Is the VG310 a direct replacement for the VG224?

For analogue extensions, functionally yes — same port count, same single-RJ21 wiring. The VG310 adds Gigabit Ethernet and an expansion slot for mixed interfaces.

Why does the VG320 need two cables?

Its 48 ports are split across two RJ21 connectors, 24 per connector, so each needs its own cable and panel run.

Can I use a single 48-way panel on a VG320?

Yes, provided it's designed to take both RJ21 leads — that's often tidier than two separate 24-way panels.

What about the VG202 and VG204?

Those are low-density units (2 and 4 ports) with individual RJ11 sockets — no RJ21, and no panel needed.

Cisco VG224 vs VG310 vs VG320

These three gateways all do the same basic job — bring analogue phones, faxes and modems onto a VoIP system over FXS ports — but they aren't interchangeable, and the differences matter the moment you're ordering the cables and panels to go with them. Here's the short version, then the detail.

Gateway	FXS ports	RJ21 connectors	Panels you'll need
VG224	24	1	1 × 24-way leaded panel
VG310	24	1	1 × 24-way leaded panel
VG320	48	2	2 × 24-way, or 1 × 48-way
VG350	up to 160	multiple	one panel per populated module

The VG224 — the workhorse

The VG224 is the old reliable. 24 FXS ports on a single RJ21 connector, fixed configuration, nothing modular about it. It's been in service for two decades and you'll still find racks full of them. If you've got one, you need one 24-way leaded panel and one male RJ21 cable, and you're done.

The VG310 — same ports, newer platform

On the surface the VG310 looks like a straight VG224 replacement: still 24 FXS ports, still a single RJ21 connector, so the cabling and panel requirement is identical — one 24-way leaded panel. The difference is under the bonnet. The VG310 sits on a newer, Cisco 2901-based platform with Gigabit Ethernet, and it has an expansion slot that takes voice interface cards — so you can add T1/E1, BRI or FXO ports if you need to mix in some trunk-side or PBX connections. For straightforward analogue-extension work, though, you'll wire it exactly like a VG224.

The VG320 — double the density

The VG320 is where it changes. 48 FXS ports — and, crucially, those come out on two separate RJ21 connectors, 24 ports each. So you need either two 24-way leaded panels (one per connector) or a single 48-way panel built for the job, plus two male RJ21 cables. Ordering a VG320 with a single 24-way panel is one of the more common mix-ups we see, and it's an easy one to sidestep once you know the unit has two outputs.

And if you need more — the VG350

Beyond the VG320 sits the VG350, a high-density chassis that scales up to 160 analogue ports using plug-in service modules. Each module brings its own RJ21, so a fully loaded VG350 is a multi-panel install. It's overkill for most sites, but if you're cabling a hospital, a hotel or a large call centre that's holding on to its analogue handsets, it's the one to reach for.

So which panel do I order?

Simple rule of thumb: count the RJ21 connectors on the back of the gateway, and that's how many 24-way leaded panels you need. One for a VG224 or VG310, two for a VG320 (or a single 48-way), and one per populated module on a VG350.

Frequently asked questions

Know your gateway, need the panel? Shop leaded patch panels by gateway model. Not sure which you've got? Send us a photo of the rear panel and we'll point you to the right kit.