Table Of Contents
Preface
Document Objective
Audience
Document Change History
Document Organization
Document Conventions
Documentation Suite
Related Documentation
Obtaining Documentation
World Wide Web
Documentation CD-ROM
Ordering Documentation
Documentation Feedback
Obtaining Technical Assistance
Cisco.com
Technical Assistance Center
Contacting TAC by Using the Cisco TAC Website
Contacting TAC by Telephone
Preface
The purpose of this Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Billing Interface Guide is to provide the necessary background information to properly and efficiently manage the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch accounting subsystem. This information is applicable to Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 4.2. This document describes both the format of the accounting data generated by the system and the standard operational practices for managing that data.
The Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch serves as a class-independent switching network element. The solutions in which it is employed also take into account the need to support both traditional PSTN billing needs as well as additional requirements necessitated by the IP, ATM, and PacketCable backbones. Many of the informational elements within the accounting data find their basis in the traditional Bellcore AMA format with modifications and additions to account for the expanded needs and capabilities of the converged network environment.
The Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch accounting information includes details of service quality and feature invocations within the call context, which are a departure from traditional billing records. The mechanisms used to manage the data generated by and transported from the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch follows legacy-type procedures and is documented in the following chapters.
The following chapters also provide detailed information on how to manage and control the accounting information generated by the Cisco BTS 10200 system. Actual examples are provided with explanations to illustrate the operational mechanics. These, and all other Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch commands, are documented in the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 4.2 Command Line Interface Reference Guide and the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 4.2 Operations, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting Guide that are also provided as part of the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 4.2 documentation set.
The Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch provides the following billing functions:
•
Provides batch record transmission using standard FTP for the transfer of call detail records (CDRs) to a remote billing server or third-party billing mediation device.
Note The Cisco BTS 10200 does not currently support the transmission of CDRs to redundant or multiple external billing mediation systems or billing servers.
•Issues events as appropriate, including potential billing data overwrites.
•Saves billing records based on allocated disk storage.
•Issues minor, major, and critical alarms.
•Supports user-provisionable billing subsystem parameters.
•Supports on-demand call detail block (CDB) queries based on ranges of timestamps, an originating number, a terminating number, last record written, or other fields in the CDB.
The Bulk Data Management System (BDMS) application in the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch gathers all billing-related call events from call processing, formats them into a standard format, and transmits the billing records to an external billing collection and mediation device that is part of the service provider's billing system. The FTP transfer of billing records occurs automatically every n minutes, where n is a number from 1 to 60 that can be provisioned in the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch. The default value is 15 minutes. Interfaces to external billing mediation systems can vary from carrier to carrier, so the BDMS supports a flexible profiling system that allows the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch to adapt quickly to most external billing mediation devices, or to variations in the service provider's record keeping system.
Note For information on billing-related Packet Cable Event Messages, refer to the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 4.2 PacketCable Feature Guide.
Document Objective
This guide provides specific billing interface information for the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch software Release 4.2. You should read the other documentation supplied with your system before using this guide. A complete list of these documents is included in the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 4.2 Application Installation Guide which was shipped with your system.
The complete set of Release 4.2 user documentation can be accessed at the following URL http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/voice/bts10200/bts4_2/index.htm; however access is restricted. See your Cisco representative for the necessary User ID and password.
Audience
This guide is intended for network operators and administrators who have experience with telecommunications networks, protocols, and equipment and who have familiarity with data communications networks, protocols, and equipment.
Document Change History
Table 1 lists the changes to this document for Release 4.2.
Table 1 Document Change History
Subject
|
Change Date
|
Change Summary
|
Document Change History
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
|
September 2004
|
Reversed the chronological order of the Document Change History table.
Combined Chapters 1 and 2 and renumbered Chapter 3 to Chapter 2.
Added token definitions throughout.
Changed the length of the billing-file-prefix token to a maximum of 20 characters.
