SmartNode™ 4900 Series
IpChannelBank™ Multi-Port FXS/FXO Analog VoIP Gateway Router with up to 32 ports
The SmartNode™ 4900 Series IpChannelBank™ Multi-Port FXS/FXO Analog VoIP Gateway Router is the perfect VoIP gateway for applications requiring 12 to 32 concurrent analog voice/fax calls within a single redundant solution.



Need help?
Call Patton at +1 301 975 1000 or email sales@patton.com.

Features & Benefits
  • 12, 16, 24 or 32 FXS or FXO ports—Simultaneous voice or fax calls on all ports. Advanced local call switching.
  • Full SIP and T.38 support—Supports the complete range of industry standard VoIP: SIP, H.323, T.38 fax, fax and modem bypass, DTMF relay. Codecs G.729, G.723 etc.
  • Secure Toll-Quality VoIP—DownStreamQoS and Voice-over-VPN with adaptive traffic management and shaping for maximum voice quality and secure voice communication.
  • Complete Access Routing—Two 10/100 Ethernet ports with auto MDI-X. Access router with NAT, Firewall, PPPoE, DHCP, DynDNS, multiple VLANs & VPN with IPSec*
  • Optional Integrated WAN uplink—Choose from V.35, X.21, T1/E1, ADSL or G.SHDSL data interfaces in addition to the two Ethernet ports.
  • Outstanding Interoperability—Interoperable for voice and T.38 fax with leading SIP service providers, soft-switch vendors and Asterisk™ IP-PBX


Overview

The SmartNode 4900 Series IpChannel Bank is the perfect business solution for applications requiring 12 to 32 concurrent analog voice/fax calls. The IpChannel Bank transforms any PBX system, analog call-center application, or ISP MDU service into a state-of-the-art packet-voice system without requiring costly equipment replacement or upgrades.

There are several models in the SN4900 Series - ranging from 12 to 32 FXS or FXO ports (look for the "JO" letters in the model code for FXO ports, and the "JS" letters for FXS ports). Also available are different WAN interface options: V.35, X.21, T1, E1, ADSL, G.SHDSL.

The SN4900 Series supports key industry-standard VoIP signaling protocols such as SIP, H.323, and T.38 Fax Relay--plus fax-bypass and modem-bypass. This ensures interoperability with the leading soft switches and VoIP services.

Built-in Quality of Service (QoS) features include voice prioritization and traffic management via configurable service-policy profiles. Patton’s advanced DownStreamQoS ensures clear, uninterrupted voice--even over best-effort networks such as the Internet. Packet classification using 802.1p, TOS, and DiffServ makes integration with existing managed QoS networks easy.

Create custom security profiles for a comprehensive security environment. IPSec in the SN4900 Series delivers data integrity, authentication, anti-replay and data confidentiality. Firewall capabilities include Access Control Lists (ACLs), IP-address and port filtering, protection against Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, and use of second Ethernet port as DMZ.

Offering easy setup, reliable operation, and third-party interoperability on a proven platform, the SN4900 Series IpChannel Bank sits at the core of cost-effective business solutions. The investment protection you need for the future is here today.


Applications


Protect your investment—integrate analog equipment
Legacy is not bad! While VoIP offers distinct advantages in almost every aspect of communications, in many cases it is appropriate to integrate legacy equipment into a VoIP system rather than replacing it. The SN4900 Series is the enabler that protects your investment in analog equipment. It enables enterprises to extend multiple analog lines from a PBX to a remote location wich existing cabling or phones, taking advantage of a single IP link to transport up to 32 voice calls. The remote location can be a building around the block as well as a partner in another continent.

SmartNode

For call centers, the SN4900 is the ideal, reliable solution to integrate legacy work desks and cabling into next-generation, VoIP based call center software.

Specifications
Capacity

12, 16, 24, 32 simultaneous VoIP calls

Data Services

Two 10/100 Ethernet ports
Complete IP access router
DHCP Client & server
Packet fragmentation
Static firewall, NAT, NAPT RFC 1631 access control lists
DMZ port

Optional WAN interfaces X.21/V.35 Frame Relay (8 PVCs); RFC1490, FRF.12 fragmentation; LMI, Q.933D, ANSI 617D, Gang of Four; PPP, PAP, CHAP, LCP, IPCP)
T1/E1 (ITU-T G.703, ANSI T1.403; & AMI, B8ZS, HDB3)
ADSL2+ (Annex A, B, I, J, I, M, U-R2)
G.SHDSL (G.991.2, Annex A, B, F, G, Up to 5.7Mbps, 8 PVCs, QoS)
Quality of Service

Voice priority
DownStreamQoS™
Traffic management, shaping and policing
IEEE 802.1p, TOS, DiffServ labeling
IEEE 802.1Q, VLAN tag insertion/deletion (4096 VLAN IDs, multiple VLAN support

Management Web/HTTP, CLI with local console and remote Telnet access
TFTP configuration & firmware loading
SNMP MIB II and product MIB
Secure autoprovisioning for both firmware and unit/subscriber configuration
Built-in diagnostic tools (trace, debug, call generator)
FXS Connectivity

2-wire Loopstart on 50pin (12 to 24 channels) or 64pin (32 channels) Telco connector
Short haul loop 1.1km @3REN
EuroPOTS (ETSI EG201188)
P rogrammable AC impedance, feeding, ring and on-hook voltage
Caller-ID FSK and ITU V.23/Bell 202 generation

FXO Connectivity

2-wire Loopstart on 50pin (12 to 24 channels) or 64pin (32 channels) Telco connector
Programmable impedance, ring detection, tone detection, disconnect supervision
Caller ID detection

Voice Signaling

SIPv2 H.323v4 (simultaneously with B2BUA capability)
SIP call transfer, redirect
DTMF in-band & out-of-band
All tones programmable (dial, ringing, busy)

