'll need a dhcp server with option 176 configured for both you native vlan (data) and tagged vlan (Phone). this is required to get phone into tagged vlan.

3)Purchase Avaya Voice Monitoring Manager i think it's like $1995 - awsome for trouble shooting.

4)you will need a TFTP server:

ftp://ftp.avaya.com/incoming/Up1cku9/tsoweb/iptel_avaya_tftp.exe

5)If you want to use your existing switches that are non 802.3af, just purchase a Avaya midspan power patch panel. Also this might intrest you if you want to try:

http://www1.avaya.com/enterprise/applicationnotes/ciscoilp.pdf

6) Hardset your CLAN and Mepro boards speed/duplex..Phones though work great with auto speed/duplex.

7) Disable CDP on ports that phones will be plugged into.

8) here's some sample configs:

IOS based switch (35xx-XL, 3550 series, 2950 series)

interface FastEthernet0/10

description to IP telephone

switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q

switchport trunk native vlan

switchport trunk allowed vlan 1,,

switchport mode trunk

spanning-tree portfast

IOS based switch (tested on 3550 v12.1(13)EA1a)

interface FastEthernet0/24

switchport access vlan

switchport voice

no ip address

spanning-tree portfast

CatOS based switch (CatOS 7.5.1)

set trunk 1/5 nonegotiate dot1q

clear trunk 1/5 2-9, 11-1005

set port auxiliaryvlan 1/5 10

one more document:

http://www1.avaya.com/enterprise/applicationnotes/IP-Connect-HR.pdf

[craig.watson]

Thanks for all the great suggestions and feedback.