Digium introduces the G100 and G200, the first in a family of cost-effective VoIP gateways that simplify the process of deploying converged media networks. Built on a powerful combination of the Asterisk open source communications engine and a state-of-the-art embedded platform, the new gateways provide the best value for Asterisk communications solutions.

Digium’s gateways are built to support both TDM-to-SIP and SIP-to-TDM applications. In a TDM-to-SIP deployment, the gateway significantly reduces operating costs by connecting a legacy business phone system with dynamic SIP trunking services. SIP-to-TDM deployments use the gateway to connect a modern SIP communications system with T1/E1/PRI service from legacy carriers.

The gateway software is based on the Asterisk communications engine and is managed through Digium’s intuitive point-and-click GUI interface, which allows for easy navigation and effortless setup. The gateways feature a power-saving embedded design with a highly efficient digital signal processor handling all media-related operations. The combination of an intuitive user interface, the flexibility of Asterisk and the purpose-built media processing capabilities of the DSP results in a gateway platform that outperforms the dated designs in the market today.

Digium beta testers agree. “Setting up the G200 was extremely easy compared to doing it with other gateways. I'm spoiled now!” said Tim Banks of Project Resource Solutions, an Illinois-based Digium Select partner. “Digium has really set the bar high. Their new gateways make it incredibly easy to connect older TDM phone systems with SIP services.”

Digium’s new gateways represent a solution to one of the challenges associated with running Asterisk applications in virtualized environments. TDM interface cards require a card slot – something distinctly missing from virtual servers. By converting the media and signaling from TDM to SIP on a dedicated external device, Asterisk users can migrate applications to virtualized, hosted or cloud environments.

The G100 includes a single software-selectable T1/E1/PRI interface and supports up to 30 concurrent calls. The G200 doubles the capacity with two T1/E1/PRI interfaces and up to 60 concurrent calls. Both models have integrated echo cancellation, a small footprint (1U, half-width, half-depth) and no failure-prone moving parts.

The single-span G100 lists for $1,195 USD while the dual-span G200 model lists for $1,995 USD. The gateways are currently available worldwide through Digium’s network of distribution and integration partners.