Analog Endpoints

Lync Server 2010 was the first version of Lync to introduce support for analog devices. This helps in scenarios in which it is simply not possible to remove the requirement for analog devices such as with fax machines, PA systems, or elevator phones. These devices are all analog based and there is no equivalent in Lync Server 2013 to replace them.

To support these devices, an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) or media gateway with analog ports is required. On the server side, a SIP-enabled contact object is created to represent the analog device. Just as with a user account, a voice policy consisting of allowed PSTN usages can be assigned to the contact object and can control the features that each analog device is allowed to use.

Because analog devices do not register to a Lync Front End pool, the IP/PSTN gateway or Survivable Branch Appliance provides an interface to associate each analog port with a specified Line URI. Outbound calls from the port use the assigned Line URI, and inbound calls to the Line URI are routed to the associated port.

When planning for analog devices, first identify what type and how many analog devices are required for each site. Afterward, determine whether the analog devices should be connected to through the Lync infrastructure. It’s possible to keep them separate and use a traditional Plain Old Telephone Systems (POTS) line connected directly to the device.