On this page we will answer some of the questions relating to NMG. This information may help in your decision when looking for a product, installing the product, or can be used in the event of a problem when installing. The contents of the FAQs are the results of questions set to NovaTec and therefore can and will be regularly updated.
For which applications can the GSM Gateway be used?
The normal application for the GSM gateway is to save costs between calls made from the fixed network into the GSM network, depending on the tariffs this can be savings of up to 80%, but many other uses can be realised, please check the configurations matrix for all features and applications here.
Can the GSM Gateway be used for an emergency back-up system?
The GSM Gateway can be used for back up, when the ISDN communications fail; all calls made from the PBX can be routed via the SIM cards in the Gateway, so keeping the communications channels open.
Where does the GSM Gateway have to be installed?
The GSM Gateway is a so called “pass thru” Gateway so can be installed either directly to the incoming lines from the Telecom or to the PBX. The GSM Gateway also has an inbuilt Least Cost router so can overtake this feature when the PBX does not have it.
I would like to connect analogue devices to the GSM Gateway, is this possible?
No this is not possible (in the moment) as the GSM Gateway is a completely digital equipment and does not support analogue devices unless these have been connected via an ST Adaptor, but please consider the echo cancellation cards as the analogue end devices are very prone to echo.
When connecting the device to the IP network will I have problems with Echo
When you plan to connect IP end devices, please consider ordering the Echo cancellation cards (extra order number) this will prevent the echo being heard.
I have heard that using these devices for call termination is illegal, is this true?
Different countries have different views and laws on this subject, e.g. in the UK international call termination with a GSM Gateway is illegal, but termination of companies own calls is legal, please check with the relevant telecoms commissions in the countries where you plan to use the GSM Gateways for these purposes.
When using the GSM Gateway and NIP which protocols do you support?
The protocol supported for IP is either transparent for carrying a specific protocol, or SIP which is the most common protocol used for VoIP. H323 is not supported by NovaTec Gateways. More information can be found here.
I have an internal antenna connected to my GSM Gateway but am having trouble with signal strengths.
To resolve this we recommend you use an external directional antenna (can be ordered direct from us, please also consider the cable lengths when ordering).
Can the GSM Gateway come with different power supplies for example installation in the US?
The GSM Gateway can be ordered with either the normal power supply modules, or a wide range power supply that will cover all required power requirements.
Does the GSM Gateway support UMTS as I have heard from other manufacturers that they support this protocol?
At the moment the GSM Gateway will not support UMTS as these modules are currently not available, as soon as these become available and after the required field testing we will then make this protocol available, NovaTec will not supply untested/ad hoc solutions that have not been officially released by the module manufacturers.
What are the maximum and minimum channels that are available?
In the BRI range 2 GSM Channels are available. In the PRI range the minimum number is 2 and the maximum number in any system is 60, although when more are required the systems can be cascaded up to any amount.
Which interfaces can be connected to the GSM Gateway?
The GSM Gateway can be connected via BRI/ISDN2, PRI/E1/ISDN 30 or via a U interface (with the use of a U Line card) but the protocol must be EDSS1 Euro ISDN.
For the connection into the GSM network I require SIM cards, how does that work in the NMG?
The SIM cards for the entry into the GSM Network are installed in the GSM Gateway, this can either be 1 or 4 SIM Cards per GSM Channel, although with the SIM Server this number is now not restricted, more info on the SIM Server can be found here.
How many SIM Cards do I need for the NMG?
This number depends entirely on how many simultaneous calls you want to make into the GSM Network, per call you need 1 SIM Card, the reason for having more SIM Cards per GSM Channel is to spread the budget to prevent single SIM cards having an extreme amount at the end of a month.
Can I mix different Providers SIM Cards in the NMG?
Yes, allows you to always make the mobile – mobile connection provider – provider, which is the ultimate way to save costs, as mobile to mobile and same provider to same provider is the cheapest way to make a call.
Each SIM Card has its own calling number; can the NMG take incoming calls via these SIM Cards?
Yes, the SIM Card calling number can be used for incoming calls, these can either be routed to a central number or direct to an extension number, or the SIM Card Number (CLIP) can be turned off.
I would like to operate the NMG from different locations as the SIM Cards are held; is this possible?
With the use of the SIM Server (SOS) the GSM Gateways can now be operated without SIM Cards, these can be held in a SIM Carrier Unit in a central location, the GSM Gateways have an IP connection to the SCU and request SIM Card information for terminating the calls, this information is then sent via the IP connection as Virtual SIM information to the terminating GSM Gateway, the number of GSM Gateways using the same SOS is not restricted, and each SOS can hold up to 320 SIM Cards, and if more are required can be cascaded up to 7 SOS’s giving a total of 2240 SIM Cards. For more information please look here.
How can the NMG be controlled or remotely supported?
The NMG can be supported in a number of ways: either locally with a direct connection, over ISDN by dialling in to the NMG itself, over IP via the Ethernet connection or if no other way is available via a GSM Channel (although this can be costly), this allows remote maintenance, configuration or security, also allowing the remote read out of CDR information, or status of each individual GSM Channel or SIM Card.
