Nortel Meridian Telephone Switching System: a reliable and efficient PBX telephone system
TXO is one of the leading stockists of parts for the Nortel Meridian Telephone Switching System with a large selection of replacement components available, with fast delivery options. We can also repair and refurbish many parts within the Nortel Meridian platform as well as source replacement components, and offer advice about your existing systems.
Get in touch with our multilingual team who will be happy to help support your needs.
Availability & shipping for the Nortel Meridian
Here at TXO, we carry one of the world’s largest selections of replacement parts and components for the Nortel Meridian, as well as many other Nortel telephone systems. Most Meridian parts will be dispatched immediately on receipt of a purchase order and delivered within 1-3 days in the UK and 3-5 days for international delivery. Contact us today to get an exact quote and estimated delivery times for your order.
About the Nortel Meridian telephone switching system
The Nortel Meridian was a PBX (private branch exchange) telephone switching system, created by Northern Telecom Limited, better known as Nortel Networks. Originally manufactured as the SL-1, it was later renamed as the Meridian 1 in the late 1980s. It became one of the most widely implemented telephony systems across the world.
The Meridian was the first PBX switching system that was fully digital. Other systems at the time relied on more traditional methods like mechanical crossbar switching which could be bulky and prone to issues. Moving to a digital system firstly allowed the Nortel Meridian to quickly handle an incredible number of calls whilst supporting thousands of lines compared to traditional telephone exchanges. Secondly, it offered considerable scalability, allowing the individual setup to be tailored to the specific needs and size of the business.
Capable of supporting between 60 and 80,000 phone lines, depending on the model, the Nortel Meridian 1, contained a variety of cutting-edge features for the time that made it superior to many of its contemporary competitors. These included data connectivity, LAN communications and computer telephony integration (CTI). These combined factors made it popular amongst medium to enterprise-level businesses and even government agencies, as it allowed them to automate many of their internal telephonic operations.
The Nortel Meridian was also incredibly user-friendly with several settings that could be configured by the individual user including conference calling, call waiting, call forwarding, call routing, caller ID, voicemail and voice messaging.
Due to its target audience, Nortel ensured that the Meridian phone system was incredibly reliable, it had a wide array of backup features such as redundant circuits, fault-resistant power supplies and backup storage facilities. These extra features ensured that the Nortel Meridian was able to maintain continuous operation even if there were issues caused by power failures or technical issues.
Due to its success, the Nortel Meridian was continually advanced by Nortel, and in its final iterations were able to support many modern telecoms functionality including IP telephony and other next-gen IP services. It was also possible to upgrade the Nortel Meridian to support VoIP (Voice over internet protocol) SIP telephones through two separate methods. Using ITG trunk cards it could support PBX-to-PBX voice trunking. Alternatively, IP Line cards could be added to support hosted VoIP sets or a specific IP phone.
The Nortel Meridian should not be confused with the Meridian Norstar CICS phone system. Although similar, and sharing some similar components, the Norstar was not designed to meet the needs of a larger business, it could only handle up to 200 extensions which made it perfect for a small business that didn’t need the complexity of the Meridian 1 system. The Meridian Norstar system eventually became the Nortel Norstar. The final iteration of this line was the Nortel BCM series (Business Communications Manager), which included the popular BCM 450. This line was sold to Avaya when Nortel began selling off its assets due to bankruptcy. After this point no new Nortel units were produced, instead, they were manufactured under the Avaya brand and would eventually integrate with Avaya IP Office via Avaya Aura.
Nortel went bankrupt in 2013, so it is no longer able to provide replacement parts or spares for any Nortel Meridian telephone systems. At TXO our expert engineers have many years of experience repairing and refurbishing a range of telecoms equipment including the Nortel Meridian. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
Nortel Meridian component list
At TXO we stock a complete range of refurbished Nortel equipment, accessories and components for the Nortel Meridian telephone switching system, including Nortel telephones. A list of some of the most popular products can be found below, but please contact us for more information, if the part you require is not listed.
