BufferBox is microprocessor based call record buffer, used to collect and store data gathered from telephone exchange, PBX. Device is equipped with two serial ports for PBX and PC communication, Ethernet UTP connector for local/public network connection, and internal static memory with 0.5 Mbytes up to 2Mbytes capacity.
BufferBox is working with all kinds of PBX having standard RS-232 connector, and with majority of existing PC applications for CDR/SMDR/CIL data collection.
Device has internal NiMH battery used in case of power filure, providing BufferBox with more than a year of data memory backup.
BufferBox has integrated real time clock, used for additional event registering: connection and disconnection of cables, power failures, PBX port errors...
Device has integrated light indicators used to provide user with visual info about memory status and communication, and sound alarm activated under predefined memory overload conditions.
Any standard power supply unit having 9-15 VDC, with more than 300mA capacity, will power this device. Every BufferBox package contains standard AC/DC power adaptor, with optional DC/DC converter used to power device from PBX battery backup power supply.
PBX billing
PBX with SMDR/CIL/CDR output for call logging is usually connected directly to PC computer or printer
There are many problems with this type of operation. Greates disadventage is request to have PC always turned on, with call logging programm permanently running. In case of deliberate or accidental power outage, connection loss or programm termintion, incoming data from PBX will be lost.
To overcome this problem, direct PC to PBX connection is substituted with BufferBox
This configuration does not require PC to be on all the time, since PBX data is stored inside buffer internal memory. Once PC is started, and call data application running, BufferBox will send gathered data. This way, no PBX data will be ever lost.
BufferBox should be placed near PBX, on a spot that provides permanent connection between PBX and device. Call data form PBX will be saved inside BufferBox memory even in case of PC to device communication link breakdown, therefore eliminating possibility of system abuse.
Device controls
BufferBox front side contains all controls and indicators 
From left to right there are following controls and indicators:
RESET - reset key used to restart device and restore default configuration
0..90 - indicators of memory percentage usage
PC - PC communication indicator
PX - PBX communication indicator
TX - LAN communication indicator
LN - LAN link indicator
ON - power indicator
With relevant command (see: Programming ) it is possible to set memory full level after which BufferBox starts audible alarm.
Use RESET key whenever device stops working normaly. Pressing this key does not clear internal memory or change device configuration.
Connectors are located on BufferBox back side
From left to right:
DC - power supply input jack. Connector is standard 2.1mm barell connector
PBX - serial port for PBX connection
PC - serial port for PC or modem connection
NET - Ethernet UTP network connector
Serial ports have same functional characteristics, and they only differ in physical realisation.
PBX connection
BufferBox will operate with all PBX having serial RS-232 communication port, sending call record data with phone call information (CIL/SMDR/CDR).
Note that PBX is sending data in format that does not depend on BufferBox , but completely upon programming PBX options.
Device works with serial communication speeds between 150 an 115200 bauds, 7 or 8 data bits, 1 or 2 stop bits, all parity types, and with hardware or software handshaking protocol.
BufferBox is expecting PBX data as formatted text line ending with CR (carriage return, 13) and/or LF (line feed, 10) character.
Device is compressing incoming data with compression method optimized for standard PBX character set. Expected compression ration is about four times, and maximum call record capacity is based on this compression ratio, PBX call line data length and internal memory capacity.
PBX connector is used for BufferBox to PBX connection (Picture 5). It is 9-pin male connector, which is functionally same as serial 9-pin connector on standard PC case.
If your PBX is already connected with PC, it is only necessary to plug out existing cable from PC and connect it to BufferBox .
Most PBX have special cable for connection with PC. One side of this cable should be connected to PBX (check manufacturer data), and other side to device connector marked as PBX.
If you have PBX cable with 25-pin connector, use 25/9 pin adapter.
You can check cable condition directly connecting PBX with PC. If cable is good, PC will show call data coming form PBX.
If You don't have appropriate PBX cable, you can make it or order it. In last chapter we have cable details for some PBX, as well as BufferBox connector pinouts, allowing you to make cable for any other PBX.
PC connection
BufferBox does not have any special requirements for connected PC. Link between BufferBox and PC can be realized in one of following ways:
Depending on user requirements it is possible to connect BufferBox with PC in three modes:
1 ) in basic configuration BufferBox is connected to PC using standard PC serial port, PC port on device, and standard serial cable from basic BufferBox package. RS-232 specification limits this link to less than 10 meters.
PC connector is used for BufferBox to PC connection. It is 9-pin female connector, which is functionally same as serial 9-pin connector on modem.
For direct BufferBox to PC connection use standard serial cable from device box package. Connect one cable side to BufferBox, and other to any available free 9-pin serial port on your PC.
If you want to test PC to PBX connection without BufferBox , just deatach serial cables from device serial ports and connect cable ends directly. This way you have straight PC to PBX connection, usefull for PBX programming, testing or system check.
2) for longer internal connections, or BufferBox readout from distant locations over standard telephone lines user should install external modem.
This configuration allows easy centralized data collection from one or more distant locations. Each BufferBox is conected on telephone network lines through external modem, and central PC must have internal or external modem for remote data gathering.
3 ) for remote BufferBox readout we recomend connection using ethernet network. In this configuration BufferBox is connected using UTP connector to PC computer, network hub or switch.
Main problem with direct PC to BufferBox connection is maximum cable length of 10 meters, and existence of various unwanted effects resulting from direct electrical connection of two separate grounded systems.
If your intranet is connected to Internet, it is possible to access device from any remote location. Therefore, it is possible to gather data from one or many remote BufferBox es connected to Internet.
Connecting BufferBox with PC using ethernet network is ideal solution for remote buffer access if you have existing intra/inter net. Maximum distance between BufferBox and PC, hub or switch is limited to 100 meters for standard UTP cable. Besides, PBX and BufferBox have galvanic isolation from rest of system, achieving better system stability.
Power supply
BufferBox requires 9 to 15 VDC, with current less than 300 mA. Use standard AC/DC adapter provided in BufferBox package.
If you need uninterupted power supply, and have UPS power source, plug adapter into UPS outlet. Device consumes less than 3W, so it will have no extra load on UPS.
If your PBX has backup power supply, it is necessary to provide power for BufferBox during power outages. In this case use optional DC/DC converter to connect device directly to PBX backup batteries.
This converter has needed galvanic isolation transformer, providing device power supply and direct serial port connection between BufferBox and PBX.
Device installation
Distance between PBX and BufferBox is limited with RS-232 standard to ten meters. PBX is usually located on spot accessible only by authorized personnel. Therefore, for security reasons it is best to locate BufferBox in near proximity to the PBX, stopping unauthorized persons from accessing buffer unit.
If located this way, it is possible to guarantee that BufferBox will collect and memorize all call record data, without any possibility of their attentional or unattentional loss.