Call Switching and Services Regular expression based call routing and number manipulation
Number blocking
Short-dialing
Digit collection, distribution and hunt groups
Transparent line extension
Voice Processing CODEC G.711 a-law/mu-law, G.723, G.729ab
G.726, G.727. T.38 fax relay
G.711 transparent fax and bypass
System CPU Motorola MPC875 @ 133 MHz
Memory 32MB SDRAM/8MB Flash
Power & Packaging 19-in. rack-mount chassis
Dimension: 48.3W x 4.44H x 30.5D cm
Weight: 4.1 kg
Power: 100–240 VAC (50/60 Hz)
Power dissipation: > 22W (60W max, model SN4932/JS/RUI)
Operating Environment Operating temperature: 32 - 122°F (0 - 50°C)
Operating humidity: 5 - 80% (non condensing)
Compliance EMC compliance: EN55022 and EN55024
Safety compliance: EN 50950
CE compliance
FCC Part 15 Class A



Ordering Information Email: sales@patton.com    Tel: +1 301-975-1000
SN4912/JO/R48 SmartNode IpChannelBank 12 FXO VoIP GW-Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48V DC Power
SN4912/JO/RUI SmartNode IpChannelBank 12 FXO VoIP GW-Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant UI Power
SN4912/JS/R48 Smartnode IpChannelBank 12 FXS VoIP GW-Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48V DC power
SN4912/JS/RUI SmartNode IpChannelBank 12 FXS VoIP GW-Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant UI Power
SN4912/JSC/R48 Smartnode IpChannelBank 12 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated V.35 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48V DC Power
SN4912/JSC/RUI Smartnode IpChannelBank 12 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated V.35 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant UI Power
SN4912/JSD/R48 Smartnode IpChannelBank 12 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated X.21 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, redundant 48V DC Power
SN4912/JSD/RUI Smartnode IpChannelBank 12 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated X.21 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant UI Power
SN4916/JO/R48 Smartnode IpChannelBank 16 FXO VoIP GW-Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48VDC Power
SN4916/JO/RUI SmartNode IpChannelBank 16 FXO VoIP Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, redundant UI power
SN4916/JS/R48 Smartnode IpChannelBank 16 FXS VoIP GW-Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48VDC Power
SN4916/JS/RUI SmartNode IpChannelBank 16 FXS VoIP Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, redundant UI power
SN4916/JSC/R48 Smartnode IpChannelBank 16 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated V.35 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48V DC Power
SN4916/JSC/RUI Smartnode IpChannelBank 16 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated V.35 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, redundant UI power
SN4916/JSD/R48 Smartnode IpChannelBank 16 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated X.21 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48V DC Power
SN4916/JSD/RUI Smartnode IpChannelBank 16 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated X.21 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant UI Power
SN4924/JO/R48 Smartnode IpChannelBank 24 FXO VoIP GW-Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48V DC Power
SN4924/JO/RUI Smartnode IpChannelBank 24 FXO VoIP GW-Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant UI Power
SN4924/JS/R48 Smartnode IpChannelBank 24 FXS VoIP GW-Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48V DC Power
SN4924/JS/RUI SmartNode IpChannelBank 24 FXS VoIP GW-Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant UI Power
SN4924/JSC/R48 Smartnode IpChannelBank 24 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated V.35 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48V DC Power
SN4924/JSC/RUI Smartnode IpChannelBank 24 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated V.35 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant UI Power
SN4924/JSD/R48 Smartnode IpChannelBank 24 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated X.21 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48V DC Power
SN4924/JSD/RUI Smartnode IpChannelBank 24 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated X.21 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant UI Power
SN4932/JO/R48 SmartNode IpChannelBank 32 FXO VoIP GW-Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48V DC Power
SN4932/JO/RUI SmartNode IpChannelBank 32 FXO VoIP GW-Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant UI Power
SN4932/JS/R48 SmartNode IpChannelBank 32 FXS VoIP GW-Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48V DC Power
SN4932/JS/RUI SmartNode IpChannelBank 32 FXS VoIP GW-Router, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant UI Power
SN4932/JSC/R48 Smartnode IpChannelBank 32 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated V.35 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48V DC Power
SN4932/JSC/RUI Smartnode IpChannelBank 32 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated V.35 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant UI Power
SN4932/JSD/R48 Smartnode IpChannelBank 32 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated X.21 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant 48V DC Power
SN4932/JSD/RUI Smartnode IpChannelBank 32 FXS VoIP IAD, Integrated X.21 WAN, 2x10/100bTX, H.323 and SIP, Redundant UI Power
SN4932/JST/R48 IPCHANNEL BANK, 32 PORT, T1
 

Related Information
Articles (PDF) -- Requires Adobe Acrobat to view
Patton Brings Unified Communications to Boy Scouts of America Campground October 31, 2007
SmartNode™ Delivers VoIP-over-VPN Network with Secure, Encrypted Voice for 1200-Site Retail Chain August 08, 2007
SmartNode™ VoIP Delivers First-Line Business-Class Internet Telephony Services with green.ch February 06, 2006
SmartNode™ VoIP Powers inode Business Service for ISDN Subscribers December 21, 2005

Catalogs (PDF) -- Requires Adobe Acrobat to view
Patton Electronics Product Line Catalog #21 (High resolution, print quality) August 25, 2008
Patton Electronics Product Line Catalog #21 (Low resolution, for dial-up users) August 25, 2008

Certifications (PDF) -- Requires Adobe Acrobat to view
Declaration of Conformity - SN4900 Series IP Channel Bank May 09, 2005

