Astribank Outperforms Legacy Channel Banks
Refer to the table below for a point-by-point comparison:
| Category/Feature | Astribank | Channel Bank | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
General |
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| Specifically designed for Asterisk® |
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| Direct connection to Asterisk server |
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Astribank does not require PRI card or LAN connection. |
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Support for all telephony modules: FXS FXO BRI PRI R2 CAS |
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| Support for mixed analog/digital ports |
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| High density E1/T1 |
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Astribank supports up to 16 E1/T1 |
| Non-intrusive installation |
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Astribank uses the USB port |
| Automatic one-step configuration |
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Astribank is a single device while channel banks force you to enter all extension credentials, which doubles programming time. |
| Easy maintenance |
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Channel bank solution requires two devices, including PCI installation vs. hot pluggable USB. |
| Drivers are included in standard Asterisk |
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Astribank is a native Asterisk appliance. |
| Support for up to 32 analog ports |
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Physical Dimensions |
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| Supplied in small form factor |
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Astribank chassis is 19” 1U |
| Density per unit height | 32 | 23 | Typical channel bank supports 24 in 2U |
| Weight | 3 Lbs | 12 Lbs | |
Unique Features |
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| Input ports |
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Astribank supports inputs from auxiliary systems, such as alarms. |
| Output ports |
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Astribank supports activation of auxiliary devices, like gates. |
High Volume |
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| Call density per PC connection | USB 2.0 ultra high bandwidth | 24 ports for each PRI | Astribank’s single USB 2.0 port supports over 3,000 calls. |
| Cabinet space for 1,000 ports |
32 U (4.72 ft/1.44 meters) |
84 U (12.4 ft/3.78 meters) |
Typical channel bank solution requires 42 PRI ports (i.e., 42 PCI busses)! |
Maintainability and High Availability |
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| Independent hot-pluggable unit |
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Astribank is USB plug-and-play. |
| Hassle-free maintenance |
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No PRI card is required for Astribank. No need to shut down and/or disassemble the Asterisk server for maintenance. |
| Redundant power supply |
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Complementary multiple power supply device provides redundant power for up to 16 Astribanks. |
| Front panel maintenance and tapping ports |
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Astribank provides clear status LED for each channel. |
