AudioCodes MP114/118, v4.8 and higher

AudioCodes MP114/118 SIP Gateway

Configuration example

This article describes the setup of the AlphaCom E system and the AudioCodes MP-114/118 SIP Gateway, firmware version 4.8, 5.0 and 5.2. The article covers the most common features used in an AlphaCom ↔ AudioCodes interconnection.

AlphaCom Configuration

AlphaWeb Configuration

Assign IP address to the AlphaCom E Ethernet port(s)

Log on to AlphaWeb and enter a valid IP address on the Ethernet port. In the example below, Ethernet port 1 is used. Consult your network administrator to obtain the IP address.

Insert SIP Trunk licenses

Log on to AlphaWeb and install the SIP Trunk license.

Firewall (filter) settings

Enable the SIP protocol on the desired Ethernet port (default enabled for Ethernet port1).

AlphaPro Configuration

Create a SIP Trunk Node

From the AlphaPro main menu, use the ‘+’ button next to the ‘Select Exchange’ dropdown list to create a new exchange. The exchange type must be set to ‘SIP Node’.

Set the parameters as follows:

The SIP Trunk IP address must be identical to the IP address of the SIP Gateway.

Note: If the AlphaCom is configured with a SIP Registar node in addition to the SIP Trunk node, the SIP Registar node must have a lower node number than the SIP Trunk node.

Define the AlphaCom / SIP routing

In Exchange & System > Net Routing use the Insert button to create a route between the AlphaCom and SIP Gateway. Set Preferred codec to G711u and RTP Packet Size to 10 ms.

Create Prefix number

The directory number (prefix) used to access the telephone line must be programmed in the AlphaCom directory table with feature 83 and Node = SIP Trunk node number (100 in this example). In the example below the default directory number 0 has been modified to be used as a prefix.

Update the exchange

Log on to the exchange and update the exchange by pressing the SendAll button.

AudioCodes MP-114/118 Configuration

Configure Network Parameters

The AudioCodes MP-114/118 VoIP Gateway comes with default network parameters (factory default parameters).

Before you can set up the gateway in the network, you have to change the default IP address to a fixed IP address in your network environment. The unit is configured from a web browser, e.g. Internet Explorer or Navigator. Consult the network administrator to get the correct IP address.

Follow these steps:

Load factory network parameters and reset the username and password to its default settings (username: Admin, password: Admin) by pressing the reset button at the rear of the AudioCodes MP-114/118 unit for minimum 6 seconds.
The VoIP Gateway will now get the IP address 10.1.10.11, submask 255.255.0.0.
Change the IP address of your PC to 10.1.10.12, submask 255.255.0.0.
Connect the LAN port of the PC to the Ethernet port of the Gateway. Use a crossed cable or connect the PC and the VoIP Gateway to a common switch using straight cables.

Start your Web Browser and type '''http://10.1.10.11''' in the URL field. Type in user name Admin and password Admin. (Case-sensitive!)

Log-in window

The ‘Quick Setup’ screen opens.

IP Configuration Enter the IP Address and Subnet Mask of the AudioCodes Gateway. This IP address must be identical to the IP address of the SIP Trunk Node created in AlphaPro. The NAT IP Address and Default Gateway IP Address are set to 0.0.0.0

SIP Parameters Set Working with Proxy to Yes. Enter the IP address of the AlphaCom in the Proxy IP Address field. Set Enable Registration to Disable. Leave Gateway Name and Proxy Name blank.

Click Reset button and OK button to apply the changes.

Disconnect the PC from the Gateway.

Reconnect the Gateway and PC to the LAN. The PC and Gateway must be on the same sub-net.

Restore the PC’s IP address and subnet mask to what they originally were, and re-access the Gateway using the new assigned IP address.

Audio Codec

In the Quick Setup screen, select Coders Table. Choose G.711U-law codec, 10 ms packet size and silence suppression Disabled.

Press Submit to save changes.

About Saving Changes

The Submit button will save the data to the running volatile memory. The changes take effect on-the-fly. The changes will not survive hardware reset or power off.

To permanently save the configuration data, store the data to flash memory by selecting the Save Configuration from the main menu.

Note: Parameters proceeded by an exclamation mark (!) is not changeable on-the-fly and require that the device is reset.

