Cisco BBSM 5.2 User Guide
4 - System Operation

Table Of Contents

System Operation

Testing the PMS Interface (WEB PMS Test)

Installing Service Packs or Patches and Upgrades (WEBpatch)

Before You Start

Procedure

Using Port Control

Changing the Port Settings for a Single Port

Changing the Port Settings for a Multiple Ports

Replacing, Adding, or Removing a Cable Modem

Mapping Rooms

Basic Room Mapping

Dynamic Port-Room Configuration for CMTSs

Creating and Configuring Access Codes

Managing Access Codes

Finding Reservations by Customer

Finding Reservations by Date

Access Codes for Meeting Rooms

Deactivating and Reactivating Client Sessions

Deactivating Client Sessions

Reactivating Client Sessions

Viewing and Printing Reports

Accessing Reports

Usage Reports

Transaction History Reports

Active Ports Report

Access Code Reports

Access Code Report

Unused Code Report

Access Code History Report

Mapping Report

Viewing the Mapping Report

Editing Mapping Report Entries

RADIUS Session History Report

Walled Garden Report


System Operation


This chapter describes how to perform system procedures after you have configured the system for the first time and are operational:

Testing the PMS Interface (WEB PMS Test)

Installing Service Packs or Patches and Upgrades (WEBpatch)

Using Port Control

Mapping Rooms

Creating and Configuring Access Codes

Deactivating and Reactivating Client Sessions

Viewing and Printing Reports

Testing the PMS Interface (WEB PMS Test)

This section discusses how to test the physical connection from the BBSM server to the PMS using WEB PMS Test. This test is run before BBSM is operational to verify that the PMS is communicating with the BBSM server.

WebPMSTest is designed to be used for single-site configurations. It will not function if you are using multiple sites or a Site Controller.


Note For information on connecting BBSM to a PMS, see the "Connecting the PMS or Local Printer" section. For information on configuring the PMS connection and a list of the PMS protocols, refer to the "Configuring PMS or Print Billing" section.


Follow this procedure to set up the test parameters, send a simulated charge posting from BBSM to the PMS, and verify that the charges are posting correctly.


Step 1 From the Dashboard, click WEB PMS Test. The WEB PMS Test web page appears. (Figure 4-1 shows the WEB PMS Test web page with an example of the Bell Hobic protocol output and Hotel Data.)

Figure 4-1 WEB PMS Test

Step 2 From the PMS Protocol drop-down menu, select the desired PMS protocol.

Step 3 Select one of the following:

If you selected a serial protocol, click Config Serial. The COM Port Data area of the web page appears.

If you selected a TCP protocol, click Config TCP. The TCP Settings area of the web page appears.

Step 4 Configure the communication parameters according to the PMS vendor's hotel specifications. Refer to Table 4-1 for the WEB PMS Test web page options.

Step 5 To view the changes, click Update.

Step 6 Click Config Data. The Hotel Data area of the web page appears. (See Figure 4-1.)

Step 7 Configure the test charge posting data to be sent to the PMS.

Step 8 To save the changes, click Update.

Step 9 Send a test charge to the PMS:

a. Confirm that the selected PMS protocol is correct.

b. Click Send. If the charge posts successfully, PMS protocol data specific to each kind of protocol appears in the data area of the web page.

c. To erase the contents of the Dir, Time (UTC), and Data columns, click Clear.

d. Close the browser to exit the program.

Step 10 Verify that the charges are posting to the PMS by posting an actual charge:

a. Connect a guest-room client that is configured with an appropriate page set, such as DailyHotel.

b. Open the browser and connect to the Internet.

c. Disconnect the client.

d. Verify that charges have been sent to the PMS.

Once you have successfully verified that the physical connection to the PMS is working, you can configure PMS billing.

For additional information, refer to the "Configuring PMS or Print Billing" section.


Table 4-1 WEB PMS Test Options 

Option
Description

Send

Posts a test charge to the PMS.

Clear

In the WEB PMS Test web page data area, clears the contents of the "Dir," "Time UTC," and "Data" columns.

Config Data

Enables the Hotel Data area of the web page to become visible, which enables you to specify the data for a charge that you want to send to the PMS.

Config Proto

This feature is for internal use only. For additional information, contact the Cisco TAC. Refer to the "Obtaining Technical Assistance" section in the Preface to this user guide.

Config Serial

Enables the COM Port Data of the web page to become visible, which enables you to specify the serial communication settings for the selected PMS protocol.

Config TCP

Enables the TCP Settings part of the web page to become visible, which enables you to specify the TCP/IP settings for the selected PMS protocol.

