Network guidelines

AlphaCom XE

The AlphaCom XE combines the best of an advanced communications server with the latest IP, Linux and embedded networking technologies. The AlphaCom XE provides a complete set of services, quality, reliability and security characteristics for which AlphaCom has always been recognized. Some of the special features it brings into the IP domain are wideband (7 KHz) audio, a built-in firewall, integrated web server, and low latency switching.

Separate management interface

AlphaCom XE comes with two Ethernet interfaces. A separate Ethernet interface which can be dedicated to management. This allows the administrator to build a separate administration VLAN that is dedicated only to administrators.

Network guidelines

Bandwidth usage

• Maximum one way latency 150ms
• Maximum one way jitter <30ms
• Maximum Loss <1%

Bandwidth usage

A VoIP audio stream is using:

• On a LAN network: 85.6 kbps
• On a WAN network (IPSec encrypted): 106.4 kbps

Examples:

• A conversation between to IP stations is using 2 VoIP streams, one to each station. Bandwidth usage: 2 x 85,6 = 171,2 kbps
• A group call (unicast) from one IP station to 10 receiving devices (IP stations, IP Speakers), is using one VoIP stream to each of the stations. Bandwidth usage: 11 x 85,6 kbps = 941,6 kbps
• A group call (multicast) from one IP station to 10 receiving devices (IP stations, IP Speakers), is using one VoIP stream from the calling station, and one VoIP stream to the group. Bandwidth usage: 2 x 85,6 kbps = 171,2 kbps

The bandwidth usage is the same for all codecs G.722, G.711u and G.711a.

Here is a link to the bandwidth usage for video stream from TCIV station.

Unicast/Multicast

The network should support Multicast (IGMP Snooping). AlphaCom is by default using Unicast for Group audio (group calls, alarm messages etc), sending one VoIP stream to each receiving device. The maximum number of receivers is 50 when using Unicast. If more than 50 receiving devices, multicast must be used. Multicast is also recommended with less devices to lower the bandwidth usage.

A group call with Muliticast is using 2 VoIP channels, regardless of the number of receivers.

VLAN

It is recommended to use a dedicated VLAN for the intercom system. Grouping users into logical networks will increase performance by limiting broadcast traffic to users performing similar functions or within individual workgroups. Additionally, less traffic will need to be routed, and the latency added by routers will be reduced.

Quality of Service

The AlphaCom uses the UDP ports 61000 to 61150 for VoIP audio. Quality of Service (QoS) is by default set on all VoIP audio packages, using Diffserv bit class EF.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

All INCA and Turbine from Zenitel supports PoE (IEEE 802.3af standard, Class 0). Most stations (except the desktop models) can alternatively be power from a local 24VDC power supply.

The AlphaCom XE server does not support PoE.

Port use

All devices (servers and stations) are using port 80 (http) or 443 (https) for web services.

VoIP communication is using the following ports:

IP Stations

• Signaling: TCP port 50001
• Voice: UDP port 61000 - 61150

AlphaNet (interconnecting AlphaCom servers)

• Signaling: TCP port 50000
• Voice: UDP port 61000 - 61150

MultiModule (interconnecting AlphaCom servers in Master-Slave)

• Signaling: TCP port 50010
• Voice: UDP port 61000 – 61150

SIP communication

• Signaling: UDP port 5060
• Voice: UDP port 61000 – 61150

Management Tools are using the following ports:

AlphaPro PC configuration tool

• TCP port 60001

AlphaWeb - Integrated web server

• TCP port 80 (http) or TCP port 443 (https)

AlphaCom firewall and port usage

AlphaCom XE has an internal firewall allowing the network administrator to open and close IP services that should be able to access the AlphaCom XE from the different networks.

The AlphaCom firewall