Solved: Mutiple UC500 systems at same site.

nileshmathure · ‎03-26-2008

We have 45 users today. Suppose I invest in a UC 500 system which will support 48 users. Tomorrow if our employee count increases then if we want to increase the number of users supported can we network more than 1 UC 500 system to increase the user capacity is it possible ?

I mean I want to network 2 UC500 systems at the same location.

From the Q & A section of UC 500 system I see the following question answered.

Q. Can multiple systems be networked together?

A. Yes, 3 to 5 Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series systems can be configured to work together. If there is a requirement for additional site-to-site networking, it is recommended that you deploy the Integrated Services Router family for those scenarios.

But I heard back from a Cisco voice specialist that networking more than one UC500 together in one site is unsupported by Cisco.

Can you tell me if this is possible to network 2 UC500 platforms at 1 site ?

Thanks

Nilesh

paolo bevilacqua · ‎03-26-2008

Sure, you can actually network as many units you want, but certain features don't work seamlessy across units.

So you may find that at the time your company grows beyond 48 phones, is convenient to get something like a 3845 that supports up to 240 phones and sell the uc500. In fact if you plan to grow fast thee is also the 2851 that support 96 phones, and the 3825 that supports 168.

Cisco will support all what the manual and srnd says it's doable, however the the design should be done by based on reasonable grounds of by an experienced person that has no bias toward any technology.

Hope this helps, please rate post if it does!

View solution in original post

paolo bevilacqua · ‎03-26-2008

Sure, you can actually network as many units you want, but certain features don't work seamlessy across units.

So you may find that at the time your company grows beyond 48 phones, is convenient to get something like a 3845 that supports up to 240 phones and sell the uc500. In fact if you plan to grow fast thee is also the 2851 that support 96 phones, and the 3825 that supports 168.

Cisco will support all what the manual and srnd says it's doable, however the the design should be done by based on reasonable grounds of by an experienced person that has no bias toward any technology.

Hope this helps, please rate post if it does!

nileshmathure · ‎03-26-2008

Hi Paolo,

Thanks for a quick response. I am glad you answered that question.

Can you tell me which features will not work seamlessly across units if I have muitple UC500 systems at same location ? I am asking this because a router based solution is not an option at this stage.

Thanks and Regards

Nilesh

paolo bevilacqua · ‎03-26-2008

For example local directory, monitor/shared lines, hunt-groups, and you may experience some problem also for transfer and conferencing.

In summary is not a good system that you would get.

I really recommend you look at the routers with the CME feature set, because beside doing exactly all what an UC500 does, are more expandable and cheaper too.

Also ask for the new 2960-24pc-l switch that has all the poe ports and is infinitely more manageable and flexible than the uc500 series switches. These, I really do no not recommend.

Hope this helps, please rate post if it does!