Cisco Broadband Local Integrated Services Solution Release Notes for Release 1.5

These release notes for the Cisco Broadband Local Integrated Services Solution (BLISS) for Cable describe the new features provided in Release 1.5. Release 1.5 does NOT add new capabilities to the existing PacketCable™™ features implemented in Release 1.0.

Cisco BLISS for Cable Release 1.5 does incorporate new network elements and solution capabilities, while leveraging the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 3.5.3 as the Call Management Server (CMS).

This release offers two distinct, mutually exclusive, architectural approaches. These two architectures cannot interoperate at the IP level in this release.

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The first architecture is an enhancement to the current PacketCable™ 1.0 compliant Cisco BLISS for Cable Release 1.0 architecture.

Cisco BLISS for Cable Release 1.5 enables use of the PSTN gateway (PSTN GW). As cable MSO VoIP deployment grows, the PSTN interconnect function is increasingly performed for MSOs by established competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs) or incumbent exchange carriers (IXCs).

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Trunk side SIP-based PSTN gateway (PSTN GW) function using the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch for controlling media gateways (MGWs) for PSTN hop-off calls

The trunk side PSTN GW, the Media Gateway Controller (MGC), and MGWs are hosted by and managed by a CLEC or IXC.

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Integration of the High Availability Cable/Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) architecture
for VoIP on the Cisco uBR7246VXR and the Cisco uBR10012

Note

These release notes are updated periodically on an as-needed basis. Please read the applicable sections in their entirety, because they contain important operational information that can impact your network.

Major, Minor, and Maintenance Releases

The following section describes the differences between major, minor, and maintenance releases. Each Cisco BLISS for Cable major release can include a series of minor (1.n) and/or maintenance releases (1.n.n) following the major release. Release notes are issued only if new information is available.

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Major Release—Major software releases contain significant new features, enhancements, changes and/or defect fixes. The major release number increments with each new version (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and so on), and numbers cannot be skipped. Subsequent major releases are based on previous major releases and contain defect fixes from each previous release throughout the life cycle of the release.

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Minor Release—Minor (or "point") software releases usually have a few new features of limited scope, enhancements, and/or defect fixes. The minor release number increments as content is added and minor release numbers can be non-sequential (3.1, 3.2, 3.4, and so on). Subsequent minor releases are based on previous major or minor releases and contain defect fixes from each previous major or minor release throughout the life cycle of the release.

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Maintenance Release—Maintenance software releases have no new features or enhancements. Maintenance releases include only defect fixes to address specific problems. Maintenance release numbers increment as content is added and numbers may be non-sequential (3.5.1, 3.5.3, and so on). Subsequent maintenance releases are based on previous major, minor, or maintenance releases and contain defect fixes from previous releases throughout the life cycle of the release.

Release Naming Conventions

Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch release numbering, for example, is defined as either:

This release numbering format is used in the product documentation, with excess zeros deleted.

This release numbering format is used as a part number, and is also noted in DDTS enclosures as the "Packaged In-XX.XX(XX)" reference.

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ww is a minor release ID (within a major release) (00-99)—for example: 900-03.05.xx.yzz

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xx is the maintenance release ID (within a minor) (00-99)—for example: 900-03.05.03.yzz

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y is the software state and zz is the version number (00-99)—for example: 900-03.05.03V02

System Requirements

This section details the Cisco BLISS supported hardware platforms, their supported options and configurations, and the supported software releases.

Hardware Requirements

There are multiple hardware options available. Service providers should consult with their Cisco account team and choose compatible options that best suit their network applications and traffic levels.

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Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch is available only in duplex (continuous-service) configurations. The available hardware options include the following equipment:

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Element Management System/Bulk Data Management System (EMS/BDMS) server— Two application servers.

The Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch application servers provide the following hardware options:

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Medium Platform AXmp Option—Requires four Continuous Computing AXmp host machines (AC or DC powered), supplied as part of a complete system ordered directly from Cisco Systems.

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Medium Platform Sun Netra 20 Option—Requires four Sun Microsystems Netra 20 hosts machines (AC or DC powered). This hardware option can be supplied as part of a complete system ordered directly from Cisco Systems, or it can be supported as part of a reference sale.

