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Agilent Signaling Advisor

Users Manual

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Signaling Advisor

User's Manual

Agilent Technologies

This document relates to Release NA2.03.xx of the Signaling Advisor software. Go to Help menu

About to identify the software version number.

Copyright 1997-2001 Agilent Technologies UK Ltd.

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Copyright 2001 Agilent

Technologies UK Limited.

All rights reserved.

Reproduction, adaptation, or

translation without priorwritten permission is

prohibited, except as allowed

under the copyright laws.

Information in this document

may apply to products which

use the VxWORKS TM

software. The VxWORKS

TM software was developedby Wind River systems Inc.,

which has copyright to it.

First edition, 07/01

Part Number 37907-90229Printed in U.K.

Documentation

Warranty

The information contained in

this document is subject to

change without notice.

Agilent Technologies makes no

warranty of any kind withregard to this material,

including, but not limited to, theimplied warranties ormerchantability and fitness for a

particular purpose.

Agilent Technologies shallnot be liable for errors

contained herein or for

incidental or consequential

damages in connection withthe furnishing, performance,

or use of this material.

SAFETY

Warning

Warning denotes a hazard. It

calls attention to a procedure,which if not correctly

performed or adhered to

could result in injury or loss

of life. Do not proceed

beyond a warning note until

the indicated conditions are

fully understood and met.

Caution

Caution denotes a hazard. It

calls attention to a procedure,which if not correctly

performed or adhered to

could result in damage to or

destruction of the instrument.

Do not proceed beyond a

caution note until theindicated conditions are fully

understood and met.

For details of safety, see

Safety Information in the

Mainframe ReferenceManual.

Agilent Technologies UK Limited

Telecommunications Networks Test DivisionSouth Queensferry

West Lothian, Scotland EH30 9TG

Microsoft ,Windows NT and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

Both the GSM logo and the GSM letter mark are trademarks of the GSM Association.

C b C 32 i i t d t d k f Mi S t I

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Contents

Using Signaling Advisor 1

Introduction.................................................................... ........................................................... 1

The Basic Steps..................................................... ........................................................... ......... 2

Getting Help 5Learn about Using Help........................................................... ................................................. 5

How to Use On-line Documentation........................................................................... .............. 7

Connecting and Configuring 9

How to Connect Cables ....................................................... ..................................................... 9

Learn about Configuring Automatically (Monitor Operation Only)......................................... 9

How to Configure Automatically (Monitor Operation Only) ................................................. 11

Learn about Configuring Manually in Bearer View............................................................ ... 16How to Configure Manually ........................................................ ........................................... 21

Configuring Bearer Physical Parameters for Monitoring ......................................... 22

Configuring Physical Parameters for Emulating ...................................................... 25

Create Links ........................................................... .................................................. 28

Learn about Alarms ...................................................... .......................................................... 37How to Use Alarm View................................................................................. ........................ 37

Learn about the Status of Links .................................................. ............................................ 42

How to Use Link Status View ............................................................... ................................. 43

Learn about Protocol Stacks and Protocols......................................................................... .... 45How to Use Protocol Stacks ....................................................... ............................................ 47

How to Use Linksets......... ....................................................................... ............................... 51Learn about Point Code Mappings ............................................................ ............................. 52

How to Use Point Code Mappings.......................................................................................... 52

Learn about Point Code Formats ................................................... ......................................... 54

How to Use Point Code Formats .................................................................... ........................ 55

Capturing Traffic 59

Learn about Capturing ............................................................ ................................................ 59

How to Capture Traffic........ ............................................................ ....................................... 59

Learn about Measurements ........................................................... .......................................... 60

How to Use Measurement Files.................................... .......................................................... 62

Learn about Triggers and Filters................................................................. ............................ 64

How to Use Triggers and Filters.......................... ................................................................... 66

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Isolating Calls 77

Learn About Isolating Calls ............................................................ ........................................77

How to Isolate Calls .............................................................. ..................................................79

Gathering Statistics 85

Learn about Graphical Statistics..............................................................................................85

How to Gather Graphical Statistics............................................................................. ............86

Learn about Tabular Statistics.................................................................................................92

How to Gather Tabular Statistics ............................................................... .............................92

Analyzing Captured Data 95

Learn about Analyzing Messages............................................................................................95

How to Analyze Captured Data...............................................................................................96

Copying...................................................................................................................101Printing ....................................................... ............................................................ 102

Display Settings ............................................................. .........................................104

Displaying Columns................................................................................................106

Using Emulation (EmuLite and Conformance Tests) (Option) 109

Learn about Emulation (Option) ........................................................... ................................109

How to Use EmuLite and Conformance Tests (Option) ................................................... ....112

Run a Conformance Test ................................................. .......................................113Basic Emulate Sequences........................................................................................114

Create EmuLite Sequences ........................................................ .............................115

Add Messages and Commands to a Sequence .......................................... ..............120

Edit Message Fields ....................................................... .........................................133

Running Test Sequences .................................................. .......................................143

Analyze Results ....................................................... ...............................................145

Application Programming Interface........................................................................147

Other Tasks and Self Tests 149Other Tasks ........................................................ .............................................................. .....149

Self Tests...............................................................................................................................154

Glossary of Terms 157

Index 161

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Using Signaling Advisor

Introduction

Your Signaling Advisor is one of a family of Signaling Advisors, allbased on a common platform. The details of the hardware are explained

in full in the Mainframe Reference Manual. Three variants are available

for testing SS7, GSM/GPRS and cellular/PCS signaling networks.

The Signaling Advisor (a Microsoft Windows PC-based instrument)

monitors signaling messages, collates statistics and traces calls. It can

simultaneously monitor up to 32 duplex signaling links on up to 16duplex bearers.

EmuLite is an optional feature that lets you test new services, maintainexisting services and troubleshoot problems on the signaling links by

allowing you to send messages and perform actions based on the

response. The EmuLite option also includes pre-defined Conformance

Test sequences.

Up to two interface modules can be installed in the instrument. They

allow you to monitor or emulate signaling links on up to 8 duplex (E1

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Balanced or Unbalanced, T1, DS0 or Datacom) bearers. If you use a

Signaling Advisor undercradle with the instrument, a further two

interface modules can be fitted which enables you to monitor or emulateon up to 16 duplex bearers.

The instrument can automatically configure itself to monitor the networkyou are testing, or you can manually configure it using the easy-to-use

Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Using suitable software (such as Carbon Copy) and a modem or LAN

connection you can also control the instrument remotely.

A summary of the Signaling Advisors main features are listed below:

! Auto-configures bearers, signaling links and protocols formonitoring.

! Emulates test sequences using EmuLite.! Provides multiple-protocol triggers and filters.! Provides call traces.! Auto-validates protocols and sequences.! Provides graphical and tabular statistics.! Monitors up to 32 signaling links simultaneously.! Correlates a message sequence instantly.! Extensive protocol decode library.! Protocol Help.

The Basic Steps

There are three main steps to using your Signaling Advisor. Moredetails are available in the relevant sections of this User's Manual.

Step 1 - Connecting and Configuring

Ensure that the Interface Module(s) are inserted and locked into the sideof the Signaling Advisor (this should only be done when the

instrument is switched off). Switch on the Signaling Advisor and

connect to your network.

At the Start Up screen select Real Time to configure the SignalingAdvisor to monitor, or emulate, your network. Configuration's Bearer

view will appear. (Alternatively, clickPost Capture to open an existing

*.tol file, orResume to open the last measurement).

There are two configuration methods; a simple automatic process and a

detailed manual configuration based on the individual parameters for thebearer and its signaling links.

The Alarm view shows the alarms that have been detected. Byviewing the alarms you know which settings need to be changed whenmanually configuring the instrument in Bearer view ( ).

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Step 2 - Capturing

Once configured you must click in Monitor ( ) to start capturingfrom your configured links. The default settings capture everything.

And/Or - Emulating

Creating and Editing Test Sequences

Once configured you can create and edit test sequences and messages

from the EmuLite dialog box ( ):

! Create and edit sequences and messages in the SequenceEditor.

! Edit message fields in the Message Editor.Running Test SequencesSelect the sequences to be run in the Test Manager. You can define theorder the sequences will be run and how often. Once the tests have been

selected you must close EmuLite (clickOK) and click to start

emulating. All messages will be displayed in Traffic Overview.

