PowerPoint Presentation

CCNCharging Control Node a Complete Reference Book

By Sheheryar ObaidSheheryar Obaid11Scope and ExpectationsScope of the presentation is To give a complete overview of CCNTo focus on the O & M concepts and techniques of CCNTo present the topics so that they could be used as a reference and guideTopics are divided into chapters with well defined objectivesExpectation from you areTo be interactive and engage in discussionsAsk question as much as you wantGive compliments at the end of the show to improve the quality of future presentationsExpect you to further explore the things taught in the presentation and share the knowledgeSheheryar Obaid2ContentsEricsson ArchitectureThe Architecture of Ericsson Charging System 5Brief intro of different Entities and their functionsCCN IntroductionIntroduction to TSP and NSPExplanation of CCFInterfaces and Protocols (CIP)Traffic CasesCCN O&MComplete O&M of Ericsson CCNIncluding Fault, Performance and SS7 Management, B&R and Statistics

Sheheryar Obaid3Charging SYSTEM 5.0 ArchitectureA brief introduction of CS 5.0Sheheryar Obaid4ObjectivesAfter this chapter we will be able to Name all the Network Entities in CS 5 EnvironmentDescribe each node and its functionality in a CS 5 EnvironmentIdentify the connectivity of each NE in a CS 5 environmentSheheryar Obaid5CS5.0CS5.0 is the latest charging system offered by EricssonServing more than 850 million users and 160 service providersCS5.0 has a decoupled/modular/distributed architecture Separates traffic plane from administration planeEvery function of an IN Network has been assigned a separate nodeSDP ---- SDPSEP ----- SDPSCP ---- CCNSMP ---- MINSATIP ---- IVRThe ultimate goal of CS is to provide convergent chargingCharging of every service in one single system

Sheheryar Obaid6Architecture of CS5

Figure showing all the NEs of CS5Sheheryar Obaid7Brief Intro of NEsNetwork ElementDescriptionCCNMaintains charging session with the core network and SDPVXML/IVRStandalone IVR, announcements and handling of IVR traffic towards AIRSDPSubscriber Database, Rating, USSD and SMS notifications MINSATMobile IN Subscriber Administration ToolCRSStorage of CDRs, generation of reportsAIR-AFInterface for 3PPs to perform refills, adjustments or enquiries on account balance AF locates SDP (DNS)VSVouchers administration and authenticationSheheryar Obaid8CCn introductionIntroduction to the heart, mind and soul of CCNSheheryar Obaid9ObjectivesAfter this chapter we will be able to Explain what CCN is, its functions and servicesDescribe the architecture and interfaces of CCNExplain what is TSP and its characteristicsDescribe TelORB and its roleDescribe what CCF is and its functionDescribe NSP and different types of processorsDescribe what is CIP and perform CAP to CIP conversion Describe different Traffic scenarios

Sheheryar Obaid10Introduction to CCNCCN is an interface of Ericsson Charging System 5.0 towards core networkCan Handle all kinds of SS7 incoming requests MOC, MTC, SMS, DATA, Diameter, ERTCPrimary function of CCN is to facilitate real time charging and convert all the incoming protocols to CIP for SDPCCN does not maintain user accounts nor does it perform RTCCCN works as a relay towards SDPBarring lists, Normalizing Numbers, Converting Parameters, Finding right SDP

Sheheryar Obaid11What is CCNCCN is a charging application built on Telecom Server Platform implemented on Dicos OSPrimarily it works as a relay towards SDP (as SDP only understands CIP)Different protocols terminate at CCN and it works as a protocol converter and packet forwarder to SDPCAP, MAP, SCAP, RTC, Diameter etcCCN consists of two main parts TSP platform and CCF applicationTSP and CCF are explained in the following slidesHardware of CCN is called NSPExplained in the following slides

Sheheryar Obaid12CCF & TSP Architecture

Sheheryar Obaid13Telecom service platform (TSP)TSP is a generic telecom grade platform on which we can deploy many applications e.g HLR,AC,IN,CCN etcTSP offers a combination of scalability, availability and real time characteristicsEricsson CCN is also built upon TSPTSP provides the following advantagesSupport of Software upgrades during operationSupport for geographical redundancyReal-Time Operation: transmission takes place with minimal and controlled delayThere are two ways to connect to TSP via CLI(ssh) and GUI (http)Sheheryar Obaid14TSP Architecture ExplainedTSP Hardware used by Ericsson is called NSPCurrently deployed iteration of TSP and NSP is 6TSP cluster ware used is called TelORBTelORB is the heart of TSP when it comes to traffic and subscriber data managementTSP utilizes Linux and Dicos operating systemsA striped down version of Linux for O&M, FS & I/O processors Dicos for real time mission critical tasks (TPs)External communications represent all the external connections to TSPExternal communications include SS7 and Ethernet connections

