This page has been posted as a repository for BCM users that might be trying to interoperate a BCM to other platforms.
I have had limited success in getting a BCM to interoperate with other platforms.
The primary BCM devices –
BCM50
BCM200
BCM400
BCM1000
It would seem that BCM interconnectivity comes in two Flavours:
Hardware based
T1/E1/Pri lines
Analogue “Gateway” connectivity
Software Based
SIP
H.323
T1/E1/Pri lines
Using this method, the installation of a Primary rate card into the BCM (called a Digital Trunk Module DTM)
Installation of a Primary Rate card into the “other host” (asterisk etc)
a “Primary Rate” crossover cable is built (simple to do) and plugged between the devices
The the calls are routed between the devices to communicate
Analogue Circuits
Digital to Analog convertor – 1 line only
Using a Nortel “convertor”, it might be possible to convert one digital circuit from a BCM Digital Station Module (DSM) to analog.
Now there is an “analog” line that can be connected to something else.
I have not tried this method
Analog Trunk Circuit – multiple lines (8. 16, 32)
Using a BCM General Analog Trunk Module (GATM), will allow analog “lines” to be connected between devices.
Once done, analog stations from a different host will be able to be used for trunking.
This works – but be aware, it will be bound to PSTN dial/teardown rules. If the call is dropped – there will be a period of time (seconds) when the BCM will notice the line is dropped.
Software Solutions
This part need a lot of work. I cannot find ANY detail where someone has actually done this with any detail.
there are lots of links that people have used to do it.
SIP
I have successfully connected a BCM to a TRIXBOX (asterisk) host.
H323
as in sip
telephone Interoperability.
The i20xx handsets that work with a BCM device – they are proprietary and use a UNISTIM protocol to communicate (so won’t work with SIP/H323 providers).
there is a way to get these handsets to work with Asterisk.
I haven’t tested it personally, but there are plenty of links that show it works.
It will (may) require manipulation of code on an asterisk host.
April 7, 2023
Phone System 