VoATM/VoIP and E1s...

Archived from groups: comp.dcom.cell-relay,comp.dcom.voice-over-ip (More info?)

Quick question regarding VoIP or VoATM (AAL1 or AAL2) using E1s and CAS,
not Q.Sig. And this is transparent trunking over the packet network (no
smart virtual tandeming).

Does E1 signaling allow the use of multiple signaling channels (not
bearer channels)? IOW, I know that using T1/CAS attached PBX at point A,
it's easy to configure an IP or ATM voice interface to route channels
1-8 to PBX B attached to IP/ATM access switch B, chnls 9-16 to PBX C at
switch C, and chnls 17-24 to PBX D at switch D. The signaling is
embedded within each voice channel - no problem.

How do I accomplish the same with E1's? Do PBX's (Nortel Meridian Option
81's in this case) allow me to define multiple signaling channels on a
single physical E1 interface? Or am I stuck having to use 3 physical
ports to be able to talk to the other 3 PBX's?