Sheheryar Obaid15NSPNSP is the hardware used by Ericsson for TSPCurrent iteration of NSP used by Ericsson is NSP 6Difference between NSP and TSP is that NSP is a hardware release while TSP is a software releaseWe can upgrade to TSP6 on NSP 5 hardware

Sheheryar Obaid16NSP 6.0

Sheheryar Obaid17NSP 6.0 Hardware DescriptionNSP hardware consists of magazines and processorsProcessors are affixed in magazinesThere are three magazines in one NSP 6.0 cabinetFirst magazine is standard only the rest can be loaded with different processorsFirst and Last slot of every magazine is reserved for MXB plugin unit The main roles of different processors areTraffic Processor : used for the processing of applicationLoader : dedicatedly used for cluster managementNode Management : Linux processors to provide O&M interfaceI/O : used for initial loading, backups, dumping and upgradeFile Server : used for storing application data

Sheheryar Obaid18Different type of processorsMXB has the following functionsPower distributionInterconnection of magazinesBackplane buses to connect the processorsThere are following three types of processors:GEP2Can be used as Loader, Traffic Processor and Node managerSoftware installed on these processors determines their purposeGEP2 SASCan be used as an I/O and File Server processorThese boards can be used to extend the HDD capacity Please note that I/O and FS are not part of the clusterGEP2 E1/T1This is used as a connectivity processor for Sigtran and E1 connectivity Sheheryar Obaid19CCF Architecture ExplainedCCF software contains services and functions specific to CCNCCF application includes the followingAccessServicesFunctionsAccess contains the CCF specific access methods in CCN RequestTerminationTransfer

Sheheryar Obaid20CCF - AccessRequest methods in CCN are CIP charging interrogation protocolAFP account finder protocolMAP mobile application partTermination methods in CCN are ERTCCAPSCAPGyTransfer method in CCN is FTPSheheryar Obaid21CCF - ServicesServices offered by CCN areOnline charging of VoiceOnline charging of GPRSOnline charging of SMSOnline charging of ContentOnline charging of EventOnline charging of DiameterSheheryar Obaid22CCF- FunctionsFunctions provided by CCF areProtocol conversionblacklist/whitelistMNPBonus on incoming callsNumber NormalizationSDP lookupATI (location lookup)CDR GenerationCall controlCharging SuppressionPre-Call ReplenishmentSheheryar Obaid23Interfaces and protocols

Sheheryar Obaid24Interfaces explainedCAP v1 for charging of voice callsCAP v3 for charging of GPRS and SMSMAP protocol for HLR and FNR ERTC protocol for Ericsson MSCCIP/IP protocol for SDPSSH for connectivity with client PCsGy interface for connectivity with GGSNFTP to transfer CDRs to EMMHTTP/LDAP for configuration via RMA

Sheheryar Obaid25CIPCIP is a new charging interrogation protocol that uses IP instead of SS7 and is based on diameter application

The three messages of CIP are First InterrogationRET,RET result operation at the start of callIntermediate InterrogationRET,RET result operation during the callFinal InterrogationRET, RET result operation at the end of callSheheryar Obaid26From CAP to CIPCAPCIPIDP

ACR

Last ACRFirst InterrogationRET, RET Result

Intermediate InterrogationRET, RET Result

Final InterrogationRET,RET ResultSheheryar Obaid27CAP CIP

Sheheryar Obaid28Traffic CasesThe following traffic cases will be discussedVoice CallSMSMNPSheheryar Obaid29Voice Call