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Small Platform Option—Requires four Sun Microsystems SunFire V120 (AC-powered) or four Netra 120 (DC-powered). This hardware option can be supplied as part of a complete system ordered directly from Cisco Systems, or it can be supported as part of a reference sale.

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2 AXmp/2 AXi Option—Supported in release 4.x (dependent on system load and not going over maximum supported configurations).

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Sun 1280 Option—Requires four Sun Microsystems Netra 1280 hosts (AC or DC powered). This hardware option can be supplied as part of a complete system ordered directly from Cisco Systems, or supported as part of a reference sale.

Note

You can order Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch software only for use in a Cisco BLISS solution where you supply Cisco-approved hardware. Cisco TAC supports Cisco software running only on Cisco-approved hardware configurations.

Sun Microsystems hardware can be ordered directly from Sun or a Sun Value Added Reseller (VAR); however, Cisco TAC does not support hardware when purchased directly from Sun or a Sun VAR. Support contracts should be purchased from your hardware vendor.

Tip

The Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch User Documentation is password protected. See your Cisco representative for access information.

Cisco Catalyst 6509 Core Switch

Cisco Catalyst 6509 Ethernet switches, deployed in a redundant configuration to provide high reliability, are used in the BLISS for Cable solution to provide Layer 2 connectivity among the IP core, Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch, and ancillary servers and element management components necessary to provision and maintain the BLISS for Cable solution, such as web cache, e-mail, and so on.

The Cisco Catalyst 6509 also provides Layer 3 functionality for routing signaling packets to edge and trunking gateways, and to interconnect all servers within the SuperPOP. Each switch is configured with redundant processors, switch fabric, internal clock, power supply and fans to provide high level redundancy with redundant router modules.

The Cisco Catalyst 6509 can also be used to aggregate the traffic from multiple CMTSs into a single interface on a GSR. (The GSR component is optional depending on the network architecture.)

Cable Modem Termination Systems

Cable Modem Termination Systems (CMTS), as defined in the DOCSIS 1.1 specification, provide connectivity to the Service Provider (SP) for PSTN access. CMTSs are managed by Service Providers and are physically located at the cable headend. All of the traffic from the cable portion of the network is aggregated on the CMTS. The CMTS forwards IP data to/from the HFC infrastructure using the DOCSIS standard.

Cable Modem Termination Systems (CMTS) used in the Cisco BLISS for Cable solution include:

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Cisco uBR7246VXR CMTS—the Cisco Universal Broadband Router, uBR7246VXR, integrates a CMTS with a Cisco7200 series router allowing it to terminate IP packets on its network interface. This enables the Cisco uBR7246VXR to connect cable modems on the HFC Cable network using Cisco MCxx cable modem cards.

Cisco BLISS for Cable Release 1.5 introduces the Network Processing Engine G1 (NPE-G1) card, which addresses the demand for performance and flexibility by doubling its processing capacity and enabling unprecedented LAN performance. The NPE-G1 card provides three 10/100/1000-Mbps ports, either RJ-45 or gigabit interface converter (GBIC), directly on the processor.

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Cisco uBR10012 CMTS—the Cisco Universal Broadband Router, uBR10012, delivers the industry's highest-capacity CMTS and integrated router. The Cisco uBR10012 resides on the edge of the network in a balanced system that employs a mix of distributed, centralized, and parallel processing. The Cisco uBR10012 enables cable Service Providers to deliver high-speed data, voice, and video to very high subscriber penetrations, typically 10,000 to 25,000 subscribers per chassis.

Cisco MGX8850 Trunking Gateway

The Cisco MGX 8850 provides the interface to a 911 tandem, or Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), and Operator Services by means of Feature Group D (FGD) trunks. All SS7-controlled bearer channels (Inter-Machine Trunks or IMTs) from the PSTN terminate on a Cisco MGX 8850 Trunking Gateway.

The Cisco MGX 8850 is a scalable carrier-class platform that delivers voice services in combination with other BLISS for Cable components and interconnects the IP infrastructure with the PSTN permitting the routing of voice, modem, and fax traffic between the IP network and the PSTN.

All components of the Cisco MGX 8850 are optionally redundant to 100-percent system redundancy. All Trunking Gateways must support redundant IP network interfaces with each interface able to handle the full capacity for media streams based on fully loaded PSTN interconnect.