Data Sheets (PDF) -- Requires Adobe Acrobat to view
SmartNode 4900 Datasheet (A4 page size) July 29, 2009
SmartNode 4900 Datasheet July 29, 2009
Enhanced Warranty March 01, 2006
VoIP Glossary March 04, 2005
VoIP Solutions Guide September 21, 2004

Manuals (PDF) -- Requires Adobe Acrobat to view
SmartWare R5.6 Software Configuration Guide July 20, 2010
SmartWare R5.5 Software Configuration Guide March 16, 2010
SmartNode 4900 Guide, Quick Start January 13, 2010
SmartWare R5.4 Software Configuration Guide October 13, 2009
SmartNode 4900 Guide, Getting Started March 05, 2009
SmartWare R5.3 Software Configuration Guide January 29, 2009
SmartWare R5.2 Software Configuration Guide August 07, 2008
SmartWare R5.1 Software Configuration Guide February 06, 2008
SmartWare R4.2 Software Configuration Guide August 17, 2007
SmartWare R4.1 Software Configuration Guide April 05, 2007
SmartWare R3.21 Software Configuration Guide April 05, 2007
SmartWare R3.20 Software Configuration Guide August 01, 2006

News Releases
Patton's New VoIP IAD Wins Unified Communications 2007 Product of the Year March 17, 2008
Patton Wins INTERNET TELEPHONY® Product of the Year for the Third Consecutive Year January 07, 2008
Patton-Inalp Joins Triple Play Alliance, Promotes Multi-Vendor Interoperability October 01, 2007
Patton Receives INTERNET TELEPHONY Excellence Award September 12, 2007
With Over 1,000 Networking Products to Offer, Patton Publishes Dual Catalogs May 22, 2007
Patton Launches High-Performance PRI VoIP Gateway August 14, 2006
SmartNode™ VoIP CPEs Now Certified for Interoperability by Cirpack® July 31, 2006
Patton Unveils Industrial First-mile-Ethernet and Outdoor-VoIP Equipment at GlobalComm 2006 June 06, 2006
Massive VoIP Rollout Features Patton Equipment April 17, 2006
Patton Hardens Communication Products April 05, 2006
Patton and BroadSoft Deliver Interoperability to Carriers March 06, 2006
Patton Adds Voice-Encryption to SmartNode™ VoIP Routers February 22, 2006
Patton Receives Technology Champion Award February 01, 2006

Tech Notes
Understanding Echo Problems - (PDF) September 19, 2007
SmartNode™ Quality of Service for VoIP on the Internet Access Link - (PDF) December 13, 2004
VoIP: What Are FXS & FXO? - (PDF) April 02, 2003

White Papers (PDF) -- Requires Adobe Acrobat to view
VoIP in Industrial Networks - Implementing QoS for reliable voice over industrial Ethernet November 10, 2006
White Paper - SmartWare Release Strategy June 07, 2006
VoIP - Addressing QoS Beyond the Provider Network January 19, 2006

Software Upgrades
SmartNode 4900 Series
 
Frequently Asked Questions
 SmartNode VoIP/ToIP 
 Call Routing 
 How can I remove or restrict Caller-ID (CLIP)? 
 There are two possibilities:
1. Set the ISDN Presentation Indicator (PI) to restricted:
172.16.40.125(ctx-cs)[switch]#mapping-table pi to pi MT-PI-TEST
172.16.40.125(map-tab)[MT-PI-T~]#map default to restricted

2. Delete the Calling-Party Nummer using a E.164 mapping table:
172.16.40.125(map-tab)[MT-PI-T~]#ble calling-e164 to calling-e164 MT-CNPN-TEST
172.16.40.125(map-tab)[MT-CNPN~]#map default to "" 
 Using Timeout and Termination Characters in Call-Routing Tabels 
 Call-Routing tables offer two possibilities to terminate overlap dialed numbers.
1. A dialling timeout
2. A special termination caracter like # or *
The timout and the caracter can be configured as follows:

172.16.40.125>enable
172.16.40.125#configure
172.16.40.125(cfg)#context cs
172.16.40.125(ctx-cs)[switch]#digit-collection timeout 5
172.16.40.125(ctx-cs)[switch]#digit-collection terminating-char #

For example:
172.16.40.125(ctx-cs)[switch]#routing-table called-e164 RT-CDPN-EX
172.16.40.125(rt-tab)[RT-CDPN~]#route 123T dest-interface Line0

According to this rule the dialed keys '12345#' will be immediatly matched and the number '12345' will be used without waiting for the timeout.

Special Cases:
The Termination Character can also be part of the rule, in which case it will NOT have the effect of cancelling the timeout period.

Examples:
Rule: #21#T
Dialled Keys: #21#1234
Effect: Timeout is aktive, used number: #21#1234

Rule: #21#T
Dialled Keys: #21#1234#
Effect: No Timeout, used number: #21#1234

Note: The first two dialled '#' do not cancell the timeout, they are part of the rule.

For a general digit-collection with timeout or termination caracter without any restrictions use the following rule:
Rule: T

In this case...
Dialled Keys: 1234
Effect: Timeout active, used number: 1234

or...
Dialled Keys: 1234#
Effect: No Timeout, used number: 1234

Do NOT use a rule as follows:
Rule: .*T

In this case...
Dialled Keys: 1234#
Effect: Timeout is STILL active because '#' matches the regular expression '.T', the used number will be: 1234#

 
 Codecs 
 Why do I hear a crackling noise when using the G.729 codec? 
 On the SmartNodes (4110, 4520, 463X, 465X 4830, 491X, 492X, 493X, IC-4FXS) is not possible to use two low-bit-rate codecs at the same time on an FXS port. Thus you must choose to use either G.723 or G.729. G.711 is always supported.
Try this:

enable
configure
system

ic voice 0
low-bitrate-codec g729

In your VOIP profiles, we suggest you use either the G.723 codec or the G.729 codec, but not both, and it should match your low-bitrate-codec selection. 
 Do the SmartNodes support G.729B?  
 G.729 is defined in a standard with two Annexes.
G.729 is the original 8kb/s CS-ACELP Codec
Annex A defines a reduced complexity Codec>br> Annex B defines the silence suppression scheme for G.729

All versions are supported by the SmartNode family. The configuration allows selection of g729 and optional silence supression. The configuration maps as follows with the capability exchange in VoIP signalling.

