I have a customer that will have a Modular ICS in each of two adjacent buildings. We can run cable between the two locations. What are the options to connect the two MICS units? I know about using T1/PRI to connect through the T1 provider, but I'm looking for a simple less expensive solution to connect via a cable connection without using T1 cards. Ideally they'd like to be able to dial station to station between the buildings. I've heard you can connect two MICS units via an ATA II on each system with limited functionality, but don't know how that would work. Any help?

First of all, if you can run cable between the buildings, what is the length of the run? How big is each MICS?

My first option would be to just run 1 MICS and connecting the 2nd buildings phones on a feed cable. The phones will work up to 2000+ feet without issues, and now you have 1 system for everyone.

The only other viable way to connect the two is using the T-1 cards and a crossover cable to connect them.

Again, if you can run cable, then just use one MICS.

Each MICS is 8X32. Run length is under 1000 feet.

As for the T1 option - what kind of cable would you run between the buildings? Would it require 1 T1 in each MICS? Would it work with POTS lines coming into each building for dial tone?

Thanks for your help. Jack

First off, do you want two seperate systems? Given the size of each, my first option would be to install a 50 pair and 6 strand fiber to connect phones and network. Then you have one system at location A and all the phone as location B feed off of it... Then you don't have to worry about having phone and data service at each location, and you don't lose any functionality of the phones.

If you wanted to just connect the systems with T-1s, you would need a couple of DB 4 pairs at a minimum, but I would go 25 pair. Plus T-1 cards, clocking cards, and PRI codes. By the time you add all that up, you could have installed two more 016 modules in switch A and connected them with a feed cable.

Customer insists on two separate systems.

Could I do POTS line dialtone coming into a 12X0 and then have the T1 cards connect the two MICS via a 25-pair cable?

You could install an analog port from one MICS to the CO position #8 on the other. Program a CO line 8 button on the phone and label it Intercom Bldg #2. Going off hook on line 8 will give you dial tone from the other system and allow 2-3 digit intercom dialing. Do the reverse of this for the other side. Add an additional analog port to CO line #7 (each way) and pool them together for an additional intercom talk path.

Ideally, Z-man's suggestion of one system and a multiple pair cable would be best. If the two buildings are different companies with different lines, then programming would take care of any confusion.

Have you asked your customer what is their reason for wanting two systems? From a technician stand point, it makes no sense, so ask them why. That will give you a better feel for what they want to do, and also the oppurtunity to offer different scenarios. If you approach the customer with "two systems makes no sense"... they won't respond well to that. If you approach with "Might I offer a couple alternate solutions that would fit your needs even better?"... They should be receptive to that.

I think BobRobert has hit on what they want. I've been trying to sell them on Z-Man's solutions (one system with a feeder and an 0X16 or connection via T1) but sometimes you lead a horse to water and they still want hay. Thanks to both of you!

they pretty much lose all functionality that way. All they can do is call each other back and forth. If that is the case, why bother with the cable at all and just make phones calls back and forth?