DATA SHEET
NBX®25 Communications System
Key Benefits
Combining voice
and data services
for small businesses
Built-in 8-port local area network
(LAN) infrastructure
Single-wire cabling for voice and data
(convergence)
Built-in voice mail and automated
attendant
Supports up to 25 nodes (lines and
stations)
Easy-to-use Web browser-based
administration
Call detail reporting (CDR)
Robust telephony features
Call Center capabilities
Small businesses require an affordable,
flexible phone system platform that
provides no-compromise call process-
ing features and functionality while
minimizing the day-to-day operation
and maintenance hassles associated
with conventional telephone systems.
The 3Com®NBX®25 communications
system delivers exactly that. With the
NBX 25 system, small companies can
have access to feature-rich call
processing, toll-quality voice commu-
nications, and all the productivity-
enhancing benefits of an Ethernet
LAN—in a single converged network.
By combining voice and data on a
single network infrastructure, the
NBX 25 system eliminates the cost of
installing two separate systems—one
for voice and one for data. This offers
greater scalability, simplifies adminis-
tration, and significantly reduces
overall cost of ownership. An organi-
zation can grow from one to 25 nodes
(lines and stations) with up to 12 cen-
tral office (CO) lines—without
wholesale system replacements.
The NBX 25 system does more
than simply eliminate duplicate
cabling. It allows companies that do
not have a LAN to reap all the
benefits of networking, including
file sharing, e-mail, print sharing,
and shared Internet access* on a
companywide basis.
Adding a new user is as simple
as plugging in an NBX business
telephone and making a few menu
choices. Deleting users is equally
easy. Because the NBX business
telephone is an intelligent LAN
device that retains its identity, even if
it’s unplugged and moved, it will
*Additional remote access server, LAN modem, or router required; sold separately.
NBX®25 COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
The NBX NetSet™
administration utility
delivers a true
breakthrough—
simple, systemwide
management.
2
auto-discover and come right up.
Users can easily change office loca-
tions anywhere on the company
network without requiring a special
technician on-site.
Simple, Systemwide
Management and Control
The NBX NetSet™administration
utility delivers a true breakthrough—
simple, systemwide management.
With the NetSet utility, anyone with
minimum training can perform
routine administrative functions via a
standard Web browser, such as
Netscape Navigator or Microsoft
Internet Explorer. From a single input
screen, administrators can set up a
user’s extension number, toll-call
restrictions, voice mailbox, feature
buttons, and CDR tracking. The
NetSet utility also enables administra-
tors to do the following:
• Create and change up to 100
systemwide speed dials
• Add or modify call coverage points
and call routing paths
• Add or modify call forwarding
services to ensure that all calls are
answered promptly
• Change system parameter settings
• Perform troubleshooting
• Program the voice mail and
automated attendant system
• Set up hunt groups and calling
groups
Toll Restrictions
Uncontrolled telephone usage can be a
major expense for any business. The
NBX 25 system solves this problem by
providing a programmable dial plan
that enables organizations to restrict
access from certain phones or during
certain hours of the day. The dial plan
can also help small businesses save
money by automatically routing out-
bound calls to discount long-distance
services, such as 10-10-XXX.
Call Detail Reporting (CDR)
In addition to the dial plan, the
NBX 25 system controls costs by
letting small-business owners track
usage by user via the NBX Call
Reports CDR application. This can
help minimize unauthorized long-
distance calling.
NBX®25 COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
Time of Day Service Modes
Organizations can program their
NBX 25 system to respond differently
at up to four times a day. Each of
these customer-defined service
modes—such as Open, Closed, Lunch,
and Other—can be linked to specific
hours of operation. Each service mode
can have its own automated atten-
dant, giving small businesses the
flexibility to define how they want
their calls to be answered and routed.
Easy Operation for Users
The NBX 25 communications
system is extremely easy to use.
Preprogrammed buttons make it
simple to conference, transfer, redial,
and hold calls. One touch provides
instant access to voice messaging
services, speed dial, and forward
to voice mail. These capabilities are
complemented by a two-line alphanu-
meric LCD display that provides
powerful features, including Caller ID
support. Users can call other in-house
users by scrolling through an internal
directory on the LCD display and
pressing a soft key to initiate the call.
Each NBX business telephone
includes a built-in speakerphone
with hands-free answer service.
User Programming
and Access
With the NetSet administration
utility, users can modify telephone
settings to their individual require-
ments from their Web browser,
including the following:
• Assign and change one-touch speed
dials and print telephone button
labels
• Create and change up to 100
personal speed dials
• Manage off-site message notification
services
• Modify call coverage destinations
Users also have access to the following:
• View the internal directory to find
telephone extensions of other users
• View the members of hunt groups
and calling groups to which they
belong
• Access user manuals online
Flexible User Connectivity
In addition to the NBX business
telephone, the NBX 25 system
supports standard 2500 series-
compatible analog devices, such as
speakerphones, fax machines, and
cordless phones. Customers can easily
connect these and other analog devices
to the NBX 25 system via optional
stand-alone NBX analog adapters or
the NBX 4-port analog terminal card.