If g729 is selected in the VoIP profile:
G.729 and G.729a are signaled

If g729 and silence supression are selected in the VoIP profile:
G.729, G.729a, G.729b and G.729ab are signaled

 
 Even if G.711 codecs are not specified in gateway (H.323, ISoIP), the SmartNode sends H.323 setups with G.711 (plus the additional explicitly specified codecs) to the remote H.323 party. Why? 
 The H.323 standard requires that H.323 endpoints (gateways, terminals etc.) be capable to process G.711. That is why the SmartNode always sends G.711 in the terminal capability set. If a specific codec is to be enforced a codec has to be specified in the interface (H.323) with the keywork exclusive.
 
 How much bandwidth does a VoIP call use? 
 The required bandwdidth depends on various factors such as:
- Codec
- Codec samle length
- Protocol stack (IP, PPP, Frame-Relay, etc.)
- Tranmission Network (DSL, ATM, etc.)
- Echo Cancellation

As a general rule of thumb the bandwdith for one call in one direction is between 10 and 110 kb/s.

An excellent overview of how these parameters can be tuned and effect the VoIP bandwdith can be found in the following TechNote.
http://www.patton.com/technotes/smartnode_qos.pdf
 
 What are the available Voice Codecs? 
 
Codec
Net Bandwidth per call (kbps)
Used Bandwidth per call (kbps)
Min. Compression Delay (ms)
Usage
G.711 a-law
64
96
10
Uncompressed, best voice quality, European audio-digitizing
G.711 u-law
64
96
10
Uncompressed, best voice quality, American audio-digitizing
G.723.1
6.3
17
30
Good voice quality at lowest bandwidth, like analog phone, acceptable delay

G.729
G.729a
G.729b

8
40
10
Best relationship between voice quality and used bandwidth, low delay. G.729b is the silence suppression scheme for G.729a and is supported by the SmartNode family. For the sake of simplicity SmartWare and SmartNode always use the term G.729a, implicitly meaning G.729a and G.729b.
transparent
64
96
10
Transparent ISDN data, no echo cancellation
 
 What must be observed with codec selection with H.323 FastConnect procedure in case of overlap dialing? 
 When using H.323 FastConnect (which is usually the case) together with overlap dialing the voice codec is sometimes not known to the B-side SmartNode in the route lookup. The configuration fragment below exemplifies how to configure a SmartNode such that it also accepts such incoming calls:
context cs
no number-prefix national
no number-prefix international
use tone-set-profile default
...
interface h323 h323_1
routing dest-interface bri1
remoteip 172.19.128.21
codec g711alaw64k
interface h323 h323_2
routing dest-interface bri1
remoteip 172.19.128.21
...
gateway h323
codec g711alaw64k 10 20
faststart
no ras gatekeeper-discovery auto
bind interface eth0 router
use voip-profile default
no shutdown

The bold section shows an H.323 interface without codec. This interface is used by the B-side SmartNode in case overlap dialling is used on the A-side and FastConnect is enabled.

 
 How does voice codec selection for H.323 work with SmartWare? 
 The selection of a specific codec is somewhat tricky with the H.323 protocol. In SmartWare a specific codec can be entered at 2 different locations:
a. in the h323 gateway configuration
b. in the h323 interface configurationThe following example exemplifies a typical configuration:
...
interface h323 myif
routing dest-interface isdn
codec g711alaw64k
use tone-set-profile default
...
gateway h323
alias h323-id inalp1400
alias e164 01233000
codec g723_6k3 30 30
codec g729
faststart
ras
gatekeeper-discovery manual 172.19.32.42 1719 RRS
bind interface eth0 router
no shutdown
use voip-profile default

The codec configuration in the gateway specifies the 2 codecs G.723 6.3kbps and G.729 as the set of allowed codecs. This set of codecs is sent to the remote H.323 gateway (or gatekeeper) during the capability exchange phase. The codec specified in the interface 'myif' is the preferred codec to be used. SmartWare places this codec is on top of the list of allowed codecs which is sent during the capability exchange phase. Note that the preferred codec specification only works when FastConnect procedure is used. Otherwise it is without effect.

 
 Debug and Logging 
 How do I debug QoS? 
 Debugging QoS is different from any other debug commands. It is a two step process. You must be in configuration mode.
1) Go into your service policy and specify "debug queue statistics detail 7"
2) Then do a show command: "show service-policy interface eth0". You can repeat this command as often as you want to view the current statistics. 
 General 
 How can I check if the routing tables are loaded successfully? 
 In the context cs the command 'no shutdown' causes the routing tables to be re-loaded and errors to be printed to the telnet/console (if command 'debug session-router' entered before). 
 What TCP & UDP Service Ports do I need to open to my SmartNode? 
 