PMS Protocol

Selects the protocol used by your PMS. Possible drop-down menu selection values are BellHobic, Hilton, Xiox, MicrosFidelioSerial, and MicrosFidelioTCP_IP.

Update

Commits the changes made to Config Data, Config Proto, or Config COM.


Installing Service Packs or Patches and Upgrades (WEBpatch)

This section describes how to view, transfer, and install service packs or patches and view the patch log. (Only administrators can install BBSM service packs or patches.)

You can install BBSM service packs or patches locally on any BBSM server or on multiple BBSM servers from another computer in a remote location. You can transfer multiple files to the BBSM server before you install them.

Before You Start

Before you begin transferring and installing files, read the following precautions to avoid problems:

Transfer and install only service packs or patches properly obtained from Cisco to ensure success updates.

Make sure you select the proper file to avoid corrupting the database or preventing BBSM from operating properly.

Confirm that you can access the service pack executable file. Most BBSM service packs and patches are available over the Internet. Be sure the file has been downloaded before continuing.

Make sure that both the external and internal NICs are plugged in and enabled or the service pack, patch, or upgrade will fail to install.

We strongly recommend terminating all client sessions during these installations.

Install service packs or patches during low-use time periods to minimize service interruptions and ensure proper functionality.

If you are logging onto the BBSM server remotely and using Windows 2000 Professional or XP Professional on your client, uncheck the Client for Microsoft Networks check box, as described in the steps below. By unchecking the check box, the ASP files will load much more quickly.

Choose Start > Settings > Network and Dial-up Connections. The Network and Dial-up Connections window appears.

Right-click Local Area Connection, and from the drop-down menu, choose Properties. The Local Area Connection Properties window appears. (See Figure 2-32.)

Uncheck the Client for Microsoft Networks check box.

To close the windows, click OK three times.

Procedure

Follow this procedure to view or install service packs or patches and view the patch log.


Step 1 From the BBSM Hotspot Dashboard, click WEBpatch. The BBSM Patches web page appears. (See Figure 4-2 and Table 4-2.)

Figure 4-2 BBSM Patches

Table 4-2 BBSM Patches Fields 

Field
Description

Installed patches

Used to select an installed service pack.

Install Date

Shows the date that the service pack was originally installed.

Release

Lists the BBSM release for which the service pack is intended.

Description

Displays a brief description of the service pack.

Release Dependencies

Indicates the release or range of releases for BBSM that must be installed on the target server before installing the service pack.

Patch Dependencies

Lists the previous service packs or patches that must be installed before the current service pack or patch can be installed.

Hotfixes

Shows the Microsoft hotfixes that are installed with the service pack or patch.

Database Commands

Displays the commands performed to modify or update the BBSM database during the service pack/patch installation.


Step 2 View installed service packs, as follows:

a. From the Installed patches drop-down menu, select the desired service pack. (The navigation buttons near the bottom of the page can also be used to select a service pack.)

b. Click Go. The BBSM Patches web page fields populate with the data for the specified service pack, and the View Log Entries button is enabled.

Step 3 Transfer and install service packs or patches, as follows:

a. Click Transfer. The BBSM Transfer web page appears. (See Figure 4-3.)


Caution The Java 2 plug-in, version 1.3.1_03, must be installed on the computer you are using to transfer the patches, whether you are installing the patches remotely or directly on the BBSM server.
· If you are installing patches using a remote computer, the Java plug-in must be installed on that remote computer.
· If you are installing directly on the BBSM, the Java plug-in must be installed on your BBSM server.
· You must use this version: other versions will fail.
· If the plug-in is not installed already, click Go To Java Download Page, download the plug-in, and install it. You can also go to the BBSM 5.2 Software Download web page and download the plug-in from there.

Figure 4-3 BBSM Transfer

b. Click Continue. The BBSM Transfer web page appears. (See Figure 4-4.)

Figure 4-4 BBSM Transfer, Browse

c. In the BBSM Transfer field, click Browse to navigate to the file being installed, then click Open. The file name now appears in the BBSM Transfer field.

d. Under the file name, click Transfer. The BBSM WEBpatch Transferred web page appears, prompting you to install the file. (See Figure 4-5.)

Figure 4-5 BBSM WEBpatch Transferred

e. To install another file at the same time, click Transfer again to continue transferring files to be installed. After all files are transferred, continue with the installation.

f. Click Go to Install. The BBSM Install Patch web page appears, displaying the transferred service pack in the drop-down menu. (See Figure 4-6.) (Instead of clicking Go to Install, you can also click Install Patch, which also takes you to the BBSM Install Patch web page. From the drop-down menu, you can select the desired service pack to install.)

Figure 4-6 Install Patch

g. Click Install. The file is automatically verified and installed.


