Information (including product prices, product specifications, details of services, launch dates, inquiry information, and URLs) contained in this news release is current as of the date of the press release but is subject to change without notice. Please note that details may differ from those effective on the search date.

Hitachi Cable is pleased to announce the successful interoperability of its AquaVocal*1 all-in-one IP-PBX*2 and the UTM (Unified Threat Management) appliance*3 provided by SonicWALL, Inc. (Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, US; Japanese Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo), namely, the SonicWALL Pro series and the SonicWALL TZ series (hereinafter referred to as SonicWALL UTM).

In recent years, falling prices and the advancing functionality of data-communication networks have led to rapid growth of corporate internal phone systems based on IP telephony services.

When enterprises construct IP-telephony-based internal phone systems between their headquarters and branch and sales offices, they generally introduce the required IP telephony equipment in each establishment and subscribe to an IP telephony service provided by a communication carrier in order to connect these sites. However, initial costs are often a problem for small and mid-size offices. Accordingly, there is high demand for a system that will allow for the construction of an internal phone system at lower cost.

Against this backdrop, Hitachi Cable has now confirmed interoperability between its AquaVocal series and SonicWALL's SonicWALL UTM.

AquaVocal is a single-unit all-in-one IP-PBX providing numerous functions*4, designed for companies that want to introduce IP telephony services at small or mid-size office sites of 200 or fewer users. AquaVocal allows for implementation of IP telephony systems for these customers at low cost. SonicWALL's SonicWALL UTM is a single-unit security system with a variety of functions, including firewall and VPN*5, and allows users to use the Internet as if it were a dedicated line, while at the same time keeping costs to a minimum.

By combining AquaVocal and SonicWALL UTM, small and mid-size offices can efficiently introduce IP telephony systems suited to the number of users. The system allows for internal phone calls between sites using IP phones via the Internet, without requiring subscription to the IP telephony services of communication carriers. The end result is the establishment of an IP-telephony-based internal phone network at low initial cost.

This combination is also advantageous in operational management. The VPN function of SonicWALL UTM enables modification of AquaVocal settings at remote sites via the Internet, which eliminates the need for the system engineer to travel in person to the given site. Using a notebook PC installed with a softphone*6, internal phone calls may be made from any location connected to the Internet, including hotels for users on business trips*7 .

Hitachi Cable plans to enter into a sales collaboration with Canon System Solutions, Inc., SonicWALL's sales agent in Japan.

Hitachi Cable intends to continue promoting integration of AquaVocal with various software and applications and providing solutions for more convenient use of IP telephony systems. Accordingly, Hitachi Cable will strive to meet the diverse needs of its customers and to expand its market share in small and mid-size office IP-PBX systems.

*1	AquaVocal is a registered trademark of Hitachi Cable, Ltd. in Japan.
*2	PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange. IP-PBX refers to a Private Branch Exchange for an IP telephony system.
*3	A UTM (Unified Threat Management) appliance is a device that provides integrated security functions including firewall, VPN, gateway, antivirus, anti-spyware, and intrusion detection/protection. UTM stands for Unified Threat Management.
*4	In addition to the IP-PBX function, AquaVocal is equipped with various gateway functions (protocol conversion for connecting different networks, including communications carriers, IP telephony networks, the public telephone network, and internal telephone networks); PPPoE (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet, permitting use of PPP over Ethernet networks; the PPP protocol is used to link computers to networks over telephone lines); and a survival function that allows transmission and receiving between analog phones and the public network even during power failures.
*5	VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology enabling secure communication using the Internet or other networks, as if on a dedicated line connecting remote establishments.
*6	Softphones make it possible to use a PC as a telephone via IP telephony software installed in the PC and a headset or a receiver connected to the PC.
*7	SonicWALL's SonicWALL Global VPN Client software needs to be installed in the notebook PC used.

Overview of specifications for major models of the AquaVocal series

(Specifications are subject to change without notice.)

AquaVocal 2120-FXSO AquaVocal 2112-FXSO AquaVocal 2004-FXSO AquaVocal 3000 All-in-One 20-line model (IP-PBX with PSTN gateway model) All-in-One 12-line model (IP-PBX with PSTN gateway model) All-in-One 4-line model (IP-PBX with PSTN gateway model) Dedicated IP-PBX model Port configuration 10/100BASE-TX 2 2 2 2 PSTN/FXS 20 12 4 - PSTN/FXO (Pass-through in power failures) 4 (3) 12 (3) 4 (1) - Power supply specifications Input power source AC 100 V (90 V - 110 V), 50/60 Hz ( 3 Hz) Switch Locking switch with anti-error guide (housed in front panel) Environmental specifications Operating conditions Operating temperature 0°C to 40°C Operating humidity 20% to 85% Rh (No condensation) Installation conditions Installation(mounting) Level installation Stacking Stackable when housed in panel/used on tabletop Storage conditions Storage temperature -20°C to 60°C Storage humidity 20% to 85% Rh (No condensation) Acquired certification specifications Noise emission regulation VCCI-Class A Communication device certification JATE certification Functional specifications Network connection functions LAN connection specifications 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX (IEEE802.3-compliant) Channel number 2 (LAN0, LAN1) External connectors RJ-45 (RTP with shield) ×2 (double 1) Serial I/F functions for maintenance I/F specifications RS-232 level, full-duplex, asynchronous serial I/F External connectors RJ-45×1

External appearance of AquaVocal2004-FXSO

 

Example of internal phone network structure based on AquaVocal and SonicWALL UTM appliance

 

Example of internal phone connection from remote site based on AquaVocal and SonicWALL UTM appliance