Backup and Restore

The configuration of the AudioCodes Gateway can be stored to a file on your PC.

Use the Configuration File menu to store or restore the configuration (Advanced Configuration > Configuration File).

AlphaCom to Telephone Network

There are two ways of selecting a FXO line from the AlphaCom.

Group Hunt, where a prefix is dialed and you are connected to one out of several lines
Direct FXO line selection, where there is one prefix assigned for each of the FXO lines.

Both methods can be combined, and are described below.

Group Hunt

Dial a prefix and get connected to a free FXO line.

Hunt Group Settings

In the Hunt Group Settings, specify a Hunt Group ID = 1,

In Channel Select Mode, select Cyclic Ascending. (Protocol Management > Hunt Group Settings).

IP to Hunt Group Routing

When dialing the prefix from AlphaCom, the call needs to be routed to the right Hunt Group.

In the example below the call is routed to group hunt ID 1. (Protocol Management > Routing Tables > IP to Hunt Group Routing).

Endpoint Phone Number In the Endpoint Phone Number Table the FXO lines are linked to the prefix in AlphaCom and to the hunt group ID. Protocol Management > Endpoint Phone Numbers).

In the example below all four FXO lines belong to Hunt Group ID 1. When dialing 0 on a station the first available line will be granted. Directory number 0 must be programmed in the AlphaCom directory table with feature 83/<node>. See Create Prefix Number

If there are unused lines, leave the fields for that line blank.

FXO Line Select

In installations with different types of equipment connected to the various FXO lines the user must be able to select which FXO port to use. On a ship, for instance, there could be a mix of shore lines, GSM interface and SatCom lines. Line selection is achieved by assigning each port a Phone Number in the Endpoint Phone Number Table. These directory numbers must be programmed in the AlphaCom directory table with feature 83/<node>. See Create Prefix Number

Replace “0” with four lines, “41” to “44”.

In this table the four FXO lines are selected by dialing 41 – 44

If there are unused lines, leave all fields for that line blank.

Group hunt is not used in this call mode, and the IP to Hunt Routing Table must be empty.

More FXO Line Select – configuration examples (MP-11x)

Telephone Network to AlphaCom

You can choose between three different ways of handling an incoming call from the telephone line:

Selective Dialing
Automatic Dialing
Delayed Automatic Dialing

Selective dialing

Automatic dialing

Selective Dialing

A second dial tone will be presented when calling in, and the user can dial the desired intercom number. The fields in the Automatic Dialing table must be left blank (Default setting). (Protocol Management > Endpoint Settings > Automatic Dialing).

In this mode the gateway collects digits from the line, and sets up the call towards the AlphaCom when a predefined number of digits are collected and no more digits are received within a preset time (default 4 seconds), or when the ‘#’ key is dialed.

In 'Protocol Management > Protocol Definition > DTMF & Dialing, set Max Digits In Phone Num equal to the number of digits used on the AlphaCom stations, normally 3 or 4. The parameter Inter Digit Timeout specifies the waiting time for more digits before setting up the call.

Automatic Dialing (Call to Switchboard)

When calling in, the call will automatically be connected to a predefined intercom number.

Enter the intercom number in the Destination Phone Number field in the Automatic Dialing table. Set Auto Dial Status to Enable. (Protocol Management > Endpoint Settings > Automatic Dialing).

In the example above, calls on line 1, 3 and 4 are routed to station 103, and incoming calls on line 2 are routed to station 101.

Delayed Automatic Dialing ( Delayed Call to Switchboard)

If Auto Dial Status is set to Hotline, a second dial tone will be presented when calling in, allowing the user to dial a number. But if no digits are pressed within the Hotline Dial Tone Duration time, the number in the Destination Phone Number is automatically dialed.

The Hotline Dial Tone Duration can be changed. The default value is 16 seconds. (Protocol Management > Protocol Definition > DTMF & Dialing > Hotline Dial Tone Duration').

Caller ID

Use the Caller Display Information table to send display information to the intercom station that receives the call. (Protocol Management > Endpoint Settings > Caller ID).

The prefix code entered in the End Point Phone Number Table will be shown together with the text in Caller ID/Name.