Added Result information to Class of Service description.
|
Appendix A
|
September 2004, continued
|
Changed Field Descriptions of the following:
Originating Number
Location Routing Number
Dialed Digits
Originating Trunk Number
Terminating Trunk Number
Outgoing Trunk Number
Originating H323 Gateway ID
Terminating H323 Gateway ID
Changed Potential Values of the following:
Originating Trunk Number
Terminating Trunk Number
Outgoing Trunk Number
Originating Circuit Identifier
Terminating Circuit Identifier
Orig Quality of Service Packets Sent
Orig Quality of Service Packets Received
Orig Quality of Service Octets Sent
Orig Quality of Service Octets Received
Orig Quality of Service Packets Lost
Orig Quality of Service Jitter
Orig Quality of Service Average Latency
Term Quality of Service Packets Sent
Term Quality of Service Packets Received
Term Quality of Service Octets Sent
Term Quality of Service Octets Received
Term Quality of Service Packets Lost
Term Quality of Service Jitter
TermQuality of Service Average Latency
Packet Time
Originating H323 Call Type
Terminating H323 Call Type
Orig Type
Term Type
Codec Type
Added the following new CDB fields:
Originating Network Provider ID
Destination Network Provider ID
Original Originating Number
Video Codec
Calling Party Category
Called Party Category Indicator
|
Appendix B
|
|
Changed various fields in the example CDB, added several new fields, and altered the date to 2004 09/01.
|
Appendix B
Appendix C
|
May 2004
|
Removed Appendix B, "Release Cause Codes."
Changed former Appendix C, "Example Call Detail Block File," to Appendix B.
|
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Appendix B
|
January 2004
|
New chapters created from information in Chapter 1 and Appendix A.
|
Preface
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Appendix A
|
November 2003
|
Removed information from this chapter and made a note to reference the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 4.1 PacketCable Feature Module for information. Made editorial corrections and updated Call Type list.
|
Chapter 1
Appendix A
|
October 2003
|
Updated command examples.
Added OriginatingPopId, TerminatingPopId, DialPlanId, and Terminating PopTimeZone fields to the CDB record; PopTimezone CDB field changed to OriginatingPopTimeZone; added new values to the CallType field; updated descriptions for OriginatingH323VoiceQuality and TerminatingH323VoiceQuality fields; values for OrigType and TermType fields reversed.
|
Call Detail Block Files (Table A-1), Call Termination Cause Codes (Table A-2), Call Data Transport Management, Call Data Alarm Management, Call File Management (new section), Feature Server Derived Call Data, and Packet Cable Event Messages
|
June 2003
|
Made updates and added new information throughout this document for release 4.1
|
|
December,2002
|
Initial online publication (Release 3.2/3.3)
|
Document Organization
This document is organized as follows:
•"Operational Procedures"
•"Feature Server Derived Call Data"
•"Call Detail Block File Fields"
•"Example Call Detail Block File"
Document Conventions
This document uses the following conventions:
Note Refer to the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Command Line Interface Reference Guide for a detailed description of all commands and tokens discussed in this document.
Typographic conventions used in this guide are shown in Table 2.
Table 2 Conventions Used in this Guide
Convention
|
Meaning
|
Description / Comments
|
Boldface
|
Commands and keywords you enter as shown.
|
offset-list
|
Italics
|
Variables for which you supply values.
|
command type interface
You replace the variable with specific information.
In contexts that do not allow italics, such as online help, arguments are enclosed in angle brackets (< >).
|
Square brackets ([ ])
|
Optional elements.
|
command [abc]
abc is optional (not required), but you can choose it.
|
Vertical bars ( | )
|
Separated alternative elements.
|
command [ abc | def ]
You can choose either abc or def, or neither, but not both.
|
Braces ({ })
|
Required choices.
|
command { abc | def }
You must choose either abc or def, but not both.
|
Braces and vertical bars within square brackets
([ { | } ])
|
A required choice within an optional element.
|
command [ abc { def | ghi } ]
You have three options:
nothing
abc def
abc ghi
|
Caret character (^)
|
Control key.
|
The key combinations ^D and Ctrl-D are equivalent: Both mean "hold down the Control key while you press the D key." Keys are indicated in capital letters and are not case sensitive.
|
A non-quoted set of characters
|
A string.
|
For example, when setting an SNMP community string to public, do not use quotation marks around the string; otherwise, the string will include the quotation marks.
|
System prompts
|
Denotes interactive sessions, indicates that the user enters commands at the prompt.
|
The system prompt indicates the current command mode. For example, the prompt Router (config) # indicates global configuration mode.
|
Screen font
|
Terminal sessions and information the system displays.
|
|
Angle brackets (< >)
|
Non-printing characters such as passwords.
|
|
Exclamation point (!) at the beginning of a line
|
A comment line.
|
Comments are sometimes displayed by the Cisco IOS software.
|
Caution Means
reader be careful. In this situation, you might do something that could result in equipment damage or loss of data.
