IAXy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The IAXy is an analog telephony adapter (ATA) sold by Digium. Unlike most such adapters, the IAXy uses Asterisk's native IAX2 protocol for VoIP.
The IAXy is fairly well documented, though intended for technically advanced users and ITSPs. The device does not have a built-in web interface. Instead, source code is provided for an "iaxyprov" program that may be used to configure the device. The device may also be partially configurable via the Asterisk PBX software.
Because it uses the IAX2 protocol instead of the common SIP protocol, the IAXy's network behavior is different from that of the typical ATA. While a SIP-based ATA needs a very permissive firewall to operate, the IAXy needs only port 4569. NAT devices, such as the devices commonly used to share Internet connections with multiple computers, pose no problem for the IAXy's IAX2 protocol. The IAXy follows the dialplan of the Asterisk PBX to which it is registered, allowing calls to be set up as soon as dialing is complete, and thus eliminating the need to write a dialplan mask specifically for the IAXy.
The IAXy has a few negatives as well. It runs very hot, and can be unpleasant to hold. The wall wart is large enough to cover 3 outlets of a power strip. The power connector easily comes loose. The blue light is excessively bright. As shown in the picture, a radio frequency choke must be applied to the telephone cable to prevent radio frequency interference. If the network connection is lost and then restored, the IAXy will take a long time to recover.
