TeleDynamics Think Tank

Grandstream GCC all-in-one networking convergence solutions

Written by Daniel Noworatzky | Jul 24, 2024 2:15:00 PM

Grandstream’s latest GCC Series of unified communications (UC) and networking convergence solutions offers a range of devices that deliver services, network connectivity, and security features all within one compact and cost-effective unit.

In this article, we review these devices and the capabilities they offer small to medium-sized businesses.

Need drives innovation

Virtually all modern businesses require voice services, network connectivity, and advanced security features. Such services include UC applications, wired and/or wireless device connectivity, and security tools such as firewall and Virtual Private Network (VPN) applications. Typically, businesses purchase individual discrete devices to perform these functions:

  • A firewall for network security and VPN functions.
  • An access point for wireless connectivity.
  • A switch for wired connectivity.
  • A UC appliance or a subscription to a UC service provider for voice services to IP telephones or voice applications.

For many small and mid-sized businesses, procuring multiple devices and services to achieve these requirements can be costly and complex. Turnkey solutions with low configuration and integration costs are vital for these businesses. This need has driven Grandstream to offer innovative products with multiple services in an integrated, easy-to-use solution.

Three Grandstream GCC devices

The GCC Series includes three devices. Two support wired connections, while the third incorporates a wireless access point.

The GCC6010 is a device that, at first glance, resembles a small switch. With five Gigabit Ethernet ports and two 2.5 Gbps SFP fiber optic ports, it is typically deployed at the network edge, connecting the network to the internet.

With the ability to configure up to three WAN ports, you can use the device for load balancing and redundancy with connections to multiple ISPs. The device performs switching and routing and delivers four 802.3af/at PoE ports, each with a maximum power of 36 W. With a built-in IP PBX, firewall, and VPN server, the GCC 6010 is an all-in-one marvel for any small to medium-sized business.

The GCC6011 offers all of the same features, but sports not five but ten Gigabit Ethernet ports, four of which provide PoE power. This solution is ideal for networks that have a somewhat larger number of end users.

The GCC6010W provides much the same UC, security, and network edge services that the other two devices provide. However, it incorporates connectivity via cutting-edge, dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support for wireless connections. The device also sports five Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired WAN and LAN connectivity.

Grandstream GCC services

All three devices deliver the following services:

  • UC services: All of these devices contain an IP PBX that supports up to 12 users and four concurrent calls by default. These 12 users can be IP phones, softphones on PCs or laptops, or mobile apps with SIP accounts. The capacity is expandable by purchasing upgrades.

  • Security services: All devices provide security services, including a wide range of firewall features such as DMZ, DoS and spoofing defense, NAT, and IDS/IPS functionality, among others. VPN services are also available and support a wide range of security protocols.

  • Network connectivity: All three devices offer wired connectivity to a number of hosts through multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports. The devices provide a mix of RJ-45 ports for UTP connections, SFP ports for fiber optic 2.5 Gbps connections, and up to three WAN ports for load balancing and redundancy. The 6010W also offers wireless connectivity to any number of clients, including wireless UC end devices such as Wi-Fi IP phones.

Key features and specs of Grandstream's GCC Series

Routing and VPN services

  • 2.5 to 3 Gbps routing capacity
  • 1 Gbps IPSec VPN
  • Support for up to 150 GWN APs and 500 concurrent clients
  • Load balancing and WAN link failover
  • DHCP server, DNS server, IGMP proxy, and TURN server
  • Advanced VPN support:
    • WireGuard: secure remote access, site to site
    • OpenVPN®: clients and servers
    • IPSec: site-to-site and client-to-site

Next-generation firewall

  • Industry-standard VB100 Grade A anti-malware certification
  • Advanced threat and attack protection:
    • Instant identification and immediate response to the most sophisticated attacks
    • Support for application/protocol monitoring and traffic statistics with AI-based deep packet inspection (DPI)
  • Enterprise-grade content filtering and application control
  • Adaptive intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), including signature-based scanning

IP PBX

  • Support for up to 12 users and four concurrent calls (by default), with upgrades available for separate purchases that provide expansion up to 200 users or 24 concurrent calls
  • Full voice and video communications and collaboration platforms: calls, meetings, conferences, chat, instant messaging, file sharing, whiteboards, recording, and more
  • Compatible with SIP endpoints and Wave for desktop, web, and mobile
  • All UCM PBX features, including call forwarding, call transfer, call parking, intercom/paging, IVR, emergency calls, and more
  • Property management system (PMS), call center, and customer relationship management (CRM) application integrations
  • APIs for integration with third-party applications available

Network switch (GCC6010 and GCC6011)

  • GCC6010:
    • Five Gigabit Ethernet ports
    • Two 2.5 Gigabit SFP ports
    • All ports WAN/LAN configurable
    • Maximum of three WAN ports
    • Desktop and wall mountable
  • GCC6011:
    • Ten Gigabit Ethernet ports
    • Two 2.5 Gigabit SFP ports
    • Three fixed WAN ports
    • Rack and desktop mountable

Wi-Fi 6 access point (GCC6010W)

  • Dual-band Wi-Fi
  • Support for up to 500 concurrent clients
  • Wi-Fi security protection, including intrusion prevention and detection, anti-hacking secure boot and critical data/control lockdown via digital signatures, unique security certificates, random default passwords, and more
  • Captive portals, virtual access points, and multiple SSIDs
  • Support for up to 150 GWN access points

Deployment and management of Grandstream's GCC series

All devices in the series offer a secure central administration interface to manage your company’s entire network. They are compatible with a centralized solution for deployment and management of all Grandstream endpoints, delivering one-click “fast provisioning” of multiple endpoints.

Interoperation with Grandstream’s GDMS system provides centralized and remote management. You can also manage each device via its local Web UI and GWN Manager. All of these options make deployment and management quick, easy, and extremely economical.

Conclusion

Grandstream’s GCC6010, 6011, and 6010W devices exemplify advanced technological innovation in a compact, easy-to-deploy design, catering to diverse communications needs. Their robust features, seamless integration capabilities, and reliable performance underscore Grandstream’s commitment to delivering high-quality tools that enhance productivity and connectivity.

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