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Copper lines still represent a major part of the communications infrastructure throughout the United States. With analog devices like fax machines, credit card machines and more still in operation – and still in use – around phone systems everywhere, a major part of planning for a VoIP network installation is the accommodation of these so-called "legacy" devices. ShoreTel (News - Alert), in turn, offers a comparatively simple measure to tackle what might be a significant problem for many firms.

Most VoIP systems will include in their operations the addition of an analog telephone line from the local telephone company. This not only allows for the easiest use of E911 applications, as they're specifically geared to operate with a standard phone line, but also to ensure some communications capability in the event of a commercial power failure, which would take out all Internet-driven communications like VoIP. ShoreTel's solution, meanwhile, incorporates the use of what's called the 66 block – essentially the session border controller of analog phone service – to allow VoIP service to intermingle with an analog presence.

Basically, users will begin at the 66M1-50 split 25 pair block, and its accompanying wall mount bracket. The blocks are designed to be comparatively similar across all installations, so they'll be fairly universal to work with – even down to an industry-wide color code and sequence that determines how the 25 pair cable should be punched down. The VoIP equipment should go on one side of the block, and the station distribution system on the other. From there, ShoreTel switches offer male RJ-21X amphenol connectors on their face plate, so a female connection with a red cap will be necessary to make the connections.

Making the necessary connections will require some careful study of the installation guide to make sure everything is correctly patched together. ShoreTel, for its part, even offers up a video explaining how to make the necessary connections between the 25 pair cables and the 66 block to make things easier. Since the 66 block's operations will likely be a part of phone service for some time to come, knowing how to make the proper connections between the 66 block and any potential VoIP system will be a valuable and useful skill to have on hand indeed.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. For more information on registering for ITEXPO click here.

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