Mock DECT Layout Featuring the Spectralink IP-DECT Server 400
DECT offers a variety of benefits over WiFi and cellular wireless phone networks. Spectralink DECT wireless phones are available in many different models, ranging from office handsets to industrial-class handsets. To integrate any of these Spectralink DECT phones into an existing PBX, the handsets require a Spectralink server to interface with the telephony network. In between the server and the handsets, there may be switches, base stations and repeaters installed to support additional handsets or to increase the wireless range of the system.
In this blog, we’ll make up a mock Spectralink DECT system utilizing the Spectralink IP-DECT Server 400. The Spectralink IP-DECT Server 400 includes support for up to 12 DECT handsets and 6 concurrent calls, with built-in radio ability. In other words, the Spectralink IP-DECT Server 400 does not require base stations and repeaters to provide a wireless DECT signal to the handsets, but is scalable to include them.
For this mock system, the server has been scaled to support a larger system, connected to the server by a single switch.
Fig. 1
The switch connects the server to the base stations. The server, in turn, connects to the PBX (Fig. 1). This Spectralink IP-DECT Server 400 mock system will look something like this:
Fig. 2
The Spectralink IP-DECT Server 400 is a popular choice for small- to medium-sized businesses because it can be easily scaled to support up to 30 DECT handsets and 12 concurrent calls through handset licensing. It is deployable in an office or warehouse, or a hybrid of the two environments. The server is integrated with an existing PBX and features support for SIP. The IP-DECT Server 400 can receive power via either an external power supply or PoE.
When licensed, the Spectralink IP-DECT Server 400 is interoperable with up to 3 IP-DECT base stations. In this example (Fig. 2), the server’s base station capacity is full. The Spectralink IP-DECT Server 400 is only compatible with Spectralink IP-DECT base stations (model number: 02337401). The other type of base station, DECT base stations (non-IP), is not interoperable with the IP-DECT server.
Note: it is important to keep in mind the difference between the IP-DECT base station and the DECT base station.
One Spectralink IP-DECT base station can support up to 12 concurrent calls, or “voice channels.” Power is provided to the IP-DECT base stations via either PoE from the switch, or through an external power source such as an AC adapter.
Deploying multiple base stations in an area with heavy phone use is ideal to ensure all voice channels are clear. For example, the green base stations in Fig. 2 may be in an office or call center, or perhaps in a busy warehouse or manufacturing facility.
The average range of the Spectralink IP-DECT base station is between 65 and 164 feet, indoors. Building features such as walls and support beams can get between the base stations and the handsets, limiting the range. Outdoors, however, the Spectralink IP-DECT base station can receive a signal from up to 984 feet away.
For an area with less handset traffic, only one base station may be required. If the area is more spread-out, connect a repeater to the IP-DECT base station to ensure the signal quality remains strong (Fig. 2). The DECT wireless repeater does exactly as its name suggests—it “repeats” the signal from the base station. Repeaters require an external power source, since PoE cannot travel from the switch to the IP-DECT base station, and then to the repeater. One Spectralink DECT repeater can support between 2 and 4 concurrent calls and has a range of up to 164 feet, indoors. They are also wall-mountable and can be provisioned with an external antenna for extended range.
Fig. 3
Spectralink DECT handsets are available in a variety of formats that can operate off of the same base station and server system (Fig. 3). Choose a colorful, user-friendly model for the office, and deploy a system of rugged, industrial-strength models for the warehouse. Spectralink DECT handsets are popular in manufacturing, warehousing and healthcare industries, but are used throughout every established industry worldwide.