Note After the file has been installed, the BBSM server may automatically reboot. You cannot access the BBSM server while the server is rebooting.


Step 4 If desired, view the patch log for confirm that your patches have installed successfully and to view any messages, as follows:

a. Click Patch Log. The BBSM Patch Log web page appears. (See Figure 4-7.) (This page can also be accessed from the Patches page by using the View Log Entries button.)

Figure 4-7 BBSM Patch Log

b. From the drop-down menus at the top of the page, select the desired criteria, or click Default, which selects all service packs and patches, the Summary trace level, and All log types. (See Table 4-3.)

c. Click Go. The messages are displayed in the Patch Log Data table.

d. If no log information meets the selected criteria, a dialog box appears, stating that no records exist for the selected criteria. (See Figure 4-8.) Click OK to return to the Patch Log page and change the search parameters.

Figure 4-8 WEBpatch Patch Log Page


Table 4-3 BBSM Patch Log Fields 

Field
Description
Drop-Down Menus

Patches

All (default setting)—Shows messages for all service packs or patches

<service_pack_number>—Shows only PatchLog entries for the specific service pack

Trace Level

All—Shows all trace levels.

Summary (default setting)—Lists only the high level summary.

Detail—Shows all the messages for all actions performed during WEBpatch activities.

Debug—Not applicable (used by Cisco Support)

Log Type

All (default setting)—Shows all entries for all log types

Transfer—Shows only entries for file transfers

Install—Lists only installation related entries

Other—Displays messages generated by Windows and other programs during WEBpatch activities

Table Columns

Date Time

The date and time that the patch was installed.

Patch #

The patch number.

Detail

The patch description.



Using Port Control

The Port Control web pages enable you to update network element port data and test the ports. (You must have administrator or operator privileges to use these web pages.)

This section is divided into the following three subsections:

Changing the Port Settings for a Single Port—How to change the port data for a single switch, access point, or CMTS port.

Changing the Port Settings for a Multiple Ports—How to change the port data for multiple switch or access point ports.

Replacing, Adding, or Removing a Cable Modem—How to perform these procedures for a cable modem (CMTS port).

Changing the Port Settings for a Single Port

Follow this procedure to change the port data for a single port and test the port. To replace, add, or remove a cable modem, see the "Replacing, Adding, or Removing a Cable Modem" section.


Step 1 From the Dashboard, click Port Control. The Port List web page appears:

Figure 4-9 shows the port list for a switch or access point.

Figure 4-10 shows the port list for a CMTS.

Figure 4-9 Port List for a Switch or Access Point

Figure 4-10 Port List for a CMTS

Step 2 In the left-hand column, check the port that you want to update. (To refresh the web page, click Requery.)

Step 3 Click Port Settings. The Port Settings window for a single-port change pops up:

Figure 4-11 shows the window for a switch or access point.

Figure 4-12 shows the window for a CMTS.


Note If the fields displayed in the Port Settings window do not match the port that was checked in the Port List, press F5 to refresh the window.


Figure 4-11 Port Control Port Settings Window for a Switch or Access Point

Figure 4-12 Port Control Port Settings Window for a CMTS

Step 4 Make the desired changes, based on the information in Table 4-4.

Step 5 If you want to test the port, in the Port Test pane on the right, click Initiate Port Test. (This step is optional and the client must be active on the port for the test to work.) After port testing, the data shown in the Port Test pane is updated to reflect the test results.

Step 6 To save the port changes that you made, click Save. A confirmation dialog box appears to indicate that the changes were successful.

Step 7 To close the dialog box, click OK. You are returned to the Port List web page.


f

Table 4-4 Port Control Port Settings Field Descriptions 

Field
Description
Port Settings

Remove Modem
(CMTS only)

This button only appears if the port is a CMTS (cable modem) port. Click this button to remove a cable modem.

Port ID

Displays the unique number automatically assigned to each port during the Network Elements port configuration. This number cannot be changed. The port ID incorporates the cluster, switch, and port number on the switch. The format is xxxxyyyyzzzzz, where xxxx is the cluster, yyyy is the switch, and zzzzz is the port.

Port Location

Enter the location (or room number) associated with this port. This location can be a number or text.

Caution  If you enter port locations the first time using this field, there is no way to verify that ports have been mapped to the correct room number. The only way to ensure that your port-room mapping is accurate is to use the Map Rooms option from the Dashboard. After locations have been mapped the first time, you can update the locations using this field.

Start Authorized Period
(Subscription page set only)

If the port is configured for the Subscription page set, enter the start date and time of the time period that the port is authorized for use. The default is the time that the port was configured.

