Overview
The OmniPCX Enterprise (Linux version) is a private
telephone switch based on an IP data network infrastructure.
From R5.1, the OmniPCX Enterprise has all the features
and capabilities of the OmniPCX 4400 up to R5.0 Ux,
via the different configurations.
For clarity and concision, in the rest of this document,
the term OmniPCX Enterprise is used for the Linux
version of the PCX, and the term OmniPCX 4400 refers
to the Unix version.
The main components of the OmniPCX Enterprise are:
· A "Call Server" that is the system control
center.
· One or more (possibly none) Media Gateways supporting
standard telephone equipment:
o Wired UA or analog sets.
o Lines to the standard public or private telephone
networks.
o DECT or PWT mobile phone base stations.
o Voice guides.
o Compressors to ensure the link between standard
and IP phones.
· Wired telephone sets (UA, analog).
· IP telephone sets (IP-Phones or multi-media PCs
or H323 terminals).
· DECT or PWT mobile sets.
Other characteristics:
· An OmniPCX Enterprise may belong to an ABC-F network
- in such a network OmniPCX Enterprises and OmniPCX 4400s
may be interconnected.
· An OmniPCX Enterprise can use direct RTP to optimize
IP resources.
· An OmniPCX Enterprise can connect to the following public
networks:
o Digital: ISDN T0/T1/T2.
o Digital: T1 CAS.
o Analog: NDID.
o Analog: Loop start.
o Analog: Ground start.
Operating principle
Call Server is a software program that runs with LINUX.
It has the configuration of each system element. It also
stores the current status of each element in memory (set,
trunk, trunk group, etc.). For example (simplified) a
set may be at idle, ringing or calling. When an event
occurs (set unhooked for example), this event is sent
to the Call Server by the Media Gateway. The Call Server,
according to set configuration and status, decides on
the operations to be performed. In the case of an idle
set being offhooked, it can decide to send the dialing
prompt tone. The order is transmitted to the Media Gateway
via the IP network. The Media Gateway interprets the order
from the Call Server and connects the required tone to
the designated set.
This scenario is identical for all elements.
Protocols used:
· voice calls transit on IP segments using one of
the following protocols: G711, G723 or G729.
· Data calls transit on IP segments by encapsulation
in IP datagrams.
· FAX calls transit on IP segments either using proprietary
protocol (for Alcatel equipment) or using T38 protocol
(for non Alcatel equipment).
Example of implementation
The term "IP network" may cover one or more
local area networks (LANs) or local networks linked
via public networks to make Wide Area Networks (WANs).
Example of multi-site implementation of a node
Overview of the different components
Call Server
Call Server is a program that can run on the following
supports:
· Appliance Server. The Appliance Server is based on a
PC. This machine is configured and delivered by Alcatel.
· CS board. This board is installed in an S or L rack.
All connections with other components are via IP link.
· CPU - ACT board (CPU6 or CPU5_step3) in an ACT cabinet
(from the OmniPCX 4400).
The Call Server can be duplicated for security. Duplication
is only possible when the backup Call Server is of the
same type as the main Call Server.
Signaling between a Call Server and an OmniPCX Media Gateway
may be backed up by the public switched telephone network.
OmniPCX Media Gateway
The OmniPCX Media Gateway is based on S and L racks (from
the OmniPCX Office). These racks have 3 or 9 board slots.
If 9 slots are not sufficient, two extension racks (maximum)
can be connected for increased capacity.
The OmniPCX Media Gateway has:
· A 220V (or 110V) AC / 48V DC power supply.
· Batteries ensuring limited autonomy (several minutes).
Their purpose is to ensure that the system can shut down
correctly. For increased autonomy, a UPS and external
batteries are required.
· A GD board, ensuring:
o The IP link with the Call Server.
o Support of the compressors/decompressors enabling voice
calls with the other Media Gateways, the IP-Phones and
standard telephone resources (not IP).
o Support of the voice guides, tones and 3-party conference
circuits.
o The link with the rack interface boards.
o The link with the extension racks.
· Interface boards, that are used to connect:
o Digital or analog sets.
o DECT - IBS (or PWT) mobile phone base stations.
o Links with the public or private analog or digital networks.
· Possibly, one or two extension racks, connected to the
main rack via an extension board.
OmniPCX Media Gateway with extensions
In the above figure, the rack (1) is directly connected
to the IP network. Racks (2) and (3) are extension racks;
they are connected by HSLs (High Speed Links).
ACT Media Gateway
The ACT Media Gateway is based on hardware from the
OmniPCX 4400. Alcatel offers two types of ACT Media
Gateways.
Auxiliary ACT Media Gateway
An auxiliary ACT Media Gateway is used to support
OmniPCX 4400 equipment (devices) not supported by
OmniPCX Enterprise equipment from the OmniPCX Office.
It comprises:
· One or more public or private network interface
boards (for example LDTL, ATL8, etc.).
· One or more auxiliary boards (for example GPA).
· One or more DECT - RBS connection boards.
Standard ACT Media Gateway
A standard ACT Media Gateway is a remote ACT (via
the IP network). It is connected to the Call Server
by an INT-IP board. It has interface boards from the
OmniPCX 4400, allowing the following equipment to
be connected:
· UA or analog sets.
· T0, T1 or T2 digital networks.
· Analog networks.
· DECT - RBS base stations
· ... .
External applications
An external application is an application that works
closely with the Call Server.
4645 Voice Mail
The 4645 application provides the voice mail and automated
attendant services and the Ubiquity function. This
application can be installed on the same processor
as the Call Server, or operate on a dedicated machine.
OmniVista 4760
When supported by a dedicated PC, this application
notably allows a PCX network to be managed.
OmniTouch Unified Communication
OmniTouch Unified Communication is a unified communication
applications suite that will group, in its full version:
· My Phone,
· My Messaging,
· My Assistant,
· My Teamwork.
LDAP directory server
This server is used by the "Dial by name"
application as an external database.
The Alcatel range
Alcatel offers the following configurations:
Based on the OmniPCX Media Gateway
The following figure presents an example of this type
of configuration.
