Patton fills VoIP-market gap with SmartNode BRI/FXS/FXO gateway-router

GAITHERSBURG & BERN, SWITZERLAND: Patton Electronics together with Patton-Inalp Networks is now taking orders for the 8-to-24-call SmartNode 4660 BRI/FXS/FXO VoIP Gateway Router for mid-sized enterprises and service providers.

With today's announcement Patton addresses the demand for VoIP-enabling solutions in European markets where incumbent PSTNs offer 8-BRI services alongside FXS/FXO lines often supplied by CLECs. Initial shipments are expected during May 2012.

Patton's SN4660 fills the void between high-cost modular VoIP equipment (overkill for most mid-size businesses) and kludgey multi-box solutions (cobbled together from lower-quality, smaller-port-count devices).

Offering flexible port combinations of 2-to-8 ISDN BRIs, a standard 4-port IP-Ethernet switch, and optional 4-to-8 analog FXS/FXO interfaces, the SmartNode 4660 IP-enables ISDN-PBX systems and POTS phone, fax, answering machine, and audio-intercom systems with a cost-effective, one-box solution for 8-to-24 voice or fax calls over IP.

Four 10/100 Ethernet ports provide seamless WAN access via any existing cable, ADSL, VDSL, EFM, or fiber-optic modem, as well as enterprise LAN connectivity.

"We just listened to our customers," said Bernhard Fluehmann, Converged IP product manager with Patton-Inalp. "SmartNode users know all about our can-do culture. Patton is focused on meeting real-world needs and delivering on hard requirements for actual projects. That's how the SN4660 came about. Customers asked and Patton delivered."

As a mid-sized enterprise itself, Patton majors on flexible manufacturing combined with responsive product engineering. Since the company houses sales, marketing, engineering and manufacturing—all under one roof—in its US-based bricks-and-mortar headquarters, Patton can respond to market feedback and deliver orders faster than most other VoIP or Telecom equipment suppliers.