Running Conformance Tests

Select the test to be run from the Conformance Test Manager. You canselect the links and edit the timer parameters to be used when running

the tests.

Step 3 - Analyzing Data

To analyze the data and investigate network problems:

! Use Filters to capture or isolate only the messages you want.There are various filter types available.

! Analyze the captured information.! Use Call Trace to group messages into calls.! Use Statistics to measure the activity on your network.! Save log files (*.tol) for analysis later. The configuration and

measurement setup information is also saved in the log file.

Caution

Close the Signaling Advisor (File menu Exit) and shut down Windows

BEFORE switching off power.

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Getting Help

Learn about Using Help

The Signaling Advisor's On-line Help is based on Microsoft Windows

On-line Help.

General Help

Click or select Help menu Contents and Index to display the On-line Help's Contents, Index and Find tabs

! The Contents tab contains an expandable list of basicinformation and step-by-step instructions about each aspect of

the Signaling Advisor.

! The Index tab contains an alphabetical list of common wordsand phrases.

! The Find tab lets you search for a word or phrase. The firsttime you select the Find tab you will be prompted to create the

list of words used within the help system. The system builds

the list for you in a few seconds.

Fonts and Symbols

! Mouse selections are shown in a different font from the rest ofthe text, for example, ClickOK.

! Keyboard keys are shown in square brackets, for example, [F1],[Shift], [Ctrl].

! Multiple key inputs, where 2 keys must be pressed at the sametime, is shown as [Shift]+[F1].

! Menu and submenus are separated by a right arrow, forexample, Help menu Contents and Index.

Protocol Help

Protocol Help lets you search for more information about protocolabbreviations. Select Help menu Protocol Help from any Monitor

view to display the Protocol Help window.

In EmuLite's Message Editor tab right-click a field and select ProtocolHelp from the popup menu to display information about the field.

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On Views

! Click[F1] to display detailed information about the currentview. You will find out what the view does and how it should

be used.

! Click[Shift]+[F1] orHelp menu What's This? and point onthe item you want more information on.

In Dialog Boxes

! Click[F1] to display detailed information about the selectedobject.

! Click in a dialog box and point to the object you wantinformation about.

Tips

! Hovering over items will display a ToolTip. ToolTips provideadditional information about the item. ToolTips are availableon toolbar buttons and on many views, for example:

Bearer view .

Protocol Stack view .

Call Trace view .

Statistics view .

! In many areas clicking the Right Mouse Button will display amenu. This menu lists all the functionality for the item onwhich the right-mouse button was clicked. This menu can also

be displayed by pressing on the keyboard.

Information notes

Information notes give some additional information about the topic.They are shown next to the Information icon in green text, for example,

Information

Information textCaution notes

Caution notes alert you to issues that may damage the instrument, yournetwork or may prevent the instrument working as you may expect.

Caution notes are shown next to the Caution icon in violet text, for

example,

Caution

Caution text

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How to Use On-line Documentation

The User Manuals, Foreign Language Manuals, Frequently AskedQuestions and so on, are available in PDF format. ClickHelp menu

On-line Documentation to display an index of all the documentation

supplied with your Signaling Advisor.

Products Notes, such as Local Number Portability (LNP), Base StationOptimization Monitor, Remote Control, High Speed SS7, General

Packet Radio Switch (GPRS), IS-634A/IS-41, Connecting and

Configuring and EmuLite are some of the current Product Notesavailable within the on-line documentation suite.

Web Site

You can get up-to-date information about all aspects of the SignalingAdvisor, including Product Notes and software options and so on, from

the web site.http://www.agilent.com/comms/signalingadvisor

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Connecting and Configuring

How to Connect Cables

The Signaling Advisor is connected to your network via the Interface

Modules inserted into the slots on the sides of the instrument or in the

undercradle.

Interface Modules should never be removed or inserted when the

Signaling Advisor power is on. You can connect and disconnect cables

to the Interface Modules at any time. Removing cables will cause a Lossof Signal hardware alarm. The overall hardware alarm status of each

bearer is indicated in the bearer graphics in Configuration's Bearer view

( ). More detail can be found in Alarm view ( ) and Link Status

view ( ). By default, red indicates hardware alarms have been

detected.

Cabling and connecting information is described in detail in the Interface

Module Reference Manuals. These manuals are available from Help

menu On-line Documentation.

Learn about Configuring Automatically (Monitor OperationOnly)

Auto Configure will set up everything the Signaling Advisor needs to

capture from your network. Click from any Configuration view to

run Auto Configure.

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Auto Configure's dialog box..

Auto Configure works through 5 stages:

Stage 1 Clears Hardware Alarmschanges the line encoding and

framing type until all hardware alarms have cleared. Impedance is only

changed if the option is enabled in the Auto Configure Options. As

hardware alarms clear the individual alarm status color will change.

Only the selected bearers are adjusted.

Stage 2 Detects Signalinglooks for signaling on each alarm free

bearer. Only the selected data rates will be checked. When signaling isdetected the appropriate symbols will appear in the timeslot.

Blue Flags represent SS7 signaling.

Green Flags represent Non-SS7 signaling (either

X.25/ISDN/V.5/NS GPRS/Frame Relay).

represents GSM TRAU 8K or 16K data.

A yellow flag represents the repeated patterns that separatesignaling units (flags). On T1 interface, a yellow flag may be displayed

where empty timeslots are idling the same pattern as these flags.

Stage 3 Captures Sample Dataa sample of data is captured from

all the detected signaling links. This data is used to validate against the

selected Protocol Stacks. If only one stack is selected for each stack

type then Stage 3 is not carried out and the selected stack is used.

Stage 4 ValidatesProtocol Stacksthe captured data sample isvalidated against the selected Protocol Stacks. The stack that gives the

best validation statistics is taken as the correct stack. The first stack that

verifies 100% will be used without further checks. If only one stack is

selected for each stack type then Stage 4 is not carried out and the

selected stack is used.

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Stage 5 Creates Linkswhen the Auto Configure dialog is closedall the detected links are automatically created. Links are not created on

timeslots which have a yellow flag, because full signaling has not beendetected in these timeslots.

You can now capture network traffic on the created links.

Information

! All other Signaling Advisor functionality is frozen whilst AutoConfigure is operating.

! Auto Configure cannot detect Fractional links (that is, a linkspread across more than one timeslot).

! If alarms cannot be cleared, for example if the cable isdamaged, Auto Configure skips the bearer.

! The first time you run Auto Configure you will be asked toselect a Network Type.

The Network Type sets up the appropriate data rate and

protocol stack options that Auto Configure will check. These

settings can be viewed and edited in the Auto Configure

Options dialog.

How to Configure Automatically (Monitor Operation Only)

The first time you run Auto Configure you will be asked to select a

Network Type. The Network Type sets the default Protocol Stack and

Data Rate options. These options determine how Auto Configure works.It is recommended that you check them to ensure that they match the

settings used by your network.

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Auto Configure Options sheet.

Auto Configure ( ) is available in Real Time mode from anyConfiguration view.

Configuration's Auto Configure dialog box.

If Auto Configure returns unexpected results it may be because thedefault settings do not match your network configuration. You should

check the setting in Auto Configure Options to ensure that Auto

Configure is checking against the correct set of parameters.

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Information

! The Network Type can only be selected the first time AutoConfigure is run. Change the Auto Configure options if you

need to edit the settings.

! All other Signaling Advisor functionality is frozen while AutoConfigure is operating.

! If alarms cannot be cleared, for example if the cable isdamaged, Auto Configure skips the Bearer.

! Auto Configure cannot detect Fractional links (that is, a linkspread over more than one timeslot).

! Auto Configure will not configure emulation links.Auto Conf igure

1. Connect the Signaling Advisor to your network.2. In Monitor ( ), click to put the Signaling Advisor into

Real Time mode.

3. Click to open Configuration and then to display theAuto Configure dialog box.

4. Select the bearers you want to Auto Configure. By default allconnected bearers are already selected.

5. (OPTIONAL) Set up any Auto Configure options. ClickStart.

Auto Configure running.

6. Signaling Advisor will clear hardware alarms, create signalinglinks and assign protocol stacks for all the data it detects. Flagswill appear in the timeslots where signaling has been detected.

Auto Configure will stop automatically once all the selected

bearers have been scanned.

