VoIP Gateway Comparison
Comparison - VoIP Gateways, PCI Telephony Cards and Channel Banks vs. Astribank
How to connect traditional telephony ports to Asterisk PBX phone systems?
Connecting traditional telephony ports such as analog trunks and analog extensions (FXO and FXS) and/or digital trunks and digital extensions (PRI/BRI) to Asterisk based systems may be achieved using different technologies. Xorcom Astribank solution is a USB gateway that provides a versatile and flexible way to connect telephony ports to Asterisk IP PBX systems using Xorcom’s unique XPP technology.
Astribank is fully native within Asterisk based systems and unlike VoIP gateways, it is managed directly via the Asterisk PBX and not as a separate entity, and is completely LAN-independent. Astribank also allows for features that are not supported in PCI cards and channel banks, such as high-availability and hot-swap, which significantly increases the reliability of the VoIP PBX system.
| Feature | Astribank | VoIP Gateway | PCI Card | Channel Bank | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specifically Designed for Asterisk |  |  | | | |
| Centrally Managed via the Asterisk PBX | | | | | |
| Reliable Fax Support | | | | | |
| Direct Connection to Asterisk Server | | | | | Not dependent on LAN, Channel bank may require an additional PCI card and available slot. |
| Hot Pluggable | | | | | |
| High Availability | | | | | Astribank may connect directly to two Xorcom IP PBX systems and perform hands-free failover for all ports. |
| Supports All Telephony Standards | | | | | |
| Supports Mixed Analog/Digital in a Single Device | | | | | |
| High Density E1/T1 | | | | | Astribank supports up to 16 E1/T1 ports in one device. More than one Astribank may be used in the same system. |
| Non-Intrusive Installation | | | | | Astribank does not require PBX shutdown and opening of panels. |
| Automatic Configuration | | | | | Astribank is automatically detected and configured in the Asterisk PBX. |
| Input Ports | | | | | Used to connect auxiliary systems, such as alarm systems to the Asterisk PBX. |
| Output Ports | | | | | Used to activate auxiliary devices such as electric locks and gates by dialing in the PBX |
| Rack Space for 1,000 analog ports | "32 U (4.72 feet)" | "42 U* (6.19 feet)" | N/A | "84 U* (12.4 feet)" | *Typical figures for gateways and channel banks |
| Redundant Power Supply | | | | | Astribank telephony interface for Asterisk PBX systems has optional redundant power supply to ensure full reliability |
| Clear Front Panel Status Indication | | | | | Astribank provides real time port status information via front-panned LEDs |
| RJ11 and Telco Connections | | | | | Astribank supports both connection types (optional) simultaneously |