End Authorized Period
(Subscription page set only)

If the port is configured for the Subscription page set, enter the end date and time of the time period that the port is authorized for use. The default is the time that the port was configured.

Bandwidth Per User

From the drop-down menu, choose the default bandwidth (in kbps) for all users that will be connected to the port. (Bandwidth is applied by IP address, not by port, and is effective only if Bandwidth Management is enabled.) The value is a number from 0 to 2000000 (that is, 2 Gbps), 0 representing the maximum bandwidth available. The default is "Full-Speed."

(For information on enabling Bandwidth Management, refer to the "Configuring the Network and Bandwidth Management Settings" section.)

Page Set

From the drop-down menu, choose the page set to be used by the port.

Start Page

Enter the complete URL of the Start page for your page set. The URL must be in the form "http://%iport%...," because BBSM translates %iport% to be either the BBSM internal IP address or the BBSM domain name, if applicable.

Uplink Port

Check this check box if the port is used as an uplink to another switch. BBSM ignores the MAC addresses on these uplink ports so it does not report that clients are connected to the ports.

Enable Port Hopping

Check this check box if you want to enable port hopping.

Client IP Address Range (DHCP)

If you are using multiple networks, click the default multinet number for clients connected to this network element: Multinet 1 or Multinet 2.

Modem MAC Address
(CMTS only)

This field is blank and read only for switches and access points. For CMTSs, this field displays the cable modem MAC address.

Comment

Use this field to enter additional information about this port.

Port Test

Switch Mode

Displays the bandwidth rate.

Time of Last Port Test

Displays the last date and time that the port was tested.

Packet Test

Displays the percentage of packets that were transmitted.

Initiate Port Test

Click to begin testing the port.

Buttons

Save

Saves the changes that were made.

Cancel

Cancels the changes and returns you to the Port Control web page.


Changing the Port Settings for a Multiple Ports

Follow this procedure to change the port data for multiple ports and test the ports.


Step 1 From the Dashboard, click Port Control. The Port Control web page appears. (See Figure 4-9.)

Step 2 In the left-hand column, check the ports that you want to update.

Step 3 Click Port Settings. The Port Settings window for multiple-port changes pops up. (See Figure 4-13.)


Note If the fields displayed in the Port Settings window do not match the ports that were checked in the Port List, press F5 to refresh the window.


Figure 4-13 Port Control Port Settings Pop-up Window for Multiple Ports Selected

Step 4 Make the desired changes, based on the field descriptions shown in Table 4-4. This table also shows the fields that only apply to single-port changes. (Before making any changes, be sure the Port ID and room or location number correspond to the port you want to change.)

Step 5 Confirm the changes by checking the Port Control window.

Step 6 To save the port changes that you made, click Save. A confirmation dialog box appears to show that the changes were successful, what fields were changed, and the changed values. (See Figure 4-14.)

Figure 4-14 Confirmation Dialog Box

Step 7 Click OK to close the dialog box. You are returned to the Port Control web page.


Replacing, Adding, or Removing a Cable Modem

Follow this procedure to add, replace, or remove a cable modem.


Step 1 From the Dashboard, click Port Control. The Port List web page appears. (See Figure 4-10.)

Step 2 In the left-hand column, check the desired cable modem port:

If you are replacing or removing a cable modem, check the desired port.

If you are adding a cable modem, check a spare port, which is designated by "Modem Removed" in the Modem MAC Address field.

(To refresh the web page, click Requery.)

Step 3 Click Port Settings. The Port Settings window pops up (Figure 4-12):

To add or replace a modem, in the Modem MAC address field, enter the new MAC address and click Save. A confirmation dialog box appears to indicate that the changes were successful.

To remove a modem, click the Remove Modem button. A confirmation dialog box appears to indicate that the changes were successful.


Note If the fields displayed in the Port Settings window do not match the port that was checked in the Port List, press F5 to refresh the window.


Step 4 To close the dialog box, click OK. You are returned to the Port List web page.


Note You can always add or replace a modem by using the dynamic CMTS port-room configuration described in the "Dynamic Port-Room Configuration for CMTSs" section.



Mapping Rooms

When ports are configured initially, room or location designators are created automatically for each port. This section describes how to replace these designators with actual designators, which is called "room mapping." This procedure also describes how to test the port. Note the following about how ports are configured:

During the initial configuration, ports can be configured as follows:

Switches and access points—Ports can be configured initially using the Switch Discovery Wizard or WEBconfig.

CMTSs—Ports cannot be configured using the Switch Discovery Wizard. They can be configured using the Network Element Port Settings pop-up window in WEBconfig or mapped using the dynamic CMTS port-room configuration. For information on mapping ports and rooms dynamically for cable modems, refer to the next section, "Dynamic Port-Room Configuration for CMTSs" section.

