Cisco Media Gateway Controller Node Manager

Data Sheet

Cisco Media Gateway

Control Node Manager

The telecommunications industry is rapidly moving to the world of distributed packet networks as a more cost-effective and flexible alternative to circuit-switched networks. The highly distributed nature of today's packet-telephony networks requires a network management system that comprehensively integrates the various network elements into a single, easy-to-understand view.

Cisco Systems^® implements a layered network management design in which each layer is responsible for a set of functions, allowing changes to occur in one layer without major effects on other layers. This approach gives service providers more options in choosing control and gateway technologies while maintaining a consistent management infrastructure over time. Cisco^® multilayer management systems are the key to implementing a flexible and scalable multiservice packet network.

The Cisco Media Gateway Control (MGC) Node Manager is the element manager for the components that constitute the Cisco PGW 2200 Softswitch. The Cisco PGW 2200 uses a core software technology, invented by Cisco, called media gateway control (MGC), which is the term used to represent the call-control functional layer, to provide a bridge between the legacy Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and next-generation packet networks-- supporting either simple Signaling System 7 (SS7) interconnect or providing intelligent call control and routing functions in Service Provider networks. The Cisco MGC Node Manager provides a single interface for fault, configuration, accounting, and performance management for all network elements within the Cisco PGW 2200 Softswitch.

Cisco Element Managers and the Cisco Internet OSS

Cisco MGC Node Manager is one of the Cisco element managers that provide device-specific fault, configuration, accounting, performance, and security (FCAPS) management capability for Cisco service provider products. Cisco element managers are based on a highly scalable, tested, and field-validated common infrastructure, which is designed to support carrier-class element managers across Cisco service provider product lines. This flexible, modular model allows you to install the mix of element managers you need to support the dynamics of your businesses. It also enables cost-effective and rapid deployment of new element managers, permitting you to more rapidly introduce and manage new services. Cisco element managers provide common interfaces and element management services to applications in the network- and service-management levels of the Cisco Internet OSS, as well as existing service provider operations support system (OSS) components.

Cisco MGC Node Manager Features and Capabilities

Tables 1 through 4 list key features and benefits of the Cisco MGC Node Manager and where they apply in a service provider's network.

Table 1 describes the network surveillance features that collect events and alarms.

Table 1  

Table 1—Network Surveillance

Table 2 describes the viewers, available from the Cisco MGC Diagnostic Viewer Toolbar on each Cisco PGW 2200, which are easily accessible from the object map icons. Each tool is grouped for convenient access under the Diagnostic Viewer Toolbar. The toolbar and the diagnostic tools may be viewed with or without the Cisco MGC Node Manager from an X-terminal display.

Table 2   Cisco MGC Diagnostic Tools

The Cisco MGC Node Manager provides easy access to applications tailored specifically for the current task and centralizes device configuration, database creation, and service provisioning. Table 3 describes key features.

Table 3   Provisioning and Configuration

User access-control and performance-management features are described in Table 4.

Table 4  

User Access and Performance

Cisco MGC Node Manager Specifications

The Cisco MGC Node Manager can be deployed in various configuration sizes and can operate in a client-server or combined configuration. In the client-server configuration, the presentation server isolates operators from direct access to the management server. The Cisco MGC Node Manager has been tested to operate co-resident (on the same management server) with Cisco Universal Gateway Manager or Cisco Media Gateway Manager. Table 5 describes network requirements for typical Cisco MGC Node Manager deployments, and Table 6 provides recommended hardware specifications. The platform requirements for additional Cisco element managers must also be considered when operating in the co-resident configuration.

X-Terminal Specifications

A terminal resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels is required; 1280 x 1024 pixels or higher is highly recommended.

Software Requirements

Table 5   Network Requirements

Table 6  

Network Requirements

* Additional presentation servers may be added, if necessary, to maintain good operator response time in large networks with heavy alarm traffic. Additional operator support will be tested in a future release.

** Disk machine will work for smaller networks with less traffic and fewer operators. Response time to operator commands will slow down as the network grows and additional operators are added.

*** Presentation and management servers may run co-resident for midsize networks when faster Sun CPUs are used or operator loads are light. When combined, RAM and swap are added, while a total of four hard drives is sufficient. Adding more presentation servers increases the number of operators supported.

Cisco MGC Node Manager has been tested with Sun UltraSPARC II and III systems. Pure Sun products that meet or exceed the sizing recommendation are required to ensure Cisco Software Application Support (SAS) for the Cisco MGC Node Manager.

Cisco SAS Policy

Managed Devices

For More Information

For additional information about the Cisco MGC Node Manager, or for more information about Cisco PGW 2200 solutions, visit the Cisco Web site at http://www.cisco.com .