The Cisco MGX 8850 platform can be configured with different combinations of line and processor cards. The Cisco BLISS for Cable solution Release 1.5 supports the following platform configurations:

Cisco AS5400HPX Trunking Gateway

The Cisco AS5400HPX provides an alternative IOS-based Trunking Gateway for SIP based architectures with a PSTN PRI interface.

The Cisco AS5400HPX supports SIP to National ISDN 2 user side interworking using both CT1 and CT3 configuration options. The PRI interface supports FAS and NFAS with D-channel backup.

Calls to the PSTN are delivered by the Cisco AS5400HPX TGW using the NI-2 protocol configured to be user side PRI and adhering to the following:

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TR-NWT-001268—PRI Call Control Switching and Signaling Generic Requirements for Class II Equipment

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SR-4994—2000 Version of National ISDN Primary Rate Interface (PRI) Customer Premises Equipment Generic Guidelines

IP Unity Announcement Server

The IP Unity Harmony6000` voicemail and unified messaging platform is used in the Cisco BLISS for Cable solution as an announcement server (AS). The server receives MGCP signaling control messages from the Cisco BTS 10200 CMS and sends announcements to specified destinations, such as subscriber MTAs, using RTP.

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The CMS communicates with the Announcement Server to provide announcements using MGCP.

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A request from the CMS to start sending a specified announcement file to a specific address/port on the IP network.

The announcement server sends announcements as a series of RTP packets over the IP network. The request also dictates whether an announcement is to be sent once, a specified number of times, or in a continuous loop.

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A request from the CMS to terminate the connection context and end the play operation.

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A message from the announcement server to the CMS indicating that the play operation has been terminated.

For more detailed information on the IP Unity announcement server see the IP Unity Data Sheet.

Telesciences Sterling 5000i Record Keeping Server

The Telesciences Sterling 5000i Record Keeping Server (RKS) monitors and collects PacketCable™ event message data over LAN/WAN networks for Cable VoIP and content-based services, utilizing the PacketCable™ protocol standards. The application extracts all the relevant parts of a call and creates a Call Detail Record in the appropriate format for the billing and operations support systems. The Sterling RKS has been tested with the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 3.5.3 software.

For more information on the Telesciences Sterling 5000i RKS server see the EDB Telesciences website and follow the path EDB Telesciences > Products > Sterling RKS.

SS8 Networks Xcipio SSDF Server

SS8 Networks has combined its existing lawful intercept technology for voice and data networks into a single product called Xcipio™, a cost-effective solution for provisioning, delivery, and recording activities of lawful interception.

The Xcipio Softswitch Delivery Function (SSDF) is comprised of the Provisioning Element (PE-2200), Intercept Engine (IE-2100) and Content Processing (CP-2300) modules. It operates on industry standard Sun Microsystems servers and is designed to scale from small regional service providers to large nation-wide service providers.

Xcipio's modular architecture supports lawful intercept requirements (CALEA) for both domestic and international markets as well as multiple delivery standards for traditional circuit-switched (wireless and wireline), next generation packet, ISP, and hybrid networks. Xcipio's flexibility supports multi-vendor switch environments with a common interface and increases the ease in setup and deployment.

For more information on the SS8 Networks Xcipio SSDF server see the Xcipio SSDF Data Sheet.

Other Solution Hardware

Other hardware that can be employed in your implementation of the Cisco BLISS for Cable solution includes the following:

Software Requirements

The Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 3.5.3 (900-03.05.03.V00) software is required to run the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch on the hardware platforms listed above.

Operator Access

Starting with Release 3.5.3, operator access to the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch is available only by a secure shell (SSH) session to the EMS over an Ethernet link. Communications can be interactive or can be in batch mode using secure FTP (SFTP). SFTP is used for all incoming FTPs; the system can use FTP only for outgoing CDR transfers.

Network Time Protocol

In the pre-3.5.3 releases, each Call Agent (CA) and EMS was configured to individually synchronize with a specific NTP server. In Release 3.5.3 and later, NTP configuration changes with the new XNTP package. NTP is now configured so that the EMSs synchronize directly with the NTP server and the Call Agent's synchronize with the EMS.

Network Time Protocol (NTP) software is installed with the Sun Solaris operating system. Be sure to configure the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch to use NTP or the equivalent time synchronization software. For information on how to reconfigure the NTP, refer to the Release 3.5.3 installation procedure.

