Cisco Paging Server is a versatile communication solution designed for customers of Cisco Unified Communications Manager, regardless of the application size. This powerful tool, powered by InformaCast software, offers essential paging functions through Cisco IP Phones while incorporating built-in emergency notification capabilities

Overview

The Cisco Paging Server provides a comprehensive platform for business-critical corporate communications and reliable security awareness across various industries. It operates in two distinct modes: Basic Paging and Advanced Notification, each catering to different communication needs

Basic Paging

This mode enables phone-to-phone and group live audio paging to Cisco IP Phones. All system users can participate in both making and receiving basic pages, ensuring seamless communication throughout the organization

Advanced Notification

The Advanced Notification mode is a full-featured emergency notification solution that significantly expands the system's capabilities. It allows users to reach an unlimited number of phones with text and live or pre-recorded audio messages, providing a robust platform for disseminating critical information

Advanced Features

The Cisco Paging Server offers a range of advanced features, which are optional and available on the same software that comes with Cisco Unified Communications Manager. These features enable organizations to send vital life-safety information through various endpoint devices and systems

Key advanced features include:

• Multi-device Notifications: Transmit live or prerecorded audio and text to a wide array of endpoints, including
  • Cisco IP Phones
  • Analog and IP overhead speakers
  • Digital display monitors and systems
  • Smartphones
  • Email systems
• Legacy System Integration: Take advantage of existing analog PA systems by connecting them through the Singlewire Legacy Paging Interface (LPI) or broadcasting directly to IP speakers
• Emergency Call Management: Enhance services with emergency call monitoring, recording, and notification. When an emergency number is dialed from a system phone, the safety team receives immediate text and audio broadcasts, along with access to call recordings
• Environmental Control: Manage lighting, door locks, motion detectors, access, and fire alerts. The system can automatically trigger text and audio alerts when external sensors are activated or lock doors when a lockdown message is sent
• Scheduled Notifications: Set up predetermined audio-visual notifications for various applications, such as:
  • Class-passing bells for schools
  • Shift change alerts for manufacturing plants
  • End-of-day closing announcements

Installation Requirements

For Cisco Unified Communications Manager installations outside of Cisco Business Edition 6000, the following requirements apply - A single virtual network interface card (NIC) configured for bridging, not Network Address Translation (NAT) - An 80 GB disk (local or SAN-attached) - Cisco Unified Communications Manager version 8.5 or later - IP Multicast enabled network (Unicast gateway available for WAN if needed)

It's important to note that InformaCast will not function through network connections that use NAT

The Cisco Paging Server, with its comprehensive feature set and flexible deployment options, offers a powerful solution for organizations seeking to enhance their communication and emergency notification capabilities. By leveraging existing infrastructure and providing advanced functionalities, it enables businesses to create a more secure and efficiently connected environment