Ascend's setup is easy, apart from the completely dis-organized sections.
But with any "easy" configuration, you lack flexibility. I have yet to see
an Ascend Max 4000 that is able to run 4 PRI's (WITH all of the ports) AND
dual serial ports that can do anything from ISDN to a T1 AND dual ethernet
ports with each one having the ability to support a large amount of
segmented networks (Ascend allows two IP's on it's ethernet, if I'm correct
or unless they changed code). I say that because you can buy a Cisco as5300
for the same price and have ?4? times the flexibility. Granted, this is all
based on what the *customer needs* and should not be judged on the quality
of either product we are talking about. I sure feel much safer that if our
Portmaster router ever takes a big dump, that I can plug in our spare
CSU/DSU into our Cisco as5200 and have our T1 up and running in a matter of
minutes, no other box we have can do that. Not the BEST solution, but it IS
the BEST solution at the TIME, it fixed the problem until a router can be
ordered.
The fact is you are going to hear many sides from many people, and most
likely they will have some bias embedded in them because different
companies deal with different products. Whether they started with them or
someone suggested them, it doesn't matter. My only suggestion is to
evaluate (exactly as Michael has stated) your needs for the network and
look to the future. If you don't feel qualified (you have questions about
products), then I would have someone PERSONALLY come in from an independent
contractor and advise you on what is the best solution for your individual
needs.
At 10:52 AM 3/24/98 -0800, you wrote:
>I've worked with all of these products. I don't know that I can say which
>the most popular is, but I definitely like the Ascend Max product the best
>for a number of reasons:
>First, it is way more compact than the USR product, and thus takes up less
>space and is easier to transport.
>Second, the first time config is simpler
>Third, they seem to be more easily suitable to special case scenarios, like
>doing FrameRelay, K56, and ISDN out of one chassis.
>Last, maintainence can all be done from the console (or telnet session) very
>easily, unlike the USR or even the PM3 which tend to be easier (or perhaps
>need) configuration via an SNMP client.
>
>Granted, this is just my subjective feelings on dealing with the products,
>but I think a look up on the technical specs should also put the Ascend as
>the front runner.
>
>Thanks,
>Andrew J. Lillie
>JPS.Net Network Operations
>andy@jps.net
>-----Original Message-----
>From: John Lange <radadmin@palacenet.net>
>To: ntisp@iea-software.com <ntisp@iea-software.com>
>Date: Tuesday, March 24, 1998 9:16 AM
>Subject: PM, MAX, or USR
>
>
>>HI
>>
>>We are getting ready to go digital here, (never been done in this GTE
>>territory). We are going to convert 145 lines to digital, On GTE's GTD-5
>>switch.
>>
>>I am now using PM2e30's with USR Sportsters and all is well. I am
>>following the Livingston list and see many people having problems with
>>their PM3's. I am sure the ones without problems are quiet.
>>
>>What is the more popular product, PM3, Ascend Max ?, USR Total Control
>>w/Hyper Cards?
>>What are the issues to be dealt with for "Emerald".
>>Any suggestions on line padding with each vendor?
>>
>>Anyone using AAC Tigris?
>>
>>I am wondering if there is a list for USR & Ascend Products.
>>
>>All info on this subject is appreciated.
>>
>>JOhn :}
>>
>>
>>John C. Lange, Sr. PALACE dot NET, INC.
>>microjl@palacenet.net MICRO-TECH Computers, Inc.
>>608.742.1601 & 6980 2800 New Pinery Road
>>http://www.palacenet.net/ Portage, WI 53901
>>Visit our online store @ http://www.microt.com/
>>Authorized iPSwitch WebVar @ http://www.microt.com/iPSwitch/index.html
>>
>> --- __o
>> --- _-\<,_ Fastest Service in Town
>> --- (_)/ (_)
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------
>> NTISP Mailing List listserver@emerald.iea.com
>>
>>
>
>
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