If switches, access points, and/or CMTSs are being added after the initial configuration, they can all be configured using the Network Element Port Settings pop-up window in WEBconfig.


Caution The only way to ensure that your port-room mapping is accurate is to use this Map Rooms option to map locations or rooms. If you enter port locations the first time using the Port Locations field in Port Control, there is no way to verify that ports have been mapped to the correct room numbers. After rooms have been mapped, you can update port locations using Port Control.

Basic Room Mapping

Follow this procedure to map each room and test the port for switches, access points, and CTMSs. In addition, CMTS ports and rooms can be mapped dynamically. Refer to the "Dynamic Port-Room Configuration for CMTSs" section.


Note To clear any unwanted charges posted during the room mapping process, refer to the "Clearing Pending Hotel Charges" section.



Step 1 At the location or room, connect the laptop to a jack (BBSM port).

Step 2 Launch Internet Explorer. The BBSM Start page appears.


Note You must have an active BBSM session to map a room.


Step 3 Click Connect. You now have an active BBSM session.

Step 4 Enter the BBSM Dashboard's URL: http://<internal_IP_address>:9488/www, where <internal_IP_address> is the internal IP address of the BBSM server you want to access; for example, type http://10.10.2.1:9488/www, and press Enter. The Enter Network Password dialog box appears. (See Figure 4-15.)

Figure 4-15 Enter Network Password Dialog Box

Step 5 Enter your username and password. The username was defined when the site was created. Leave the domain name blank. (You must have administrator or operator privileges to map the rooms.) Click OK.


Note If you leave the browser open, the login identification information is cached, and you do not need to enter it again. If you close your browser between rooms, you will be prompted to re-enter the password.


Step 6 From the Dashboard, click Map Rooms. (For a BBSM server that has multiple sites, select the appropriate site from the drop-down menu.) The Map Rooms web page appears. (See Figure 4-16.)

Figure 4-16 Map Rooms

Step 7 Enter the appropriate guest room or location number. If you need to correct the room number, click Reset.

Step 8 If applicable, check the "Check here if this is a meeting room" check box. Checking this box sets the page set for that port to the MeetingRoom page set.

Step 9 To map the room to the port, click Submit. A confirmation web page appears, indicating that the room is mapped correctly. At this point, the connection between the port and the room has not been tested:

In the "Time of last port test" field, "never" is entered.

In the Packet Loss field, the message is "100% - (No packets transmitted)."

(Figure 4-17 shows the confirmation web page.)


Note If the port to room mapping failed, the port number will show ERROR rather than a valid port number. If this message appears, the actual room has not been mapped.


Figure 4-17 Room-Mapped Confirmation

Step 10 To test the port connection, click Port Test. Wait several seconds for the test to complete. Again, the confirmation web page appears, this time showing the following:

In the "Time of last port test" field, the time of packet transmission.

In the Packet Loss field, the message is "0.00% - (Pass)."

(Figure 4-18 shows the port test web page for basic room mapping.)

If the port test fails, repeat the test. If the test fails repeatedly, contact the Cisco TAC. Refer to the "Obtaining Technical Assistance" section in the Preface to this user guide.

Figure 4-18 Port Configured for Room Confirmation

Step 11 When the port test is complete, click Disconnect.

Step 12 Disconnect from the room jack.


Dynamic Port-Room Configuration for CMTSs

In previous releases of BBSM, the CMTS ports had to be mapped to each cable modem before the rooms could be mapped. With BBSM software release 5.2, the room mapping procedure has changed as follows:

You do not need to generate a port map before mapping rooms for the cable modems.

An active session is not required.

BBSM assigns a default page set, DailyHotel, so you can map the rooms without having previously mapped the ports.


Note If a port designator was already created automatically, the room is mapped just as it is described in the "Basic Room Mapping" section.


However, if you want to change the default page set, you must configure the CMTS port using the WEBconfig CMTS Network Element Port Settings pop-up window before performing the dynamic port-room configuration. Refer to the "Configuring CMTSs" section.


Caution If you change network element port settings, including the page set, your existing port parameters will be reset.

Follow this procedure to map the cable modem ports and rooms in one step. This procedure assumes that the ports have not been mapped before room mapping.


Step 1 Connect a laptop and launch Internet Explorer. The Enter Network Password dialog box appears. (See Figure 4-19.)

Figure 4-19 Enter Network Password Dialog Box

Step 2 Enter your username and password. The username was defined when the site was created. Leave the domain name blank. (You must have administrator or operator privileges to map rooms.) Click OK. The Map Rooms web page appears. (See Figure 4-20.)