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| NTBB04GD | CICS SERVICES ONLY CARTRIDGE for Nortel Meridian |
| NTBK45AC | OPTION II SYSTEM CORE for Nortel Meridian |
| NTND10AA | MEMORY ARBITRATOR CARD for Nortel Meridian |
| NTAK11BD | Chassis for Nortel Meridian |
| NT6D40BAE5 | Power Supply for Nortel Meridian |
| NT7B03AA | Central Control Unit for Nortel Meridian |
| NTDU14DA | Media Gateway Expander for Nortel Meridian |
| NTDU08DA | CS1000 Chassis for Nortel Meridian |
| NTDU30BA | CS1000 Call Server Shelf Assembly for Nortel Meridian |
| NTBB41AA | Extension Module for Nortel Meridian |
| NTBB51AC | MOX8A 8 Port Extension Module for Nortel Meridian |
| NT8D09CAE5 | Extended analogue message wait card for Nortel Meridian |
| NT5K02QB | Switch Interface Board (SIB) for Nortel Meridian |
| NT5K02QB | Option 11 FALC ALOG/SLT Ext for Nortel Meridian |
| NTDW61BAE5 | 1.4GHZ CP-PM Processor Card for Nortel Meridian |
| NT8D72AB | 2MB PRI Processing Card for Nortel Meridian |
| NTDK16BA | 48 Port Digital Line Card for Nortel Meridian |
| NTAK01CA | CPU/CONT card for Nortel Meridian |
| NT6D11AF | DCHI Handler Interface Card for Nortel Meridian |
| NT8B32AA | M7208 Standard Telephone (dark grey) for Nortel Meridian |
Repair capability for the Nortel Meridian
At TXO we believe we should aim to reduce the environmental impact of the telecoms sector across the supply chain, which is why we make it our mission to support the circular economy. As part of this, we offer a full third-party repair service that focuses on refurbishing and repairing many components for the Nortel Meridian Telephone switching system, as well as many others across the Nortel range.
Our team of experienced system engineers based at our advanced engineering facilities in Solihull complete over 12,000 repairs every year. With an in-depth knowledge of core telecom repairs including optical, IP and radio-based technologies they are able to ensure the clients we work with can maintain optimum service levels and minimise disruption to the operation of their business.
As part of our expert repair and refurbishment service, we will often conduct pre-emptive repairs to Meridian components that are susceptible to developing faults. This helps prevent future repairs from being required and extends the longevity of your existing Nortel telecoms system.
On top of our extensive range of parts, we are also able to procure replacement parts for the Nortel Meridian, if we don’t already have them available in stock. And, to ensure that you experience minimal disruption to your business operations, we also offer an advanced replacement service, where we deliver components to you before a repair is carried out, therefore ensuring minimal downtime.
View the full list of the platforms we repair. Alternatively, contact us to discuss your individual needs.
Technical specifications for the Nortel Meridian switching system
| OPTION 11E | Option 11C | Option 51C | Option 61C | Option 81C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| System Capacity | Compact: 250 Ports | 400 ports | 1,000 Ports | 2,000 Ports | 10,000 Ports |
| Memory | 40 MB w/ 68040 | 40 MB w/ 68040 | 48, 64, 80, 112 MB w/ 68060E | Redundant 64, 80, 112 MB w/ 68060E | Redundant 80, 112 MB w/ 68060E |
| Mass Storage Media | System Core Card | System Core Card with Optional storage on PCMCIA | Input/Output Drive Unit with CD-ROM; CD-ROM and 2MB floppy disk; 2GB hard disk | Redundant Core Input/Output Drive Unit with CD-ROM; CD-ROM and 2MB floppy disk; 2GB hard disk | Redundant Core Input/Output Drive Unit with CD-ROM; CD-ROM and 2MB floppy disk; 2GB hard disk |
