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Call manager – softswitch features
Call routing
GroomerII can be used in the following call routing applications:
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Flexible call routing provides full arbitrary routing across multiple incoming trunks and groups to multiple outgoing trunks and groups |
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Alternative routing, from a prime communications link, or for overflow and fallback, may be implemented from a wide choice of scenarios |
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Least cost routing, with or without call concentration, means calls may be transparently re-routed across specified lower cost routing centres via public or private networks and leased line alternatives |
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Support of wholly or partly provisioned trunks and control of timeslot hunting order ensures optimum use of trunk capacity whilst avoiding network access congestion |
Number translation
Flexible number translation with line/number identity (CLI or ANI) or number based routing functionality underpins GroomerII’s ability to perform least cost routing and many other useful operations, such as differentiating between call traffic from multiple customers. This may be used, for example, in contact centre or revenue generating applications using toll paid or premium rate numbers.
Multi-port concentration
A number of incoming timeslots on different trunks, perhaps with different published directory numbers, may be routed to a single outgoing trunk on GroomerII. This arrangement is often used to front contact centre traffic, and economically uses a single answering point to many different marketing campaign numbers.
Time of day or week scheduling
Schedules to change AOC and routing databases can be implemented, with new tables activated at different times of the day, days of week etc. This feature allows GroomerII to route to alternative destinations dependent on the time when the call was placed. Additionally, calls may be charged at different rates depending on which AOC database is active at the time the call is placed.
Address translation
Address translation is achieved via 3rd party SIP Proxy server interactions, while a look-up table is use for local routing of IP calls, enabling users to implement flexible routing and service provision options.
Database connectivity
Database connectivityenhances GroomerII functionality through the ability to communicate with external customer database systems. Number lists of 100 000+ entries can, therefore, be checked as part of GroomerII’s routing function. ODBC support is available for most popular database products allowing complex queries to be performed on existing customer data systems. Using an external database simplifies the import/export of data and ensures up to date and accurate information is available to all networked GroomerIIs.
GroomerII users with application needs for number portability and routing based on CLI (ANI) or DDI will find this functionality extremely useful.
Number portability
Number portabilitycan be used, for example, to provide a cost effective call routing service for an organisation that has ported its mobile phone services to another operator, whilst retaining its existing numbers. Routing is enabled on a port by port basis to the appropriate mobile operator.
CLI -based routing
CLI -based routing may be used where it is required to route calls from an authorised or registered user only. If a call is authorised the onward routing is determined by the GroomerII routing tables. This feature may be used to bar, route or re-route specified calls based on the incoming CLI.
DDI-based routing
DDI-based routing is used in one of two ways on a route-by-route basis. Typically used to prevent access to premium rate or inquiry numbers, it can equally be used to allow access only to certain numbers based on the dialled destination number. If the routing of a call is declined a cause code can be returned.
Protocol conversion
Protocol conversion enables the inter-working between equipment with otherwise incompatible line interfaces. GroomerII offers the following functionality:
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Conversion between all signalling protocols from Aculab’s comprehensive portfolio enables GroomerII to be used in international applications |
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Conversion between TDM and IP protocols enables GroomerII to be used for signalling or media gateway applications |
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Flexibility to configure a multi-port system with arbitrary protocols on individual trunks, meaning users no longer need to deploy separate units dedicated to conversion between two protocols only |
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Multiple, simultaneous trunk-to-trunk or trunk-to-Ethernet protocol conversions means high capacity applications with large call volumes or traffic throughput can be implemented |
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Trunks and individual timeslots within trunks may be configured as incoming, outgoing, both-way, or disabled, offering maximum flexibility for trunk group configuration |
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Information elements within individual protocols are mapped from an incoming to an outgoing trunk to ensure that the fullest possible conversion between protocols is achieved |
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Systems can be re-configured on-line to change the protocol parameters on any trunk with no loss of service to other trunks in use |
Because of Aculab’s comprehensive portfolio of signalling protocols, GroomerII can be deployed in truly worldwide applications.
GroomerII will deliver interconnection and protocol conversion between all available protocols, including SS7 and SIP, which is becoming the predominant call control protocol for VoIP terminals.
ITU-T ISUP and MTP2/3 protocol conformance is described in a technical note (APB0177), which is available from your Account Manager.
Aculab’s digital network access boards have been approved for connection in many countries throughout the world. For information on this and the rich heritage of protocols available, including information on SS7 and SIP, please view protocols and approvals.
Connecting E1 and T1 networks
The optional addition of digital signal processor (DSP) functionality in GroomerII ensures that international callers communicate via a seamless digital connection. There are many network configurations where DSP features prove invaluable. One such example occurs when E1 and T1 networks meet, causing incompatibility due to the differences between A-law and µ-law digital speech encoding methods. By adding a DSP module with an A-law to µ-law algorithm on the appropriate interface board, correct speech coding is ensured.
Also, typically, there are differences between the signal levels of international telephone networks. Using the optional DSP facilities, gain and attenuation can be individually controlled across call routes.