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Auto Configure complete.

7. ClickClose to close the Auto Configure dialog box. Thedetected links will be created.

8. You can now capture data by clicking to open Monitor andthen to start capturing data.

Information

! All other Signaling Advisor functionality is frozen whilst AutoConfigure is operating.

! If hardware alarms cannot be cleared, for example if the cableis damaged, Auto Configure skips the bearer.

Change Auto Conf igure Opt ions

Select Options on the Auto Configure dialog box orTools menu

Options Auto Configure tab.

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Auto Configure Options.

!Allow Auto Configure to put bearer into Low Impedancemode

To avoid Auto Configure disrupting a network by connecting

with a low impedance, this option is disabled by default. Only

select this if you know that you are connected to a protected

monitor point.

Caution

Selecting this option removes the Terminated Monitor Mode (HighImpedance) protection. This option is automatically disabled when you

shut down the Signaling Advisor.

! Data RatesAuto Configure checks for signaling at the selected data rates,

in the order specified. A tick ( ) indicates the selected Data

Rates. Reducing the number of data rates to check improvesthe speed of the Auto Configure process.

Select the rates that match your network, then promote or

demote the rates so that the most likely data rate is at the top

of the list.

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! Protocol StacksThis field defines the protocol stacks that Auto Configure will

verify data against. Reducing the number of stacks to check

improves the speed of the Auto Configure process.

Select the protocol stack type (for example, SS7), then selectthe stack that Auto Configure should verify any captured data

against. At least one stack needs to be selected for each stack

type.

If you know that the same stack is used on other timeslots thenAuto Configure's performance can be improved further by

selecting the appropriate 'Use same stack' option.

InformationYou can select multiple Protocol Stacks from each Stack type.

! Existing Signaling LinksDefines what happens to existing signaling links when Auto

Configure is running. The default is to leave the existing link

settings unchanged, however you can delete all links or only

replace the links where Auto Configure detects differentsettings.

Learn about Configuring Manually in Bearer View

Bearer view contains all the settings you need to configure the SignalingAdvisor before capturing and analyzing your network traffic.

The bearers on the Signaling Advisor must be configured to match your

network's configuration. The Alarm view, , will identify any

hardware alarms. These alarms indicate which hardware settings need to

be changed in Bearer view.

The Bearer view is displayed from Configuration by clicking or by

selectingView menu Bearer View.

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Configuration's T1 Bearer view.

The Signaling Advisor automatically knows what types of interface arefitted. The interface type is shown at the top left corner of the Bearer

view. The Interface Module graphic shows the overall alarm status for

the selected interface module. As you change the Bearer viewparameters to the correct parameters the alarms will change to the 'No

alarm' color (user selectable).

The parameters displayed in Bearer view vary depending on the type ofbearer. Each Bearer view contains identification, operating mode,

hardware, clocks and timeslot parameters.

Once you have connected to your network you must configure theinstrument. There are two main steps to Manually Configuring the

Signaling Advisor:

1.

Clearing Hardware AlarmsUsingAlarm View ( ) toidentify the hardware alarms, change the Bearer View ( )

settings until the alarms have cleared. The default color for

detected alarms is red, the default color for no alarms is green.

2. Creating Signaling LinksAdd ( ) a Signaling Link to theappropriate timeslot. Select the configuration options from the

Signaling Link Properties dialog box. Repeat Step 2 for each

link you want to create.

Once a signaling link has been created you can capture data.

Information

You can click[F1] for more information on the current view.

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Bearer Types

The available bearer types are:

! E1! T1! Datacom (V.35/RS-449/RS-232)! DS0/DS0-A

The edit options available will change depending on settings you havealready made - only valid options will be enabled.

Timeslot Grid

The Timeslot Grid represents the timeslots on the bearer. Timeslots formultiplexed interfaces, such as E1 and T1, are shown in a grid. Each

cell represents a timeslot. DS0 and Datacom display a single cell.

A T1 timeslot grid.

Add signaling links to the appropriate timeslot to indicate where thesignaling will be found on your network. Sub-rate and Fractional

timeslots are set up by right-clicking the timeslot(s) in the Timeslot Grid.

The settings for the link are displayed in the Link section of Bearer view

when the signaling link is selected.

Signaling links are represented by:


Green Flags represent Non-SS7 signaling (X.25/ISDN/V.5/NS

GPRS/Frame Relay).

represents GSM TRAU data.

Double-clicking the left mouse button on a signaling link will display itsproperties. If you would prefer to display the Protocol Stack associated

with the link when double-clicking, you can change the option in Toolsmenu Options General Setting tab Configurationpanel.

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Sub-rate Links

Sub-rate Links are configured in smaller timeslots within the standard

timeslot. Sub-rate signaling links are shown in the appropriate sub-ratetimeslot.

The most significant bits start on the right hand side of the timeslot.

Configuration Bearer view's Sub-rate Timeslots.

Fract ional Links

Fractional Links are configured across multiple timeslots on one bearer.When timeslots are contiguous the boundaries between each timeslot are

changed to dotted lines. When one part of a fractional timeslot is

selected the others are also selected.

Configuration Bearer view's Fractional Timeslots.

Fi l ter Short and Retransmitted Messages

You can control what happens to short messages and retransmittedmessages during a Real Time mode capture session. The default is to

filter out short messages but allow retransmitted messages to be

captured. Short and Retransmitted Message filtering is set when a

signaling link is created.

Short messages contain less than 4 bytes of user data (8 octets in total,

including 1 flag and CRC bytes), for example, FISUs and LSSUs in SS7,

S-Frames and R-Frames in ISDN and Alive and Alive-ACK messages in

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GPRS networks. You set up this filtering in the Signaling Link

Properties dialog box.

Configurations Signaling Link Properties dialog box showing SS7 link properties for amonitor link. Emulation options are disabled (grey).

Filter out Short Messages This is the default option. Short messageswill not be captured.

No Filtering or Collapsing No filtering or collapsing. All short

messages will appear as individual messages in Monitor's Traffic

Overview. To see these messages you must ensure that the Display

Levels in Monitor are set to display all messages.

Collapse Short Messages Consecutive short messages will berepresented by a single message in Monitor's Traffic Overview. You can

set the number of messages (maximum 65535) to be collapsed by

entering the number in the box.

The PCR Filter panel shows the option for controlling retransmittedmessages.

A tick ( ) indicates that retransmitted messages will not be captured.

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Caution

If Short Message (e.g. FISU) and / or PCR filtering are not applied, theperformance and longevity of the capture session will be reduced. It is

therefore strongly recommended that these filters be applied.

Information

When calculating the length of messages the Signaling Advisor includes

2 bytes for frame check sequence (FCS) and 1 byte for a flag.

How to Configure Manually

There are several steps involved in manually configuring your Signaling

Advisor.

Step 1Connecting

Ensure that the Interface Module(s) are inserted and locked into the sideof the Signaling Advisor (this should ONLY be done when the

instrument is switched off).

Connect the Signaling Advisors Interface Modules to your networkfollowing the instructions for the Interface Module and the Operating

Mode you want to use. See Help menu On-line Documentation and

select the appropriate Interface Module Reference Manual for moreinformation on cabling and connecting.

Step 2 Clearing Hardware Alarms

Hardware parameters, such as line-encoding, frame type and clocks, are

configured in Configurations ( ) Bearer view ( ). Before creatinglinks you must configure the bearer

The Interface Module graphic at the top of Bearer view indicates the

hardware alarm status of all the bearers on the Interface Module. Redindicates that hardware alarms have been detected. Use Alarm view

to identify the hardware alarms. Change the configuration settings

in Bearer view to clear the hardware alarms.

Step 3 Creating Links

Create links on the timeslots you want to capture data from or send

messages on.

1. Save a ConfigurationIn Configuration select File menu Save As todisplay the Export Configuration dialog box.2. To save the file in a different folder, click a different drive in theSave in box, or double-click a different folder in the folder list.

To save the file in a new folder, click Create New Folder.

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3. In the File name box, type a name for the file.4. Click Save.

Information

To use the saved configuration you must import it as part of an importedMeasurement Setup file.

Configuring Bearer Physical Parameters forMonitoring

Before configuring bearers and creating links you must be connected to

the network.

You manually configure bearers by setting the individual parameters inBearer view. Alternatively you can Auto Configure bearers that will be

used for Monitoring.

