Ordering an ISDN line

We performed these tests on our existing ISDN lines, so we did not have to go through the start-up problems users may have with new ISDN lines. Our experience indicates that these start-up problems are usually minimal with data applications.

We recommend that you configure your B channels for alternate circuit-mode voice and data, enabling you to make either voice or data calls over each channel. You may not need voice capability initially, but if you ever do, you won't have to wait and pay for a line configuration change.

While data configuration is straightforward, voice features are not. ISDN voice includes many powerful and useful features. The Gandalf 5242i relies on some of these features to support its call bumping capability. Our data line did not have these features installed, so we could not interrupt the second B-channel data call for an incoming voice call.

We called the Pacific Bell ISDN service center and asked it to upgrade our data line. Gandalf's manual says "you should order Capability K," one of the configurations from the North American Users Forum ISDN order simplification system.

The Pacific Bell ISDN service representative had never heard of Capability K. We read her the parameters that the Gandalf manual says are required for a Northern Telecom, Inc. switch. Neither she nor we had heard of the terms that Gandalf used. We were left wondering how we were going to complete our testing of Gandalf's voice capabilities. Later, we realized that our ISDN voice line with two ISDN phones on it was probably already configured for the 5242i. Sure enough, it worked perfectly.

Bell Communications Research has just taken over the ISDN order simplification work. We wish them well with this effort. It is critical that we have common terminology so manufacturers can include ISDN ordering procedures that will work everywhere in North America.