If Caller ID name is detected on the FXO line, this will be used instead of the Caller ID name in the table above. Caller ID from FXO line must be enabled in Protocol Management > Advanced Parameters > Supplementary Services.

Set Enable Caller ID to Enable and choose the CID protocol used by the PSTN supplier in Caller ID Type. Check with the local telephone company to find the CID protocol used.

Far End Disconnect (FED)

Far End Disconnect refers to methods for detecting that a remote party has hung up. The far end disconnect signal is not mandatory and this could create problems. If the Far End Disconnect signal is not sent to or properly detected by the SIP Gateway, the connection will not be released by the unit, thus freezing the FXO line in the off hook state.

Call Termination options in the SIP Gateway

The following methods for call termination are supported by the AudioCodes MP-114/118. Note that the used disconnection methods must be supported by the CO (Central Office) or to PBX (Private Branch Exchange).

Detection of polarity reversal / current disconnect
Detection of Busy / Dial tones
Detection of silence
Timeout of Conversation

Detection of polarity reversal / current disconnect

This is the recommended method. The call is immediately disconnected after polarity reversal or current disconnect is detected on the Tel side (assuming the PBX / CO produces this signal).

Open the General Parameters screen (Protocol Management > Advanced Parameters > General Parameters) and enable the relevant detection method.

Note:
In the UK, if you are using BT and are having problems with AudioCodes not detecting current disconnect hangups, your PSTN line might have the wrong specifications for the AudioCodes to detect hangups. 
Contact BT and ask what the current DCT (Disconnect Clear Time) setting is for your phone line. It should be around 800ms. 
If this is the case, you also need to adjust the DCT setting on the AudioCodes as the default value is 900ms. 
Add this parameter to the .ini config file: 


CURRENTDISCONNECTDURATION = 800

Detection of Busy / Dial tones

The call is immediately disconnected after Busy or Dial tone is detected on the Tel side (assuming the PBX / CO produces this tone). This method requires the correct tone frequencies and cadence to be defined in the Call Progress Tones (CPT) file of the SIP Gateway. If these frequencies are not known, define them in the CPT file (the tone produced by the PBX / CO must be recorded and its frequencies analyzed). This method is slightly less reliable than the previous one.

A file with the most common tone patterns can be downloaded from http://www.zenitel.com/stentofon/support.

Open the FXO Settings screen (Protocol Management > FXO Settings > FXO Settings) and enable the relevant detection method.

Call Progress Tones (CPT) The Detection of Busy / Dial tones method requires the correct tone frequencies and cadence (on/off sequence) to be defined in the Call Progress Tones (CPT) file of the SIP gateway. These tones are region specific and telephone exchange dependent.

The Call Progress Tones (CPT) configuration file is a binary file (with the extension .dat).

Users can either use one of the supplied configuration (dat) files found on the CD provided with the gateway, or construct their own file.

Either:

Modify the supplied usa_tone.ini file (in any standard text editor) to suit the specific requirements, and convert the modified ini file into binary format using the TrunkPack Downloadable Conversion Utility.

Or:

Use the Call Progress Tones Wizard.

The Call Progress Tones Wizard (CPTWizard) is an application designed to detect the Call Progress Tones generated by your PBX (or telephone exchange) to create a basic Call Progress Tones ini file containing definitions for all relevant Call Progress Tones. This provides a good starting point when configuring the SIP gateway. This ini file can then be converted to a dat file using the TrunkPack Downloadable Conversion utility.

Both the TrunkPack Downloadable Conversion Utility (DConvert.exe) and the Call Progress Tones Wizard (CPTWizard.exe) are provided with the AudioCodes CD.

Load a Call Progress Tones (dat) file to the SIP gateway:

Open the Regional Settings screen (Advanced Configuration > Regional Settings).

Click the Browse button and navigate to the folder that contains the file you want to load
Click the file and click the Open button; the name and path of the file appear in the field beside the Browse button
Click the Send File button
Save configuration so the file can be available after a power failure
Reset the SIP Gateway for the changes to take effect

For more detailed information regarding Call Progress Tones please refer to the following sections in the AudioCodes ‘LTRT-65406 MediaPack SIP User's Manual Ver 4.8’ on the CD supplied with the unit:

Section 15.1 – on how to configure the CPT ini file
Section D.1.1 – on how to convert CPT ini file to a binary dat file
Section D.2 – on how to use the Call Progress Tones Wizard (CPTWizard) application

Detection of Silence

The call is disconnected after silence is detected on both call directions for a specific (configurable) amount of time. This method should only be used as a backup.