Signalling and media gateway – connecting TDM and IP networks
GroomerII can be used as a media gateway connecting TDM and IP
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Multiple, simultaneous signalling and media conversions between any supported ISDN, CAS or SS7 signalling protocol and SIP, with codec negotiation on a per call basis, are available |
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A multi-port configuration , with arbitrary TDM protocols on individual trunks, and IP protocols selectable on a per call basis via Ethernet ports, is possible |
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Stand alone media gateway allows applications with large call volumes or traffic throughput to be deployed |
Billing applications
Designed with the needs of the service providers in mind, GroomerII can generate essential billing information. GroomerII can be configured to generate CDRs, which may be processed to provide statistical analysis on calls or billing information. GroomerII can also optionally generate or map the necessary AOC information where the signalling protocol type supports it.
Customer data records
CDRs can be generated for all signalling types, including for SIP, and contain tracing information on each call made through GroomerII. These records can be fed either via an RS232 serial port or to a disk file for later export to a network management system via the NIC. They are generated in a number of formats, including a user configurable format, and are typically post processed by a call logging or network management system in order to produce billing or accounting information to users/customers regarding their line use. CDRs may be used to check network operator billing and have been used to challenge such bills, saving money for the user.
Information in the CDR includes, for example:
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Answer time, date, call duration, destination address and originating address (for incoming and outgoing calls), trunk group, port number, timeslot number, status or result (e.g., ring no answer, busy, number unobtainable) and AOC information |
AOC mapping
Where the signalling protocol type supports this feature – for example, within EuroISDN or MFC R2 CAS – AOC can be mapped for different country structures. Meter pulses or AOC messages from the national provider are passed transparently to the originating call source (e.g., PBX). They are simply mapped or converted between the incoming and outgoing protocols back to the calling party. They are also added to GroomerII CDRs from where they may be used by another application for customer billing and accounting purposes.
AOC generation
GroomerII optionally generates meter pulses or AOC messages within the signalling channel. These are aligned to a user configurable AOC database or look-up table within GroomerII . The table provides charging information, which is used by GroomerII to generate the appropriate number of meter pulse units or the appropriate AOC message. These are passed to the originating PBX via the D-channel. The PBX, assuming it supports such functionality, then uses the information for customer billing purposes.
The AOC database contains charging rate data about the individual customers, charge bands and destination addresses (dialled or called numbers). Customers are assigned to charge bands and associated with ports, or groups of ports, so that when an incoming call arrives the application can identify the customer and the relevant charge band for that customer.
These multiple charging databases can be maintained, each scheduled to load at a different time of day, day of week, etc. They allow for enormous flexibility when planning the AOC schemes for a given network environment.
GroomerII offers the following functionality in the AOC generation module:
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Mapping of AOC through to the originating end (meter pulses or AOC messages) as the call proceeds |
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Multiple charge band tables, up to 20, specified by lead digits (national and international destination numbers) |
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Multiple customer tables, up to 40 |
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AOC information is added to CDRs and may be used for customer billing and accounting purposes |
Scalable hardware configurations
GroomerII is constructed from Aculab’s proven E1/T1 PCI and IP telephony PCI digital network access boards overlaid with an application . For TDM protocol signalling, boards may have different signalling protocols on each individual network line interface (trunk/port), or may have user and exchange ends of the same protocol. For IP call control, SIP is run with codec negotiation on a per call basis. This gives enormous flexibility in terms of system configuration and is responsible for GroomerII being able to simultaneously provide multiple, independent conversions, between any mix of SIP, SS7, ISDN and CAS protocols.
GroomerII is powered by 230/115V AC (50/60Hz) power supplies.
Presented in an industry standard, 19” rack mount chassis, GroomerII is offered in two model options – a high density 6U model and a 1U model.
Configuration options:
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6U configurations:-
For TDM protocol conversion only, the 6U model is configurable up to 40 E1/T1 trunks. |
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1U configurations:-
For TDM protocol conversion only, the 1U model is configurable up to 8 E1/T1 trunks. |
If a mixed TDM/IP configuration is required, the 1U model offers conversions between up to 4 TDM ports in/out and 120 IP calls in/out.
GroomerII presents a resilient, standards compliant solution and is tested to perform consistently with the highest call throughput. Tested for maximum call throughput without failure, GroomerII is capable of sustaining up to 424 000 TDM calls per hour. With a call cycle time of 10.2 seconds, GroomerII is tested to perform 212 000 end-to-end protocol conversions with 100% call completion. GroomerII can execute multiple, simultaneous TDM-to-TDM and/or TDM-to-IP protocol conversions and complex call routing.
Because downtime means loss of revenue, GroomerII offers several features to ensure high availability and resilience. Aculab’s digital network access boards provide proven reliability. An SNMP agent monitors the application and the host PC with event traps, including ISDN alarms, reported to your network management system. The optional use of redundant hard drives (RAID) and redundant hot swap power supplies further ensures optimum performance.
