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Polycom MGC-100 Getting Started Manual

Polycom mgc-100 video conference platform: user guide
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MGC-50/MGC-100
Getting Started Guide
Version 7.5

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  • Page 1 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Version 7.5...
  • Page 2 Polycom, Inc. Information contained herein is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment of any type on the part of Polycom, Inc. Polycom and Accord are registered trademarks of Polycom, Inc.
  • Page 3 Regulatory Notices EC Mark R&TTE Directive Polycom Inc., declares that the MGC-50 and MGC-100 with NET-8 card is in conformity with the following relevant harmonized standards: EN 60950: 1992 Including Amendments 1,2,3 & 4 EN 55022: 1994...
  • Page 4 DC supply circuit and the earthing conductor, and also the grounding connection of the DC system.) The DC system shall not be grounded elsewhere. Regulatory Notices Russian Communication Certificate The MGC-100 and MGC-50 comply with the Russian Ministry of Communication requirements stated in certificate OC/1-MM-15.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Hardware Description ....... 2-1 MGC-100 Components Location ......2-2 MGC-50 Components Location .
  • Page 6 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Scheduled Conferences ........4-3 Conference Type .
  • Page 7 Defining a New Audio Conference ..... 6-1 Defining a New Audio Only Entry Queue ..... 6-1 Entry Queue Dial-in Number Table .
  • Page 8 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide...

  • Page 9: Before You Begin

    This is an example of the notes that you may encounter throughout this guide. System Overview The MGC-50 and MGC-100 are high performance, high capacity multi- network solutions that provides you with feature-rich, and easy-to-use multipoint voice, video and gateway conferencing.

  • Page 10: Mgc Unit Main Features

    Chapter 1 - Before You Begin MGC Unit Main Features The MGC unit offers the following features: Supports a large number of ports (48 for the MGC-50, 96 for the MGC- • 100) running at 128 Kbps • Universal slots, telco grade high availability with hot-swappable modules, redundancy, on-line upgrading and dynamic resource allocation Support for standard network interfaces (ISDN, ATM, T1-CAS, LAN...

  • Page 11: Mgc-50/Mgc-100 Specifications

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Specifications Table 1-1 lists the specifications of the MGC-50 and the MGC-100 units. Table 1-1: MGC Unit Specifications Physical Height Width Depth Weight Free space above the MCU rack H.323 Protocols Audio Video Data H. 320 Protocols Audio Video...
  • Page 12 Operator workstations Reservation systems Environment Operating temperature Storage temperature Relative humidity Operating altitude Storage altitude MGC-50/MGC-100 ISDN: T1 PRI, E1 PRI, Multirate ISDN, NFAS, Leased lines-T1/E1, Switched 56 IP (H.323 and SIP): T1-CAS T1-CAS lines for Audio Only connections ATM: 25 (FVC.COM), 155 (FVC.COM)
  • Page 13 API to 3rd party reservation systems Conference Setup MGC-50/MGC-100 (Scheduled/ Unscheduled) Meet Me Per • • • • Dial-out/Dial-in Diagnostics MGC-50/MGC-100 Power up On-line Remote Serviceability / MGC-50/MGC-100 Reliability Hot plug-in modules Front panel removable modules MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Conference Channel Party...
  • Page 14 Table 1-1: MGC Unit Specifications Power Supply DC Input AC Input Power Consumption AC Maximum Power consumption MGC-50 MGC-100 -48 VDC 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz MGC-50 MGC-100 AC Voltage - AC Voltage - 8.5 Amp at 100 10Amp at 100 VAC and 4.2 Amp at 240 VAC...

  • Page 15: Network Equipment, Numbers And Addresses

    Network Equipment, Numbers and Addresses Obtain the following information from your network administrator: IP address for the MGC-50/MGC-100 • Subnet Mask for the MGC-50/MGC-100 • Default Gateway IP address (optional) • Gatekeeper IP address, if applicable • • DNS IP address, if applicable •...