Comprehensive Call Routing
and Management
For continued success and customer
satisfaction, organizations need timely
and efficient management of inbound
calls. The NBX 25 system’s Advanced
PowerMail eXchange™(APX) voice
messaging system supports these
critical needs with an array of call
routing and management features.
Multiple and Multilevel
Automated Attendant
The NBX 25 system includes four auto-
mated attendant ports and four hours
of voice mail storage. Automated atten-
dant lets incoming callers route
themselves quickly and accurately to
the individual or department they
want to reach. Callers can choose to
dial by extension, name, or depart-
ment. To provide the appropriate
response at all hours, administrators
can generate a set of customized greet-
ings and activate the appropriate one
based on the time of day.
3
The NBX®25
communications
system is extremely
easy to use.
NBX®25 COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
Because the automated attendant
module can answer four calls simulta-
neously, small businesses can respond
effectively to fluctuating call volumes
without adding additional staff. The
module also supports both multiple
and multilevel automated attendant
operations, enabling users and
departments to set up customized
incoming call greeting and routing to
suit their unique needs. Features
include the following:
• Up to 5 customizable automated
attendants per system
• Up to 20 levels of submenus per
automated attendant menu
• Up to 9 menu choices per automated
attendant menu
• Programming of automated atten-
dant trees via the NetSet
administration utility
• NetSet utility setup and testing to
ensure proper configuration
User Message Control
APX voice messaging gives each user
individual control over how calls and
messages are handled. Users can set
up their own mailboxes via first-time
setup help; create personal greetings;
manage new and old messages with
options to save, delete, reply, and for-
ward, as well as mark messages as
private and/or urgent. Users can also
address messages by name, extension,
or distribution list for fast and easy
message dissemination to coworkers.
Message Notification and
Retrieval
The APX system alerts users to new
messages via an LED message waiting
button on the NBX telephone—while
the phone’s built-in display shows the
number of new and saved messages.
Users no longer have to wonder how
many messages are waiting for them.
With the NBX 25 system, retrieving
messages is as simple as pressing the
MSG button and entering a password.
Off-Site Notification and
Retrieval
When users are off-site, APX voice
messaging can notify them of new
messages via pager, telephone, or cel-
lular phone. Users can retrieve voice
messages easily from anywhere using
a touchtone telephone.
Programmable Call Center
Hunt Groups
The NBX 25 communications system
includes support for up to five linear
or circular hunt groups or calling
groups for Call Center applications,
such as customer service, technical
support, and order entry. With linear
hunting, users are organized into
groups that share a common group
extension. Inbound calls are always
handled in the same manner, follow-
ing a sequential, predefined (top
down) order. In circular hunt groups,
calls are handled dynamically, deliv-
ered automatically to the next
available member in the group; this
helps ensure that no calls are missed
and all users share the call load. If no
member of the group is available, the
system can stack the callers in a
queue or provide alternate coverage.
Hunt group programming is pass-
word-protected. All group calls are
tracked and can be reported using the
built-in CDR application.
Calling Groups
Small businesses often have limited
administrative staff and expect
employees to help answer incoming
calls. With the 3Com NBX 25 system,
companies like these can create call-
ing groups to manage call flow—even
if an automated attendant answers the
telephone. For example, if callers
want to speak directly to a person
instead of leaving a voice mail mes-
sage, they can press “0” on the
automated attendant menu. This can
trigger an alert to multiple individu-
als in the calling group to ensure that
4
Call Center
capabilities ensure
that no calls are
missed.
NBX®25 COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
The NBX®25 system
enables small companies
to enjoy the same rich
communications
environment as large
enterprises—at less cost.
the call is answered promptly. Calling
groups may also handle more than
one alerting call at a time.
Proven Best-of-Breed
Technology
The NBX 25 system is a breakthrough
product that harnesses advanced 3Com
technology to deliver a revolutionary
voice/data solution for small compa-
nies. By combining advanced voice
technology with 3Com global leader-
ship in data networking solutions, the
3Com NBX 25 communications system
enables small companies to enjoy the
same rich communications environ-
ment as large enterprises—at less
cost—while greatly simplifying the
day-to-day operation of their communi-
cations network.
High Availability and
Reliability
Although the NBX 25 system shares
the LAN infrastructure of switches
and hubs with the data network, it
operates independent of computers,
servers, and network operating sys-
tems. This ensures that the phone
system continues to function even
during a network server failure.