| I/O Ports | 4 | 16 | 64 | 64 | 64 |
| Switching Networks | Compact: 19 Loops; 21,888 total CCS; 58,000 BHCC; | 30 Loops; 34,560, total CCS; 58,000 BHS | 16 Loops; 14,000 total CCS (14 Loops; 11,800 CCS excluding service circuits) 135,000 BHCC | 32 Loops; 28,000 total CCS (or 28 Loops; 23,600 CCS {excluding services circuits}) 135,000 BHCC | 160 Loops; 140,000 total CCS (or 146 Loops; 124,700 CCS {excluding service circuits}) 135,000 BHCC |
| Integrated Data Switching Capacity | Up to 19.2 Kbps Asynchronous; Up to 64 Kbps Synchronous | Up to 19.2 Kbps Asynchronous; Up to 64 Kbps Synchronous | Up to 19.2 Kbps Asynchronous; Up to 64 Kbps Synchronous | Up to 19.2 Kbps Asynchronous; Up to 64 Kbps Synchronous | Up to 19.2 Kbps Asynchronous; Up to 64 Kbps Synchronous |
| Trunking | Analogue: Loop or Ground Start CO, FX, WATS; LDR or OAID, DID, TIE; RAN; Music; Paging. Digital: DTI, ISDN-PRI | Analogue: Loop or Ground Start, CO, FX, WATS, 2 or 4-wire E&M, or 4-wire DX, DID, TIE. Digital: DTI, ISDN-PRI, ISDN-BRI | Analogue: Loop or Ground Start CO, FX, WATS; 2 or 4-wire E&M, or 4 wire DX, DID, TIE. Digital: ISDN, DTI, PRI | Analogue: Loop or Ground Start CO, FX, WATS; 2 or 4-wire E&M, or 4 wire DX, DID, TIE. Digital: ISDN, DTI, PRI | Analogue: Loop or Ground Start CO, FX, WATS; 2 or 4-wire E&M, or 4 wire DX, DID, TIE. Digital: ISDN, DTI, PRI |
| Telephone Capability | Meridian Digital Telephones: Meridian M2006, M2008, M2008HF, M2216ACD, M2616, M2616CT; Analogue Telephones: 500/2500 type, M8000/M9000 | Meridian Digital Telephones: Meridian M2006, M2008, M2008HF, M2216ACD, M2616, M2616CT; Meridian 5317TDX ISDN Telephone. Analogue Telephones: 500/2500 type; M8000/M9000 series | Meridian Digital Telephones: Meridian M2006, M2008, M2008HF, M2216ACD, M2616, M2616CT; Meridian 5317TDX ISDN Telephone. Analogue Telephones: 500/2500 type; M8000/M9000 series | Meridian Digital Telephones: Meridian M2006, M2008, M2008HF, M2216ACD, M2616, M2616CT; Meridian 5317TDX ISDN Telephone. Analogue Telephones: 500/2500 type; M8000/M9000 series | Meridian Digital Telephones: Meridian M2006, M2008, M2008HF, M2216ACD, M2616, M2616CT; Meridian 5317TDX ISDN Telephone. Analogue Telephones: 500/2500 type; M8000/M9000 series |
| Attendant Services Compatibility | Meridian 1 Attendant PC; Meridian M2250 Attendant Console Multi-line Central Answering Position (ML-CAP) | Meridian 1 Attendant PC; Meridian M2250 Attendant Console Multi-line Central Answering Position (ML-CAP) | Meridian Attendant PC; Meridian M2250 Attendant Console | Meridian Attendant PC; Meridian M2250 Attendant Console | Meridian Attendant PC; Meridian M2250 Attendant Console |
| Meridian Mail Capacity | Meridian Mail Compact (Integrated) 4 Ports - expandable to 8 Ports; 24 Hours of storage | 48 Ports; 400 Hours of storage | 96 Ports; 800 Hours of storage | 96 Ports; 800 Hours of storage | 96 Ports; 800 Hours of storage |
| Meridian Mail MAX Capacity | Not applicable | 200 Agents | 1,200 Agents | 1,200 Agents | 1,200 Agents |
| Meridian Link Connectivity | Not applicable | IBM Callpath, Hewlett Packard Advanced Computer Technology (ACT), Genesys T-Server, Novell Netware Telephony Services (TSAPI), Microsoft TAPI 2.0 on Windows NT, Tandem Call Application Manager (CAM), Dialogic CT Connect | IBM Callpath, Hewlett Packard Advanced Computer Technology (ACT), Genesys T-Server, Novell Netware Telephony Services (TSAPI), Microsoft TAPI 2.0 on Windows NT, Tandem Call Application Manager (CAM), Dialogic CT Connect | IBM Callpath, Hewlett Packard Advanced Computer Technology (ACT), Genesys T-Server, Novell Netware Telephony Services (TSAPI), Microsoft TAPI 2.0 on Windows NT, Tandem Call Application Manager (CAM), Dialogic CT Connect | IBM Callpath, Hewlett Packard Advanced Computer Technology (ACT), Genesys T-Server, Novell Netware Telephony Services (TSAPI), Microsoft TAPI 2.0 on Windows NT, Tandem Call Application Manager (CAM), Dialogic CT Connect |