Sheheryar Obaid3030Voice CallA call is initiated from a charging system subscriber. The OCSI of the subscriber in the VLR, routes the call to the SSF.The SSF collects data about the call and triggers CCN.CCN performs a SDP selection and sends the data, collected in step 2, in a first interrogation to SDP. SDP reserves money from the account and sends the calculated call time to CCN, together with other call data such as announcements to be played.CCN tells the SSF to play announcements if this has been requested by SDP. Further on, CCN tells the SSF to setup the call and to supervise it based on the call time calculated by SDP.The call lasts longer than the call time sent to the SSF, so a notification is sent to CCN.CCN requests SDP to make another reservation from the account with an intermediate interrogation.Sheheryar Obaid31Voice Call (Contd)SDP makes a new charging analysis and deducts the amount previously reserved from the account. In this example it is assumed that there is still sufficient funds left on the subscribers account. SDP then reserves money for the next period and forwards a new call time to CCN.CCN passes the new call time on to the SSF.Note: Step 69 can be repeated several times. In this example, steps 1017 describes what happens when the subscriber's account balance reaches the account empty limit.The call lasts longer than the call time sent to the SSF and a notification is sent to CCN.CCN requests SDP to make another reservation from the account with an intermediate interrogation.SDP makes a new charging analysis and updates the account. The charging analysis shows that there is not enough money on the account to cover the requested period. SDP sends the calculated call time to CCN together with an indication that there is no money left on the account and that a call cutoff warning announcement is to be played. The time between the warning announcement and call cutoff can be configured. For this example 30 seconds is used.

Sheheryar Obaid32Voice Call (Contd)CCN uses the 30 seconds indication from SDP and the time between call cutoff warning and call cutoff is excluded from the new call time. CCN then passes the new call time on to the SSF.The SSF notifies CCN that the time sent down in step 13 has expired.CCN sends the remaining 30 seconds and tells the SSF to play the call cutoff warning announcement.The SSF notifies CCN that the final 30 seconds has expired.CCN tells the SSF to play the call cutoff announcement and to disconnect the call.The SSF notifies CCN of the call disconnection.A final report is sent from CCN to SDP. SDP performs final charging of the call.SDP rates the total call and sends a final report result to CCN.CCN sends a call release to the SSF.Sheheryar Obaid33SMS

Sheheryar Obaid34SMS An originating SMS is received by the MSC/SSF.The MSC/SSF analyses the data and interrogates the serving CCN.CCN interrogates SDP.SDP verifies the account status, reserves money and sends the result to CCN. CCN replies to the interrogation from the SSF based on the result from SDP.The MSC/SSF delivers the SMS to the SMS-C.The SMS-C confirms the delivery of the SMS.The MSC/SSF forwards the result to CCN.CCN forwards the result to SDP. SDP charges the corresponding account.Sheheryar Obaid35MNP

Sheheryar Obaid36MNPThe call is initiated by the Charging System subscriber.If it is an originating or forwarded call: the called party number is sent to the MNP database.If it is a terminating call: the calling party number is sent to the MNP database.The MNP database returns MNP information to CCN, for delivery to SDP.Sheheryar Obaid37Ccn o&MComplete O&M guide to CCNSheheryar Obaid38O&M ConceptOperationBy operation we mean network operation and co-ordination on a day to day basisCollection of data and analysing it Monitoring of critical alarmsEnsuring high level of serviceMaintenanceKeeping the network work correctlyTroubleshootingTesting ReportingSheheryar Obaid39O&M Functions of CCNFault ManagementBackup and RestoreDBN Disk LogSS7 ManagementPerformance ManagementStatistics(Statistical Counters)

Sheheryar Obaid40Fault managementObjectivesUse the user interface for receiving and viewing of alarms and notificationsRetrieve past alarms using log queryReview the error logs in the systemList important directories for log files in the systemSheheryar Obaid41Fault managementFM allows detect faults and malfunctions on nodeTwo default viewers are used for FMAlarm Viewer Notification ViewerAlarms are actionable events, Notifications are for informational purposes onlyOS writes events used for troubleshooting to error logs as do all programs, logs are stored on I/OAlarms are of two typesAutomatically Detected and Automatically Cleared (ADAC) e.g processor failureAutomatically detected manually cleared (ADMC)Sheheryar Obaid42ALARM viewer

Sheheryar Obaid43Alarm viewer guideSeverityIndeterminate, Minor, Major, CriticalTimeTypeCommunicationAlarm, QoS, ProcessingErrorAlarm, EquipmentAlarm, EnivironmentalAlarmObject TypeName reflects the MO that triggered the alarmInstanceIdentifier of the MO that triggered the alarmFaultIDIdentifies the alarm within ObjectType and InstanceCauseDescription of probable causeSheheryar Obaid44Notification viewer

Sheheryar Obaid45Notification viewer guideTimeTime when notification was sentObject TypeIdentifies the type of object the notification is about InstanceIdentifies the object the notification is aboutTypeInteger value used to differentiate between different events belonging to the same objectSheheryar Obaid46Log queryLog query is a GUI that helps display alarm history.Open the Node Management Toolbox. The Node Management window appears.In Logging, click Log Query. The Database Selection window appears.Choose the current or the backup database option, and click Select. The Log Type Selection window, alike to the following example, appears.In the application list, select the log type to be queried, then click Select. The Query Tool window appears.