Figure 4-20 Map Rooms


Note If you leave the browser open, the login identification information is cached, and you do not need to enter it again. If you close your browser between rooms, you will be prompted to re-enter the password.


Step 3 Enter the appropriate guest room or location number. If you need to need to correct the room number, click Reset.

Step 4 If applicable, check the "Check here if this is a meeting room" check box. Checking this box sets the page set for that port to the MeetingRoom page set.

Step 5 To map the room to the port, click Submit. A confirmation web page appears, indicating that the room is mapped correctly. At this point, the connection between the port and the room has not been tested:

In the "Time of last port test" field, "Never" is entered.

In the Packet Loss field, the message is "100% - (No packets transmitted)."

(Figure 4-21 shows the confirmation web page.)

Figure 4-21 Room-Mapped Confirmation

Step 6 To perform the optional port test, click Port Test. Wait several seconds for the test to complete. Again, the confirmation web page appears, this time showing the following:

In the "Time of last port test" field, the time of packet transmission.

In the Packet Loss field, the message is "0.00% - (Pass)."

(Figure 4-22 shows the port test web page.)

If the port test fails, repeat the test. If the test fails repeatedly, contact the Cisco TAC. Refer to the "Obtaining Technical Assistance" section in the Preface to this user guide.

Figure 4-22 Port Configured for Room Confirmation

Step 7 When the port test is complete, unplug the cable connected to the cable modem. The cable modem resets within 30 seconds. (If the cable modem does not reset, manually reset it.)

Step 8 To map additional modems in the same room, follow the steps below:

a. Repeat steps 1 through 4. A web page appears showing that you have already mapped this room. (See Figure 4-23.)

b. Click "I want to have multiple ports in Room x." and click Submit.

c. To perform the optional port test, repeat the test procedures previously described.

Figure 4-23 Room Already Mapped

Step 9 When you are mapping the second or subsequent cable modem rooms, if you entered an incorrect room number and the "Room x is already mapped" web page appears (Figure 4-23), click "I typed the wrong room number. I want to cancel" and Submit. You are returned to the Map Rooms web page where you can enter the correct room number and continue with the procedure.

Step 10 If you want to replace an existing cable modem with another one, click "I want to replace one of the following modems in Room # x." and click the cable modem to be replaced. Then click Submit.


Creating and Configuring Access Codes

Access codes are alphanumeric strings that BBSM generates for end users to access the Internet. Access is paid for by purchasing the access code, which can be paid for when reserving the access code or at the time the access code is used.

No billing is done by BBSM when users log in with access codes. In addition, access code charges cannot be sent to a PMS or local printer.

Before you can create the access codes using managed bandwidth, you must have configured the bandwidth management options. Refer to the following:

For a description of bandwidth management, including bandwidth throttling and bandwidth reservation, refer to the "Bandwidth Reservation" section.

To configure the bandwidth management options, refer to the "Configuring the Network and Bandwidth Management Settings" section.

Managing Access Codes

After you have determined the bandwidth options, you can create and configure your access codes by using the Access Code Management option on the Dashboard.

Follow this procedure to create and configure the access codes.


Step 1 From the Dashboard, click Access Code Management. The Manage Codes web page appears. The web page differs, depending on the access codes bandwidth options that you configured on BBSM Server Settings web page in WEBconfig:

None—If you selected the None from the Access Codes Bandwidth drop-down menu, the bandwidth defaults to Full Speed and that is shown in the Manage Codes web page.

Throttle—If you selected Throttle from the Access Codes Bandwidth drop-down menu, the Manage Codes web page appears as shown in Figure 4-24 without the Bandwidth Class of Service options.

Reservation—If you selected Reservation from the Access Codes Bandwidth drop-down menu, the Manage Codes web page appears as shown in Figure 4-25 with the Bandwidth Class of Service options.

Step 2 Configure the access code options, based on the information shown in Table 4-5.


Note If you try to modify a reservation while clients for that reservation are connected, bandwidth changes will not apply to these active clients.


Step 3 To save the changes, click Save.


Figure 4-24 Manage Codes using the Throttle Option

Figure 4-25 Manage Codes using the Reservation Option

Table 4-5 Access Code Management Options

Field
Description
Calendar

Monthly calendar

The calendar section shows you the following information:

By scrolling, you can see previous and future months and make reservations by clicking the desired dates.

From the drop-down menu on the right, you can see reservations for all customers, which is the default, or choose a specific customer's reservations.

As shown in the lower left-hand corner, the calendar is color coded to highlight dates for which reservations have been made.

Click Today to highlight the current day and see its reservations.

Customers

Date

Displays the selected calendar/reservation date.

Site

Displays the site number for the applicable reservation.