| Meridian CCR Capacity | Not applicable | 16,500 Calls per hour (configuration dependent) | 16,500 Calls per hour (configuration dependent) | 16,500 Calls per hour (configuration dependent) | 16,500 Calls per hour (configuration dependent) |
| Symposium Integrated IVR | Not applicable | 48 Ports; 400 Hours of storage | 96 Ports; Host Protocols: 3270, 5250, VT-100 Ethernet and Token Ring | 96 Ports; Host Protocols: 3270, 5250, VT-100 Ethernet and Token Ring | 96 Ports; Host Protocols: 3270, 5250, VT-100 Ethernet and Token Ring |
| Input Voltage | AC: 110 to 240V, 50/60 Hz | AC: 110 to 240V, 50/60 Hz. DC: - 42 to -54V | AC: 180 to 280V, 50/60Hz. DC: -40 to -56.5V | AC: 180 to 280V, 50/60Hz. DC: -40 to -56.5V | AC: 180 to 280V, 50/60Hz. DC: -40 to -56.5V |
| Operating Environment | Ambient Temperature: Recommended 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F); Absolute 0-45 degrees C (32-113 degrees F). Relative Humidity % Without Condensation: Recommended 20%-55%; Absolute 5%-95%. | Ambient Temperature: Recommended 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F); Absolute 0-45 degrees C (32-113 degrees F). Relative Humidity % Without Condensation: Recommended 20%-55%; Absolute 5%-95%. | Ambient Temperature: Recommended 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F); Absolute 0-45 degrees C (32-113degrees F). Relative Humidity % Without Condensation: Recommended 20%-55%; Absolute 20%-80%, temperature change less than 10 degrees C (18 degrees F) per hour. | Ambient Temperature: Recommended 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F); Absolute 0-45 degrees C (32-113degrees F). Relative Humidity % Without Condensation: Recommended 20%-55%; Absolute 20%-80%, temperature change less than 10 degrees C (18 degrees F) per hour. | Ambient Temperature: Recommended 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F); Absolute 0-45 degrees C (32-113degrees F). Relative Humidity % Without Condensation: Recommended 20%-55%; Absolute 20%-80%, temperature change less than 10 degrees C (18 degrees F) per hour. |
| Power Consumption & Heat Dissipation | Main Cabinet: 300 Watts, 1020 BTU/hr. | Main Cabinet: 500 Watts, 1700 BTU/hr. Expansion Cabinet: 500 Watts, 1700 BTU/hr. | Main Cabinet: 500 Watts, 1700 BTU/hr, Expansion Cabinet: 500 Watts, BTU/hr., Common/Peripheral Equipment Module: 500 Watts, 1700 BTU/hr., CPU/Network Module: 360 Watts, 1230 BTU/hr., CPU/Module: 260 Watts, 890 BTU/hr, Core Module: 260 Watts, 890 BTU/hr., Core Network Module: 360 Watts, 1230 BTU/hr., Network Module: 270 Watts, 820 BTU/hr., Peripheral Equipment Module: 240 Watts, 820 BTU/hr., Intelligent Peripheral Equipment Module: 460 Watts, 1160 BTU/hr., Remote Peripheral Equip. Module (local): 175 Watts, 600 BTU/hr., Remote Peripheral Equip. Module (remote): 100 Watts, 340 BTU/hr., Meridian Mail Module: 240 Watts, 820 BTU/hr., Application Equip. Module (single): 140 Watts, 480 BTU/hr., Application Equip. Module (dual): 190 Watts, 650 BTU/hr., InterGroup Module: 0 Watts, 0 BTU/hr., Pedestal: 50 Watts, 170 BTU/hr. | Main Cabinet: 500 Watts, 1700 BTU/hr, Expansion Cabinet: 500 