Hardware RAID Level 1 is available as an option with GroomerII. RAID Level 1 performs all writes to two drives as a method for achieving absolute redundancy. This dual disk form of RAID is often called ’mirroring‘ because the second drive is a mirror image of the first. If a hard disk drive error occurs in one of the RAID members, the on-line mirrored disk drive will automatically take over from the suspect disk drive. Operator intervention is required to restore data when a replacement disk drive is installed. When the RAID option is selected, a GroomerII is delivered fitted with a SCSI hardware RAID controller PCI board and a hot swap RAID hard disk tray with dual hard disk drives.
Software architecture
GroomerII is a software application running on an open standard PC architecture host under an industry standard operating system.
The GroomerII application is partitioned from the hardware and software resources, including downloaded signalling protocol firmware. Therefore, new protocols and additional resources can be readily added with no impact on the GroomerII software itself, simplifying configuration management and testing.
These architectural characteristics of GroomerII are responsible for its unique flexibility and wide field of application. In particular, the availability of a single new protocol, tested and released with Aculab’s standard API, immediately makes available a great number of protocol conversions between that protocol and every other available protocol.
In addition, the process of adding and testing new features with GroomerII is also low risk and straightforward.
Customer requests will naturally expand the features supported – please contact your Account Manager to discuss particular requirements.
System management, maintenance and support
System administrators can customise the alarm facility to respond to individual situations, for example, when performing call concentration it is possible to map TDM trunk alarms of differing severities across a GroomerII to provide specific alarms on other trunks. In this way the configurable alarm and cause mapping provides the originating PBX with up-to-date information about the status of the network services upon which it depends.
Comprehensive system diagnostics, including the capture of signalling protocol trace are provided. GroomerII can be accessed locally via a network interface board (NIC) or via a high-speed dial-up modem for remote statistics collection and technical support.
Network support via a NIC gives TCP/IP (LAN) local access for centralised control of GroomerII (or multiple GroomerIIs) with a network management system controlling operational management and dial-in access. SNMP support provides fault status information in the event of failure in the application, ISDN alarms or power loss – reported to a network management system via the NIC. Reconfiguration, maintenance and the downloading of new software and routing files to GroomerII may be performed via the LAN or remote access.
Customers who have a GroomerII support agreement may link their installations via secure dial-up modem to Aculab for remote access technical support. In such situations, Aculab support staff use the remote service management application to investigate and assist with technical queries. The remote access software package supports multi-password control with different access permissions for added security.
Using GroomerII’s intuitive user interface an administrator can easily define the routing, conversion, editing and concentration of incoming calls. Administration tasks also include installation, configuration and the collection of statistical data and system diagnostics. These include the capture of signalling protocol trace.
GroomerII support agreement
Aculab offers a support agreement for GroomerII that provides the following range of exclusive benefits to customers:
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GroomerII training |
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Technical support assistance |
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Diagnostic support via dial-in remote access |
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Availability of software updates and enhancements |
Whilst GroomerII uses later versions of Aculab telephony software, the various components are packaged into a single, version controlled software build, therefore, device drivers and other components may not be individually downloaded and installed in a GroomerII. For information on the latest software release versions and, if you have a GroomerII support agreement, the availability of updates and enhancements, please contact your Account Manager.
Please contact info@aculab.com for more details.
Progress tone generation
The system optionally incorporates digital signalling processing features – such as call progress tone generation – that can be used to provide flexible conversion between international signalling types.
CAS protocols do not provide the same level of call progress information as ISDN signalling systems. During call routing, GroomerII may be configured to generate call progress tones to reflect the progress of the outgoing call. Tone generation can be customised for each routing path according to the call source and its destination port. Supported call progress tones include:
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BS (UK) or EC style supervisory tones |
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New Zealand call progress tones; dial, ringing, busy and unobtainable |
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Dial tone, special dial tone, ring back, busy, and unobtainable tones |
SNMP
GroomerII is equipped with an SNMP agent, which monitors critical failure of the application and/or host PC and operating system. SNMP traps are provided that can be configured to report the following events to a remote network management system:
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System power loss |
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GroomerII application alarm (sent repeatedly if the application stops responding) |
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ISDN layer one alarms – reporting current layer one status (transmitted on change of status) and whether the link is able to pass traffic (link up or down) |
The SNMP agent may be used to enhance a GroomerII system's operational management.
Configurable alarm and cause mapping
GroomerII offers the following functionality:
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Configurable system master clock source fallback list in case of port failure or trunk signal loss |
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Cause mapping of equivalent messages between different protocols |
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Configurable alarm mappings from one port to another |
Remote access
GroomerII may be accessed remotely using a variety of communication mediums including RS232 and modem dial-up access. Equipping GroomerII with a high speed modem connected to the serial port will enable point-to-point dial-up access for technical support and maintenance.
Configuring GroomerII with a NIC enables local access ( LAN) for administration and maintenance, including SNMP support.
The remote access software package supports the following features:
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Multi-password control with different access permissions |
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Full screen graphical user interface including mouse support |
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Ability to upload and download logfiles, routing configuration files and new software |
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Ability to shutdown or restart the system and reboot the host processor |
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Ability to access an operating system command line prompt |
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Chat mode for communicating with users on site |
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Remote keyboard and mouse locking |
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