Sun Solaris Upgrade

Sun Solaris includes a patch level upgrade. For Release 3.5.3, the patch level upgrade is from Patch Level -14 to Patch Level -19. The upgrade is necessary to pick up the latest Solaris security patches and for other Solaris defect fixes.

Cisco Extensible Provisioning Object Manager

You can use the Cisco Extensible Provisioning Object Manager (EPOM) Release 1.5 software as a provisioning tool for Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 3.5.3.

OpenORB is now selectable as the CORBA interface when installing Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 3.5.3. If you use EPOM for provisioning, you must upgrade to EPOM Release 1.5, and use OpenORB as the CORBA interface.

Note

EPOM cannot run on the Cisco BTS 10200 EMS server; EPOM requires its own server.

Software Only Purchase

When ordering the software-only solution, you will work with the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch product manager to determine the correct software load. The base software load includes licenses for 1,000 subscribers/DS0 licenses and 5 CPS. If you need additional RTU and CPS, you'll need to order multiple RTU (in increments of 1K subs) and CPS licenses as appropriate.

Cisco IOS Software Version

Many components of the Cisco BLISS for Cable solution run Cisco IOS software. To determine the version of Cisco IOS software currently running on any IOS-based component, log in to the router and enter the show version EXEC command.

The following sample output from the show version command indicates the version number on the second output line:

Component Interoperability

Table 1 lists the specific peripheral platforms, functions, and software loads that have been tested by Cisco for interoperability with the Cisco BLISS for Cable solution Release 1.5. Earlier or later releases of platform software might be interoperable and it might be possible to use other functions on these platforms. This list certifies only that the required interoperation of these platforms, the functions listed, and the protocols listed has been successfully tested within the Cisco BLISS for Cable solution.

Table 1 Component Interoperability Matrix
Component	Function(s) Tested	Protocol(s) Tested	Load(s) Tested
Cisco BTS 10200	CMS, MGC	MGCP 1.0, TGCP	3.5.3 V00
Cisco Catalyst 6509	Core Switching	Ethernet, IP	12.1(13)E06
Cisco AS5300	Trunking Gateway¹	MGCP 1.0, TGCP	12.2(11)T9
Cisco AS5350	Trunking Gateway	MGCP 1.0, TGCP	12.2(11)T9
Cisco AS5400	Trunking Gateway	MGCP 1.0, TGCP	12.2(11)T9
Cisco MGX 8850 PXM1 PXM45 RPM-PR RPM-XF VISM-PR	Trunking Gateway	MGCP 1.0, TGCP	1.2.13 3.0.23 12.2(13)T4 12.2(15)T2 3.1.2
Cisco uBR7246VXR Router	CMTS	CALEA SII	12.2(15)BC1
Cisco ESR10012 Router	CMTS	CALEA SII	12.2(15)BC1
Cognitronix CX500	Announcement Server	MGCP 1.0	2.0
IP Unity	Announcement Server	MGCP 1.0 SIP RFC3261	1.5D11 2.5.1.6
HP IUX	Record Keeping Server	FTP, SFTP, RADIUS
SS8 Networks Xcipio SSDF	CALEA server	CALEA SII	3.4.0
Toshiba	eMTA	NCS 1.0, IPSEC	3.02
Arris	eMTA	NCS 1.0, IPSEC	TS030204-092903
Motorola SBV4200	eMTA	NCS 1.0, IPSEC	7.3.1

¹The Cisco AS5300 has also been tested as an Announcement Server

New Features for Release 1.5

Cisco BLISS for Cable solution Release 1.5 software contains the necessary functionality to support North American Cable access and includes the following new features or enhancements:

The following sections briefly describes these features and enhancements. For more detailed information on the features, including how to provision them, refer to the relevant Feature Modules or product manuals.

Alternate PSTN Connections

The Cisco AS5400HPX provides an alternative IOS-based Trunking Gateway for SIP based architectures with a PSTN PRI interface. It uses a 390-MHz RISC microprocessor with 256-KB secondary and 8-MB tertiary caching to enhance platform performance. The Cisco AS5400HPX is the most appropriate choice for service providers who plan to deploy CPU-intensive voice applications.

CMTS Redundancy

The Cisco BLISS for Cable solution Release 1.5 provides two CMTS options: the Cisco uBR7246VXR and the Cisco uBR10012 with NPE-G1 card.

