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Contents
- Preinstallation
- Unified CCX
- Pre-installation tasks
- Important considerations before installation
- Installation requirements
- Server requirements
- Browser requirements
- Unified CCX licenses
- Demo licenses
- New licensing mechanism
- Obtain License MAC after installation
- Obtain License MAC before installation
- License grace period
- Cisco Unified CCX disk space usage
- Server configuration information for installation
- Supported servers
- Do not install other software on server
- Usernames and passwords
- Administrator username and password
- Application username and password
- Security password
- Strong passwords
- Unified Communications Answer File Generator
- Network errors during installation
- Installation options
Preinstallation
This section contains the important considerations, frequently asked questions, and preinstallation tasks that you must perform to ensure that you can successfully install Unified CCX.
- Unified CCX
- Pre-installation tasks
- Important considerations before installation
- Installation requirements
- Unified CCX licenses
- Cisco Unified CCX disk space usage
- Server configuration information for installation
- Usernames and passwords
- Unified Communications Answer File Generator
- Network errors during installation
- Installation options
Unified CCX
Unified CCX is the backbone of the Cisco Unified Contact Center environment, comprising:
- First node: Required in all deployments of Unified CCX.
- Second node: The second node provides fault tolerance to the system and provides standby capabilities if the first node goes down. The second node, also called the high availability (HA), node is optional. The first and second nodes can be split across the local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN).
Unified CCX 9.0(1) is an appliance application similar to Unified CM. It must be installed on dedicated servers, which must be either Media Convergence Servers (MCS) or UCS servers (B-series or C-series). For details on the server requirements, see Server requirements.
Pre-installation tasks
ProcedurePerform all pre-installation tasks to ensure that you successfully install Cisco Unified Contact Center Express.
Step 1 Read this entire document to familiarize yourself with the installation procedure. Step 2 Verify the integrity of any new server hardware (such as hard drives and memory) by running any manufacturer-provided utilities. Step 3 Ensure that your servers are listed as supported hardware and sized appropriately to support the load of the cluster. Make sure to account for any growth that has occurred since initial system configuration. Step 4 If you are installing a cluster or adding a node, verify that the links between servers meet the 80-ms round-trip time (RTT) requirement and that you have enough bandwidth to support database replication. For more information on the 80-ms RTT requirement, see Cisco Unified Contact Center Express Solution Reference Network Design, available at http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/custcosw/ps1846/products_implementation_design_guides_list.html. Step 5 If you are getting the system time from an NTP server (mandatory for VMware deployments), verify that the first node can synchronize with the NTP server before you install a subsequent node. Log into the Command Line Interface on the first node and enter the following command: utils ntp status
Note To avoid potential compatibility, accuracy, and network jitter problems, the external NTP servers that you specify for the primary node must be NTP v4 (version 4). If you are using IPv6 addressing, external NTP servers must be NTP v4.
For more information, see Command Line Interface Guide for Cisco Unified Communications Solutions, available at: http://preview.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/voicesw/ps556/prod_maintenance_guides_list.html.
Caution If the first node fails to synchronize with an NTP server, installation of a subsequent node can also fail.
Step 6 If your firewall is not in the routing path, disable the firewall between nodes, if possible. Also, increase the firewall timeout settings until after you complete the installation. To temporarily allow network traffic in and out of the nodes (for example, setting the firewall rule for these nodes to IP any/any) does not always suffice. The firewall might still close necessary network sessions between nodes due to timeouts. Step 7 Do not run Network Address Translation (NAT) or Port Address Translation (PAT) between Unified CCX nodes. Step 8 Record the network interface card (NIC) speed and duplex settings of the switch port to which you will connect the new server. You should configure the same NIC settings on the server and on the switch port. For GigE (1000/FULL), you should set NIC and switch port settings to Auto/Auto; do not set hard values.
Enable PortFast on all switch ports that are connected to Cisco servers. With Portfast enabled, the switch immediately brings a port from the blocking state into the forwarding state by eliminating the forwarding delay [the amount of time that a port waits before changing from its Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP) learning and listening states to the forwarding state].
Step 9 Verify that all servers on which you plan to install Unified CCX are properly registered in DNS. Step 10 Obtain a license file.
Note For more information on specifying the required number of licenses, see Cisco Unified CCX Administration Guide, available at: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/custcosw/ps1846/products_installation_and_configuration_guides_list.html.
Step 11 Record the configurations settings for each server that you plan to install. Step 12 For Unified CCX, configure any subsequent nodes on the first node before you install a subsequent node. From Unified CCX Administration on the first node, choose and configure the IP address for the subsequent nodes. For more information, see Cisco Unified CCX Administration Guide.