Because the NBX 25 system is an
open, standards-based platform, it
will work with a customer’s existing
desktop computers, servers, and
Ethernet hubs, switches, and routers.
5
3Com NBX 25 Communications System
NBX®25 COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
Backed by the
quality, reliability,
technological
innovation, and
world-class support
of 3Com.
Small Businesses Get
Big Results
No traditional key/hybrid phone
system offers the built-in features,
premium functionality, free LAN, ease
of use, and manageability of the
NBX 25 system. Best of all, it’s all
backed by the quality, reliability,
technological innovation, and world-
class support of 3Com, the leading
networking and communications
vendor for small businesses.
Small-Office Connectivity
The 3Com NBX 25 communications
system provides full-featured,
comprehensive business telephone
services to small businesses.
Business Telephone
Available in charcoal gray and
warm white, the NBX business
telephone’s standard features include
the following:
• Built-in speakerphone with hands-
free answer services and mute
• Two-line display with Caller ID
support
• Preprogrammed services, including
conference, transfer, redial, and
hold
• One-button access to voice messag-
ing services (message retrieval)
• 18 programmable buttons for
customization by administrators
and/or users, such as speed-dial
programming
• LCD display (2 line x 16 characters)
• Internal directory dialing via LCD
and soft keys
• One-button call coverage forward to
voice mail
• Hub port for connecting a computer
to the LAN
• Volume control buttons
Attendant Console
Organizations with a dedicated
telephone attendant or receptionist
can purchase the NBX attendant
console, which enables one person to
manage calls for the entire organiza-
tion from a central location.
• Compact size fits in any office
environment
• Equipped with 50 buttons with
LEDs and a shift key, allowing for
support of 100 features/devices
• Enables easy transfers, call parking,
paging, and speed dialing
Analog Adapter (1-port)
• Connects one analog device (such as
standard or cordless phone, Group 3
fax, external alert or bell) to the
NBX 25 system
• Includes one standard RJ-11 port
• Includes a hub port to connect
an additional Ethernet device, such
as a printer, computer, or NBX
business telephone
• Supports switch-hook transfer
services and flash
• Gives each user access to an APX
voice mailbox, off-site notification,
and hunt/calling groups
• Includes one standard RJ-45
connection port
6
NBX®25 COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
7
NBX 25 Chassis
The NBX 25 system chassis is a compact, 6-slot
unit that can be mounted in a standard 19-inch
data rack or on a wall. The system chassis
includes the following:
• Support for LAN/WAN connectivity and
built-in expansion capabilities
• Power cord
• Universal expansion slots for easy system
expansion
NBX 25 Call Processor
• Manages all incoming and outgo-
ing call traffic
• Controls the built-in application
suite: APX voice messaging, auto-
mated attendant system, and
embedded Web server
• Includes call detail reporting
• Supports up to 25 nodes (lines and
stations), but no more than 12
loop-start analog lines
• Includes standard connectors for
music on hold (MOH) and external
paging
• Features COM port for diagnostics
NBX Analog Line Card
(4-port)
• Connects up to four loop-start
PSTN telephone lines via four
RJ-11 interfaces
• Supports Caller ID services (where
available and must be purchased
separately from your service
provider)
• Provides power failure cutover
port
NBX 10BASE-T Hub Card
(8-port)
• Features eight 10 Mbps shared
Ethernet ports, RJ-45 interfaces
• Includes one 10BASE2 BNC
connector for expansion
NBX Analog Terminal Card
(not shown)
• Connects up to four analog devices
(such as standard or cordless
phones, Group 3 fax, external
alert, or bell inputs on external
paging amplifiers) to the NBX 25
system
• Offers analog phone users access
to an APX voice mailbox, off-site
notification, and hunt/calling
groups
• Includes four standard RJ-11 ports
• Supports switch-hook transfer
services and flash
• Supported by NetSet administra-
tion utility and APX call coverage
NBX 25 Chassis
NBX 25 Call Processor
NBX Analog Line Card
(4-port)
NBX 10BASE-T Hub Card
(8-port)
NBX®25 COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
To learn more about 3Com voice solutions, call 1 800 NET 3COM or visit www.3com.com.
3Com Corporation, Corporate Headquarters, 5400 Bayfront Plaza, P.O. Box 58145, Santa Clara, CA 95052-8145
To learn more about 3Com solutions, visit www.3com.com. 3Com Corporation is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the
symbol COMS.
Copyright © 2000 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. 3Com and NBX are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation.