Name

Shows the site name and the percentage of bandwidth used by that reservation. Click the name to recall the reservation details. (The fields at right are populated with the details.)

Access Codes

Customer

Enter a customer name.

Set Start Date
Time

On the calendar at the left, click the desired start date. Click Set Start Date and select the desired start time. The default is 12:00am (midnight).

Set End Date
Time

On the calendar at the left, click the desired end date. Click Set End Date and select the desired end time. The default is 12:00am (midnight).

Code Prefix

Enter an optional one- to three-letter customer code. After you save the changes, BBSM appends a one- to four-digit number to the prefix. The combination is the access code.

Quantity

Enter the number of access codes that you need. The maximum is 1000 access codes.

Access Code Price

Enter the price that you want to charge for each access code. Although the price is recorded for auditing purposes, BBSM does not perform any billing when users log in with access codes.

Bandwidth Class of Service

(for bandwidth reservation only)

Package

From the drop-down menu, select the desired service package.

Bandwidth

Displays the bandwidth in kbps for the entire group

Description

Displays a description of the selected bandwidth package.

Bandwidth Throttle

Bandwidth kbps

This field only appears when bandwidth throttling is being used. From the drop-down menu, select the desired maximum bandwidth that is applied to each user that logs in with one of the access codes.

Buttons

View Access Codes

Click to view the access codes that you configured.

New

Click to enter a new reservation. A web page with blank fields appears so the access codes can be configured.

Requery

Before saving any changes, click to refresh the web page.

Save

Saves the changes made to the web page.

Delete

When you select a reservation, click to delete the reservation.


Finding Reservations by Customer

Follow this procedure to find reservations and access codes by the customer reservation name.


Step 1 From the Dashboard, click Access Code Management. The Manage Codes web page appears.

Step 2 From the menu bar, click Find by Customer. The Find Codes by Customer web page appears. (See Figure 4-26.)

Figure 4-26 Find by Customer

Step 3 From the drop-down menu of customers with reservations, choose the desired customer.

Step 4 Click Find Codes. The View Access Codes - Find by Customer web page appears, showing the access codes for the reservation. (See Figure 4-27.)

Figure 4-27 Find by Customer Search Results

Step 5 Verify the reservation data and access codes.

Step 6 To change reservations, click Edit. The Manage Codes web page appears. Make changes as needed.

Step 7 To print the access codes in a larger format that can be given to guests, click Printer Format. The Printer Format Access Codes web page appears. (See Figure 4-28.)

Figure 4-28 Find by Customer Search Results—Printer Format


Finding Reservations by Date

Follow this procedure to find reservations by the date of the reservation.


Step 1 From the Dashboard, click Access Code Management. The Manage Codes web page appears.

Step 2 From the menu bar, click Find by Date. The Find Codes by Date web page appears, showing highlighted dates for the existing reservations. (See Figure 4-29.)

Figure 4-29 Find by Customer

Step 3 If desired, click the date to view the details about the reservation. The Manage Codes web page appears, showing the existing reservations for the date.


Access Codes for Meeting Rooms

The administrator or operator can configure access so that either multiple users or only one person at a time can use a particular access code. This is determined by the page set that you selected in the Network Element Port Settings pop-up window for the meeting room site or ports:

For access by only one person at a time per code, select the MeetingRoom page set.

For access by more than one person at a time per code, select the AccessCode page set.

(For additional information, refer to the "Page Sets" section and the "Configuring Network Elements" section.)

You can configure the site so it consists only of meeting rooms, or you can mix meeting rooms and guest rooms at the site, based on how you want to manage your server, not on the physical layout of the property.


Note When using access codes, all of the BBSM sites are assumed to be located in the same time zone.


When you mapped your rooms, if you checked the "Check here if this is a meeting room" check box, the MeetingRoom page set was applied by default to these rooms. If you want to change the page set to the AccessCode page set, refer to the "Using Port Control" section.

Deactivating and Reactivating Client Sessions

The Client Deactivation feature allows an administrator or operator to remotely deactivate one or more active sessions, either temporarily or permanently. It also allows the administrator to reactivate a permanently deactivated client. By deactivating clients, you can safely perform routine BBSM testing and maintenance.


Caution We strongly recommend deactivating all client sessions when installing service packs, patches, and upgrades.

You temporarily or permanently deactivate a client based on its MAC address:

A temporary deactivation allows clients access to the Start page to reconnect.

A permanent deactivation prevents the client from reconnecting unless an administrator or operator reactivates them.

When navigating through the sessions, note that each column can be sorted, in ascending or descending order, by clicking the column heading.

Deactivating Client Sessions

Follow this procedure to temporarily or permanently deactivate client sessions.


