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GBC
Asked: 2010-08-31 15:36:59 +0800 CST

Installing new switch, what is this box?

  • 772

my friend has asked me to come and install a new switch he bought.

alt text

The top two panels are just the panels that connect to the cabling throughout the floor. The third panel is the switch which I'm about to replace.

My question is, what is the box underneath it? Is has a networked hdd and a wireless phone thing standing on it. Close up:

alt text

I would really like to know what it is and what it does before I start changing things. There is no existing network documentation. I'm guessing it might do something with the telephone lines as they are about 10 numbers on the premises.

Very grateful,

James

networking switch telephony

4 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    Well that looks like a PBX for a phone system to me. Above it to the right is a punch down block where, presumably, they have POTS lines coming in to "feed" the PBX.

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  2. That looks like a PBX/voicemail server. The harddisk often holds the voicemails for the office.

    There is often a VGA port for a monitor, so you could try and plug one in. That might give you the vendor name, version, etc.

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  3. Looks like a PBX to me.

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  4. It certainly is a PBX. The outgoing cables terminating at the phone distribution frame (the punch block thingy below the switch) confirms it. I don't know if those distribution frames are use elsewhere but are the standard way to terminate phone lines in Australia.

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