Function/Application Protocol Source Port Destination Port Transport Port
H.323 - H.225 call setup (default) any 1720 tcp
SIP and H.323 Audio data streams (RTP and RTCP) 4864-5119 4864-5119 except 5060 udp
H.323 - Gatekeeper RAS (default) any 1719 tcp
H.323 - RAS Gatekeeper discovery (optional) any 1718 tcp, udp
ISoIP (Patton-Inalp ISDN over IP) ports (optional) any 1106 and 1107 tcp, udp
SNMP–Network Mgmt (optional) any 161 tcp, udp
NTP–Network Time Protocol (optional) any 123 tcp, udp
SIP–Internet to Phone (optional) any 5060 tcp, udp
SIP–Phone to Internet (optional) 5060 any tcp, udp
TFTP–Used for software upgrades and saving or loading configuration files (optional-for admin) any 69 udp
Telnet for administration (optional-for admin) any 23 tcp
ping (optional-for troubleshooting) any 8 icmp
tracert (optional-for troubleshooting) any 11 icmp
 
 Can I setup multiple VoIP Gateways on a SmartNode? 
 It is possible to configure multiple SIP gateways on a SmartNode and register them with individual settings to different SIP Servers (multiple domain support). With H.323 only ONE gateway can be configured. The SmartNode can register with a single Gatekeeper. 
 DynDNS is expiring my dynamic DNS enteries. How do I refresh to prevent this? 
 DynDNS.org removes dynamic entries if it is not refreshed or changed after 35 days. Some ISP's i.e., Comcast only changes the IP address about every 3 months. According to dyndns.org the "Static DNS" service should be used in such cases. The "static" service still allows an update, it just takes a bit longer to propagate. So even if you really have a dynamic address but it changes in intervals larger than 30 days, use the static service. 
 Sometimes a command entered into the CLI does not appear in the 'show running-config'. 
 If the command entered happens to be a default value (e.g. sntp-client poll-interval 60) the command is not displayed in the running-config but nevertheless active. This means that only commands and values other than defaults are displayed in the running-config.

 
 How does a SmartNode work in combination with IP-Phones? 
 SmartNodes and IP-Phones can operate in the same H.323 Zone. IP-Phones may be connected to the customer LAN or directly to the access Network. If the SmartNode is used as an ISDN over IP access device, it works independently of H.323 IP phones connected to the same network.

 
 How can the SmartNode be remotely managed when the IP network is down? 
 SmartNodes offer a local console interface which can be connected to a separate device, for example analog modem. In this way the SmartNode can be managed through a dial-up connection if the IP Network is down or the SmarNode is mis-configured.

 
 Keypad facility does not work with H.323. 
 In ISDN supplementary service can be invoked by means of thekeypad protocol. A service can be invoked with the digitsequence *21#. The phone sends these digits as information element 'Keypad Facility' and not as informationelement 'called party number'. As the H.323 protocol does not dispose of a way to transport 'keypad facility'information it gets lost.On the contrary H.323+ (H.323 Annex M3) is a tunneling protocol for the transparent transport of ISDN over H.323and thus inherently supports 'keypad facility'.Note that on some phones it is required to explicitly switch to keypad facility mode in order to send a specificdigit sequence as info element 'keypad facility'.

 
 Is DTMF supported in SmartWare? 
 Yes. Generally, DTMF can always be transported either out-of-band or in-band. in-band provides the most accurate timing reproduction of DTMF, but it is not suitable when a compressing codec is used, e.g. G.729 or G.723. In these cases, out-of-band has to be used for reliable DTMF transport. Smartware supports all mechanisms available today: In H.323: SmartWare uses a mechanism called H.245 alphanumeric for the transparent (i.e. loss-less) transport of dialed DTMF digits across an H.323 network. DTMF digits are extracted from the (digital) ISDN signal, transported to the remote H.323 party which inserts the DTMF digit into the signal again. SmartWare allows to configure an H.323 interface to 'relay' DTMF signals as described above or to leave the signal unchanged. The latter may cause problems when compression codecs are in use which may distort the DTMF signal such that a receiving IVR application is no longer able to decode the signal properly.

In SIP: You can choose between RFC2833 transport of DTMF, within the real-time data (default and most commonly used), or you can choose to have DTMF sent as SIP INFO messages - this way a SIP proxy that does not route RTP traffic will be able to see it. 
 The routes on my MS Windows machines suddenly change when a SmartNode is booted on the same subnet. Why? 
 The SmartNode is a router as per RFC1812/RFC1256 and thus sends "ICMP Router Discovery" messages to the subnet to which it is attached. Some MS Windows versions react to such messages and automatically adjust their routing tables. In order to avoid such unwanted routing table changes on MS Windows machines the "ICMP Router Discovery" can be switched off as follows (per interface):
context ip
interface eth0
no icmp router-discovery
 
 How does the gatekeeper registration work in detail? 
 Up to 3 different gatekeeper IP addresses can be configured on a SmartNode.If the SmartNode is unregistered from the gatekeeper by means of an URQ message, after sending a UCF message the SmartNode tries (instantaneously) up to 3 times (every 20s) with an RRQ message to register with the next configured gatekeeper (round robin). Once successfully registered the SmartNode re-registers every 90s again with a RRQ message. If 3 RRQ registration requests in a row fail the SmartNode switches to the next configured gatekeeper. If a RRQ is not answered with a RCF or RRJ the SmartNode resends 2 further RRQ messages in 20s intervals.

 
 Signaling works fine but there is no voice at all. What is the problem? 
 When using NAPT on a SmartNode there is one global IP interface (with the public IP address) and one local IP interface (with the private IP address). The H.323 gateway must be bound to one of the interfaces since it needs to know on which interface it must send broadcast RAS messages for gatekeeper discovery. When the gateway is bound to the local interface (the one with the private IP address) then signaling with a gateway or gatekeeper in the public network works fine, but RTP packets (voice packets) will use the private IP address and thus voice will not be routed to the destination. Thus make sure that the gateway is bound to the correct interface (generally the global interface when using NAPT).

 
 I need to know the Ethernet MAC address but do not have physical access to the SmartNode. Is there a way to retrieve the MAC address remotely? 
 Yes, the command 'show port ethernet' shows the current Ethernet configuration along with the MAC addresses.