  • Page 16: Overview Of This Getting Started Guide

    General Site Requirements - Network Equipment, Numbers and Addresses Chapter 2 - Hardware Description This chapter includes the Descriptions of the MGC-50/MGC-100 front panel, back panel, and functional modules. Chapter 3 - Software Installation and Configuration This chapter includes instructions on how to: Configure the initial IP of the system •...
  • Page 17 Define the basic parameters of a new Video Conference Define a Meeting Room • Chapter 8 - Management Tools This chapter describes the basic management tools for the MGC-50/ MGC-100: Resource Report • Cards Management • • MCU Faults report • Reset MCU MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide...
  • Page 18 Chapter 1 - Before You Begin 1-10...

  • Page 19: Hardware Description

    Hardware Description This chapter describes the various components that make up the MGC unit. The following components are described: • Main Control Module Backplane • Power Supply Module • Fans • Alarms port • Functional Modules • — ISDN/T1-CAS Net-2/4/8 —...

  • Page 20: Mgc-100 Components Location

    Chapter 2 - Hardware Description MGC-100 Components Location Figure 4-1 shows the front panel of the MGC-100. The front panel provides access to the Main Control Module, the Functional Modules, and the Power Supply Modules. Status LEDs on the Main Control Module, Functional Modules, and Power Supply Modules indicate the status of the system.
  • Page 21 Figure 4-2 shows the rear panel of the MGC-100. The rear panel provides access to the network I/O card connectors. I/O cards are inserted via the rear panel. In addition, the rear panel houses the main power switch, AC inlet, fans, the fuse, additional communications ports and alarm ports.
  • Page 22 Chapter 2 - Hardware Description Figure 4-3 shows the front panel of the MGC-100 NEBS Standard. The front panel, as in the MGC-100, provides access to the Main Control Module, the Functional Modules, and the Power Supply Modules. Status LEDs on the Main Control Module, Functional Modules, and Power Supply Modules indicate the status of the system.
  • Page 23 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Figure 4-4 shows the rear panel of the MGC-100 NEBS Standard. The rear panel, as in the standard MGC-100, provides access to the network I/O card connectors and fans. I/O cards are inserted via the rear panel.

  • Page 24: Mgc-50 Components Location

    Modules, and Power Supply Module indicate the status of the system. Floppy Disk Drive Figure 2-5: MGC-50 front panel Functional Modules Main Control Module LEDs CONT PRI-8 MG-323 AUDIO AUDIO Critical POLYCOM Stby Stby Stby Stby Major Fail Fail Fail Fail Minor MGC-50 Active Active...
  • Page 25 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Figure 4-7 shows the rear panel of the MGC-50. I/O cards are inserted via the rear panel. The rear panel also provides access to the fans, power supply module, network connections, additional communications ports, the main power switch, AC inlet, and fuse.

  • Page 26: Mgc Components Description

    Backplane is based on the “universal slot” concept, where any card can be inserted in any slot. In the MGC-100, the front of the Backplane contains 16 slots for Functional Modules and an additional slot (Slot A) for the Main Control Module. The back of the Backplane contains 17 slots for I/O cards (16 slots for I/O and one “dummy”...
  • Page 27 Fans Three fans are mounted at the bottom of the rear panel on the MGC-100. Two fans are mounted at the bottom of the rear panel on the MGC-50. Each fan has an alarm, which is monitored by the Main Control Module. The system generates an alarm upon failure.
  • Page 28 MGC. In the MGC-50 up to eight I/O Cards can be installed in slots 1 through 8. In the MGC-100 up to 16 I/O Cards can be installed in slots 1 through 16.

  • Page 29: Information Highway

    Information Highway The Information Highway is a high capacity TDM-type bus. It is used by both the MGC-100 and the MGC-50. The Information Highway transfers information from the Network Interface Modules to the MUX Modules and from the MUX Modules to the Audio, Video and Data Modules except during IP calls.
  • Page 30 Chapter 2 - Hardware Description 2-12...

