VentureIP

Scalable 4-Line KSU-Less Telephone System for SMB

Frequently asked questions

  What does a typical configuration look like?


A typical configuration consists of an Ethernet LAN equipped with a standard IP Router or Switch, Ethernet cabling to each VentureIP phone, and a VentureIP Gateway for access to external standard phone lines. No Central Server is required. All the features are in the Phone. Internet connectivity is not required. Support for VoIP carrier interconnectivity will be available in a future release.

  How do I install and configure the system?


System hookup is easy with the VentureIP System. First, plug each VentureIP phone into your LAN. Phones can be powered up at any time. Second, connect your VentureIP Gateway to your LAN. And third, connect the VentureIP Gateway to the external phone lines (analog / FXO line) provided by your service provider. The VentureIP System auto configures itself as each element is added. Note that the example above assumes the LAN is POE (Power Over Ethernet) capable to supply power to the VentureIP Gateway and phones. Separate POE injectors are available and can be ordered from Aastra.

  How is VentureIP different from other VoIP solutions?


The VentureIP System is a SIP based Peer to Peer System which dramatically simplifies system setup and configuration. The system requires no central server, and configures itself with almost no user intervention.

  How does the VentureIP system communicate on the LAN?


The peer-to-peer communication in the VentureIP system uses IP multicasting. LAN equipment (router, switches, etc.) must support passing of multicast traffic between the LAN segments. Filtering of multicast packets will prevent the system from forming the peer-to-peer network.

  What if my LAN is not POE capable?


Mid-span POE injectors can be ordered separately from Aastra.

  If multiple POTS lines are connected to the VentureIP gateway, what should the setup be to prevent dial-in to a busy line?


Most small business will get "n" lines each with a separate and unique number. The "n" lines are setup to "call forward if busy" on a "hunt group" so that inbound calls all go to one line but get auto routed to one of the available lines. Outgoing calls will show 1 of "n" numbers but not necessarily the main number that you associate with that business.

  Is a central server or computer required?


No, the VentureIP System does not rely upon common equipment such as a central server or computer. All the software is in the phone.

  Is there a “Golden Phone” somewhere?


No, the VentureIP System uses Peer to Peer technology. All the software is in the phone.

  How long does system initialization take?


A 30 node system can reach call processing state within approximately one minute after power up.

  How are IP Addresses Obtained?


The VentureIP Phone and the VentureIP Gateway obtain their IP addresses automatically. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is used if available on the network, otherwise ZeroConf procedures are supported. If ZeroConf has been used and subsequently a DHCP server becomes available, the VentureIP system will obtain DHCP provided IP addresses.

  How do I get my extension number?


Extension numbers are automatically assigned to phones when they first power-up on the network. Extension Numbers are assigned sequentially in the range 200 to 299 and in the order phones register themselves on the network. Extension numbers are retained by each phone over subsequent power cycles.

  Can I change the extension of a telephone?


Extension numbers are automatically assigned by the system when a phone is first connected. The extension number can be changed at any time using System Options. Extension Number changes are stored within the Phone, and are automatically communicated to all users and the Auto Attendant through the Corporate Directory.

  Are four digit extensions supported?


No, extension numbers are limited to the range 200 to 299.

  How many phones are supported?


There is no technical limit to the number of Phones which can be installed on a network. However, the ideal installation is a single site business with 2 to 50 stations devices per LAN segment.

  How do I add new VentureIP Phones to my System?


Expansion of the system is easy. Simply connect your new VentureIP phone to the network, and it will automatically configure itself on start-up.

  How do I replace a phone?


To replace a set, you must first delete the extension from the system. This is done through the System Options. Note that all Voicemail and personal information associated with this extension number will be deleted. Once the extension has been deleted, remove the set that is no longer required from the network. You can now add the new set, and once it has restarted, change its auto assigned Extension number using System Options to the desired extension number. In a future release, it will be possible to change sets and still retain any Voice Mail and Personal settings. In order to maintain the privacy of User data, you will be prompted for the User Password to confirm that this new set will be the new Owner of that Extension Number. The new set will then copy any information maintained on the network for that Extension Number.