Configu ring an E1 Bearer for Monitor in g

Read the E1 Balanced / E1 Unbalanced Interface Module ReferenceManuals for more information on installing, connecting and verifying E1

Interface Modules.

Assumptions

! Either an E1 Balanced or E1 Unbalanced Interface Module isfitted in the Signaling Advisor.

Steps

1. In Configuration, click to display Bearer view.2. In the Operating Mode panel select eitherBridged Monitor, 20-

>30db Terminated Monitor or0db Terminated Monitor.

3. In the Multi-Frame Type panel select eitherNo CRC4 orCRC4.4. In the Line Encoding panel select eitherHDB3 orAMI.

Information

You can also configure the system to route any Monitor clock out on oneof the two External Outputs using theView menu External Clocks

dialogue within Configure.

What do you want to do next?

! Check hardware alarm status.Configu ring a T1 Bearer for Monitor ing

Read the T1 Interface Module Reference Manual for more informationon installing, connecting and verifying T1 Interface Modules.

Assumptions

! A T1 Interface Module is fitted in the Signaling Advisor.

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Steps

1. In Configuration, click to display Bearer view.2. In the Operating Mode panel select eitherBridged Monitor, 20-

>30db Terminated Monitor or0db Terminated Monitor.

3. In the Multi-Frame Type panel select eitherSuperFrame(D3/D4)

orExtended Super Frame

.4. In the Line Encoding panel select eitherB8ZS orAMI.5. In the Data Rate panel select either56Kor64K.


! Check hardware alarm status.Config uring a Datacom B earer for Monitoring

Read the Datacom Interface Module Reference Manual for moreinformation on installing, connecting and verifying Datacom (V.35, RS-

232 or RS-449) Interface Modules.

Assumptions

! A Datacom Interface Module is fitted in the Signaling Advisorwith either a V.35, RS-232 or RS-449 Monitor Cable

connected.

Steps

1. In Configuration, click to display Bearer view.2. In the Operating Mode panel select Monitor.3. Select the Mark Polarity (Normal or Inverted) from the Mark

Polarity panel.


! Check hardware alarm status.Configu ring a DS0 Bearer for Monitoring

Read the DS0 Interface Module Reference Manual for more informationon installing, connecting and verifying DS0 Interface Modules.

Assumptions

! A DS0 Interface Module is fitted in the Signaling Advisor.Steps

1. In Configuration, click to display Bearer view.2. In the Operating Mode panel select Monitor.3. Select the clock source from the Clock Sourcepanel. This

determines which clock will be used to receive the data from

the Signaling Advisors Rx cables (RxA and RxB). The clock

sources are:

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! Bit/Byte External receives data using the externalBit/Byte clock fed into the 9-pin D-type connection on the

front of the DS0 Interface Module. The external clockshould be your network's System Wide Reference Clock.

! Composite External receives data using the externalComposite clock fed into the 9-pin D-Type on the front of

the DS0 Interface Module (uses different pins from theBit/Byte External clock above). The external clock

should be your network's System Wide Reference Clock

! Internal receives data using the Interface Module'sinternal 64 kbit/s reference clock. (56k Data Rates still

uses 64k clock - only seven of the eight bits are used).

! Other receives data using the Bit/Byte clock fed in fromanother DS0 Interface Module or the Mainframe External

Connector. The clock fed into the Mainframe ExternalConnector must be Bit/Byte format.

4. (OPTIONAL) Output the Clock Signal.If you selected 'Internal' or Other' clocks you can output the

Bit/Byte clock signal. ClickOutput clock via interface in the

Output Clockpanel to output on the (Bit/Byte) clock pins of

the 9-pin D-Type connector on the front of the InterfaceModule. Only the Bit/Byte clock output is supported.

5. In the Data Rate panel select either56Kor64K.Caution

Pins 3 and 4 on the 9-pin D-type connection are bi-directional. ForBit/Byte and Composite clock sources they input the clock signal. For

Internal orOther clock sources the same pins output the clock signal.

Information

! You can also configure the Signaling Advisor to route anyMonitor clock out on the External Output using theView menuExternal Clocks dialog within Configure. You can only route

the clock from one Interface Module to an external connector.

! When using a System Wide Clock you should only connect it toone DS0 bearer and route the signal to other DS0 bearers

through the Signaling Advisor. Use the Other clock source

setting to do this.

!DS0 bearers on one Interface Module must use the same clocksource. Changing a clock source on Bearer1.1, for example,

will automatically change the clock source for 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4.


! Check hardware alarm status.

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Configuring Physical Parameters for Emulating

Before configuring bearers and creating links you must be connected tothe network.

You must manually configure the bearers for EmuLite by setting theindividual parameters in Bearer view.

Information

Auto configure cannot be used to configure bearers for emulation.

Configu ring an E1 Bearer for Emu lat ing

Read the E1 Balanced / E1 Unbalanced Interface Module ReferenceManuals for more information on installing, connecting and verifying E1

Interface Modules.

Assumptions! Either an E1 Balanced or E1 Unbalance Interface Module is

fitted to the Signaling Advisor.

Steps

1. In Configuration, click to display Bearer view.2. In the Operating Mode panel select End Emulate.3. Select the clock source from the Emulate Clockpanel. This

determines which clock will be used to transmit the data fromthe Signaling Advisors Tx cable. The clock sources are:

! Internal transmits using the internal 2.048Mbit/sreference clock.

! Recovered Pair transmits using the clock recoveredfrom the links Rx input.

! Other transmits using the clock fed in through one ofthe two External Clock inputs or the clock recovered from

any other E1 Rx input in the system.4. Select the Multi-Frame Type (CRC4 or No CRC4) from the

Multi-Frame Type panel.

5. Select the Line Encoding (HDB3 or AMI) from the LineEncoding panel.

Information

You can also configure the system to route clocks out on the two

External Outputs using theView menu External Clocks dialoguewithin Configure.


! Check hardware alarm status.

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Configu ring a T1 Bearer for Emu lat ing

Read the T1 Interface Module Reference Manual for more information

on installing, connecting and verifying T1 Interface Modules.

Assumptions

! A T1 Interface Module is fitted to the Signaling Advisor.Steps

1. In Configuration, click to display Bearer view.2. In the Operating Mode panel select End Emulate.3. Select the clock source from the Emulate Clockpanel. This

determines which clock will be used to transmit the data from

the Signaling Advisors Tx cable. The clock sources are:

! Internal transmits data using the internal 1.544Mbit/sreference clock.

! Recovered Pair transmits data using the clock recoveredfrom the links Rx input.

! Other transmits data using the clock fed in through oneof the two External Clock inputs or the clock recovered

from any other T1 Rx input in the system.

4. Select the Multi-Frame Type (SuperFrame or ExtendedSuperFrame) from the Multi-Frame Type panel.

5. Select the Line Encoding (B8ZS or AMI) from the LineEncoding panel.

6. Select the Data Rate (56k or 64k) from the Data Rate panel.What do you want to do next?

! Check hardware alarm status.Configu ring a Datacom Bearer for Emulat ing

Read the Datacom Interface Module Reference Manual for moreinformation on installing, connecting and verifying Datacom (V.35, RS-

232 or RS-449) Interface Modules.

Assumptions

! Either a V.35, RS-232 or RS-449 Interface Module is fitted tothe Signaling Advisor.

! The cable supports emulation. (Check the Datacom InterfaceModule Reference Manual for details on cables that support

emulation.).

Steps

1. In Configuration, click to display Bearer view.2. In the Operating Mode panel select Emulate.

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3. Decide whether you want to emulate either the DCE or the DTEend. Based on this selection the Signaling Advisor will

automatically disable the irrelevant options on Bearer view.Only relevant options will be left enabled.

4. Select the clock source from the Emulate Clockpanel. Thisdetermines which clock will be used to transmit the data from

the Signaling Advisors Tx cable. The clock sources are:! Incoming TXC (only available when emulating DTE)

transmits using the incoming clock received from the

remote end (DCE).

! Internal transmits using the LIM's internal clock at theselected data rate (4.8kbit/s to 64kbit/s).

! Other transmits using the clock either fed in through oneof the two Mainframe External Clock inputs (D-Type on

the side of the unit) or a clock recovered from any otherDatacom Bearer in the system. The clocks displayed will

depend on the Operating Mode and Terminal Type of the

other bearers.