 
 Hardware Interfaces 
 Why does Ethernet not work when connected a Laptop with PC-Card Ethernet interface to a SmartNode using a crossover cable? 
 Some PC-Card Ethernet interfaces do not provide enough voltage to be recognised as a proper Ethernet signal by the SmartNode network interface. We recommend to connect the Laptop to the SmartNode using straight cables via Ethernet hubs or switches.

 
 What is FXS & FXO? 
 In analog telephony there are two common types of interfaces: FXS and FXO. FXS stands for "Foreign eXchange Subscriber" interface is used to connect subscriber equipment such as telephones, modems and Fax machines. FXO stands for "Foreign eXchange Office" is used to connect to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and can also be used to connect to a PABX or multiplexer FXS port. Another third interface, which we will not discuss here, is known as an E&M (Ear & Mouth) interface which is used to provide a leased line or tie-line interface connection between PABX systems.

An FXO device plugs always plugs into an FXS line. You cannot plug FXS into FXS, or FXO into FXO; it will not work.

FXS Information

FXS is what is most commonly known as Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). It is what your local phone company delivers to your home on a twisted pair. In other words, FXS looks a line from the telephone company switch (PSTN); it hooks to a telephone.

FXS interfaces provide to the subscriber:

  • Battery current and ring voltage
  • Dial tone (knows when to give dial-tome (seizure) when it sees current flowing from an FXO port closure.
  • Optional: CallerID (both caller number and name)
  • Optional: Call Waiting / Call Waiting ID
  • Optional: Message waiting indicator

FXS interfaces receive:

  • Hook Flash (to be notified of features, e.g, to set-up a three-way conference call or toggle between two incoming calls)
  • DTMF (touch tones)


FXS "alterts" an incoming call by:

  • Presenting ringing voltage to the line (attached device) – just like a PBX it does not and cannot pass any dialed digits.

FXS goes off-hook by:
  • Loop closure - Identifying that the line has been seized by the attached telephone going off hook. It can then receiving dialed digits (via DTMF).

Typically FXS devices do not indicate when they want to clear a call down, they rely on the two parties noticing that the call has ended (through the other party saying goodbye or the line going quiet) and each end device clearing itself down.

FXO Information

Your telephone is an FXO device and it connects to the FXS of the telephone company. Your phone provides on-hook/off-hook indication (loop closure) to the phone company. This is why you get a dial-tone when you pick up the phone.

FXO interfaces provide:

  • onhook/off-hook indication (loop closure)
  • HookFlash (to request features of PBX or PSTN, e.g., three-way conference calling) A quick loop closure or wink which is about a quarter of a second.
  • DTMF (touch tones)

FXO interfaces receive:

  • Dial tone as an indication from the FXS port that it achknowldeges the loop-closure.
  • Optional: Ring indication (voltage to ring the phone)
  • Optional: CallerID (both caller number and caller name)
  • Optional: Call Waiting Indicator (tone indicating a second incoming call)
  • Optional: Call Waiting ID (Caller ID of second incoming call)
  • Optional: Message waiting indicator (blinking light to indicate voice mail)

FXO makes a call by:

  • Seizing the telephone line (going off hook)
  • Dialing DTMF digits to identify the destination to call
  • Hanging up at the end of the call

FXO receives a call by:
  • Identifying when ringing voltage is being supplied by the PBX / CO switch (ringing the telephone)
  • Answers the call by “going off hook”. Call is then connected.
Examples
  • A standard analog (plain old telephone) is FXO
  • PBX/Switch lines from a PBX (that drive current) that you plug analog phones into are FXS
  • The PBX analog ports lines that plug into the CO are FXO
  • The SmartNode 2300 IC-4FXS card is FXS

 
 Licenses 
 Why do I need a License Key for Release 3.10? 
 SmartWare is the embedded software running on the SmartNodes. SmartWare offers a number of feature options such as QSIG, VPN and IP forwarding.
Up to SmartWare release 2.20 feature options had to be paid but where not keyed. Starting with release 3.10 a license key has to be installed to enable the feature options.

Note that some product bundles include some of the feature options i.e. SN1200/2VIL/UI includes IP Forwarding. The "I" in the model code stands for the IP forwarding license.

Q. Do I need a License Key for every SmartNode?
Yes the License Keys are specific to the feature option and the serial number of the SmartNode. The keys can not be transferred from one unit to another.

Q. Where can I buy Licenses?
Feature Options can be purchased through the regular SmartNode distribution channels.

Q. Where can I get License Keys for feature options purchased together with SmartWare 2.20?
The License Keys for SmartNodes delivered with SmartWare 2.20 can be requested using the following web form:
Liscense Request Form

 
 How do I install a license key? 
 License Key installation is described in the Software Configuration Guide 3.10 in the Chapter "Basic System Management" section "Managing Feature License Keys".

To install the licenses, simply copy the install command and license key ("install license 00010001gB...") from this message and paste them into an open CLI telnet or console session. Note that the CLI session must be in the "configure" mode.
You can verify that your license are installed using the following command:
  show licenses

Occasionally, e-mail clients can add spaces or tabs that will currupt a license key. If you have problems with the cut and paste method, you can alternatively copy a license file from your TFTP server as follows:
  copy tftp://tftp-server-ip-address/tftp-server-path/license-file licenses:

Example:
 copy tftp://192.168.1.1/sn4xxx_00a0ba001234.lic licenses:

  You should then see:
  Download...100% 
 When installing the License the SmartNode returns an error 
 There are two possible reasons for that. 1. You may be trying to install the wrong key. Make sure the keys you are installing match the serial number of the SmartNode. 2. You may have an early access build of SmartWare release 3.00 or 3.10. Please upgarde to a commercial release build number and try again.