Open the General Parameters screen (Protocol Management > Advanced Parameters > General Parameters).

Timeout of Conversation

As an additional safety to prevent lines from accidentally locking up, it is recommended to enable a timeout of conversation.

The Max Call Duration defines the maximum call duration in minutes. If this time expires, both sides of the call are released (IP and Tel). The valid range is 0 to 120. The default is 0 (no limitation). (Protocol Management > Advanced Parameters > General Parameters: Max Call Duration).

Miscellaneous Features

Incoming Calls in Private

Incoming calls from the telephone line can be forced to be in private ringing mode, independent of the private/open switch of the intercom station (available from AlphaPro/AMC 10.05).

AlphaPro 10.05: Check the flag Private Ringing from SIP in Exchange & System > System > Calls and Options.

AlphaPro 10.26: Check the flag Incoming calls from SIP in private ringing mode in Exchange & System > System > VoIP.

Door Opening Feature

During a conversation between a door station and a telephone, the telephone operator can activate the Door Opening feature in the AlphaCom by pressing digit 6.

SIP Gateway configuration

To enable digit actions from the telephone line during conversation, set 1st Tx DTMF Option to INFO(Cisco) in Protocol Management > Protocol Definition > DTMF & Dialing.

AlphaCom configuration

The Door Opening feature is programmed in the Event Handler. There are two separate events for the door opening feature, depending on who is the calling side:

Calling from the telephone to the door station 103

Calling from the telephone to the door station
The Standard door opening event is used.

Calling from the door station 103 to the telephone

Calling from the door station to the telephone
When the phone presses digit 6, the event type Event Trigger (Event Type) (15) is reported, with the digit 6 as sub event. The calling AlphaCom station is Event Owner, and called SIP phone number and node number is Related To. The RCO pulse time is specified as an additional parameter in the RCO action string, i.e. RCO 3 ON 20 means pulse RCO 3 for 2 seconds.

M-key Control from Telephone Network

The ‘*’ and ‘#’ buttons on the telephone can be used to control M-key function (simplex audio) ON or OFF:

Press the ‘*’-key briefly and the M-key is turned ON
Press the ‘#’-key briefly and the M-key is turned OFF

This can be useful for group call announcement from the telephone. The feature is enabled by setting 1st Tx DTMF Option to INFO(Cisco) in Protocol Management > Protocol Definition > DTMF & Dialing.

Transmit ‘*’ and ‘#’ from AlphaCom

The DTMF signals ‘*’ and ‘#’ will be transmitted to the line when DAK 0 (*) and DAK 1 (#) is pressed during a telephone conversation. (No programming is required).

Voice Switching in Noisy Environment

If the intercom station is located in a noisy environment, it might be difficult to switch the voice direction from the telephone towards the intercom station. However, there is a setting in the AlphaCom (from AMC 10.05) to overcome this problem. Use the nvram editor in the TST Console to set the parameter:

.ex_profile.flags.DSP_duplex = 1

Contact your local STENTOFON dealer for TST programming help.

When this flag is set, the initial voice direction is forced to be from the intercom towards the telephone. When the phone operator starts to speak, the voice direction will switch towards the intercom station, regardless of the level of the audio signal from the intercom station. As soon as the phone operator stops speaking, the voice direction will switch back to the initial direction.

Make sure that the Echo Canceler is enabled in the SIP Gateway. (Protocol Management > Profile Definitions > Tel Profile Settings > Echo Canceler = Enable)

Country Settings

The Line Characteristics (AC impedance matching, hybrid balance, Tx & Rx frequency response, Tx & Rx Gains, ring detection threshold, DC characteristics) should be set according to country of origin.

Some of the SIP Gateway parameters are configurable through the ini configuration file only (and not via the Web). The CountryCoefficients parameter that determines the line characteristics must be configured via the ini configuration file.