Important considerations before installation
Carefully read the information that follows before you proceed with the installation:
- Be aware that when you install on an existing server, the hard drive gets formatted, and all existing data on the drive gets overwritten.
- Installing Unified CCX 9.0(1) on an existing server will format the hard drive and permanently remove the existing Unified CCX data. It also upgrades the system Basic Input Output System (BIOS), firmware, and Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) configuration if found outdated.
- Ensure to connect each Unified CCX node to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect the Unified CCX server from unexpected power failure that may damage the physical media and to avoid reinstallation of Unified CCX.
- Install the Unified CCX software on the first node or publisher node first and then on the subsequent nodes.
- Verify that the first node is reachable (through LAN or WAN) from the second node before you start installing the second node.
- Make a note of the security password that you specified while installing the first node, because it is required during the installation of second node.
NoteDNS configuration is mandatory for Unified CCX installation. Both Forward and Reverse records are required.
- All servers in a cluster must run the same release of Unified CCX. The only exception is during a cluster software upgrade, during which a temporary mismatch is allowed.
- Configure the server by using a static IP address so that the server IP address remains unchanged.
- Do not attempt to perform any configuration tasks during the installation.
- Do not install any Cisco-verified applications until you complete the installation.
- Be aware that the field values (namely hostname and passwords) that you enter while you are running the installation program are case-sensitive.
- Use the same Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) value for all servers in the cluster.
- If you are already running Unified CCX 7.x and planning to install Unified CCX 9.0(1), use the Cisco Unified CCX Pre-Upgrade Tool to back up all of the data from your existing system and restore this data on the upgraded Unified CCX 9.0(1) system.
- Install the Unified CCX software during off-peak hours or a maintenance window to avoid service interruptions.
- When you insert or remove a USB drive, you might see error messages on the console similar to “sdb: assuming drive cache: write through.” You can safely ignore these messages.
- Carefully read the information that follows before you proceed with the installation.
Installation requirements
Server requirements
Unified CCX 9.0(1) is packaged with the Linux-based Unified Communications Operating System (UCOS). It is an appliance model developed by Cisco. This appliance model provides a collection of frameworks, such as installation, serviceability, and service management, so that Unified CCX installed on this platform can leverage more out of this in terms of integration, communication and administration in coordination with Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Unified CM).
To install Unified CCX on approved servers (MCS, B-series, and C-series), following hardware requirements must be met.
For a list of approved MCS, B-series, and C-series servers, see the Cisco Unified Contact Center Express Software and Hardware Compatibility Guide available here:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/custcosw/ps1846/products_device_support_tables_list.html
NoteTo prevent unpredictable behavior or loss of Unified CCX configuration and user data due to power failure, ensure uninterrupted power supply to the Unified CCX servers at all times.
Unified CCX licenses
Licensing helps manage Unified CCX licenses and enforces the licenses for Unified CCX components and nodes. In Unified CCX 9.0(1), all the licenses are node-locked, which means the use of the license is restricted to only one particular node based on the License MAC address of that node. Typically, a Unified CCX 9.0(1) license is based on the License MAC of the first node only. This section provides information on obtaining licenses for new Unified CCX nodes as well as for Unified CCX nodes that have been upgraded from various releases.
Demo licenses
The Unified CCX 9.0(1) Installation DVD comes bundled with four demo licenses; one each for Unified IP IVR, STD, ENH, and PRE package. Because ordering actual licenses may take a while, you can start using the demo licenses by uploading them to the system using the Unified CCX 9.0(1) Administration web interface. A demo license is valid for initial 30 days only. You can use these demo licenses to familiarize yourself with the capabilities of the applications available on the Unified CCX 9.0(1) Installation DVD during the initial 30 days. Using the demo licenses helps you understand the capabilities of each package.
New licensing mechanism
The Unified CCX 9.0(1) system uses a new licensing mechanism. The licenses are based on a string called the License MAC, which is different from the physical MAC address of a system. The License MAC string is generated during installation and is based on various input fields, such as the hostname and IP address. If any of these fields change after fresh installation, the License MAC becomes invalid and you must request new licenses. You can generate the License MAC before or after installation.Obtain License MAC after installation
Obtain License MAC before installation
Procedure
Step 1 Go to the answer file generation Website: http://www.cisco.com/web/cuc_afg/index.html Step 2 Select Cisco Unified CCX from Product Options. Step 3 Fill in all the configuration information used for installation, such as IP address, hostname, and more on that site. The answer file that is generated can be used for unattended Unified CCX 9.0(1) installation. You can also use this answer file to generate the License MAC (based on given parameters) so you can order the license before you build the machine.