5. Set up the TXD Timing Source from the TXD Timing Sourcepanel. If you are emulating as DCE (Step 3) then you can set

the TXD Timing Source to either option. If you are emulating

as DTE then it is automatically set to DTE Sourced.

6. Select the Mark Polarity (Normal or Inverted) from the MarkPolarity panel.


! Check hardware alarm status.Configu ring a DS0 Bearer for Emulat ing

Read the DS0 Interface Module Reference Manual for more information

on installing, connecting and verifying DS0 Interface Modules.

Assumptions

! A DS0 Interface Module is fitted to the Signaling Advisor.Steps

1. In Configuration, click to display Bearer view.2. In the Operating Mode panel select Emulate.3. Select the clock source from the Clock Sourcepanel. This

determines which clock will be used to transmit the data from

the Signaling Advisors Tx cable. The clock sources are:

! Bit/Byte External transmits data using the externalBit/Byte clock fed into the 9-pin D-type connection on the

front of the DS0 Interface Module.

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! Composite External transmits data using the externalComposite clock fed into the 9-pin D-Type on the front of

the DS0 Interface Module (uses different pins from theBit/Byte External clock above).

! Internal transmits data using the internal 64 kbit/sreference clock. (56k Data Rates still use 64k clock -

only seven of the eight bits are used).! Other transmits data using the Bit/Byte clock fed in

from either the Mainframe External Connector or the

clock from another DS0 Interface Module. A clock fed

into the Mainframe External Connector must be Bit/Byte.

4. (OPTIONAL) Output the Clock Signal.If you selected 'Internal' or Other' clocks you can output the

Bit/Byte clock signal. ClickOutput clock via interface in the

Output Clockpanel to output on the (Bit/Byte) clock pins ofthe 9-pin D-Type connector on the front of the Interface

Module. Only the Bit/Byte clock output is supported.

5. Select the Data Rate (56k or 64k) from the Data Rate panel.Caution

Pins 3 and 4 on the 9-pin D-type connection are bi-directional. ForBit/Byte and Composite clock sources they input the clock signal. For

Internal orOther clock sources the same pins output the clock signal.

Information

! You can also configure the Signaling Advisor to route anyMonitor clock out on the External Output using theView menu

External Clocks dialog within Configure. You can only routethe clock from one Interface Module to an external connector.

! When using a System Wide Clock you should only connect it toone DS0 bearer and route the signal to other DS0 bearersthrough the Signaling Advisor. Use the Other clock source

setting to do this.

! DS0 bearers on one Interface Module must use the same clocksource. Changing a clock source on Bearer1.1, for example,

will automatically change the clock source for 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4.


! Check hardware alarm status.Create Links

Once you have configured the bearers hardware parameters you must

create links. Create a link for each timeslot you expect to transmit

and/or receive data on.

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Links are created in Configurations Bearer view ( ).

Links are created in the same way for both monitoring and emulating.

When creating a signaling link for a monitor bearer, any options specific

to emulation will be disabled.

Emulation SS7 Links Only

TheAutomatically align link if it is out of service will ensure that the

Signaling Advisor will automatically try to align the link when createdand if it goes out of service. This option is enabled by default. You

must disable this option if you want to align the link manually.

Create an SS7 Link

Assumptions

! The bearer's physical parameters have been configured.Steps

1. In Configurations Bearer View ( ) select the bearer.2. Double-click the time-slot to display the Signaling Link


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Configurations Signaling Link Properties dialog box showing SS7 link properties for

a monitor link. Emulation options are disabled (grey).

3. Select SS7 to display the SS7 protocol stack list. Select theProtocol Stack from the list.

4. Select the mode from the Mode panel. If emulating the mode isautomatically set to Duplex.

5. Select the Short Message filtering option.6. In the Short Messages panel select if you want short messages

(for example FISUs, LSSUs) filtered or collapsed.

7. If you want to filter out duplicate SS7 MSU messages tick ( )the Filter out duplicate SS7 MSU messages option on the PCR

Filter panel.

8. (OPTIONAL) TheAutomatically align link if it is out of serviceoption on the Link Alignment panel is selected by default.This option will align the link when it is created and realign it if

it goes out of service.

9. If you are emulating and want to align the link at a later timeclick the tick ( ) to remove it and deselect the automatic

alignment option.

10. ClickOKto create the link. The new link will appear in thetimeslot.


Information

! To edit - right-click on the link and select Properties or double-click the link.

! To delete - click the link and then click .! You can also set up Sub-Rate and Fractional links.! Although traffic on a simplex bearer can be captured using a

duplex bearer configuration, capture performance will be

improved if the simplex bearer option is chosen when creating

the link.


! View the status of the link.! Bring the link into or out of service (both in Normal or

Emergency mode of operation) (Emulation only).

! Modify the SS7 Automatic Level 2 Protocol Parameters (LinkAlignment, Timers and Error Rate Monitor Thresholds)

(Emulation Only).

! Use EmuLite (Emulation Only).

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Mod ify SS7 Level 2 Parameters

The Level 2 dialog displays the default parameters as defined in the

protocol specification. These values should not need changed.

Assumptions

! The SS7 link is configured.Steps

1. In Configurations Bearer View ( ) right-click the link andselect Level 2 Parameters to display the SS7 Level 2

Configurable Parameters dialog box.

2. Change the Link Alignment Mode, the Timer Values or theError Rate Thresholds. Alternatively you can Restore User

Defaults orRestore System Defaults values.

3. If you want to set these values as the default clickSave As UserDefaults.

Create an X.25/ISDN/V5 Lin k

Assumptions




3. SelectX.25/ISDN/V.5/NS GPRS/Frame Relay to display theGPRS NS, ISDN, V.5 and X.25 protocol stack list. Select the

Protocol Stack from the list. (Only ISDN and GPRS NS

(Network Service) available when emulating).


5. If emulating an ISDN link, select the end you want to emulate.Select User orNetworkfrom the ISDN EmuLite Options Side

panel.

If you select Networkthe link will automatically be established.

! User sets the Signaling Advisor to be a user of thenetwork. The Signaling Advisor has a specific address onthe bus - its Terminal Endpoint Identifier (TEI). If TEI is

set to Automatic the Level 2 software will automatically

request a TEI (64-126) from the Network during thealignment process. Alignment will fail if all possible

TEIs are in use.

If TEI Negotiation is specified as Non-Automatic

(Manual) then the link will use the TEI value (0 - 63)

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specified by you when it tries to align. If the specified

TEI value is already in use, alignment will fail. The

failure reason will be displayed in Link Status view, forexample 'TEI denied'.

! Network sets the Signaling Advisor to assume the roleof the network master. The Signaling Advisor will

allocate TEIs to equipment and respond to AutomaticParameter Negotiation Requests.

The Automatic Level 2 software keeps track of which

TEIs are in use and allocates the next available TEI on

request. When a link is stopped any allocated TEIs are

freed and can be reused.

6. If emulating, select how you want to setup Automatic Level 2parameters.

! Automatic sets the Signaling Advisor to negotiate thelevel 2 parameter values directly with the opposite side of

the link.

! Non-Automatic the Signaling Advisor uses the currentLevel 2 Parameter values.

7. ClickOKto create the link. The new link will appear in thetimeslot. The link is represented by:

Green Flags represent Non-SS7 signaling

(X.25/ISDN/V.5/GPRS NS/Frame Relay).

Information




improved if simplex bearer option is chosen when creating the

link.

Mod ify ISDN Level 2 Parameters

The Level 2 dialog displays the default parameters as defined in the

protocol specification. These values should not need to be changed.

Assumptions! The ISDN link is configured.

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Steps

1. In Configurations Bearer View ( ) right-click the link andselect Level 2 Parameters to display the LAPD Level 2

Configurable Parameters dialog box.

2. Change the Timer Values, the Maximum OutstandingInformation Frames and other parameters. Alternatively you

can Restore User Defaults orRestore System Defaults values.


Create a GPRS Networ k Service Link

Assumptions




3. SelectX.25/ISDN/V.5/GPRS NS/Frame Relay to display theGPRS, ISDN V.5 and X.25 protocol stack list. Select the

Protocol Stack from the list. (Only GPRS Gb available when

emulating).