  • Page 31: Initial System Configuration

    Initial System Configuration The MGC-50/MGC-100 requires basic configuration before you can start Initial IP running conferences. Configuration Initial IP Configuration Installing the MGC Manager The system is shipped with a default IP address: 129.254.4.8. Ordinarily, you will have to change the default address to the IP address appropriate for the site's LAN.
  • Page 32 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Figure 3-2: MGC-50 Connect a monitor and the keyboard to the appropriate connectors in the MCU. Figure 3-3: MGC-100 COM 1 MUSIC LINE IN COM 1 ALARMS...
  • Page 33 COM 1 Figure 3-4: MGC-50 Insert the DOS diskette into the MCU diskette drive. Reset the MCU (by turning it off and then on), or if it is turned off, turn it on. The command line is displayed. Type C:\>dir mcu\cfg and press Enter. Type C:\>\mcu\cfg>edit lan.cfg and press Enter.

  • Page 34: Installing The Mgc Manager

    Initial IP Manager software on a PC. Up to 30 MGC Manager-enabled PCs can be Configuration connected to each MGC-50 or MGC-100. A single MGC Manager-enabled PC can manage multiple MGC systems. During the installation, default Reservation templates are installed.To install...
  • Page 35 The User Information screen opens. Enter your name and the name of your company in the appropriate boxes. For a standard installation, enter Polycom in the Serial box. Click Next. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. At the end of the installation procedure, the Setup Complete window opens.

  • Page 36: Starting The Mgc Manager

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Starting the MGC Manager The MGC unit is controlled by the MGC Manager application installed on a Initial IP customer-provided computer or server. Configuration The MGC Manager application is designed to set up and monitor multipoint video conferences, and to perform system configuration activities for the MGC Multipoint Control Units (MCUs) to which it connects.

  • Page 37: Defining An Mcu

    Defining an MCU To manage and control the MGC unit it must be added to the MCUs network list in the MGC Manager application Initial IP Configuration Installing the MGC Manager To define an MCU Connection: In the Browser pane, right-click the MCU Network icon, and then click Starting the MGC New MCU.
  • Page 38 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Click OK. The Add MCU dialog box closes. A new icon with the specified MCU name appears in the Browser pane listed below the MCUs Network icon.

  • Page 39: Connecting To An Mcu

    Enter your Login Name and Password, and then click OK. Note that each MCU is initially configured with a default operator whose Login and Password are both POLYCOM. Additional operators can be defined. For more details, see the MGC Administrator’s Guide, Chapter 6.

  • Page 40: Configuring The Network Services

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Configuring the Network Services The Network Services include the parameters of the networks connected to Initial IP the MCU. If no Network Services have been configured, depending on your Configuration system configuration, the appropriate Network Service must be configured.
  • Page 41 In the MCU tree, expand the MCU Configuration tree. Expand the Network Services tree. Right-click the Network Services - ISDN icon, and then click New Network Service. The New Network Services configuration wizard opens. Chapter 3 - Initial System Configuration 3-11...
  • Page 42 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide In the Settings dialog box, define the following parameters: Table 3-1: Settings Dialog Box Options Field Net Service Name Span Type Service Type NFAS 3-12 Description Enter a unique name using up to 20 characters to identify the Network Service.
  • Page 43 Click Next. The PRI Settings dialog box opens. In the PRI Settings dialog box, define the following parameters: Table 3-2: PRI Settings Dialog Box Options Field Description Default num-type The num-type defines how the system handles the dialing digits. If you want the network to interpret the dial digits for routing the call, select Unknown.
  • Page 44 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Table 3-2: PRI Settings Dialog Box Options Field Sub Services If you are not defining a sub-service or if you have completed the sub-service definition, click Next to continue. The Span Definition dialog box opens. To continue the definition of the Network Service without defining a sub service, skip to step 13.
  • Page 45 10. If you have clicked the Add button to add the sub-service, or double-clicked the Sub Service name to edit its parameters, the Sub Service dialog box opens. 11. In the Sub Service dialog box, define the following parameters: Table 3-3: Sub Service Dialog Box Options Field Description Name...
  • Page 46 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide 12. Click OK. The Sub Service dialog box closes and you are returned to the PRI Settings dialog box (step 9). 13. In the Span Definition dialog box, define the following parameters: The default values displayed for the Span’s technical parameters are appropriate for most ISDN networks, therefore you skip their definition.
  • Page 47 The Spans and Phones dialog box opens. To define To remove a a span span The number used to identify the This dialog box is used to assign circuit identification numbers and the dial-in phone number ranges to be used in dial-in conferences. Circuit orders are automatically assigned to spans.