 
 I have two different keys for the same feature on the same SmartNode. Which one is correct? 
 When a licence key is issued several times the resulting cipher key is different. However both keys will work and enable the same feature.

 
 The License does not work correctly on my SmartNode 4000 Series? 
 Some SmartNode 4000 series units have a serial number notation using colons ":" that do not work with the early access builds of Release 3.10. Upgrade first to the commercial version of 3.10 and the install the license keys.

 
 Network Address Translation (NAT) 
 Do SmartNodes have a built-in NAPT application level gateway for H.323? 
 H.323 is a non-well behaving protocol in that it signals transport ports (RTP ports) inband in IP packets. When using NAPT (Network Address and Port Translation) this poses a problem since the ports are used by NAPT for address mapping. Thus H.323 does usually not pass a NAPT unless the NAPT is enhanced with H.323 aware functionality that leaves H.323 port ranges untouched.SmartNodes have NAPT but no H.323 aware application level gateway. However, it is possible to run NAPT and H.323 gateway concurrently on a SmartNode since NAPT affects only packets that are routed from IP interface to another (WAN to LAN).

 
 Can I do VoIP over NAT (Network Address Translation)? 
 Yes, If you are on a private network, your firewall or NAT (Network Address Translation) router must be “H.323 aware” or you'll need a SIP proxy if you are using SIP. To help determine if your LAN uses NAT, you can use a web browser and go to the following URL: http://www.patton.com/support/showmyip
This shows both the public and private IP address of your PC.

Note: H.323 aware routers and firewalls support "snooping", in which the H.323 control channel is continuously examined and session requests are authenticated. Once authenticated, the requested ports to be used for the H.323 session are opened for the duration of the conference. Upon termination of the conference, the ports are immediately closed by the firewall.
This is often referred to as an Application Level Gateway since this operation requires the firewall to be protocol-aware. Your H.323 aware router must support H.323v3. Both the firewall and the NAT/PAT software in your router must be H.323v3 aware.  
 SIP 
 How many SIP users can be supported on a SmartNode? 
 For all intents and purposes a maximum number of 100 "SIP users" can be supported on a SmartNode 
 Can I bind multiple SIP Gateways to the same IP Interface? 
 In some cases you may want to create multiple SIP gateways to subscribe to multiple SIP Telephony Services at the same time, or to seperate LAN SIP calls from Global/Internet SIP calls.

In order to bind multiple SIP gateways to the same IP interface the signaling port of the different gateways has to be different. Use the "call-signaling-port" command for this purpose

172.16.40.125(cfg)#gateway sip SIP1
172.16.40.125(gw-sip)[SIP1]#bind interface eth0
172.16.40.125(gw-sip)[SIP1]#no shutdown

172.16.40.125(cfg)#gateway sip SIP2
172.16.40.125(gw-sip)[SIP2]#bind interface eth0
172.16.40.125(gw-sip)[SIP2]#call-signaling-port 5062
172.16.40.125(gw-sip)[SIP2]#no shutdown

If you do not change the signalling port you will get the following error message when you try to bind or activate the second gateway:

% ANOTHER GATEWAY IS ALREADY BOUND TO THE SAME PORT

Note: The ports are allocated even if a gateway is in shutdown. You must still use different signalling ports on each gateway!

Note: The signalling port numbers must be even values e.g. 5060, 5062, 5064 etc.
As an alternative, you may want to create different SIP "services" within one gateway - this allows to have mulitple virtual gateways on the same interface, using all the same call signaling port. 
 Supplementary Calling Features 
 How can a FLASH be relayed from an FXS port to the PSTN on an FXO port? 
 A common application is to accept calls from a PSTN on an FXO port and then ring a telephone connected to a FXS port. In order to send a FLASH out the FXO port to the PSTN, you must disable all supplementary calling features on the FXS interface. For example:

interface fxs IF-FXS-PHONE1
route call dest-table TAB-OUTGOING-LINE1
no call-hold
no call-waiting
no additional-call-offering
caller-id-presentation mid-ring
use profile tone-set US
 
 How can I do Call Transfer and FLASH codes on the SmartNode? 
 SmartWare FLASH Codes

-FLASH 0 - keep current, reject incoming
-FLASH 1 - drop current, accept incoming
-FLASH 2 - hold current, accept incoming
To toggle between the active and the held call, press flash-hook, followed by the "2" key.

Additional Call Offering

To enable aditional call offering, configure the fxs port of the SN with the command: additional-call-offering

1) Press FLASH, then the first call is placed on hold and you will hear a new dial tone.
2) Dial the number of the second call.
3) If you press FLASH, you may change between the two calls.
4) When you hang-up on the phone, the two other parties are connected together. Sorry, three way conferencing is not yet supported. 
 Upgrading/TFTP 
 Using Encrypted TFTP 
 

Encrypted Configuration Download

- An external encryption tool on the PC is used to encrypt the configuration file:

enctool encrypt <plain-config-file> <enc-config-file> [<key>]

- The encrypted confiugration file can then be downloaded with TFTP triggered by

- the CLI copy command:

copy tftp://<host>/<path> <config-file>

- Auto Provisioning

- SNMP

- HTTP

- On the SmartNode the encryption is detected and the configuration file is automatically decrypted

before stored to flash.

- A custom encryption key can be

- downloaded to the SmartWare

- specified with the PC encryption tool

- The encryption key may include the MAC address and/or serial number of the SmartNode using the

placeholders $(system.mac) and $(system.serial) resp.