Procedure to modify the ini file:

Get the ini file from the gateway using the Embedded Web Server (Advanced Configuration > Configuration File > Get ini File):

Get the ini file from the gateway

Modify ini file

Open the file (the file is open in Notepad or a Customer-defined text file editor) and add anywhere in the file the line:

CountryCoefficients = xx

where xx is the country code found below; save and close the file. The example shows the settings for Norway (46).
Load the modified ini file back to the gateway (using the Send ini File).

This method preserves the programming that already exists in the device, including special default values that were preconfigured when the unit was manufactured.

Country codes

The default is 70 (United States).


Argentina	= 0	Finland	= 18	Lebanon	= 36	Russia	= 54
Australia	= 1	France	= 19	Luxembourg	= 37	Saudi_Arabia	= 55
Austria	= 2	Germany	= 20	Macao	= 38	Singapore	= 56
Bahrain	= 3	Greece	= 21	Malaysia	= 39	Slovakia	= 57
Belgium	= 4	Guam	= 22	Malta	= 40	Slovenia	= 58
Brazil	= 5	Hong_Kong	= 23	Mexico	= 41	South_Africa	= 59
Bulgaria	= 6	Hungary	= 24	Morocco	= 42	South_Korea	= 60
Canada	= 7	Iceland	= 25	Netherlands	= 43	Spain	= 61
Chile	= 8	India	= 26	New_Zealand	= 44	Sweden	= 62
China	= 9	Indonesia	= 27	Nigeria	= 45	Switzerland	= 63
Colombia	= 10	Ireland	= 28	Norway	= 46	Syria	= 64
Croatia	= 11	Israel	= 29	Oman	= 47	Taiwan	= 65
Cyprus	= 12	Italy	= 30	Pakistan	= 48	TBR21	= 66
Czech_Republic	= 13	Japan	= 31	Peru	= 49	Thailand	= 67
Denmark	= 14	Jordan	= 32	Philippines	= 50	UAE	= 68
Ecuador	= 15	Kazakhstan	= 33	Poland	= 51	United_Kingdom	= 69
Egypt	= 17	Latvia	= 35	Romania	= 53	Yemen	= 71

Feature Guide

Make a call from an intercom station: Dial prefix – wait for the dial tone – dial phone number
When pressing digits during connection, DTMF digits are sent (Call center etc.)
The DTMF signals ‘*’ and ‘#’ will be transmitted when pressing DAK 0 (*) and DAK 1 (#)
A complete phone number can be stored under a DAK key or a substation call button (From AMC 10.05)
- Program from station: 784 + <prefix> + <phone number> + M + DAK key Example: 784 + 0 + 40002500 + M + DAK key
- Program from AlphaPro:

I <prefix> P <phone number>. Example: I 0 P 40002500

Call Transfer

Incoming calls from the line can be transferred to another station
- From keypad: 2 + <intercom station> + 3
- From preprogrammed DAK: D 2 I 104 M M D 3

Outgoing calls to the line can be transferred to another station
- From keypad: DAK9 + 2 + <intercom station> + 3

Call Forwarding (From AMC 10.05)

An intercom call can be forwarded to a telephone
- From keypad: 71 + 0 + <phone number> + M
- From preprogrammed DAK: I 71 I 0 P 400025000

Search List (From AMC 10.05)

A telephone number can be included in the Search List of a station.
- Format: I <prefix> P <phone number> Example: I 0 P 40002500

Customizing the web interface logo

In a few easy steps its possible to change the logo that is seen in the top left corner in the Audiocodes web interface.

Access the device's web interface.
In the URL field, append the case-sensitive suffix ‘AdminPage’ to the IP address (e.g. http://10.1.229.17/AdminPage); the 'Admin' page appears.
On the left panel, click 'Image Load to Device'.
Click the Browse button, and then navigate to the folder in which the logo image file that you want to use is located.
Click the Send File button; the image file uploads to the device. When loading is complete, the page is automatically refreshed and the uploaded logo image is displayed in the Web interface's title bar.
If you want to modify the width of the image, in the 'Logo Width' field, enter the new width (in pixels) and then click the Set Logo Width button.
Save the image by pressing the 'Burn' button located on the top menu bar in the mainpage.