  • Page 48: Defining Spans

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide 15. Define the Spans and Phones parameters as follows: Table 3-4: Spans and Phone Dialog Box Options Field Span Dial In Phone Num MCU Number Gateway Range To define the NFAS parameters, see the MGC Administrator’s Guide, Chapter 3.
  • Page 49 The Add Span dialog box opens. Define the following parameters: Table 3-5: Add Span Dialog Box Options Field Description Circuit ID The Circuit Identification is a logical number used to identify the span to the MGC Manager. This number is later used to assign the span to the ISDN network card.

  • Page 50: Defining Dial-In Numbers

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide To delete a circuit identification entry: In the Spans pane, click the Circuit Identification entry you want to • delete and click the Minus The entry is deleted. Defining Dial-In Numbers The numbers to be used for dial-in connections to multipoint conferences are allocated to the MCU by your service providers.

  • Page 51: Defining The Gateway Range

    To delete a dial-in number entry: In the Dial In Phone Number pane, click the entry to delete and click the • Minus The entry is deleted. Defining the Gateway Range Define the dial-in ranges allocated to Gateway Session using the same procedure as described for the dial-in numbers allocated to multipoint conferencing.
  • Page 52 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide To configure the Net-2/Net-4/Net-8 ISDN Network Interface module: In the Browser pane, right-click the slot containing the Net-2/4/8 card, and then click Properties. Alternatively, double-click the slot containing the card. The Card Settings – Common Parameters dialog box opens.
  • Page 53 The Net-2/Net-4/Net-8 Network Interface module supports up to eight PRI connections, depending on the card model installed in the MCU. These connections may be either T1 or E1. For the system to recognize the PRI lines that connect to the Network card, you must assign the Circuit ID of the PRI line defined in Network Service to the appropriate span in the Card Settings - Net-8 Network Parameters.
  • Page 54 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Right-click the unit (span) to configure. A menu appears. Select one of the following options for clocking: Table 3-6: Net-2/Net-4/Net-8 Unit Configuration Options Option Set as Primary Clock Source Cancel Primary Clock Source Set As Backup...