Watts, BTU/hr., Common/Peripheral Equipment Module: 500 Watts, 1700 BTU/hr., CPU/Network Module: 360 Watts, 1230 BTU/hr., CPU/Module: 260 Watts, 890 BTU/hr, Core Module: 260 Watts, 890 BTU/hr., Core Network Module: 360 Watts, 1230 BTU/hr., Network Module: 270 Watts, 820 BTU/hr., Peripheral Equipment Module: 240 Watts, 820 BTU/hr., Intelligent Peripheral Equipment Module: 460 Watts, 1160 BTU/hr., Remote Peripheral Equip. Module (local): 175 Watts, 600 BTU/hr., Remote Peripheral Equip. Module (remote): 100 Watts, 340 BTU/hr., Meridian Mail Module: 240 Watts, 820 BTU/hr., Application Equip. Module (single): 140 Watts, 480 BTU/hr., Application Equip. Module (dual): 190 Watts, 650 BTU/hr., InterGroup Module: 0 Watts, 0 BTU/hr., Pedestal: 50 Watts, 170 BTU/hr. | Main Cabinet: 500 Watts, 1700 BTU/hr, Expansion Cabinet: 500 Watts, BTU/hr., Common/Peripheral Equipment Module: 500 Watts, 1700 BTU/hr., CPU/Network Module: 360 Watts, 1230 BTU/hr., CPU/Module: 260 Watts, 890 BTU/hr, Core Module: 260 Watts, 890 BTU/hr., Core Network Module: 360 Watts, 1230 BTU/hr., Network Module: 270 Watts, 820 BTU/hr., Peripheral Equipment Module: 240 Watts, 820 BTU/hr., Intelligent Peripheral Equipment Module: 460 Watts, 1160 BTU/hr., Remote Peripheral Equip. Module (local): 175 Watts, 600 BTU/hr., Remote Peripheral Equip. Module (remote): 100 Watts, 340 BTU/hr., Meridian Mail Module: 240 Watts, 820 BTU/hr., Application Equip. Module (single): 140 Watts, 480 BTU/hr., Application Equip. Module (dual): 190 Watts, 650 BTU/hr., InterGroup Module: 0 Watts, 0 BTU/hr., Pedestal: 50 Watts, 170 BTU/hr. |
| Dimension & Weight | Compact: Up to 2 wall-mounted cabinets are allowed per system. Main Cabinet: Empty 32 lb Weight Full 60 lb Width 38.1cm (15") Depth 33.7cm (13.25") Height 64.1cm (25.25") Expansion Cabinet: Weight Empty 32 lb. Weight Full 57 lb., Width 38.1cm (15") Depth 33.7cm (13.25") Height 64.1cm (25.25") | Up to 3 wall-mounted are allowed per system. Main Cabinet: Weight Empty 26 lb., Weight Full 70 lb., Width 55.9cm (22"), Depth 30.5cm (12"), Height 63.5cm (25"). Expansion Cabinet: Weight Empty 26 lb., Weight Full 70 lb., Width Height 63.5cm (25"). | Up to 4 modules are allowed per column. Pedestal: Weight Empty 40 lb., Weight Full 70 lb., Width 81.2cm (32"), Depth 66cm (26"), Height 25.4 (10"). Module: Weight Empty 50 lb., Weight Full 130 lb., Width 81.2cm (32"), Depth 55.9cm (22"), Height 43.2cm (17"). Top Cap: Weight Empty 15 lb., Weight Full 15 lb., Width 81.2cm (32"), Depth 55.8cm (22"), Height 10.1cm (4"). | Up to 4 modules are allowed per column. Pedestal: Weight Empty 40 lb., Weight Full 70 lb., Width 81.2cm (32"), Depth 66cm (26"), Height 25.4 (10"). Module: Weight Empty 50 lb., Weight Full 130 lb., Width 81.2cm (32"), Depth 55.9cm (22"), Height 43.2cm (17"). Top Cap: Weight Empty 15 lb., Weight Full 15 lb., Width 81.2cm (32"), Depth 55.8cm (22"), Height 10.1cm (4"). | Up to 4 modules are allowed per column. Pedestal: Weight Empty 40 lb., Weight Full 70 lb., Width 81.2cm (32"), Depth 66cm (26"), Height 25.4 (10"). Module: Weight Empty 50 lb., Weight Full 130 lb., Width 81.2cm (32"), Depth 55.9cm (22"), Height 43.2cm (17"). Top Cap: Weight Empty 15 lb., Weight Full 15 lb., Width 81.2cm (32"), Depth 55.8cm (22"), Height 10.1cm (4"). |
There is not currently a data sheet available for the Nortel Meridian from the OEM. Please contact us directly to find out the full technical specifications for this product.
Please note, TXO is an independent retailer and has no affiliation with Nortel Networks Corporation or any of its associated companies.