The Cisco uBR7246VXR supports 1+1 and N+1 redundancy of the complete line of DOCSIS™ 1.0-qualified and DOCSIS™ 1.1-based modem cards, including both cable and wireless cards. A range of network interfaces is available, including Fast Ethernet, SONET, and the Cisco Dynamic Packet Transport (DPT) port adapters, which provide direct, high-speed optical connectivity combined with add-drop multiplexer capability.

The Cisco uBR10012 delivers the highest availability with fully redundant components, redundant backplane connections, N+1 RF line card redundancy and stateful switchover support that ensures uninterrupted service. The Cisco uBR10012 is remotely manageable and features field-upgradeable software and hot-swappable components.

Both platforms are compliant with Network Equipment Building Standards (NEBS), the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

OpenORB Support

In the Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 3.5.2 software, OpenORB was added as an option for the CORBA interface. Starting with release 3.5.3, and going forward, OpenORB replaces Inprise Visibroker as the CORBA interface. OpenORB is an open source software, and supports the latest CORBA specifications (OMG CORBA 2.4.2).

Installation

The procedure used to install the OpenORB package is virtually unchanged from the Visibroker install package. The old CORBA Interface Servant (CIS) is removed with a package remove command in Solaris, and the "cis-install.sh" command is invoked. Once the installation is complete, all components are installed and the Name Service and CIS application are running. You can perform the process on the active EMS without switching over.

Cisco OSS Applications

The switch to OpenORB by the Cisco BTS 10200 does affect existing Cisco OSS applications that utilize the CORBA interface.

Note

Cisco OSS/NMS applications include EPOM and PTC. Partner applications include CEON IPS, all of which have specific adapters for the particular ORB.

The bulk of OSS application processing involves this interface and this component of the client application should be totally unaffected. Existing customers are affected in that the client side or OSS application must use a fully compliant ORB that can interoperate with an ORB using CORBA 2.4.2 via IIOP. The original Visibroker POA was specific to the vendors' implementation of the POA.

Name Service Feature

You must navigate to the Cisco BTS 10200 EMS by using the Name Service feature in CORBA. At this time, each Cisco BTS 10200 creates a Name Service instance and binds the Cisco BTS 10200 objects to this local name service. Obtaining these object references for the Cisco BTS 10200 requires communication with its local Name Service.

New Documentation

Note

All Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch user documentation can be accessed through the following location: http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/voice/bts10200/index.htm.

Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch Release 3.5.3 user documentation is password protected. Consult your Cisco representative for access.

Caveats

Open and resolved caveats are not listed in the Release Notes. Instead, the latest information on caveats is available through a a new online tool, Bug Toolkit, available for customers to query defects according to their own needs.

The Bug Toolkit allows you to enter a known bug ID, such as CSCdp94390, search for Cisco IOS-related bugs by release number, or you can search for bugs in other Cisco software and hardware products by entering the product or solution name or by selecting the name from a list.

Bug Toolkit

To access Bug Toolkit, you must have an Internet connection and a Web browser as well as a CCO username and password.

Step 1

Click here to log onto Bug Toolkit. You must have a CCO user name and password.

Step 3

If you are looking for information about a specific caveat, enter the ID number in the "Enter known bug ID:" field.

To view all caveats for Cisco BTS 10200, for example, go to the "Search for bugs in other Cisco software and hardware products" section, and start typing BTS in the Product Name field. The Cisco BTS 10200 Softswitch listing should appear after typing the first two letters, B and T.

Step 5

Select the filters to query for caveats. You can choose any or all of the available options:

Note

To make less specific queries, you can simply leave the default "All" option for the Major/Minor release, Features/Components, and keyword options; however, you should be aware that general queries may take longer and might return a large number of caveats. Be as specific in setting options as necessary.

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Select Minor Release for more specific information—for example, selecting Major version 3.5 and Minor version 3 queries specifically for Release 3.5.3 caveats.

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Select the Advanced Options, including the Bug Severity level, Bug Status Group, and Release Note Enclosure options.

Hardware and Software Component Caveats

For platform-specific documents and release notes for the components in this solution, refer to the release notes of each component. The following links will display the Release Notes for the corresponding component.

For release information on Cisco BLISS for Cable components not manufactured by Cisco Systems Inc. please refer to the user documentation that came with the component.

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