atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums TDM Business Telephone Systems Nortel Telephones & Systems 0X32 MICS 7.0XC

I have a 0x32 MICS w/6.1 Software, T-1, DIDs, 40 Stations at 1 location and 3 locations w/8x24, DR5, analog lines, no DID, Startalk Flash4's Ver. 2.0.1 and 24 stations each. Down the road, I would like to network all 4 locations, but not sure of everything I will need. I installed all of the 8x24s myself, but I had the 0X32 installed due to the T-1. My installer is good, but not strongly versed in what is needed for networking the units. I would eventually like to be able to do customer invisible transfers between the offices and utilize my CP150 (300MB) that is connected to the 0X32 for all voice mail and eliminate 3 Startalks. With the exception of the currently installed 0X32 (2-port fiber, Single DTI, Services, 0X16, CP150, 6.1), I have (3) 0X32, (3) DTI, (3)Services, (0) NVRAM and Software, (3) ATA2. It is my understanding that in order to network all 4 systems must be running the same software version. My questions are these: 1) Do all three systems need to run the same software version, 2)In order to accomplish the networking and inter-office transfer do I have to have two T-1 cards in each system and thus require 2 T-1 lines into each office (Looking for the least expensive workable solution), 3) Are there any major known issues with MICS 7.0XC that you would recommend I not go that direction (I can obtain this at a good price), and 4) If I choose to go with an interum step of just replacing the 8X24 w/0X32 until I can shell out the cash for networking, is the MICS 7.0XC compatable with Startalk Flash 2.0 or higher? Sorry for the length, just wanted to try to cover everything. Thanks so much for this board that has saved me time, dollars and headaches!

They only way to get the 8x24 networked, would be through analog e&m trunk cards (2 per card) or some half-baked lgs/lge - fxo/fxs configuration. You will not be able to setup a central voicemail with the current situation.

Upgrading all site to mics with the right s/w level would achieve centralized voice mail.

You will need all MICS's running 4.1 or higher with point to point PRI to get centralized voice mail.

Thanks for the replies. I know that I will have to replace the 8X24 units, but the two main issues would be 1.) do all systems require the same software version (what about version release), and 2.) can I do this with only one T-1 in each system? If so then I suppose I would need the PRI enabler at each of the 4 locations?

Also, are the Startalk 2.0 and higher compatible with V7.0XC if I choose to do an interum step of replacing the 8X24 with MICS prior to networking? Marv, I looked at one of your posts with the compatibility matrix, but 7.0 was not on there. I saw where 6.1 was compatible.

Again thanks for the replies.

Sorry Startalk Flash 4 Software version 2.0 and higher.

Telco PRI at each location will not do the job. You need a point-to-point t1, namely in a star configuration, from your main site (with vmail) to each of your remote sites.

My opnion is this; if you are so implicit on the networking between your sites, dump the mics and move over to BCM. Create vpn's rather than investing in dedicated (costly) point t1.

rustynails: Thanks for the info. I will explore BCM. I was just hoping for a way to work with most of what equipment I have on hand. I do currently have all of the office on a VPN, so maybe not too expensive to go that route. I will check it out. Thanks again.

You need to weigh the cost between recurring (monthly) fees and just biting the bullet and investing in better (one time) hardware options.


~r