Voice-to-Voice Options

ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this week’s tech bulletin is to inform distributors of some of the variety of options for obtaining two-way voice to voice communication. There is too much variability to discuss all potential configurations, so these represent several of the more common ways in which Response Care can be integrated. The installers knowledge of third party equipment is key to a successful integration.
TECH SUMMARY:
 
Option 1: D3900 dialers
The RC-D3900 dialers must now have their analog lines connected to a 2 port or 24 Port ATA that needs to be purchased from and programmed by Response Care prior to installation. Individual devices are no longer learned into the dialers. When an incident occurs, a SIP or RCM phone places a call through the server, to the network, to the ATA, which has a 50 pin Telco connector going to the analog lines that run to the dialer. A 66 Block is typically used for punching down the 50 pin Telco connector, but this is at the discretion of the installer. This needs to be preplanned prior to installation to avoid delays and unexpected equipment costs.
Pros: Most of the programming and Response Care software requirements are preprogrammed prior to installation. If the analog lines are already run from a prior phone system, there is very little labor involved in this integration.
Cons: A lot of failure points that make troubleshooting more complex.
Option 2:
IC-300 VOIP Intercom
This is a very simply alternative to the dialer that requires Intercom box to be connected via POE to the facilities network.

Pros: Simply communications path that significantly reduces installation and programming time. Fewer failure points make troubleshooting much easier.

Con: Running ethernet lines. How the network goes, so goes the entire notification system. It is prudent to include a redundant method of communication such as a CC-900 Caregiver console as a fail safe if the facility experiences major network problems.
Option 3: GSM Dialer

The GSM Dialer option essentially puts a cell phone in the room required for two way communication.

Pros: Reliability. Pre-programming of GSM dialer discourages programming errors that could complicate troubleshooting during an installation.

Cons: Requires Network knowledge and understanding of Analog versus digital PBX to properly integrate. This requires a knowledgeable installer and assistance from the facility IT staff or PBX Vendor.

Sangoma cards are required for any strict Analog communications. Each sangoma card has 4 analog phone ports, and any HD cube can have as many as 4 sangoma cards. A VOIP PBX connects via ethernet. Depending on network infrastructure, distributors may be required to purchase additional third party equipment that require assistant from outside venders. Response Care does no troubleshoot PBX, SIP Trunk, POTS lines, ect. It is the responsibility of the integrator to inform Response Care of the configuration and the dial plan for us to program what is required on our end.

Pros: Customize facility based on existing infrastructure to save costs

Cons: Requires intimate knowledge of

 
CONCLUSION:
Remember, you are the integrator. Response Care will assist is providing the equipment based on the information we are provided prior to installation. Misunderstanding what the customer wants, the existing infrastructure, and what we can or cannot do won’t be good for anyone. Integrators must have knowledgeable about third party equipment for voice to voice if it is to be used. Otherwise, there could be long delays with Response Care going through fruitless trial and error guesses.