Table Of Contents
Voice Services Provisioning Tool Overview
Uninstalling the VSPT Software
Defining Users and Permissions
Voice Services Provisioning Tool Overview
Cisco Open Packet Telephony (OPT) provides the framework for delivering voice services over packet-based data, voice, and video networks. OPT encompasses a broad range of hardware platforms and Cisco software, delivering a continuum of voice solutions from core infrastructure to enhanced services over circuit and packet networks. The Cisco Media Gateway Controller (MGC) is at the center of Cisco OPT solutions.
Provisioning a Cisco MGC is the process of preparing it to communicate with an SS7 network, with Cisco media gateways, and with the other components of an OPT solution. The Cisco Voice Services Provisioning Tool (VSPT) provides an easy-to-use graphical tool to provision Cisco MGCs.
Individual releases of the VSPT are designed to be used with specific releases of the Cisco MGC software. VSPT Version 2.3(2) is designed to be used with Cisco MGC Version 9.3(2). If you are using a different release of the Cisco MGC software, see Table 1-1to identify the release of VSPT that you need.
This chapter introduces the VSPT and provides directions for obtaining, installing, and using the software.
This chapter contains the following sections:
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Defining Users and Permissions
Provisioning Introduction
All solutions involving the Cisco MGC are configured through the use of one or more Cisco MGC hosts, one or more Signaling System 7 (SS7) network signaling options, and one or more media gateways that control bearer-traffic routing.
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Prior to starting any provisioning session, you should have a clear understanding of the network topology for your solution. Create a network drawing, and refer to it while configuring your network.
In addition, you should perform the following tasks before starting a provisioning session:
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http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/access/sc/rel9/swinstl/index.htm
VSPT Introduction
The VSPT allows you to import an existing configuration, modify the configuration, and export it to the same or different devices. Wizards guide you through high-level configuration steps to create the initial network provisioning information for a newly installed node, creating iterative entries from a single operation. The VSPT can also facilitate provisioning of individual call parameters, simplifying the provisioning of a large live network.
Using the VSPT helps avoid common errors that might arise if devices are provisioned independently, eliminates the need to enter duplicate data, and enables importing and exporting configurations to and from the Cisco PGW 2200. The VSPT generates configuration files necessary to provision the PGW 2200, including the following provisioning information:
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The VSPT also allows provisioning Cisco Media Gateways (MGX), specifically the Cisco MGX 8850 with the Voice Interworking Service Module (VISM) Version 2.1, 2.2, 3.0, and 3.1. With the VSPT, you can carry out Cisco MGX 8850 chassis provisioning tasks and VISM provisioning tasks.
During a provisioning session, the VSPT automatically generates the Man Machine Language (MML) or command line interface (CLI) scripts used to configure network elements, assembles these commands into a batch file, and deploys the file to the appropriate network device.
The VSPT allows scheduled backups and restores of configurations on the following devices:
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The VSPT can be deployed as an integrated component of the Cisco MGC Node Manager or as a standalone application. If it is installed on the Cisco MGC, call throughput might be impacted when the VSPT is active. It typically runs on a standalone UNIX server that is also running the Cisco MGC Node Manager (Cisco MNM) and supports multiple users and provisioning sessions. You can launch the VSPT from the managed object icon in the CMNM map viewer. For information about Cisco MNM, refer to the Cisco MNM User's Guide Version 2.3(2) at
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/access/sc/rel9/cmnm232/index.htmThis document is designed to help you get started using the VSPT, and does not include complete provisioning instructions, which are found in the Cisco Media Gateway Controller Software Version 9 Provisioning Guide at
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/access/sc/rel9/prvgde/index.htm, in particular Chapter 3, Provisioning with the Voice Services Provisioning Tool athttp://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/access/sc/rel9/prvgde/r9gui.htm
Detailed instructions for provisioning dial plans are covered in the Cisco Media Gateway Controller Software Version 9 Dial Plan Guide at
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/access/sc/rel9/dplan/index.htm, in particular Chapter 3, "Provisioning Dial Plans with the VSPT", at
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/access/sc/rel9/dplan/dp_vspt.htmInstalling the VSPT
If you are a registered Cisco.com user, you can download the VSPT software from the Cisco web site. You must install the VSPT release that is compatible with your Cisco MGC software. This document describes the installation and use of VSPT Version 2.3(2). Refer to Table 1-1 for a guide to Cisco MGC and VSPT software release compatibility.