Step 4 After the answer file is generated, this page enables you to obtain the License MAC.
Caution If you change any of the parameters or configuration information after ordering the license, License MAC will be changed and the ordered license file may become invalid.
Step 5 To obtain a node license file for new Unified CCX servers and to obtain additional node-locked licenses, perform the following steps:
What to Do NextThe Unified CCX 9.0(1) Warm Standby license and all other licenses are node-locked to the License MAC address of the first node (typically the Database Publisher node) of a Unified CCX cluster. When a second node is added, it is verified that the first node has the valid add-on Warm Standby License. After the cluster is set up, the licenses will be valid on both the nodes in a cluster.
License MAC is dependent on some system parameters. Modifying any of these parameters can change License MAC thereby invalidating current License files. Here are the parameters on which the validity of a License MAC depends:License grace period
If your License MAC becomes invalid, you must request a new license. The system however continues to operate for 30 days without a new license. After the 30-day grace period ends, the system shuts down until you upload a new license using the updated License MAC. After you obtain rehosted licenses, these licenses can be uploaded through Add License page of the Unified CCX 9.0(1) Administration web interface.
Cisco Unified CCX disk space usage
This section provides information about determining disk space usage and requirements when you install the Unified CCX. The historical reporting (HR) database (DB) size of the Unified CCX depends on the size of the hard disk on which it is stored. The table below provides an example of disk space usage for these DB types.
Table 1 Cisco Unified CCX Disk Space Usage Sever Type
Server Disk Size
HR DB Size
Repository DB Size
Agent Db Size (rascal)
Configuration DB Size
7816
1x160 GB
11 GB
3.0 GB
0.5 GB
0.5 GB
1x250 GB
11 GB
3.0 GB
0.5 GB
0.5 GB
7825
2x160 GB
12 GB
3.0 GB
0.5 GB
0.5 GB
2x250 GB
12 GB
3.0 GB
0.5 GB
0.5 GB
7835
2x146 GB
13 GB
3.0 GB
0.5 GB
0.5 GB
7845
4x146 GB
20 GB
3.0 GB
0.5 Gb
0.5 GB
4x300 GB
26 GB
3.0 GB
0.5 GB
0.5 GB
Server configuration information for installation
Use Table 1 to record the information about your server that both the Answer File Generator and the basic installation wizard prompt you to enter. Gather this information for each Unified CCX 9.0(1) server that you install. You may not need to obtain all the information; gather only the information that is pertinent to your system and network configuration. You should make copies of this table and record your entries for each server in a separate table so it is easy to configure your system.
Note
Because some of the fields are optional, they may not apply to your configuration. For example, if you choose not to set up an SMTP host during installation, the parameter still displays, but you do not need to enter a value.
Caution
You cannot change some of the fields after installation without reinstalling the software, so be sure to enter the values that you want.
The last column in the table shows whether you can change a field after installation, and if you can, it provides the appropriate CLI command.
Caution
Changing some of these configuration parameters result in changes to your current License MAC. In such as case, you need to rehost the Unified CCX 9.0(1) licenses. For more information, see New licensing mechanism.
Table 2 Node configuration table Parameter
Description
Can Entry Be Changed Postinstallation?
Administrator ID
This field specifies the administrator account user ID that you use for secure shell access to the CLI, for logging in to Unified Communications Operating System Administration and for logging in to the Disaster Recovery System.
No, you cannot change the entry after installation.
Note After installation, you can create additional administrator accounts, but you cannot change the original administrator account user ID.
Your entry:
Caution Avoid creating administrator account user IDs (for CLI access or OS administration) starting with "uccx" or "UCCX" because such user IDs may conflict with system account names used internally within the Unified CCX server.
Administrator Password
This field specifies the password for the Administrator account, which you use for secure shell access to the CLI, for logging in to Unified Communications Operating System Administration and for logging in to the Disaster Recovery System. Ensure the password is at least six characters long; it can contain alphanumeric characters, hyphens, and underscore.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Application User Name
You use the Application User Name as the default user name for accessing applications that are installed on the system except Unified Communications Operating System Administration and Disaster Recovery System.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
CLI > utils reset_ui_administrator_name
Your entry:
Application User Password
You use the Application User Password as the default password or accessing applications that are installed on the system except Unified Communications Operating System Administration and Disaster Recovery System.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
Country
From the list, choose the appropriate country for your installation.
