After purchasing a number of Ascend Maxes, the local Livingston rep
finally called me and offered up a PM3 for evaluation. I chose a dual T1
box with 48 modems (6 cards).
So far, it's surprised me. Quite frankly, I'm very impressed.
We're using channelized T1's here (PRI is OUTRAGEOUS) and total time to
configure/install the PM was just over 20 minutes.
I have a number of PM2E(x)'s, so configuration was very straightforward.
I upgraded to 3.5b8 and configure line0 for wink start, B8ZS, ESF,
assigned the global stuff, address pool, ether address and did the OSPF
config (took about 10 minutes total).
Crossing my fingers, I unplugged a live T1 from one of my Maxen (no one
was on it at the time) and snapped it into the PM3.
The light went green and I then called it using a standard telephone.
Modem tone greeted my ears!
I left it plugged in and monitored for incoming calls. Eventually, calls
rotated onto that T1 and they were answered and users were logging in (and
connecting) successfully. So far, so good.
Now, for a pleasant surprise: The PM3 does DOVBS with no special
programming needed!
DOVBS allows an ISDN caller to make 56K ISDN calls into the PM3 without me
having to pay that exorbitant PRI cost.
I configured a motorola "b*ttsurfer" to originate calls as VOICE, set to
56K PPPC synch mode and dialed. I got in on the first try, and the
connection time was just as sweet as a normal ISDN call, under a half
second.
On a Max, I've been trying to get this working for weeks. Finally Ascend
admitted that I needed to:
1. Buy extra software ($1000+)
2. Assign a different number to differentiate between ISDN and voice calls
(not an option on siemens switches).
And they still would not guarantee it would work. :-)
I've never hesitated to whack on livingstons flaws, and I'm not shy with
praise where it's deserved.
This is a fine product.
Livingston, you get one king-sized ATTABOY from me. I will definitely
consider using PM3's for future expansion.
Cordially,
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Joe Portman - Alternate Access Inc. Affordable, Reliable Internet
baron@aa.net Seattle: (206) 777-7777 Everett: (206) 249-4949
Tacoma: (206) 927-6010 Federal Way: (206) 838-8457
Bellevue: (206) 455-8414 ISDN: (206) 448-7565
Enumclaw: (206) 862-9423 Black Diamond : (206) 288-8809
For free trial account: set modem to 8-n-1, login as "new"
For questions or support, call our voice line (206) 728-9585.
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