Checking to ensure your equipment is compatible
BT expects that the vast majority of customer equipment connected to current telephone lines and broadband services will work normally on the network once it has been switched-on. A comprehensive and rigorous testing programme is already underway. This includes: telephone handsets, dial up and broadband modems, fax and answering machines, corporate switchboards and a wide range of other more specialist devices such as security, telecare and telemetry equipment.
There are many different types and models of equipment in use. Our approach is to test a representative sample of each type in order to ascertain that problems are unlikely to be encountered within each category of CPE. Where any issues are noted, more exhaustive testing within a category is undertaken to identify those specific devices that may be affected by the new network.
The information below summarises the test results to date. So far, our testing has confirmed our view that the vast majority of apparatus will work normally on the new network. If you have a particular concern, please email cpe21@bt.com
We will update this equipment testing information on a regular basis.
Please note:
The results show that the apparatus was found to function in BT’s 21CN test environment, but do not constitute a statement by BT, or any other third parties conducting the testing at BT premises that any tested apparatus will or will not function properly on BT’s 21CN network.
No information on this website shall constitute either a recommendation or approval by BT or any other party of any apparatus.
Testing has already been completed on a representative sample of the following types of equipment with positive results:
- Broadband modems
- corded telephones, cordless telephones, answering machines and separate caller display devices
- fax machines
- sky set top boxes
- analogue PBXs – see note below
In the case of Broadband modems, corded/cordless telephones, answer machines, caller display devices, fax machines and sky set top boxes, tests have been completed on a broad range of equipment, with input from a number of service providers on which items to test. All equipment tested functioned normally in the test environment and BT's testing of a representative sample has not revealed any significant issues with these types of equipment.
Similarly, a representative range of analogue PBX's (a PBX is a switchboard typically used in businesses) has been identified and initial testing of its basic functionality has confirmed no significant issues with this category of products, One isolated PBX however has proved to be incompatible with the new network. (See note below).
No further items are due to be added to the testing plan within these categories.
Please Note: An issue has been identified with the Monarch analogue PBX and users should contact their service provider - as this piece of equipment is not compatible with the new network.
Equipment that has been tested.
The testing of customer apparatus continues with the current focus on:
- Telemetry devices
- Security and fire alarms
- Telecare and telehealth equipment
- Point of sale, card terminals and cashpoint machines
In support of some of this testing BT is engaged with a number of the relevant industry associations and manufacturers of these types of devices and a collaborative testing programme is already underway. Many items have already been tested and the requirement for further testing is being consulted upon with the relevant associations
For example, some of the organisations and associations in consultation with BT currently are :-
- BSIA - British Security Industry Association (Security systems)
- TSA - Telecare Services Association (Social & Telecare for the vulnerable)
- ENA - Energy Networks Association (Gas & Electricity)
- WITS - Water Industry Telemetry Standards (Water Industry)
- Environment Agency
- VocaLink Network (ATMs)
- CAA/NATS - Civil Aviation Authority & National Air Traffic Services
- Trinity House - lighthouses, coastguard
- Fire Industry Association
- Network Rail (Railside emergency phones, signalling etc)
- APACS - the UK payments association
Planned testing to confirm that other customer apparatus will work normally on the new network includes:
- ISDN2e equipment
- ISDN30e equipment including digital corporate switchboards
- ISDN30 DASS2
- DPNSS (Featurenet)
This information will be updated on a regular basis as testing progresses.
When customer lines are switched to the new network, the behaviour of some customer apparatus may be temporarily affected due to the brief line disconnection required. Equipment may, for example, 'beep' or indicator lights flash. In particular, telecare devices and security or fire alarm panels that are connected to a telephone line may audibly alarm in some way or display a line fault condition on the night of migration. Other equipment could be similarly affected if it monitors the line connection.
Please refer to your equipment manual prior to migration so that if you have such a device, you are prepared for this. Also check to see if your apparatus needs to be reset after it has been disconnected from the telephone line. The migration will have the same impact as a short disconnection from the line.