Technical Overview: Deploying 8301 in Full IP Environments

Algo 8301 for Full IP environments

While the Algo 8301 IP Paging Adapter is known for bringing VoIP compatibility to analog infrastructure, the 8301 has multiple functions and is also effective when deployed in full IP environments.

For the purpose of this article, Algo defines a full IP as an environment that consists of only SIP-compliant IP endpoints, which may include speakers, visual alerters (strobe lights), intercoms, and paging adapters. A full IP environment can give a user full control of the environment and allow the configuration of each device.

The 8301 is a third-party SIP-compliant device that seamlessly integrates into most leading UC, Collaboration, and Mass Notification systems. See the list of compatibility here.

Setting as Multicast Sender

One of the primary benefits of deploying the 8301 in a full IP environment is for use as a multicast sender. A single paging adapter can be configured to multicast to any number and mix of Algo IP speakers, strobe lights, intercoms, and telephones. The 8301 allows for easy scaling of IP across any size building or campus, making it a versatile device for all environments.

The 8301 is often deployed as a multicast sender for large and small IP environments. As a multicast sender, it can transmit messages to be received by other IP endpoints. With large-scale deployments of IP endpoints, multicasting becomes flexible and highly customizable. Devices can be configured in multiple ways based on a device’s location or type.

In operation, a multicast sender will push a message to the network for specific multicast zones. Multicast receivers are configured to listen to broadcasts for any of their pre-configured zones and automatically play messages that coordinate with that respective zone. This function allows organizations to easily create many zones for paging and alerting devices.

While most Algo IP endpoints can be configured as multicast senders, many organizations elect to use the 8301 as the main multicast sender for several reasons. The first is for the ability to put different administrative controls on the device. The second is to provide multicasting redundancy in order to have a safety net in case other multicast sender devices fail to work. The third reason is to keep the device safely stored in a secure location to prevent tampering. The final reason is to simplify the configuration and deployment of IP systems.

Minimize SIP Registrations

Used as a multicast sender, the 8301 IP Paging Adapter can reduce the number of SIP registrations required. Each 8301 device allows up to 50 paging zones to be configured, where zones can be selected in one of two ways. The first option is to map multicast page zones to individual SIP extensions with fifty (50) page extensions available for this. The second option is to minimize SIP registrations by configuring multicast page zones as a DTMF key press selection using the dial pad of a telephone for a page call.

Multicast provides cost-effective scalability using a minimum of SIP-registered endpoints, as only the endpoint designated to send the multicast needs to be registered. Devices configured to receive the multicast do not need registration.

Scheduling Pages and Alerts

A popular feature of the 8301 is the calendaring functionality. With an in-built scheduler, the 8301 allows users to program planned notifications and alerts in advance. Any pre-recorded announcement or sound can be played through the scheduling functionality and can be scheduled up to several weeks, months, or years in advance as needed by an organization. The scheduler can also account for holidays, weekends, or skip days as decided by the user.

The 8301 has two user settings for effective device control and management. This ensures that only the approved personnel can access the device.

Effective Administration to Ensure Device Security

The 8301 can securely be stored in a server room to prevent access or tampering from unknown users. The slim design allows it to blend easily on a surface or be mounted against a wall.

Two user types can access the web interface. The first is the Admin, who has full access to the device and has control of the SIP credentials. The second user is the Scheduler, who has restricted usability and has access to only the calendaring functionality.

Managing and Monitoring the Algo 8301

With three device management solutions available, the 8301 can easily be managed and monitored for functionality. Algo’s solutions for device management include using the web UI for individual device monitoring, using the 8300 IP Controller for on-premise device monitoring, and using the ADMP for cloud-based monitoring from any location (free trial available here).

Each method of device management can seamlessly integrate into small- and large-scale environments and includes a range of management tools and the capability to operate easily. Logging into the web UI of the 8301 provides the most flexible customizability options whereas the ADMP is the most comprehensive for large-scale deployments and allows users to oversee devices from any location for easy troubleshooting and management.