Before installing the VSPT, you must verify the following:
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http://www.cisco.com > Software Center > Voice Software > Cisco Voice Services Provisioning Tool
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Before you begin provisioning, you should have a list of components you want to provision, including the component names, IP addresses, properties, and other parameters. To create this list, use the instructions provided in the Cisco Media Gateway Controller Software Version 9 Provisioning Guide at http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/access/sc/rel9/prvgde/index.htm.
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Prerequisites
To install the VSPT software, you must have at least the following:
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Preplanning
VSPT supports multiple solutions and offers the option to provision components for these solutions. Some components might not apply to your solution. Make sure you understand your solution component requirements. For information, refer to the provisioning guide for your solution.
Upgrading VSPT Software
If you have a previous release of the VSPT installed (such as VSPT Version 2.3(1) and you are performing a minor upgrade to VSPT Version 2.3(2)), the existing VSPT network configuration data is automatically moved to the new release. However, if a major earlier release is detected during the upgrade, (such as VSPT Version 1.6) and you are upgrading to VSPT Version 2, the existing VSPT network configuration data is not formatted for use with VSPT Version 2 and is not moved.
Two versions of the VSPT (such as VSPT 1.6 and 2) can exist on the same system; when you are upgrading, the older version is not automatically removed and must be manually uninstalled if you want to remove it. See the "Uninstalling the VSPT Software" section for information.
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Saving Configuration Files
Before uninstalling the VSPT software, you can save current configuration data and administrative information so users and logins do not need to be recreated after the upgrade. Use the following procedure to save data and user information:
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# cp -p /var/opt/CSCOvspXX/etc/dartpwd.txt /<temporary directory>/dartpwd.txtStep 4
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After you upgrade the VSPT software, replace the /var/opt/CSCOvsp<New>/etc/dartpwd.txt file and the /var/opt/CSCOvsp<New>/data directory with the archive files you saved in the temporary directory.
Uninstalling the VSPT Software
The uninstallation process removes the /var/opt/<CSCOvspt2x> directory created by the installation process. If a directory contains a file that was not created during the installation process, it is not removed and is logged in the uninstall.log file. This might occur in the data and logs directories, and all application data stored in the /var/opt/<CSCOvsp2x> directory will not be deleted.
Use the following procedure to uninstall the software:
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>su -root
>cd /
>/opt/CSCO2x/uninstall/uninstall
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Installing the VSPT Software
To install the software from the Cisco web site, follow this procedure:
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>su - rootStep 3
#mkdir -p /var/tmp/CSCOvsp23-installStep 4
http://www.cisco.com> Software Center > Network Management> Cisco Voice Services Provisioning Tool
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#tar xvf <filename>.tarStep 8
#./setup
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In "csh" or "tcsh": setenv DISPLAY <hostname>:0
In "sh" or "ksh": DISPLAY=<hostname>:0;export $DISPLAYStep 9
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#rm -rf /var/tmp/CSCOvsp23-installStep 11
#cd /opt/CSCOvspt23Step 12
#./vsptInstallation of the VSPT software is now complete. Table 1-2 defines the default VSPT directories and files. If you have questions or need assistance, see the Obtaining Technical Assistance section.
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VSPT Basics
This section describes the requirements for entering provisioning data using the VSPT.
VSPT Field Definitions
Table 1-3 lists VSPT field names, which correspond to system components in the Cisco MGC, and their definitions. For more information about system components, refer to the Cisco Media Gateway Controller Software Version 9 Provisioning Guide.
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Table 1-3 Field Name Definitions
MGC Host
An origination point code (OPC) is the address of the Cisco MGC you are provisioning.
