Frequently Asked Questions about Avaya Media Servers

What is an Avaya Media Server?
A Media Server forms the backbone of a flexible communications system for growing companies. It allows your company to take advantage of the increased functionality of an IP network without replacing your existing infrastructure.

What does a Media Server do?
Media Servers work in conjunction with Media Gateways to provide a streamlined voice and data network throughout your entire enterprise. Media Servers and Gateways provide a network built on an industry- standard operating system that supports distributed IP networking and centralized call processing.

What is the relationship between Media Servers and Media Gateways?
A Media Server works by controlling the Gateway; the Gateway allows branch offices to connect to the network, and the Server powers the network.

Can Media Servers power more than one Gateway?
Absolutely. The total number depends on the model, but Media Servers can support several Gateways, expanding with complete ease. In fact, the S8700 can support up to 8,000 Media Gateways, offering up to 36,000 stations.

Can any Media Gateway work with any Media Server?
The S8300 Media Server only supports the G700 and G350 Media Gateways, but both the S8500 and S8700 Media Servers support all Gateways. Both the G700 and G350 Media Gateways are compatible with every Media Server.

What are the benefits of installing a Media Server?
The immediate benefits are increased productivity, efficiency, and savings across the entire enterprise. The branch office has access to the same features and applications as the central office, and the Media Server consolidates multiple systems into a single server, enabling you to manage the entire communications infrastructure from one location.

What size of businesses can use Media Servers?
One of the hallmarks of Avaya Phone Systems products is scalability; Media Servers can function as a single unit powering a single office, and Media Servers can support an entire global enterprise.

Cameron Elliott is an Telephony specialist at avaya voip phone systems where he extols the benefits of Avaya Phone Systems