The 3Com logo, Advanced PowerMail eXchange, and NetSet are trademarks of 3Com Corporation. Netscape Navigator is a
registered trademark of Netscape. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Printed in the U.S. on recycled paper. 400559-003 11/00
Dimensions and Weight
6-Slot Chassis:
Height: 264.7 mm (10.5 in)
Width: 431.8 mm (17.3 in)
Depth: 225.6 mm (9 in)
Weight: 22 lb (empty)
30 lb (configured)
Power Requirements
Chassis: Canada and U.S.:
230/115 VAC, 60/50 Hz, 2/4 A
Power Dissipation
Chassis: 200 W (maximum)
Phone: 5 W (maximum)
Environmental Ranges
Operating temperature: 0 to
40°C (32 to 104°F)
Storage temperature: - 40° to
+70°C (- 40° to +158°F)
Humidity: 5% to 85%
noncondensing
Configuration
Total system devices: 25 ports
(maximum), but no more than
12 CO lines
Standards—Network Access
Analog Lines: National
Requirements FCC Part 68,
Canada CS03
Safety
UL/CUL 1950 3rd Edition
Emissions
Chassis: FCC Part 15 Class A
Phone: FCC Part 15 Class B
Specifications
Ordering Information NBX 25 KSU Bundle
Bundle includes: 1 NBX 25 6-slot chassis, AC power lead,
19-inch rackmounting and/or wall mounting kit ears, 1 NBX
25 Call Processor, 1 NBX Analog Line Card (4-port), and
1 NBX 10BASE-T Hub Card (8-port). 3C10236
NBX 25 Chassis
Includes: 1 NBX 25 6-slot chassis, AC power lead, 19-inch
rackmounting and/or wall mounting kit ears. 3C10231
NBX 25 Call Processor*
The NBX 25 Call Processor is the foundation of the NBX 25
Communications system, managing all incoming and outgo-
ing call traffic. It is also an application server for the APX
Messaging System, embedded Web server, and other
onboard and external application hosting and connectivity.
Telephony adjunct connectors for Music on Hold, Paging,
External Alerts, plus the system hard disk kit. Includes 4
attendant ports and 4 hours of message storage. 3C10230
NBX Analog Line Card
The NBX Analog Line Card connects up to four Loop Start
PSTN telephone lines to the NBX system via 4 RJ-11 inter-
faces; includes built-in Caller ID services and built-in power
failure transfer jack. 3C10114
NBX 10BASE-T Hub Card
The NBX 10BASE-T Hub Card includes 8 RJ-45 ports (10
Mbps shared Ethernet) and one 10BASE2 BNC uplink port
for expansion. 3C10115
NBX Analog Terminal Card
The NBX Analog Terminal Card connects up to 4 tip/ring
(2500 series compatible) analog devices, such as analog
phone, cordless phone, Group 3 fax machine, speakerphone
adjunct, etc. Does not support modems. 3C10117
NBX Business Phone (Charcoal Gray)
Includes 18 programmable buttons, 10 dedicated feature
buttons, 2 x 16 LCD display plus 3 soft keys, integrated 10
Mbps hub port, RJ-45 Ethernet connector, and an external
AC power adapter. 3C10121
NBX Business Phone (Warm White)
Includes 18 programmable buttons, 10 dedicated feature
buttons, 2 x 16 LCD display plus 3 soft keys, integrated 10
Mbps hub port, RJ-45 Ethernet connector, and an external
AC power adapter. 3C10122
NBX DSS/BLF Adjunct (Charcoal Gray)
DSS/BLF receptionist display adjunct supports up to 100
functions via a dedicated BLF button with status LED (50
buttons with high/low shift position); connects to LAN via an
RJ-45 connector; requires AC power adapter. 3C10123
NBX DSS/BLF Adjunct (Warm White)
DSS/BLF receptionist display adjunct supports up to 100
functions via a dedicated BLF button with status LED (50
buttons with high/low shift position); connects to LAN via an
RJ-45 connector; requires AC power adapter. 3C10124
NBX Power Adapter Kit
The powered line adapter kit enables the Business Phone, or
DSS/BLF Adjunct, to be powered via the patch Category 3 or
Category 5 Ethernet cable that extends from the local LAN
dropout to the device, eliminating the need to pull both a
Category 3 or Category 5 cable and a power cable to the
device. 3C10125
NBX Analog Adapter
The NBX Analog Adapter provides a single port to
support one tip/ring (2500 series compatible) analog device
such as analog phone, cordless phone, Group 3 fax machine,
speakerphone adjunct, etc. Does not support modems. The
adapter includes one hub port for connecting an Ethernet-
enabled device to the network, such as a computer, network
printer, or NBX telephone set. 3C10120
NBX 25 Installation and
Administration Guide 3C10232
NBX Business Telephone User Guide (5-pack) 3C10171
NBX 25 Resource Pack CD-ROM 3C10234
NBX 25 Resource Pack Kit
This resource kit includes the following: 1 NBX 25
Installation and Administration Guide, 5 NBX Business
Telephone User Guides, and 1 CD-ROM.
3C10235
*One Call Processor is required per system.