Step 1 From the Dashboard, click Client Deactivation. The Deactivate Clients web page appears. (See Figure 4-30.)

Figure 4-30 Deactivate Clients

Step 2 Select the client sessions you want to temporarily or permanently deactivate, based on the information shown in Table 4-6.

Step 3 To deactivate the selected clients, click Deactivate Clients. A permanently deactivated client is redirected to the Deactivated Session web page when they try to access the Internet. (See Figure 4-31.)

Figure 4-31 Deactivated Session


Table 4-6 Deactivate Clients Options

Option
Description

Deactivate

Check the box to select the session for deactivation.

Permanent

After you have checked Deactivate, check this box to select the session for permanent deactivation.

Client MAC Address

Displays the client's MAC address.

IP Address

Displays the client's IP address.

Start Time

Displays the date and time that the client's session began.

Port ID

Displays the port ID number that the client is connected to. For an explanation of the Port ID, refer to the "Using Port Control" section.

Location

Displays the end user's location number.

Access Policy

Displays the access policy that is applied to this user.

Accounting Policy

Displays the accounting policy that is applied to this user.

Bandwidth

Displays the end user's bandwidth rate.

Buttons

Requery

Before you have clicked Deactivate Clients, click to refresh the web page.

Select All

Click to select all client sessions at once.

Clear All

Click to deselect all client sessions.

Deactivate Clients

Click to deactivate the client sessions that you checked.


Reactivating Client Sessions

When clients have been permanently deactivated, the deactivation is absolutely permanent unless an administrator or operator reactivates them. For example, years later, the permanently deactivated MAC address will not be allowed on the system unless reactivated.

To reactivate a permanently deactivated client, follow the steps below.


Step 1 From the Dashboard, click Client Deactivation. The Deactivate Clients web page appears. (See Figure 4-30.)

Step 2 Click Reactivate Clients. The Reactivate Clients web page appears. (See Figure 4-32.)

Figure 4-32 Reactivate Clients

Step 3 Reactivate the desired clients, based on the information shown in Table 4-7.

Step 4 To reactivate the selected clients, click Reactivate Clients.


Table 4-7 Reactivate Client Options

Option
Description

Reactivate

Check this check box to reactivate a client that was permanently deactivated.

Client MAC Address

Displays the client's MAC address.

Deactivation Time

Displays the date and time that the client was permanently deactivated.

Location at Deactivation Time

Displays the physical location of the client that was permanently deactivated.

Buttons

Requery

Before saving any changes, click to refresh the web page.

Select All

Selects all of the clients.

Clear All

Deselects all of the clients.

Reactivate Clients

Click to reactivate the permanently deactivated clients.


Viewing and Printing Reports

You can view and print reports of BBSM activities and functions on a site basis by clicking the Reporting Pages option on the Dashboard. Use Internet Explorer to view any of the following reports:

Usage

Transaction History

Active Ports

Access Codes

Mapping

RADIUS

Walled Garden

Accessing Reports

Follow this procedure to access BBSM reports.


Step 1 From the Dashboard, click Reporting Pages. The Usage Report Options web page appears.

Step 2 To request a report, click the desired report on the menu bar at the top of the web page. (See Figure 4-33.)

Step 3 For all report web pages, select the way that you want the report to be sorted by clicking a column heading. Clicking the heading a second time switches the order of rank between ascending and descending.


Usage Reports

Usage reports allow you to obtain data about Internet use at the site for the specified time range. You can request this data in three different formats:

Usage By Year

Usage By Month

Usage By Day

To generate usage reports based on a specified time range rather than on the time that the charge was posted to the PMS, use the Calendar Day Offset feature. For example, if a hotel sends its PMS data to its data processing center at 4 a.m. each day, by default, the posted charges include data from 4 a.m. the previous day to the 4 a.m. the current day. By using Calendar Day Offset, you can choose to realign the time boundaries with, for example, the guest check-out time.

Follow this procedure to generate and view usage reports.


Step 1 From the Dashboard, click Reporting Pages. The Usage Report Options web page appears. (See Figure 4-33.)

Figure 4-33 Usage Report Options

Step 2 To generate and view the report, from the Report Type drop-down menu, choose the type of report that you want to generate. (You can also select the report type on the secondary navigation bar.)

Usage by Year

Usage by Month

Usage by Day

If you choose the Usage by Year report, you can still see the Usage by Month report for any year in the report by clicking that year. The same is true for the Usage By Month and Usage By Day reports.

Step 3 If desired, from the Calendar Day Offset drop-down menu, choose time of the report range, such as 10:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Step 4 To generate and view the report, click Get Usage Report. The report appears. (Figure 4-34 shows a Usage By Day repo