5. Select the end you want to emulate. Select User orNetworkfrom the Network Service EmuLite Options Side panel.

Selecting the emulation end controls which emulation

parameters are displayed.

! User sets the Signaling Advisor to be a user of thenetwork. The Signaling Advisor will emulate the BSS.

! Network sets the Signaling Advisor to assume the roleof the network master. The Signaling Advisor will

emulate the SGN.

The Automatic Level 2 software maintains the PVC

management, Error Monitor and VC-Test procedures in

the Network Service Layer.

6. ClickOKto create the link. The new link will appear in thetimeslot. The link is represented by:

Green Flags represent Non-SS7 signaling

(X.25/V.5/ISDN/Frame Relay).

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Information



duplex bearer configuration, capture performance will beimproved if simplex bearer option is chosen when creating the

link.

Modify GPRS Netwo rk Service Level 2 Parameters

The Level 2 dialog displays the default parameters as defined in theprotocol specification. These values should not need to be changed.

Assumptions

The following must be completed before progressing with this task.

! The Frame Relay or GPRS Gb link is configured.Steps

1. In Configurations Bearer View ( ) right-click the link andselect Level 2 Parameters to display the Network Service

Level 2 Configurable Parameters dialog box.

2. Change the Timer and Counters Values. Alternatively you canRestore User Defaults orRestore System Defaults values.


Create a TRAU Lin k

Assumptions

! The bearer is configured for Monitoring.! If using a T1 bearer, the Data Rate is set to 64K on T1.

Steps

1. In Configurations Bearer View ( ) right-click the timeslot todisplay the popup menu. Select Timeslot and then the data rate

(16Kbits/s or8Kbits/s) from the extended menu. The

appropriate sub-rate timeslots will be created.

2. Double-click the sub-rate time-slot to display the SignalingLink Properties dialog box.

3. Select eitherTRAU 16KorTRAU 8Kto display on the relevantTRAU protocol stack list. Select the Protocol Stack from the

list.

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4. Select Duplex, Simplex (Port A) orSimplex (Port B) from theMode panel.

5. Select whether you want to filter short messages from the ShortMessages panel.

Information

! Emulation on TRAU links is not available.! To edit - right-click on the link and select Properties.! To delete - click the link and then click .! Although traffic on a simplex bearer can be captured using a


improved if simplex bearer option is chosen when creating the

link.

Listen to Voice Traff ic

Assumptions

! E1 or T1 Bearers are in use.! Only for 64k and 56k timeslots.

Steps

1. Click to display Bearer view.2. Right-click on the timeslot and select the Connect to Handsetoption from the popup menu.3. Set up the options for the link. ClickOK.4. Connect the handset to the handset port on the Signaling

Advisor.

Emulat ing Voice Traff ic (EmuLite Only)

Assumptions

! E1 or T1 Bearers are in use.! Only for 64k and 56k timeslots.! End Emulate mode is selected.

Steps

1. Click to display Bearer view.2. Right-click on the timeslot and select the Connect to Handset

option from the popup menu.

3. Set up the options for the link. ClickOK.4. Connect the handset to the handset port on the Signaling

Advisor.

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Set up a Sub -Rate Link

1. Click to display Bearer view.2. Right-click the timeslot you want to set up as a sub-rate

timeslot. Select the Timeslot option and click on the sub-rate

you want to use.

3. Right-click on the timeslot and create a signaling link.Information

! On a T1 interface the Sub-Rate option is only available whenthe 64k Data Rate is selected.

! If you want to change the sub-rate setting you must return thetimeslot to 64k and then set up the new sub-rate.

Set up a Fract ional Link

1. Click to display Bearer view.2. Select the timeslots to be included in the Fractional Timeslot.

Select Adjacent TimeslotsClick the first timeslot and then hold down [SHIFT] and click

the last timeslot.

Select Non-Adjacent TimeslotsClick the first timeslot and then hold down [CTRL] and click

each timeslot.

3. Right-click on any of the highlighted timeslots and create asignaling link.

Sett ing Short and Retransmitted Message Fi lter ing

Opt ions

1. Click to display Bearer view.2. Right-click on a signaling link and select Properties from the

popup menu.

3. Select the Short Messages filtering option you want to use.4. Select the PCR check box if you do not want to capture

retransmitted messages. ClickOK.

Caution

If Short Message (e.g. FISU) and / or PCR filtering are not applied, theperformance and longevity of the capture session will be reduced It is

therefore strongly recommended that these filters be applied.

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Learn about Alarms

The Alarm view shows whether hardware alarms have been detected onthe bearers connected to your network. It identifies each alarm type so

that you know which hardware setting to change to clear the alarm.

Alternatively, you can let Auto Configure work out the settings and clear

the alarms for you.

There are two view styles:

! Simple Alarm view uses colored blocks to represent thealarm status for each fitted bearer. This small window does not

obstruct the application view behind it.

! Full Alarm view expands the Simple Alarm view to show theoperating mode and alarm status of each alarm type for the

selected bearer.

The Alarm view is displayed by clicking or from Tools menuAlarm View.

Information

! Click[F1] to display this help topic for Alarm view. In anySignaling Advisor view, click[F1] to display the current view's

help topic.

! The Alarm view is only available when the Signaling Advisoris in Real Time mode.

How to Use Alarm View

Alarm view ( ) identifies any hardware alarms found on the selectedbearers. It is useful to:

! Identify alarms and indicate which Bearer view settings need tobe changed.

! Notify you that a new hardware alarm has been detected.Ident i fy and Clear Hardware Alarms

1. Click to open the Alarm View.2. If the Full Alarm view is not displayed, click to display it.

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Full Alarm View showing monitoring links. There are Loss of Signal alarms on allbearers except Bearer 1.2RxB. This indicates that only Bearer 1.2RxB is connected.

3. If a hardware alarms have been detected on any of the bearersthey will be shown in the alarm color (default red). Click the

bearer on the left panel to select it and display its alarm detailsin the right panel.

4. In the right panel the bearers are listed across the top and thealarms type down the left. The alarm color identifies the

bearers where particular hardware alarms have been detected.

Hover the mouse pointer over the alarm types to display a

ToolTip of the complete alarm name.

5. Open Configurations ( ) Bearer view ( ) and change theappropriate settings in Bearer view to clear alarms. The table

below shows the Alarm type and the recommended settings to

be changed.

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Alarm Clearing Options.

Information

When emulating, the transmit (Tx) side alarms will be greyed out.


! Create a signaling link.

Switch between Simple and Ful l Alarm View

To switch from Simple Alarm view to the Full Alarm view:

! Double-click the block! Double-click the Alarm view title bar! Click .

To switch from the Full Alarm view to the Simple Alarm view:

! Click .To minimize either Alarm view on to the Windows Task Bar:

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! Click .Stop Alarm View Popping Up

The default setting is for the Alarm view to popup when a new alarm is

detected.

1. Click to open the Alarm View.2. On the Simple Alarm view right-click and selectAlarm

Notification.

Simple Alarm View's right mouse button menu.

On the Full Alarm view:

! SelectView menu Alarm Notification.! Right-click and selectAlarm Notification.

From any Signaling Advisor view:

1. Select Tools menu Options.2. Click theAlarm View tab to select it.3. Click the Bring the Alarm View to the front when a new alarm

occurs option to deselect it.

Caution

If Alarm view is not active when an alarm occurs, the Alarm view willNOT be brought to the front.

Information

A tick ( ) indicates that Alarm Notification is on.

Keep Alarm View on top

1. Click to open the Alarm View.2. On the Simple Alarm view right-click and selectAlways on

Top.

On the Full Alarm view:

! SelectView menu Always on Top.

From any Signaling Advisor view:1. Select Tools menu Options.2. Click theAlarm View tab to select it.3. Click the Keep alarm view on top option to select it.

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Information

A tick ( ) indicates that the Alarm view will remain on top of all other

windows.

Alarm View Colors

The Error Color selected in the Alarm View tab will be used throughoutthe Signaling Advisor. When you change the Error Color setting in this

tab the Error Color setting in the Color tab will automatically change.

1. Select Tools menu Options.2. Click theAlarm View tab.

Tools Options tab for Alarm View settings.

3. Click the color and select the new color from the palette.4. Repeat Step 3 for each color you want to change. ClickOK.

Information

The selected Error Color will also be used by Traffic Overview andConfiguration views.

