BRA Cell Routers and TEI values

TEI values are used to identify terminating equipment, mostly in a point-to-multipoint setup, since they "bus" may extend to a number of devices. However, in a point-to-point setup, the TEI value is statically set, often to "0".

Recently when testing a BRA cell router we spent ages in trying to get outgoing calls working. Most cell routers are point-to-point, and thus the TEI value for each link is "0". This cell router, though, has a point-to-multipoint architecture. As a result, we had to remove the static TEI value from the link's properties. Immediately the link was assigned a TEI value dynamically by the router (as seen under the Link Supervisor) and calls worked.

So if the protocol is correct (ETSI, etc) and the correct termination is setup (Q,S or T), then any link problems could be TEI value related.

Aastra Fax

And back again with the fax component of Aastra's Unified Messaging. The client has a fully functioning UM setup and the fax plugin works on all computers...except one! After numerous formats, repeated Windows updates and following the troubleshooting error I had previously posted, I have found out the following:

1. Windows fax is the basis for Aastra fax.
2. If Aastra fax installs and communicates with the server, and DotNET is installed, and still NO faxes are sent, the underlying Windows fax server is faulty.
3. Uninstall the Aastra fax plugin and delete Aastra fax from "Printers and Faxes".
4. Install a Windows fax console (make sure a modem is present) and test it.
5. When Windows fax is working, install Aastra again and it should work fine.

New followers

I am pleasantly surprised at the growing number of followers for this blogspot. However, since most are strangers I would like to know why you find this blog interesting. And if you don't mind letting the others know what line of occupation you are in, that too would be informative. In the meantime, WELCOME!

Please note that this while this remains the main site for technical updates, my official site is http://pabxconsultants.co.za. And should you wish, also provides contact information.

Do you have any queries? Please include it as a comment to this or any newer post.

Linux Mint 8 GRUB

Yes, I have been playing with Linux again. The unfortunate receiver of my intentions was my mothers laptop. It has become so bloated and slow from Windows and anti-virus, that I have decided on a last ditch effort - LINUX!

I installed a dual boot with Windows XP and Linux Mint 8. All went smoothly at first. Since I am a habitual Linux user, I did not at first notice that Linux was loaded by default. My folks would not be impressed. Here is how to rectify the problem:

1. Open a terminal and become root.
2. Run "update-grub"
3. Count the position where Windows is listed (with the first listed = 0)
4. Edit /boot/grub.conf
5. Change default from "0" to appropriate choice.
6. Save
7. Run "update-grub" - nothing will appear different.
8. Restart the computer, and the default boot should have changed.

If it has changed, but not to the correct option, your default choice is likely out by 1 digit (where default=x).

Aastra BMS and SQLSERVER EXPRESS 2005

That is quite a mouthful - yet also appropriate for this fault. The new BMS ships with EXPRESS 2005 as a database installer. However, on a recent install I found that the software could not read from the database - no systems could be created or stored. And it was rather slow.

The resultant problem is that SQL did not have a default TCP port to connect to:

*SQL Server Configuration Manager
*Native Data Configuration -> Client protocols
*TCP/IP -> Enabled and a default port = 1433

*Server 2005 Network Configuration
*Protocols for EXPRESS2005 -> TCP/IP -> IP Adresses
*IP1 and IP All -> TCP port = 1433


If this doesn't solve the problem, are you sure SQL is running?

Asterisk and Ericsson BP250 integration

I was recently involved with a setup that integrated an Ericsson BP250 PABX with an Asterisk installation by means of ISDN PRA (Primary Access). The purpose was to use the IP capabilities of the Asterisk PABX while continuing to use the current telephony interface and telco access present on the Ericsson PABX. Thus the telecoms provider continues to be terminated on the Ericsson PABX. Also, current users are not all migrated to the Asterisk. Then a QSIG link is established between the Ericsson and Asterisk PABX's, allowing the two PABX's to integrate transparently. Setting up PNR's worked effectively, with the entire destination number as the directory number, and no predigits added or removed.

For a stable link, please note the following:

Ericcson:

Place the network card in the first cabinet for improved timing.

ISDN PRA link = Q I/F

Protocol = ETSI

Termination = Master (layer 1 master) - note, no modem exists between the two PABX's.

CRC = CRC permanently disabled.

The rest is on default.

Asterisk:

Protocol = EuroISDN

Signalling = PRI CPE (Internal)

HDB3

CCA Security Violation

Should this error appear - "Security Violation" - two things are indicated:

1. There is communication to the CCA Server. No comm's with the CCA Server will be indicated by the error "CCA Server not found".

2. A security violation with Ericsson/Aastra is synonomous with licensing. Since the license for CCA agents is part of the soft key license, this means [A] an error has occurred while the CCA Server has accessed the licensing information from the PABX via BusinessLink, or [B] the agents are logging in multiple times, thereby resulting in multiple "seats" being used but none being freed up, or available for other agents.

[A] BusinessLink <-> PABX error

1. Ensure BusinessLink is fully operational by running the Trace utility on the BL Server. Make sure that correct data is printed to screen.
2. Ensure that the CCA Server machine has the BL Client installed and that no ports are blocked. (Install the Trace utility on the CCA Server and when running it, put in the connection parameters of the BL Server. Data should be printed to the screen).
3. Any errors on the IPU and CPU should be noted and rectified. Often a simple restart is only needed.

[B] Available seats

To determine from the PABX, how many "seats" it sees as being available and in use, use the TSAPI tool to view the Applications Licensing information (CCA ID = 10). This will indicate how many CCA licenses are (1) AVAILABLE, (2) IN USE and (3) FREE. Compare the displayed info with the current call centre state.

In conclusion, it is preferable to troubleshoot CCA Server, rather than reinstall.