* Reader weighs in on analog phone lines
Last week we talked about the need for supporting traditional modems, fax, and TTY/TDD devices over a VoIP network. Even though the idea of taking digital information and converting it to an analog format, then transmitting that analog information over a digital system seems counterintuitive, it’s a needed process for some specialized applications. This week, we’re sharing feedback we received from one reader.
The reader wrote:
“I have sent my staff on several missions over the last few years to eliminate as many analog lines as possible. We have gotten rid of quite a few, but the thing we just can’t seem to get rid of are the lines that are in place to support equipment. For example, all of the routers at all locations have an analog line that is used for remote support in case the network fails. Many times, these lines are for BACKUP to the network, and therefore will never go away. In addition, so many of the facilities department’s equipment vendors just don’t seem to be getting with the program of support over the IP network. We have so many analog lines in the facilities equipment rooms for vendor support of fire suppression systems, alarm systems, etc.”
At this point, it is important to insert a note that we did hear from some of the equipment manufacturers mentioning that they felt they had support for modems. We did not hear – but we didn’t ask – about analog lines used more for telemetry applications. We did mention a product for transporting contact closures for telemetry in a WAN newsletter a while back.
The reader continued, “When we implement our IP PBX at my campuses, I am going to try to use some analog line-sharing devices on anything that only requires outbound dialing. At least that might keep the number and cost down of analog ports we have to install.”
Then she summed up the feeling that we believe many have: “Analog lines are a pain to keep around, but I don’t see them going away any time soon.”