Log Alarm Data to File

1. Select Tools menu Options.2. Click theAlarm View tab.3. Click the Enable Alarm CSV Logging to enable alarm logging.4. Enter the filename or clickBrowse to select the file's location.

Click OK.

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Learn about the Status of Links

The Link Status view, , shows information about what has been

detected on the links connected to the Signaling Advisor. The details

shown on the Link Status view differ depending on the Protocol Stack

being used by the link.

The Link Status view is only available in Real Time mode. It shows thestatus of each link.

Monitor Links:

SS7 uses FISU/LSSU to determine the status of the link. Each side ofa duplex link has its own state.

X.25/ISDN/V5/TRAU initial status is Out of Service (red) and then

changes to In Service (green) when the first good message has been

received. Each side of a duplex link has its own state.

Emulation Links:

SS7/ISDN/GPRS NS use the state information obtained from theAutomatic Level 2 software. If the link fails the failure reason will be

displayed on the Link Status view.

There are two view styles:

! Simple Link Status view uses colored blocks to represent thelink status for each link.

! Full Link Status view expands the Simple Link Status viewto show the statistics for the selected link.

Full Link Status view for Emulation , Duplex and Simplex Monitor links.

The Link Status view is displayed by clicking or by selecting Tools

menu Link Status View.

Information

! Click[F1] to display this help topic for Link Status view. Inany Signaling Advisor view, click[F1] to display the current

view's help topic.

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! Link Statistics are gathered even if data is not being capturedfrom the link.

! The Link Status view is updated approximately once a second.! Other link statistics can be gathered using Statistics link

profiles.

How to Use Link Status ViewThe Link Status view displays status and statistics for each configuredlink. You can also start and stop link alignment for emulation links from

Link Status view. You can quickly see the Erlang, FISU and other link

statistics from this view. You can set the Link Status view to popup

when the status changes. This means that you do not have to continually

check the status of the links, the Signaling Advisor does it for you.

Bring a Link Into or Out of Al ignment (EmuLi te Only)Before the Signaling Advisor starts to emulate on a link it checks that the

link is aligned. This happens automatically when you click to startrunning EmuLite Sequences. If any link is out of service a message will

be displayed informing you which links need to be aligned.

1. Click to open the Link Status view.2. If you are aligning an SS7 you should check the alignment

mode. Right-click the link and select SS7 Alignment Normal

orEmergency.

3. Select the link(s) to be brought into alignment.Range of Adjacent Links

Click the first link in the range, and then hold down [SHIFT]

and click the last link in the range.

Range of Non-Adjacent Links

Click the first link in the range, and then hold down [CTRL] and

click each link in the range.

4. Right-click the links and select Bring into Alignment from thepopup menu.

Check the Status of a Link

1. Click to open the Link Status view.2. If the link is aligned the link status color will be green. If the

link status color is red the link is out of alignment.

Information

! Monitor Links:SS7 uses FISU/LSSU to determine the status of the link.

X.25/ISDN/V5/TRAU initial status is Out of Service (red)

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and then changes to In Service (green) when the first good

message has been received.

! Emulation Links:SS7/ISDN/GPRS NS uses the state information obtained from

the Automatic Level 2 software.

Bring Link Status View to the Front wh en Status

Changes

1. Click to open the Link Status view.2. SelectView menu Link State Change Notification.

Caution

If Link Status view is not active when a status change occurs the Link

Status view will NOT be brought to the front.

Keep Link Status View on Top

1. Click to open the Link Status view.2. In the Link Status view selectView menu Always on Top.

Reset Link Stat ist ics Coun ts

1. Click to open the Link Status view.2. In the Link Status view selectView menu Reset Statistics

Counts.

Either select Current Linkto clear the statistics for the selected

link orAll Links.

Information

! You can also access the Reset Statistics Counts options byright-clicking the Full Link Status view.

! Error counts are set to zero when the link is created.Connecting and disconnecting cables will cause errors.

Link Status View Colors

1. Select Tools menu Options.2. Click the Link Status View tab.

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Tools Options tab for Link Status View settings.

3. Click the color and select the new color from the pallet.4. Repeat Step 3 for each color you want to change. ClickOK.

Learn about Protocol Stacks and Protocols

The Protocol Stack view displays the protocol stacks used by the links in

the current configuration file. Each stack shows the protocols used andtheir relationships with each other.

The Protocol Stack defines how messages will be decoded and whichCall Trace and Statistics profiles will be available.

The Protocol Stack view is displayed from Configuration by clickingor by selectingView menu Protocol Stack View.

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A typical Protocol Stack view (GPRS Gb).

Each Protocol Stack has a Point Code Format associated with it. Thisdefines how the Point Codes will be displayed for links using this stack.

You can edit the Protocol Stack and its protocols by right-clicking on the

object you wish to edit. A popup menu will appear displaying the

options available for the object you clicked.

Protocol Stacks are automatically added to the Protocol Stack view when

a link is created.

Information

Click[F1] to display this help topic for Protocol Stack view. In any

Signaling Advisor view, click[F1] to display the current view's help

topic.

Default Protoco ls

You can set up a protocol to be the default protocol. This is identified

by 'Default' under the protocol.

The Default Protocol will be used if no other protocol matches theselector value. If the selector value and default have not been defined

messages will not decode.

When there is only one available route 'Default' is not shown, keepingthe display clear for other information.

Protocol Stack Layer Select Code Clash

Protocols on the same layer must use different selector values. If you

modify the protocol stack, so that the same select code is used by twoprotocols on the same layer, a Select Code Clash message will be

displayed.

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How to Use Protocol Stacks

When you create a signaling link you select the Protocol Stack for thenew link. This Protocol Stack will automatically be added to the

Protocol Stack view. The Protocol Stack defines how messages will be

decoded and which Call Trace and Statistics profiles will be available.

If you find that the Protocol Stacks supplied with the Signaling Advisor

do not match the details of your network then you can edit an existingProtocol Stack or create a new one.

Add a Protocol to the Stack

1. Click to display the Protocol Stack view.2. If more than one Protocol Stack is displayed, select the stack

you want to edit.

3. Click the protocol you wish to add a higher level protocol to.4. Click to display the Add Protocol dialog box. Select the

options from the dialog box.

Protocol Stack view's Add Protocol dialog box..

5. ClickOK. The Protocol Properties dialog box will bedisplayed.

6. Complete the properties for the protocol. ClickOKto add theprotocol to the Protocol Stack.

Information

! Protocols such as LAP, INAP, AIN, IS41 and so on, all includeTCAP and can be added directly onto SCCP.

! To remove a protocol from the stack click the protocol to selectit and then click . Any higher level protocols will also bedeleted.

Edit a Protoco l 's Selector Value

1. Click to display the Protocol Stack view.

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A typical Protocol Stack view (GPRS Gb).

2. If more than one Protocol Stack is displayed, select the stackyou want to edit.

3. Right-click the protocol you want to edit.4. Select Protocol Properties from the popup menu.5. Edit the Selector value. ClickOK.

Information

Click the Layer default protocol option to set this protocol as thedefault. Any value not already defined on this protocol layer will be

decoded using the default protocol.

Edit a Protocol 's Name


you want to edit.

3.

Right-click the protocol you want to edit.4. Select Protocol Properties from the popup menu.5. Edit protocol Name. ClickOK.

Replace a Protoc ol in th e Stack


you want to edit.

3. Right-click the protocol you want to replace.4. Select Replace Protocol from the popup menu.5. Select the protocol.6. ClickOKto display the Protocol Properties.

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7. Edit protocol properties as required. ClickOK.Information

When you replace a protocol, higher level protocols connected to it arenot deleted. This function is particularly useful when you wish to create

a new protocol stack based on an existing one.

Edit Protocol Stack Name


you want to edit.

3. Right-click on the view to display the popup menu. SelectStack Properties.

4. Make the changes. ClickOK.Save an exist ing Proto col Stack to a fi le


you want to save.

3. Select File menu Save Protocol Stack As to display the dialogbox.

4. Enter the filename and clickOKto save.Information

You must save the new Protocol Stack to the Configuration directory(this is the default directory). Only saved Protocol Stack files are

available to be used with other configurations.

Create a Protocol Stack Fi le

Creating a new Protocol Stack file lets you use the Protocol Stack in

other configurations.1. In Post Capture mode, select Configuration's File menu New

Protocol Stack.