Interfaces (Cards)
Ethernet hardware cards and virtual interfaces (connections) for the Ethernet cards in the Cisco MGC host.
Adjacent Point Code
An adjacent point code (APC) is the address of an STP1 that sends and receives signaling messages to and from the Cisco MGC.
LinkSet
A LinkSet is a set of links from the MGC to an endpoint, such as an adjacent STP.
C7 IP Link
A link to the SS7 network (for example, an SSP2 or STP) from the Cisco MGC through a Cisco SLT.
Mated Pair (SS7 Subsystem)
A logical connection between a pair of mated STPs that allows the Cisco MGC to route through either STP to an endpoint.
Point Code
A destination point codes (DPC) is the address of an endpoint, such as a PSTN3 switch that carries the bearer traffic.
SS7 Path (SS7 Signaling Service)
An SS7 path is a connection between the Cisco MGC and a specified point code.
SS7 Route
An SS7 route is a route for each signaling path from the Cisco MGC to the PSTN switch through the linksets you have created to the STPs.
External Node
An external node is any object in the network that is connected to the Cisco MGC, for example, media gateways (Cisco MGWs) and associated BSCs4 .
MGCP5 Signaling Service
An MGCP signaling service is a signaling service between the Cisco MGC and a media gateway.
IPFAS Signaling Service
An IPFAS signaling service is a signaling service (over IP) between the Cisco MGC and a media gateway.
IP Link for MGCP and IPFAS
An IP Link for MGCP and IPFAS is a link for the MGCP and IPFAS signaling services.
1 STP = signal transfer point.
2 SSP = service switching point.
3 PSTN = Public Switched Telephone Network.
4 BSC = Broadband Service Card.
5 MGCP = Media Gateway Control Protocol.
5 Figure 1-1 shows the relationship of VSPT field names and the corresponding system components.
Figure 1-1 Component Relationships
VSPT Data Entry Requirements
When you are entering data into the VSPT windows, follow standard MML conventions for names and descriptions. Each MML name must have the following characteristics:
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For example: name="dpc1"
MML descriptions can be as many as 128 characters and can include spaces and symbols. You should use a description that helps to identify the component or link that you are provisioning. For example, for an SS7 route, which indicates the signaling path from the Cisco MGC to a switch through a linkset, you could create a description "SS7 Route to PSTN Switch A through Linkset 1." For more information about MML, refer to the Cisco Media Gateway Controller Software Version 9 MML Command Reference Guide.
The VSPT GUI enables you to step through the provisioning process in a logical sequence. The sequence of steps is described in the Cisco Media Gateway Controller Software Version 9 Provisioning Guide.
Starting the VSPT
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Perform the following steps to start the VSPT:
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>cd /opt/CSCOvsp23
Navigate to the appropriate directory if you installed the VSPT in a different location.
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>./vspt
The system opens X windows, and the login screen shown in Figure 1-2 appears.
Figure 1-2 Login Screen
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The default user uame is admin, and the password is also admin. The Welcome screen is displayed briefly during the login process, and the main window appears (see Figure 1-3).
Figure 1-3 Main VSPT Window
Using the VSPT
This section describes the VSPT menus and buttons and provides directions for using the tool functions.
Menu Bar
The VSPT provides a menu bar that contains the following selections:
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Table 1-4 lists the File menu choices.
Table 1-5 lists the View menu command choices.
Table 1-6 lists the Tools menu command choices.
Table 1-7 lists the Help menu command choices.
Buttons
The VSPT provides buttons and explorer trees that you can use to move through the system. Click these buttons to add or change network components. The VSPT contains the following buttons:
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The left pane of the main VSPT screen displays selectable components. The right pane of the screen displays data entry fields. Click a component to select it. To see all of the subcomponents for the component you select, click the icon next to the component name to expand the component list.
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The Help menu selections display an html version of this guide and information about the current software release number.
Defining Users and Permissions
After you install the VSPT, you define users and their respective permissions using the following procedure:
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The screen in Figure 1-4 appears.
Figure 1-4 VSPT User Administration
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Exiting the VSPT
You can exit the VSPT at any time by performing one of these actions:
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