  Do I need the VentureIP Gateway to make calls?


The VentureIP gateway is required only for access to external phone lines. Extension to Extension calling is supported without the need for a VentureIP Gateway.

  How many VentureIP Gateways can be supported on a system?


The VentureIP System supports at least a total of 100 Phones and Gateways. Determination of the number of Gateways to equip is highly dependent upon user calling patterns and behaviors. A very busy application might have 48 Phones and 10 Gateways, providing virtually one line per user.

   What phones are supported?

The VentureIP System uses the Aastra 480i set shown above. Support of additional SIP phones will be announced in the future.

Features of the 480i include;

• Power: POE (Power Over Ethernet) IEEE 802.3af inline power (optional universal power adapter is available)
• Network interface: Dual 10/100 switched Ethernet ports
• Handset: Hearing aid compatible, Headset: Modular RJ9 connector
• Call Handling: 4 call Appearance Lights - Juggle up to 4 calls at the touch of a button. Place callers on hold automatically as you jump between calls
• Feature Keys: 6 customizable softkeys, 8 predefined hard keys for most common call handling functions such as Transfer, Conference, Intercom etc.
• Physical: Weight: .91 kg. Dimensions: 11.43 cm W x 17.78 cm L x 11.43 cm H
  

  Does the VentureIP System support standard SIP Phones?


Only phones equipped with Avaya Peer to Peer software are supported on the VentureIP System. To request support for your favorite SIP Phone please contact your Aastra sales representative.

  Are analog devices such as Fax Machines, standard POTS phones and conference bridges supported?


Analog devices such as those listed should be attached to separate line from the VentureIP system.

  What CODECs are supported?


VentureIP uses the G.711 PCM. It also Support codec G.729A it can be set from the Web Admin using the Bandwidth Settings - Audio Bandwidth – High or Low.

  Is Codec negotiation supported?


Codec negotiation will be supported in a future release.

  How do VentureIP Phones receive power?


The VentureIP 480i Phone supports IEEE 802.3af Power Over Ethernet.

  What happens if my phone loses power?


Sets on the network back each other up. When a set is disconnected from the network (e.g.: due to power failure, or the set is being moved), the other sets will automatically provide backup for it. Voice Mail, Call Forward status, etc. will still operate as if the set was still present on the network. When the Set is returned to the network, it will automatically retrieve any Voice Mail stored for it while it was off the network. VoiceMail stored on another set for the missing set is private, and not accessible to any other user.

  Can you share the LAN connection between the Phone and a PC?


Yes, the 480i supports dual 10/100 Mbps switched Ethernet ports. You connect the LAN to the 480i phone LAN connection port, and connect your PC to the second port on the 480i marked with a PC symbol. POE is not provided on the second port.

  How do I connect to the Public Network?


The VentureIP System uses the VentureIP Gateway which provides access to four standard analog phone lines. These are also known as FXO (Foreign Exchange Office) lines.

  Can I make and receive calls if power has failed?


If your network has been engineered with UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), your phone service will be unaffected. If your network does not have UPS or UPS fails, the VentureIP Gateway provides an Emergency ByPass on power failure. Line 1 (L1) on the VentureIP Gateway is automatically bridged to a standard POTS phone which must be provided by the user.

  Does the VentureIP System support T1/EI or ISDN external access?


This feature is not supported with the VentureIP system.

  How do I connect the VentureIP Gateway to my Network?


The VentureIP Gateway is equipped with a WAN and LAN Fast Ethernet port. The LAN port is used to connect the VentureIP Gateway to the user’s network. The WAN Port is included for future use.

  How do I connect to a VoIP Carrier?


VentureIP is based on the SIP signaling standard but is currently proprietary in nature. Aastra and its partner Avaya are developing solutions which will allow direct interoperability of the VentureIP System with Service Provider VoIP services.

  How do I connect to a hosted solution like IP Centrex?


