Polycom SpectraLink SCM408 - Manual (Page 12)

SpectraLink 6100 MCU: Installation and Operation: SpectraLink 6000 System
PN: 1725-36097-001_L.doc 12
Master Control Unit (MCU)
Serves as the connecting point, or gateway, between the Base Stations
and the existing telephone system. One or more of these boxes
(approximately 12” x 3” x 7”) are typically installed in the telephone
equipment room and provide connectivity from the telephone system
to the SpectraLink 6000 System. Each MCU is hard-wired to one or
more Base Stations, which in turn provides the wireless link to each of
the SpectraLink 6000 Wireless Telephones. The MCU establishes the
connection from the telephone line to the appropriate Base Station in
order to reach a handset.
The MCU supports four Base Stations and up to 16 handsets. Up to
four SpectraLink 6100 MCUs can be linked together for extended
coverage area. Chained MCUs support up to 64 handsets maximum.
Polycom offers an analog MCU that works with telephone systems
(CO, PBX or Key Systems) with analog (loop start) ports. We also
offer digital MCUs that work with the most common brands of
telephone systems’ (PBX or key systems) digital ports.
Base Stations
Act as a radio transceiver to provide the communications signal
between the handset and the MCU. Base Stations are slightly larger
than a smoke detector and are typically mounted on the ceiling, in
strategic locations throughout the facility. A single Base Station can
provide radio coverage for an area of 5,000 to 50,000 square feet
depending on building obstructions. Base Stations may be located up
to 2,200 cable feet from the MCU.
When a handset user makes or receives a call, the handset and Base
Station establish a digital radio communication link. As the user
moves around the coverage area, calls are “handed off” to the Base
Station that is able to provide the best radio signal (typically the
closest Base Station). These handoffs involve the handset establishing
a communication link with another Base Station and dropping the
previous link.
SpectraLink 6000 Wireless Telephones
Communicate with the Base Station using digital spread spectrum
transmission at 902-928 MHz. Employees can carry handsets to keep
in contact as they move throughout the building. The handsets use
on-premises wireless technology; they are not cellular or satellite
phones. They are connected to the facility’s existing telephone system