Sheheryar Obaid47Log Query Window

Sheheryar Obaid48Error logsLinux Syslog/var/log/messagesApplog/opt/telorb/axe/tsp/applogConsole log/opt/telorb/axe/tsp/consolelogs

Sheheryar Obaid49O&M interface protocols

Sheheryar Obaid50Backup and restoreObjectivesDescribe the principles of backup and restoration of the TSP platformCreate a backup and restore the TelORB databaseCreate a backup of IODescribe principle of Centralized SchedulerSheheryar Obaid51Backup and RestoreDatabase of CCN is called DBNCreating a backup ensures that a checkpoint of all the data in DB is stored to a safe file system on IOThe following data is backed upSite Database: all services running on IOSS7: all configuration files having SS7 settingsNM: configuration of all 3PPs connected to NMSheheryar Obaid52Backup and RestoreThere are three kinds of backupsDBN BackupsIO backupsFS backupsThere are two kinds of restoreZone ReloadEntire system is restore from the active backupProcessor ReloadRestore only certain processors

Sheheryar Obaid53Backup and RestoreBackups can be initiated in two waysManual BackupsScheduled Automatic BackupsArchiving BackupsBackups could be archived to external servers either tape drives or hard disks

Sheheryar Obaid54DBN Backup GuideLog in to TelORB manager there is a tab called backupThere are two subsections under backup tagBasicShows a list of all the backups currently available on IOSOnly one of the backups are active marked with AArchiverWe can also set the number of backups to be retained DBN backups are scheduled in the scheduler

Sheheryar Obaid55Backups

Sheheryar Obaid56Scheduler

Sheheryar Obaid57DBN disklogObjectivesDescribe the disklog functionality on CCN platformConfigure and Manage the disklog function on the CCN platformSheheryar Obaid58DBN DISKLOGDisk Log is used for point in time recovery Disk Log Is an incremental backup of POTsAll critical information is disk logged such as subscriber account data so that it could be recovered even if the entire system is reloadedA transaction that updates such data stores changes in a log file on IO processorsWhen the system is restored from backup the log for that backup is applied as well

Sheheryar Obaid59Disklog Snap

Sheheryar Obaid60SS7 managementObjectivesDescribe SS7 protocol stacks supported by CCNConfigure and Manage SS7 Function on TSP6 Platform

Sheheryar Obaid61Signalling ManagerSignalling Manager is a GUI used for management of SS7 stack of CCNSS7 Stacks supported by CCN are CAPv1-3SCAPDiameterINAPCCN supports both Sigtran and HSL

Sheheryar Obaid62How to Check Associations Go to Signalling Manager SCTPSCTP Get instance listSelect FENote Endpoint IDSCTP Get Association listSelect FEEnter Endpoint IDSelect Association IDSCTP Get Association StatusSelect FEEnter Association IDCheck the Status of the AssociationSheheryar Obaid63Performance management and Statistical CountersObjectivesTo Know where the different counters of CCN are storedTo calculate BHCA stats of all services and requests coming to CCNTo Monitor load on different blades of CCNSheheryar Obaid64Load ViewerStart the Load Viewer using the command win. The command is in the following form:win -th | -n | -s | -i | -geometry ++Each colour represents a different type of loadYellow: Low priority loadGreen: Normal priority loadRed: High priority load (Dicos), Kernel Activity (linux)Sheheryar Obaid65

Performance CountersPath/opt/telorb/axe/tsp/NM/PMF/reporterLogs/CcnCountersSMS counters/opt/telorb/axe/ccn/bin/CleanCcnCounters.pl `ls ltr | grep Nov 24 | gawk {print$9} | grep Messaging-Charging-Originating-SMS/opt/telorb/axe/ccn/bin/CleanCcnCounters.pl `ls ltr | grep Nov 24 | gawk {print$9} | grep Messaging-Charging-DirectDebit-SuccessfulCall Counters/opt/telorb/axe/ccn/bin/CleanCcnCounters.pl `ls ltr | grep Nov 24 | gawk {print$9} | grep Voice-Charging-Originating-Call/opt/telorb/axe/ccn/bin/CleanCcnCounters.pl `ls ltr | grep Nov 24 | gawk {print$9} | grep Voice-Charging-First Interrogation-Successful

Sheheryar Obaid66