Timesaver Means reader may be able to save some time. Taking the action described could achieve a result in less time than might be achieved otherwise.
Note Means reader take note. Notes contain helpful suggestions or references to material not covered in the manual.
Conventions used in the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch software are shown in Table 3.
Table 3 Data Type Conventions
Data Type
|
Definition
|
Example
|
Integer
|
A series of decimal digits from the set of 0 through 9 that represents a positive integer. An integer may have one or more leading zero digits (0) added to the left side to align the columns. Leading zeros are always valid as long as the number of digits is less than or equal to ten digits. Values of this type have a range of zero through 4294967295.
|
|
Signed integer
|
The same basic format as the integer but can be either positive or negative. When negative, it is preceded by the sign character (-). As with the integer data type, this data type can be as many as ten digits in length, not including the sign character. The value of this type has a range of minus 2147483647 through 2147483647.
|
|
Hexadecimal
|
A series of 16-based digits from the set of 0 through 9, a through f, or A through F. The hexadecimal number may have one or more leading zeros (0) added to the left side. For all hexadecimal values, the maximum size is 0xffffffff (eight hexadecimal digits).
|
|
Text
|
A series of alphanumeric characters from the ASCII character set, where defined. Tab, space, and double quote (" " ) characters cannot be used. Text can be as many as 255 characters; however, it is recommended that you limit the text to no more than 32 characters for readability.
|
|
String
|
A series of alphanumeric characters and white-space characters. A string is surrounded by double quotes (" "). Strings can be as many as 255 characters; however, it is recommended that you limit the strings to no more than 80 characters for readability.
|
"This is a descriptive
string."
|
Note Hexadecimal and integer fields in files may have different widths (numbers of characters) for column alignment.
Documentation Suite
The documents that make up the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch documentation set are listed in Table 3.
Table 4 Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Documentation
Functional Area
|
Publication
|
Description and Audience
|
Hardware Installation
|
Cisco BTS 10200Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Site Surveys and Cabling Procedures
|
Describes the hardware components of the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch. Includes detailed information on the environmental requirements for all the components. Also provides a checklist of the hardware you should have before starting the installation and a checklist of all the connections for the components.
The audience for these publications is the engineering personnel responsible for installing the components and verifying the hardware installation.
|
Software Release Notes
|
Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Software Release Notes for Release 4.2
|
Provides information that is specific to a particular release of the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch software.
The audience for these publications is the engineering personnel responsible for installing, configuring, and upgrading software for the respective solutions.
|
Software Installation
|
Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 4.2 Application Installation Procedures
|
Describes the steps necessary to install the software components of the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch.
The audience for this publication is the engineering personnel responsible for installing and configuring software for the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch.
|
Software Upgrade
|
Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 4.2 Software Upgrade Procedures
|
Describes the steps necessary to ugpgrade the software components of the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch from any previous release to Release 4.2.
The audience for this publication is the engineering personnel responsible for upgrading and configuring software for the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch.
|
Operations, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
|
Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 4.2 Operations, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting Guide
|
Describes the procedures necessary to conduct day-to-day operations, to perform preventive and corrective maintenance, and to provision the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch.
The audience for these publications is the engineering personnel responsible for operating, maintaining, and servicing the components of the system.
|
Reference
|
Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 4.2 Command Line Interface Reference Guide
|
Provide reference information for the hardware and software of the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch.
The audience for these publications is the engineering personnel responsible for installing, configuring, operating, and upgrading the software for the respective components of the system.
|
Related Documentation
Other useful reference publications include:
•Overviews of the related telephony solutions—Describe the Cisco telephony solutions with which the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch is associated.