Aastra and its partner Nimcat Networks are developing solutions which will allow direct interoperability of the VentureIP with Service Provider VoIP services like IP Centrex.

  How does Branch Office work?


This feature is not supported with the VentureIP system.

  Does VentureIP support Teleworker?

  What features are available?


The following list of features supported in VentureIP System Release 1

  How do I get Feature Updates?


Feature Updates consist of maintenance and performance upgrades to the VentureIP System, and will be made available by Aastra from time to time. The software update package is installed on the PC and through the System Web Admin applied to the sets on the network.

  How many users can you conference together?


Each set is capable of establishing a 3 way call. Conference chaining of up to two conference groups for a total of 5 lines is supported, beyond which some degradation in voice quality may be experienced.

  Do you have a Soft Phone?


Yes, a Soft Phone Client for Windows XP based PC’s will be available in a future release.

  Can I have different dialing restrictions?


Dialing restrictions can be established on a Group or an individual Extension Number basis. Restrictions can be placed for instance to disallow all toll calls with exceptions to specific number ranges or specific numbers.

  How is Music On Hold Supported?


The VentureIP Gateway provides an Information On Hold Input. Simply connect an information source like a CD player to the Information On Hold Input port. You must enable Information On Hold using System Options.

  How is External Paging Supported?


The VentureIP Gateway provides an External Paging Output.

  Is a WebClient available?


Each VentureIP Phone includes a Web Server. A web browser such as Internet Explorer can be used to allow users to review and update User configuration data on their phone.

  Is Group Ringing or Simultaneous Alert Supported?


Yes, the System Administrator can establish groups, assign an extension number in the range 400 through 499 for the Group, assign extension numbers to the group, and assign the Call Forward No Answer destination.

  Is trunk to trunk Call Transfer supported?


Yes.

  Where is Voicemail stored?


Voicemail for each user is stored on their individual phone. There is no central voicemail server. If an individual phone is not on the network, other sets on the network provide backup for it and record any new Voicemail received for that set. When the set returns to the network, it will automatically retrieve stored Voicemail for it from the network.

  Can I have my own greeting for my voicemail?

  How much Voicemail can be saved per user?


Each user can save up to 20 minutes of Voice Mail.

  Is there a limit on the length of Voice Mail messages?


Yes, voice mail messages have a maximum length of 1 minute.

  What happens if my Voice Mail is full?


The person leaving the Voice Mail will hear busy tone.

  Can I program an ‘escape to number’ into my voicemail?


Yes, this feature is called ‘Zero Redirect’. You can invite persons leaving a voice mail to press ‘Zero’ to be transferred either to an Attendant (internal extension number) or to an external number (perhaps your cell phone). Users can set this number in the Voice Mail options screen.

  Can I collect my Voice Mail when I am offsite or at another extension?


Yes, simply call into your voicemail and while listening to the greeting press “*” followed by your password.

  How are external calls received?


External Lines on the VentureIP Gateway are designated either AutoAttended or Private Line. Calls arriving on Auto Attended lines are directed to the Auto Attendant. Calls arriving on Lines designated Private Line are routed directly to the Extension Set associated with that Line.

  How does the Auto Attendant work?


The Auto Attendant will answer the incoming call and play the pre-programmed greeting and prompts. The caller will either enter an extension number or will be directed to the corporate directory where they can enter the Last Name of the party that they wish to speak to. Pressing ‘Zero’ will direct the caller to a designated extension. The default is extension 200.

  Can I have my own company greeting for the Auto Attendant?


Yes. The Auto Attendant greetings can be personalized by the user.

  Can I have calls directed directly to a user without going to the Auto-Attendant?


Yes, this feature is called Private Line.

  Can I page all phones?


Yes, the General Page Zone automatically includes all extensions in the corporate directory.

  Can I set up Paging Zones?

  What about security?


Several levels of security are in-place

  What if I forget my password?


User and Voice Mail Passwords can be reset by the System Administrator. To reset your System Administrator password, please contact Aastra technical support for the appropriate procedure.

  VentureIP System Capacities

VentureIP