2. Select the Level 2 Protocol to be used to start the ProtocolStack.

3. Click to add protocols to the stack. Continue addingprotocols until the stack is complete.

4. Select File menu Save As and enter the filename for thisProtocol Stack file.

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App ly a dif ferent Protoco l Stack to a Link

A links Protocol Stack is selected when the link is created. The

Protocol Stack is automatically added to the Protocol Stack view whenthe link is created.

1. Click to display Bearer view.2. Right-click the link and select Properties to display the

Signaling Link Properties dialog box.

Configurations Signaling Link Properties dialog box showing SS7 linkproperties for a monitor link. Emulation options are disabled (grey).

3. Select the Protocol Stack to be used.4. ClickOK. The new Protocol Stack will be added to the Protocol

Stack view.

Change the Point Code Format used by a Protocol

Stack

1. Click to display the Protocol Stack view.2. Right-click on the Protocol Stack view to display the popup

menu. Select the Stack Properties option.

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3. Select the Point Code Format from the drop-down list. OnlyPoint Code Formats of the same size will be displayed, that is

the same number of bits.

4. ClickOK.Information

The Point Code Format defines how point code information will bedisplayed in Monitor's Traffic Overview, Call Trace and Statistics views.

How to Use Linksets

Bearers that share the same Protocol Stack can be grouped together in a

linkset. Select the links to be grouped together in a linkset. You can use

the linkset to associate a different Protocol Stack with all the links in the

linkset or use the linkset to select the links in triggers or filters.

The Linkset view can be displayed from Configuration by clicking orby selectingView menu Linkset View.

Configurations Linkset view.

The left side of the Linkset view displays the bearers included in thecurrent linkset. The right side displays the links that are not included in

any linkset.

Links can only be in one linkset at a time. To move a link to anotherlinkset you must remove it from its current linkset and add it to the new

one. If you change a bearer's protocol stack it will automatically be

removed from the linkset.

Create a Lin kset

1. In Configuration, if the Linkset toolbar button ( ) is disabledselect Insert menu Insert New Linkset from the list which

appears. If the linkset button is enabled then click it to open the

Linkset view.

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2. From the Links available for Linkset panel click the link youwant to add to the linkset.

3. Click the to remove a link from the linkset.Learn about Point Code Mappings

Point Code Mappings are text descriptions associated with a Point Code.

This makes it easy to associate messages with particular switches, forexample '49-9-27' could be displayed as 'San Francisco'. The Point CodeMapping view displays the Point Code Mapping Tables available to the

current configuration file. Each Table contains a list of Point Code

Mappings that can be used to replace Point Code details in Monitor's

Traffic Overview, Decode and Call Trace views.

The Point Code Mapping view can be displayed from Configuration by

clicking or by selectingView menu Point Code Mapping View.

Configuration's Point Code Mapping View.

Each Protocol Stack (that uses point codes) will automatically have ablank Point Code Mapping table.

How to Use Point Code Mappings

Point Code Mappings are text descriptions associated with a Point Code,for example, '49-9-27' could be displayed as 'San Francisco'. This makes

it easy to associate messages with particular switch. They are added in

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Configurations Point Code Mapping view but are displayed in

Monitors Traffic Overview, Decode and Call Trace views.

Each Protocol Stack (that uses point codes) will automatically have ablank Point Code Mapping table.

Edit the Point Code Mapping Table and its Point Code Mappings by

right-clicking on the mapping you wish to edit. A popup menu will

appear displaying the options available for the object you clicked.

Create a Point Cod e Mapping Fi le

1. In Post Capture mode, select Configuration's File menu NewPoint Code Mapping. A file containing a Point Code

Mapping view will be created.

2. Click to display the Point Code Mapping dialog box.3. Enter the details for the Point Code Mapping.4. ClickOK.5. Repeat from Step 2 for each mapping you want to add.6. Select File menu Save As and enter the filename you want to

use for this Point Code Mapping file. The Point Code Mapping

file can be imported into other configurations.

Information

You must save the new Point Code Mapping file to the Configuration

directory (this is the default directory). Only saved Point Code Mappingfiles are available to be used with other configurations. Point Code

Mappings embedded in Configuration files are not available to be used

with other configurations.

Add a Point Code Mapping

1. Click to display the Point Code Mapping view.2. Click the Protocol Stack from the Protocol Stacks panel to

display its Point Code Mapping table.3. Click to display the Point Code Mapping dialog box.4. Enter the Field Values. The number of values required depends

on the Point Code Format being used.

5. Enter the Mappingname (maximum 32 characters) at thebottom of the dialog box.

6. ClickOK. The new mapping is added to the Point CodeMapping view.

7. If you want to add another mapping repeat from Step 4. If not,clickCancel.

Edit a Point Code Mapping

1. Click to display the Point Code Mapping view.

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2. Click the Protocol Stack from the Protocol Stacks panel todisplay its Point Code Mapping table.

3. Right-click on the Point Code Mapping you want to edit todisplay the popup menu. Select Properties from the popup

menu.

4. Enter the Field Values. The number of values required dependson the Point Code Format being used.

5. Enter the Mappingname at the bottom of the dialog box. ClickOK.

Insert Point Code Mapping Table

1. Click to display Point Code Mapping view.2. Click the Protocol Stack from the Protocol Stacks panel to

display its Point Code Mapping table.

3. ClickInsert from File button to display the Import File dialogbox.4. Select Point Code Mappings (*.pcm) from the Files of Type

drop-down list. (The Point Code Mappings supplied with the

Signaling Advisor are located in the User Files\Configuration

sub-directory.)

Export a Point Code Mapping Table

1.

Click to display Point Code Mapping view.2. Click to display the Point Code Mapping dialog box.3. Enter the details for the Point Code Mapping. ClickOK.4. Repeat from Step 2 for each mapping you want to add.5. Click the Save to File button to display the Save Point Code

Mapping Table As dialog box.

6. Enter the filename and clickOKto save.Information

You must save the new Point Code Mapping file to the Configurationdirectory (this is the default directory). Only saved Point Code Mapping

files are available to be used with other configurations. Point Code

Mappings embedded in Configuration files are not available to be used

with other configurations.

Learn about Point Code Formats

Point Code Formats define how the Point Code bit structure will bedecoded. The Point Code Formats defines how many fields, how many

bits in each field and the display order.

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The Point Code Format view displays the Point Code Formats that areavailable to the current configuration.

The Point Code Format to be used in the current configuration is definedin the Protocols Stack properties. The Protocol Stacks supplied with the

Signaling Advisor are already set up with the appropriate Point Code

Formats. When you create a link, and select the Protocol Stack to be

used by the link the appropriate Point Code Format is allocated

automatically.

The Point Code Format view displays the standard Point Code Formatsdefined in the relevant specifications. The default Point Code Formats

included in the Signaling Advisor are:

! 14 bit CCITT! 14 bit CCITT (Q.708 Int)! 14 bit CCITT (Q.708 SANC)!

14 bit German! 14 bit Korean! 16 bit Japanese! 24 bit ANSI

These default Point Code Formats cannot be changed or deleted. Youcan add other Point Code Formats. The Point Code Format view is

displayed from Configuration by clicking or by selectingView menuPoint Code Format View.

Configuration's Point Code Format view.

This view configures the Point Code Formats to be used. It defines how

the Point Code is split into its component fields - how many fields, how

many bits in each field and the display order.

You can edit additional Point Code Formats by right-clicking on the

field you wish to edit. A popup menu will appear displaying the

available options.

You can define your own Point Code Formats that can be associated

with a Protocol Stack.

How to Use Point Code Formats

Point Code Formats define how the Point Code bit structure will bedecoded in Monitor's Traffic Overview, Call Trace and Statistics views.

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Setting the correct Point Code Format ensures that the Point Code

information is displayed in the format used by your network.

Add a Point Code Format

1. Click to display the Point Code Format view.2. Click to display the Point Code Format dialog box.3. Enter the Point Code Format Name, the Field Name and Bits

and the Separator character.

A partially complete Point Code Format dialog box..

2. ClickOK.3. Click to display the Protocol Stack view.4. Right-click on the Protocol Stack view to display the popup

menu. Select the Stack Properties option.

5. Select the Point Code Format from the drop-down list. ClickOK.

Information

You can only change a Protocol

Documents

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