•Gateway installation and configuration guides—Describe how to install and configure the media gateways (MGW) for a particular Cisco telephony solution.
Obtaining Documentation
The following sections provide sources for obtaining documentation from Cisco Systems.
World Wide Web
You can access the most current Cisco documentation on the World Wide Web at the following sites:
•http://www.cisco.com
•http://www-china.cisco.com
•http://www-europe.cisco.com
Documentation CD-ROM
Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a CD-ROM package, which ships with your product. The Documentation CD-ROM is updated monthly and may be more current than printed documentation. The CD-ROM package is available as a single unit or through an annual subscription.
Ordering Documentation
Cisco documentation is available in the following ways:
•Registered Cisco Direct Customers can order Cisco Product documentation from the Networking Products MarketPlace:
http://www.cisco.com/public/ordsum.html
•Registered Cisco.com users can order the Documentation CD-ROM through the online Subscription Store:
http://www.cisco.com/go/subscription
•Nonregistered Cisco.com users can order documentation through a local account representative by calling Cisco corporate headquarters (California, USA) at 408 526-7208 or, in North America, by calling 800 553-NETS(6387).
Documentation Feedback
If you are reading Cisco product documentation on the World Wide Web, you can submit technical comments electronically. Click Feedback in the toolbar and select Documentation. After you complete the form, click Submit to send it to Cisco.
You can e-mail your comments to bug-doc@cisco.com. We appreciate your comments.
To submit your comments by mail, use the response card behind the front cover of your document, or write to the following address:
Attn Document Resource Connection
Cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-9883
Obtaining Technical Assistance
Cisco provides Cisco.com as a starting point for all technical assistance. Customers and partners can obtain documentation, troubleshooting tips, and sample configurations from online tools. For Cisco.com registered users, additional troubleshooting tools are available from the TAC website.
Cisco.com
Cisco.com is the foundation of a suite of interactive, networked services that provides immediate, open access to Cisco information and resources at anytime, from anywhere in the world. This highly integrated Internet application is a powerful, easy-to-use tool for doing business with Cisco.
Cisco.com provides a broad range of features and services to help customers and partners streamline business processes and improve productivity. Through Cisco.com, you can find information about Cisco and our networking solutions, services, and programs. In addition, you can resolve technical issues with online technical support, download and test software packages, and order Cisco learning materials and merchandise. Valuable online skill assessment, training, and certification programs are also available.
Customers and partners can self-register on Cisco.com to obtain additional personalized information and services. Registered users can order products, check on the status of an order, access technical support, and view benefits specific to their relationships with Cisco.
To access Cisco.com, go to the following website:
http://www.cisco.com
Technical Assistance Center
The Cisco TAC website is available to all customers who need technical assistance with a Cisco product or technology that is under warranty or covered by a maintenance contract.
Contacting TAC by Using the Cisco TAC Website
If you have a priority level 3 (P3) or level 4 (P4) problem, contact TAC by going to the TAC website:
http://www.cisco.com/tac
P3 and P4 level problems are defined as follows:
•P3—Your network performance is degraded. Network functionality is noticeably impaired, but most business operations continue.
•P4—You need information or assistance on Cisco product capabilities, product installation, or basic product configuration.
In each of the above cases, use the Cisco TAC website to quickly find answers to your questions.
To register for Cisco.com, go to the following website:
http://www.cisco.com/register/
If you cannot resolve your technical issue by using the TAC online resources, Cisco.com registered users can open a case online by using the TAC Case Open tool at the following website:
http://www.cisco.com/tac/caseopen
Contacting TAC by Telephone
If you have a priority level 1(P1) or priority level 2 (P2) problem, contact TAC by telephone and immediately open a case. To obtain a directory of toll-free numbers for your country, go to the following website:
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/687/Directory/DirTAC.shtml
P1 and P2 level problems are defined as follows:
•P1—Your production network is down, causing a critical impact to business operations if service is not restored quickly. No workaround is available.
•P2—Your production network is severely degraded, affecting significant aspects of your business operations. No workaround is available.