Note The value you enter gets used to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) and self-signed certificates.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
DNS Primary
Enter the IP address of the DNS server that you want to specify as the primary DNS server. Enter the IP address in dotted decimal format as ddd.ddd.ddd.ddd.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
DNS Secondary (optional)
Enter the IP address of the DNS server that you want to specify as the optional secondary DNS server.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
Domain
This field represents the name of the domain in which this machine is located.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
Gateway Address
Enter the IP address of the network gateway.
If you do not have a gateway, you must still set this field to 255.255.255.255. Not having a gateway may limit you to communicating only with devices on your subnet.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
Hostname
Enter a hostname that is unique to your server.
The hostname can comprise up to 64 characters and can contain alphanumeric characters and hyphens.
No, hostname change is not supported in Cisco Unified CCX 9.0(1).
For more information, see the Cisco Unified Contact Center Express Administration Guide available here:
Your entry:
IP Address
Enter the IP address of your server.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation.
For information on how to change the IP Address for Unified CCX, see the Cisco Unified Contact Center Express Administration Guide or Cisco Unified Serviceability Administration Guide available here:
Your entry:
IP Mask
Enter the IP subnet mask of this machine.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
MTU Size
The maximum transmission unit (MTU) represents the largest packet, in bytes, that this host will transmit on the network.
Enter the MTU size in bytes for your network. If you are unsure of the MTU setting for your network, use the default value.
Default: 1500 bytes
The MTU setting must be the same on all nodes in a cluster.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
NIC Duplex
Choose the duplex mode for the network interface card (NIC), either Full or Half.
Note This parameter is displayed only when you choose not to use Automatic Negotiation.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
NIC Speed
Choose the speed for the NIC, either 10 megabits per second or 100 megabits per second.
Note This parameter is displayed only when you choose not to use Automatic Negotiation.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
NTP Server
Enter the hostname or IP address of one or more network time protocol (NTP) servers with which you want to synchronize.
Note To avoid potential compatibility, accuracy, and network jitter problems, the external NTP servers that you specify for the primary node must be NTP v4 (version 4). If you are usingIPv6 addressing, external NTP servers must be NTP v4.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
Security Password
Servers in the cluster use the security password to communicate with one another.
The password must contain at least six alphanumeric characters. It can contain hyphens and underscores, but it must start with an alphanumeric character.
Note Save this password. You will be asked to enter the same security password while installing the second node to form a cluster.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
To avoid losing communications between nodes, you must change the Security password on both nodes in a cluster and reboot both the nodes. For more information, see the description of this command in the Cisco Unified Communications Operating System Administration Guide, available here:
Your entry:
SMTP Location
Enter the hostname or IP address for the SMTP server that is used for outbound email.
The hostname can contain alphanumeric characters, hyphens, or periods, but it must start with an alphanumeric character.
Note You must fill in this field if you plan to use electronic notification.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
Organization
Enter the name of your organization.
Note The value you enter gets used to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR).
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
Unit
Enter the name of the business unit of your organization.
Note The value you enter gets used to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR).
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
Location
Enter the location of the server. The system uses this information to generate certificate signing requests (CSRs), which are used to obtain third-party certificates.
You can enter any location that is meaningful within your organization.
Examples include the state or the city where the server is located.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
State
Enter the state where the server is located.
Note The value you enter gets used to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR).
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
Country
From the list, choose the appropriate country for your installation.
Note The value you enter gets used to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) and self-signed certificates.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
Time Zone
This field specifies the local time zone and offset from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Choose the time zone that most closely matches the location of your machine.
Yes, you can change the entry after installation by using the following CLI command:
Your entry:
Supported servers
For information about supported server models, see the following documents:
- Cisco Unified Contact Center Express Software and Hardware Compatibility Guide, available at: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/custcosw/ps1846/products_device_support_tables_list.html
- Release notes for your product release, available at: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/custcosw/ps1846/prod_release_notes_list.html
Do not install other software on server
You must perform all software installations and upgrades by using Unified Communications Operating System Administration. The system can upload and process only software that is approved by Cisco.
You cannot install or use third-party or Windows-based software applications that you may have been using with a previous version of Unified CCX with Unified CCX 9.0(1).
Usernames and passwords
NoteThe system checks your passwords for strength. For guidelines on creating a strong password, see the Strong passwords.
During the installation, you must specify the following usernames and passwords:
- Administrator username and password
- Application username and password
- Security password
- Strong passwords
Administrator username and password
You use the Administrator username and password to log in to the following areas:
- Unified Communications Operating System Administration
- Disaster Recovery System
- Command Line Interface
To specify the Administrator user name and password, follow these guidelines:
- Administrator username—The Administrator username must start with an alphabetic character and can contain alphanumeric characters, hyphens and underscores.
