Primary Issues to Resolve

• Technology Selection – There are essentially three ways to achieve POTS replacement:
  
  •  Digital Voice Line - delivered over coax and converted to analog line at modem
  •  SIP Trunks - Uses facility internet (can be coax or fiber optic) to provide call paths converted on an Internet Access Device (IAD)
  •  Cellular Voice Lines - Technically SIP Trunk converted on cellular gateway.

  SOLUTION - A recent remodel of local library required cellular-enabled fire alarm panels. Even though the outside cell signal was strong, the fire alarm panels could not connect due to building construction materials. A mid-market cellular amplification system was installed that overcame the primary issue, but also made the facility more user-friendly for staff and patrons.

• Hardware Replacement – Conversion may require replacement hardware in the telco room, end device, or both.

  SOLUTION - A local multi-tenant dwelling was constructed without consideration for elevator voice lines. POTS was assumed to be feasible; it was not. The analog elevator car phones were replaced with SIP phones and VoIP service was provided as an alternative connection method.

• Feasibility – Cost is always a factor. However, cellular options introduce a potentially new factor; the building. Not all facilities are friendly to cellular signal penetration. Often, cell amplification is required in these cases. In addition, sustainability is a factor. These services are considered critical for life safety and must have an elevated uptime factor (think battery backup). To that end, it is often required to have true redundancy with disparate services, i.e. primary connection SIP and secondary failover connection cellular.

  SOLUTION - A local Career Center was faced with having to find a solution to replace every analog line. A gateway capable of internet and cellular connections was installed and serviced as the new viable connection for up to 8 FXS ports. The internal battery system can run 24-48 hours in the event of power outage.

Results

School systems in particular are achieving significant cost savings in utility bills and also benefiting from upgraded technology, hardware, and device management. POTS replacement is a daunting task for many reasons. By partnering with Vision CTS, the process can become hassle-free and cost-effective.