Trixbox Replacement - Overcoming Span problem on ISDN 30

Once of our clients had a Trixbox system put in two months ago, but the build used was buggy and the list of issues with the install was massive. Some the issues simply couldn't be addressed without a full rebuild of the server.

Like most companies, they are reliant on their telephone system being operational during office hours, so rebuilding the installed server was not an option. We were also getting some complaints about echo on calls.

We took the decision to start from scratch using the same HP Blade server specification but replacing the existing Digium Wilcard with a Sangoma A101D with echo cancellation. Despite issues discussed later, this turned out to be an excellent decision.

I might also add that four weeks ago, I was a total novice on Trixbox and my experience with Linux was negligable. I'm happy to say that after a three day training course, some time designing a new build and patience devising a proper dial plan, it's all paid off. But not without some seriously commendable intervention by Sangoma.

The systems worked perfectly in our offices' test ISDN 30 box. But on connecing our newly configured system to the BT ISDN 30 PRI NTE 2e box at the clients' side, we were getting no calls in or out. Asterisk was reporting "Channel 1 down" and I was getting nowhere. I suppose being UK based worked to our advantage in that the people at Sangoma were able to look at our system out of business hours using an SSH session. From their final report, I can see that the problem was neither common nor easy to fix. However, they spend several "nights" (days to them!) going through this system until coming up with the fix. I might add that it looks like the fix involves a driver change; one of their software developers talking to me directly about the problems.

Last night at 11pm I called Sangoma for an update - where I was given the good news a fix had been found. I took a leap of faith this morning and left the site connected to the new server. There has been not one complaint. Not one dropped call, no echo and simlies all 'round. Needless to say, my boss is ecstatic. He even gave me the afternoon off. :-)

I have serveral more new builds to put in place soon. Props to the team at Sangoma for their support and help with this:- one thing for sure, I'll be sticking with them on my projects.