- Administrator password—The Administrator password must be at least six characters long and can contain alphanumeric characters, hyphens, and underscores. See the Strong passwords for additional information on how to create a strong password.
You can change the Administrator password or add a new administrator by using the command line interface. For more information, see the Cisco Unified Communications Operating System Administration Guide, available here:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/custcosw/ps1846/products_installation_and_configuration_guides_list.html
Application username and password
You use the Application username and password to access applications that are installed on the system, along with external tool Cisco Unified Real-Time Monitoring Tool (Unified RTMT).
To specify the Application username and password, follow these guidelines:
- Application username—The Application username must start with an alphabetic character and can contain alphanumeric characters, hyphens and underscores.
- Application user password—The Application user password must be at least six characters long and can contain alphanumeric characters, hyphens, and underscores. See the Strong passwords for additional information on how to create a strong password.
You can change the Application username and password by using the command line interface. For more information, see Command Line Interface Reference Guide for Cisco Unified Communications Solutions, available at:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/voicesw/ps556/prod_maintenance_guides_list.html
Security password
The system uses this password to authorize communications between nodes, and you must ensure that this password is identical on both the nodes in a cluster.
The Security password must be at least six characters long and can contain alphanumeric characters, hyphens, and underscores. See the Strong passwords for additional information on how to create a strong password.
Strong passwords
Avoid the following types of passwords:
- Do not use recognizable words, such as proper names and dictionary words, even when combined with numbers.
- Do not invert recognizable words.
- Do not use word or number patterns, such as aaabbb, qwerty, zyxwvuts, 123321, and so on.
- Do not use recognizable words from other languages.
- Do not use personal information of any kind, including birthdays, postal codes, names of children or pets, and so on.
Unified Communications Answer File Generator
Unified Communications Answer File Generator, a Web application, generates answer files for unattended installations of Unified CCX 9.0(1) or later. Individual answer files (platformConfig.xml) are copied to the root directory of a USB key or a floppy diskette and are used in addition to the Unified CCX DVD during the installation process.
The Web application supports the following features:
- Allows simultaneous generation and saving of answer files for unattended installation on the publisher node and the subscriber node.
- Provides syntactical validation of data entries.
- Provides online help and documentation.
However, the Web application supports only basic installations and not upgrades.
You can access the Unified Communications Answer File Generator at the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/web/cuc_afg/index.html
The Unified Communications Answer File Generator supports Internet Explorer Version 6.0 or later and Mozilla Version 1.5 or later.
NoteCisco requires that you use USB keys that are compatible with Linux 2.4. It is important that you use USB keys that are preformatted to be compatible with Linux 2.4 for the configuration file. These keys will have a W95 FAT32 format.
Network errors during installation
During the installation process, the installation program verifies that the server can successfully connect to the network by using the network configuration that has been entered. If the installer fails to connect, a relevant message is displayed prompting you to select one of the following options:
- RETRY—The installation program tries to validate networking again. If validation fails again, the error dialog box displays again.
- REVIEW (Check Install)—This option allows you to review and modify the networking configuration. When an error is detected, the installation program returns to the network configuration windows. Networking gets validated after you complete each networking window, so the message might display multiple times.
- HALT—The installation halts. You can copy the installation log files to a USB disk to aid troubleshooting of your network configuration.
- IGNORE—The installation continues. The networking error gets logged. In some cases, the installation program validates networking multiple times, so this error dialog box might display multiple times. If you choose to ignore network errors, the installation may fail.
Installation options
The installation process of Unified CCX 9.0(1) allows you to perform a basic installation, factory installation, installation using Answer File Generator, patch upgrade to a newer service release during the installation, and upgrade from Unified CCX 7.x to Unified CCX 9.0(1).
For a more detailed description of the different installation types, see below.
Table 3 Installation options Installtion Type
Description
Basic
This option allows you to install the Unified CCX 9.0(1) software from the installation disc and configure it simultaneously.
Factory
This option allows you to obtain a MCS hardware from Cisco, preinstalled with the Unified CCX 9.0(1) software, which you need to configure upon receiving in order to complete the installation.
Use Answer File Generator
This option allows you to install the Unified CCX 9.0(1) software unattended if you provide the pre-existing configuration information on a USB key or floppy disk.
Apply Patch (upgrade during installation)
This option allows you to apply a patch in order to upgrade the software available on the installation disc. You can only apply one patch during the installation process.
Note Ensure that you have the upgrade patch available on a DVD or on a remote server before you choose this option.
