Thanks guys for all the responses. *Liviu: *I have the LATEST firmware running - so with NAT seems to be working fine. I run Hosted PBX Service offerings and I am currently using the Cisco 7940 from behind a NAT, connecting to my server at a Data Centre. Preliminary testing shows the phone is rock solid with excellent quality - but limited to 2 lines only. (More license = more money). From the price perspective, licensing issues, and miscellaneous that Jim pointed out - this may not be a good fit for both the business user and the Asterisk consultant (considering other cheaper and equally effective - or better products are out there). Its the first time I've actually bought a "CISCO" unit. Cisco claims the Phone is PoE ready... and yes it is... only through Cisco PoE injectors. The unit did not work for me, connected to my PoE based switch which is deployed at many locations.
*Bruce: *With regards to your question - I got the phone for testing to see if this is a good fit for my clients. I have access to these phones from a trusted vendor & friend with reasonable pricing, but I regret the trouble you have to go through to get this to work with Asterisk is not worth the investment in terms of time & efforts. I flushed it with SIP because we don't want to worry about management of other protocols at the moment. We want to keep things standardized to SIP only for ease of administration and scripts we created to support our home grown Hosted Platform (developed with SIP connectivity exclusively). *Elliott: *No, I am not running the phones via VPN. Its running behind a cheap Linksys router via Rogers. *John: *I appreciate your comments and concerns. Fortunately I have not experienced the issues you have and have the units also deployed at clients. To them its better than regular cell phone quality - so they don't complain. I would like to add though, that the Cisco-Linksys branded ATA's and SIP Phones via SIP protocol is here to stay. SIP is not going away, is here to stay, and based on my dealings with Linksys-Cisco distributors, Cisco (though they own Linksys now) - will never get rid of SIP protocol. A close friend has also advised me prior to acquiring the unit that the SIP firmware on the 79xx series is not the best. I got one anyway - because my targeted clients in Hosted PBX offerings in Toronto (non-technical people) know only two names "Cisco & Nortel". *Conclusion: *Based on heavy duty exposure on Polycoms, Aastra, Grandstream, SNOM & the Linksys branded phones - I have to share (per my perspective and experience): a) Polycom is *THE BEST* out there in terms of quality and functionality. But from price point, invoking new changes, and configuring the unit itself is not necessarily effortless. It can be a pain at times. b) Grandstream - I wouldn't touch it with a stick. (Sorry Grandstream supporters & enthusiasts - I've had the worst experience, and highest number of returns on these) c) SNOM - Good phones as per a couple of consultants I've met.... but.... don't know how to explain.... I just don't like it. Do you like papaya fruit? I don't, but I like orange. d) Aastra - This phone lacks certain features I love in the Polycom, however from the price perspective, ease of configuration (web or provisioning server) configuration capability to 10 SIP providers, soft buttons, XML apps, on-hook, off-hook notification to web services/scripts - remote provisioning, and the looks of the phone, this is my personal best. The first phone we deployed 5+ years ago, has taken a GOOD beating, and still ticking. e) Cisco branded Linksys Units - This phone I promote once again because of some of the above and ease of configuration, and I recommend to clients who for some reason don't like the Aastra design. I am personally most comfortable with the Aastra series, but my company does support Polycom and Linksys units if a client insists. Thank you all for your feedback. *Best, Reza.* -- Toronto based VoIP / Asterisk Trainer, I.T. Consultant and Hosted PBX Solutions Provider. +1-647-476-2067. http://www.linkedin.com/in/seminar
