What is an IAD and when is it needed?
An Integrated Access Device IAD is device that multiplexes a variety of communications technologies in the customer’s premises onto a single telephone line for transmission to the carrier. It also demultiplexes the incoming streams into their respective channels. Devices supporting various combinations (analog voice, DSL, ISDN, T1, etc.) are available. Real live examples have included ADTRAN, Cisco, Patton, Quintum devices, with Cisco being used the most. An IAD is always needed as a gateway to non-traditional PBXs. It is also often needed to IP PBXs such as , Avaya, Nortel, all Manager (Cisco), or ShoreTel as true VoIP gateway rather then a SIP native connection to the PBX.