- An encrypted configuration file can be uploaded to a TFTP server on request, specifying the encrypted

flag:

copy <config-file> tftp://<host>/<path> encrypted

- On the PC the encryption tool can be used to decrypt the file:

enctool decrypt <enc-config-file> <plain-config-file> [<key>]

- A log file lists the last up/downloads:

show log file-transfer


Use Cases

Install a custom encryption key (optional)

You can install a custom encryption key with the SmartNode. The encryption key is used to automatically

decrypt an encrypted configuration file that is downloaded later. A default encryption key is already

installed on the SmartNode.

To install an encryption key you have to create a file on your TFTP server that contains the key. Then you

have to download this key file to the SmartNode using the ‘copy’ command of the SmartNode:

The key file shall contain a key string of at most 24 characters on a single line. Spaces, tabs and LF/CR

characters are trimmed. The key must not contain LF/CR or the null character and must not start or end

with a space or tab. If the key contains more than 24 characters, only the first 24 characters are

considered.

Part Nr. 80-0165, Rev. 1.13 12-07-05 49/54

The key may contain variables that are resolved when the key file is downloaded to a SmartNode. Using

this mechanism you can specify device-specific encryption keys. We currently support the following

variables:

- $(system.mac): The MAC address of the first ethernet port. Execute the show port ethernet

command on a SmartNode to display the MAC address of a SmartNode. This value without the colon

separators and with all lower-case hexadecimal letters is used instad of the variable on the SmartNode.

- $(system.serial): The serial number of the SmartNode. Execte the show version command on

the SmartNode to display the serial number.

When your key file contains the following line…

123$(system.serial)abc$(system.mac)XYZ

show port ethernet shows the following…

Ethernet Configuration

-------------------------------------

Port : ethernet 0 0 0

State : OPENED

MAC Address : 00:0C:F1:87:D9:09

Speed : 10MBit/s

Duplex : Half

Encapsulation : ip

Binding : interface eth0 router

and show version the following….

Productname : SN1200

Software Version : R3.20 TB2005-06-24_MEYER SIP

Supplier :

Provider :

Subscriber :

Information for Slot 0:

SN1200

Hardware Version : 0004, 0001

Serial number : 100000020002

Software Version : R3.20 TB2005-06-24_MEYER SIP

the encryption key on this SmartNode will be interpreted as…

123100000020002abc000cf187d909XYZ

Then you have to download the created key file to the SmartNode. Open a telnet session and type in the

following commands:


>enable

#copy tftp://<ip>/<path> key:

where <ip> is the IP address of your TFTP server and <path> is the path to the key file relative to the

TFTP root.


Encrypt a configuration file

Use the encryption tool to encrypt a configuration file on your PC. Therefore you have to enter the

following command.


enctool encrypt <plain-file> <encrypted-file> [<key>]

where <plain-file> is the path of the non-encrypted input configuration file and <encrypted-file> is the path

of the encrypted output configuration file. <key> specifies the encryption key which shall be used to

encrypt the configuration file. If ommitted the default key is used.


Download an encrypted configuration file

Now you can download the configuration file as usual using the CLI copy-command, the autoprovisioning

feature, HTTP or SNMP download. The SmartNode automatically detects that a downloaded

file is encrypted and tries to decrypt the file using the pre-installed key.


Upload an encrypted configuration file

The SmartNode immediately decrypts a configuration file after downloading it. This is the configuration

file is stored non-encrypted in the flash memory. Thus when you upload a configuration it is uploaded

non-encrypted.

You may upload an encrypted configuration file specifying the encrypted flag at the end of the copy

command:


#copy startup-config tftp://<ip>/<path> encrpted

This encrypts the configuration file before sending it to the TFTP server. Use the enctool decrypt

command on the PC to regain the original configuration.


File Transfer Logs

We introduced an additional log file that stores the history of all file transfers (up to 50 entries). To show

all recently executed file transfer operations enter the following command:


#show log file-transfer

 
 What happens if the software upgrade on a SmartNode fails? 
 Each SmartNode is equipped with a bootloader application. If an upgrade fails and no valid firmware is available on the system the SmartNode will start in this bootloader mode. The bootloader will allow you to install a new firmware.
Please refer to the user documentation on how to operate in bootloader mode.
Note that the bootloader can not be replaced. 
 Where can I get a TFTP Server to load in my configuration or upgrade my SmartNode Software? 
 We recommed two good TFTP Servers: First the Solar Winds TFTP Server is found on the SmartWare CD. You can also download it from the SolarWinds web site. Use SolarWinds version 3.0.9 or higher. SolarWinds is especially nice if you want it to run a TFTP server all the time as an NT service.

Additionally,
TFTPD is available on-line for easy download. Use version 2.60 or higher. TFTPD32 a very small, fast, easy to use and contains a TFTP Client, TFTP Server, Syslog, and SNTP server which are all useful for testing. TFTPD32 is a stand-alone executable that is quick to get running.

Thank you SolarWinds and Philippe Jounin! See their web sites for more great software.

 
 The software download fails in the middle of the process. Why? 
 Some firewalls may reset a session when it takes too much time to complete. On low speed links the software download via TFTP may indeed take a long time and thus the firewall on the link may prematurely reset the session.

 
 VPN 
 Can I do encrypted VoIP calls with the SmartNode IPSec? 
 Yes, with SmartWare software releases dated 3/1/06 and later. For earlier relases, VoIP calls terminated on the SmartNode route the RTP outside the VPN tunnel. A VPN feature license has to be installed for this feature to work. 
 How many VPN tunnels can I configure on a SmartNode? 
 The number of VPN tunnels that you are able to create is only limited to the amount of available RAM. The SmartNode does not have a preset limitation of VPN tunnels. In practice the SmartNode will support a minimum of 10 VPN tunnels but also 100 tunnels are working. Keep in mind that with a large number of tunnels the available bandwidth for each tunnel is reduced. Note that you have to install the VPN license key to have access to the VPN configuration.