How is PC connected to the PABX? The short answer is: "Using SMDR Interface".
What does SMDR stand for? It stands for Station Message Detail Recording, but I would advise against using the full name while discussing with your PBX supplier. The salesman may only be familiar with the term SMDR.
The thing to know about SMDR interface is that these days it comes in PBXs as a SERIAL port or an ETHERNET TCP/IP port. Traditionally SMDR interface came only as serial port. Panasonic, NEC, Samsung, Nortel all provide serial SMDR port. In some models they may also have TCPIP port. But in a pure IP based PBX like Avaya the SMDR interface is TCP/IP based only.
Is this technical jargon scaring you? No need to, because from a user's point of view it is just a socket to which one end of the cable is connected. The other end is connected to COM1/COM2 serial port of the PC (for Serial interface) or LAN Switch (for TCP/IP based interface).
You might say, "OK, I know COM1 port is that 9-pin socket in the back of my PC, but where do I find SMDR interface for my PABX?"
Depending upon the manufacturer and model, the SMDR interface may already be in your PABX. It could be 25 pins or 9 pins serial connector somewhere on the PABX frame (e.g. Panasonic PABX's have built-in SMDR interfaces, fixed on right side wall).
If you do not have a built-in SMDR, then you will have to purchase and have it fixed. As an example, NEC's Nice32i does not come with SMDR interface. You need to purchase it separately. It looks like any electronic circuit board and has a 25 pins socket. Surprisingly it is not fixed inside the PABX box! It is fixed inside a telephone (16 or 24 buttons phone is needed – won't fit into a 12 button phone).
Nortel's Meridian also does not come with SMDR – you need to purchase it. It looks like a small external modem. It connects between the PABX and one of the phones.
Panasonic and Samsung PABX (one model at least) comes with built-in SMDR interface.
So what all do I need? You need SMDR interface, a serial cable with correct Pin configurations, correct data speed, parity etc to be setup, a PC, a PABX and CAMS2000 software.
Would I need anything else? You may need the services of PABX supplier's technician to program the SMDR so that data transfer starts. In Panasonic or Samsung, the moment you connect the right cable, setup correct port settings, data starts flowing. Not so in Nice32i. You need services of a technician from PABX supplier to program the SMDR so that data starts flowing.
Skand Bhargava
http://www.softoolsme.com
http://www.softoolsme.com