  • Page 55: Ip Network Services

    IP Network Services The IP Network Service defines the properties of the IP network used for connecting IP endpoints to the conference and the IP cards (installed in the MCU) to which the network is connected. Several of the network components are used by both H.323 and SIP endpoints to connect to the conference, and the same IP card is used for H.323 and SIP connections.
  • Page 56 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide The Setting dialog box opens. Define the following fields: Table 3-7: Settings Dialog Box Options Field Service Name Service Type Protocol 3-26 Description Specify the service name using up to 20 characters. IP services use an Ethernet network, which is a LAN standard.
  • Page 57 Table 3-7: Settings Dialog Box Options Field Description Network DHCP-Obtain IP Select this check box to use a DHCP server for Address automatic assignment and tracking of IP addresses Automatically to the conference devices. Selecting this option retrieves the IP addresses necessary for registration with the DNS and H.323 gatekeeper, and for automatic configuration of the SIP server.
  • Page 58 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Table 3-7: Settings Dialog Box Options Field Static Routes Routes Table Quality Of Service Quality Of Service Defining Static Routes To define a static route: 3-28 Description Displays the list of static routes currently defined in the system.
  • Page 59 Two router types can be defined: Network and Host. A Host router provides a direct connection to a specific host (an endpoint) located in another subnetwork. A Network router provides a connection to a segment of another network. Define the following fields: Table 3-8: Add Router Dialog Box Options Field Description...
  • Page 60 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide To define Quality of Service parameters: Table 3-9: QoS of Ethernet Service Dialog Box Options Field Enable 3-30 Click the Quality of Service button. The QoS of Ethernet Service dialog box opens. Define the following fields:...
  • Page 61 Table 3-9: QoS of Ethernet Service Dialog Box Options (Continued) Field Description DiffServ and DiffServ and Precedence are two methods for Precedence encoding the packet’s priority. If you are not sure which QoS policy your router supports, select Precedence combined with None in the TOS field.
  • Page 62 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Click Next. The DNS Settings dialog box opens. This dialog box is used to define the DNS Server IP address and the local domain name. For H.323 conferencing, DNS is used if gatekeeper discovery using the gatekeeper host name and NAT auto-discovery are applied.
  • Page 63 URL or URI (the part of the host’s address that appears after the at sign (@), or in a URL the part following the www. prefix), for example, polycom.com. This field is used both for SIP proxy registration purposes and DNS resolution and therefore it is required if you are using DNS servers in this service.
  • Page 64 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide 10. Click Next. The H.323 dialog box opens. This dialog box is skipped when defining a SIP-only Network Service. 3-34...
  • Page 65 11. Define the following parameters: Table 3-11: H.323 Dialog Box Parameters Field Description Forwarding Select this check box to enable Forwarding. Forwarding enables the MCU to indicate the IP address of another card for handling the incoming call when the first card is busy. Forwarding can be used when no gatekeeper is involved, or when a special Service Mode, such as Basic, is used.
  • Page 66 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Table 3-11: H.323 Dialog Box Parameters (Continued) Field Port Service Mode 3-36 Description Port 1719 is the most common port that gatekeepers listen to and transmit through. Each card registers with the gatekeeper with its IP address and/or alias.
  • Page 67 Table 3-11: H.323 Dialog Box Parameters (Continued) Field Description Service mode In a gateway call, the prefix can be followed by a (cont.) Gateway Session Profile or by another format that can be read by the gateway. The dialing format depends on the call type as follows: •...
  • Page 68 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Table 3-11: H.323 Dialog Box Parameters (Continued) Field Service Mode (cont). Prefix 3-38 Description To overcome this problem, combine Register as a Gateway with Forwarding. However, this method only works for defined dial-in participants. • PseudoGatekeeper – Each IP card acts and is defined as a gatekeeper allowing Board Hunting to be performed.
  • Page 69 Table 3-11: H.323 Dialog Box Parameters (Continued) Field Description Prefix When a firewall is used, two IP Network Services are usually defined; one for the card that is connected to (cont.) the external network and the other one that includes all the remaining cards (those connected to the internal network).
  • Page 70 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide 12. Click Next to continue to the SIP dialog box. This dialog box is skipped when defining an H.323-only Network Service. 3-40...
  • Page 71 13. Define the following parameters: Table 3-13: SIP Dialog Box Options Field Description Servers Get SIP Servers Select this option to automatically retrieve the IP Automatically address of the SIP servers. This option is enabled if DHCP is enabled or if DNS is enabled and the local domain name is defined (as it is required for locating the SIP proxy).
  • Page 72 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Table 3-13: SIP Dialog Box Options (Continued) Field Registration Mode (cont.) Register OnGoing Conferences/ Meeting Rooms/ Entry Queues & SIP Factories Refresh SIP Registrations Every n Seconds 3-42 Description • Polling – Each IP card is registered in the proxy with all the conferences and each card is assigned a priority per conference.
  • Page 73 The following table lists the supported SIP Proxies and their Registration modes: Table 3-14: Supported SIP Proxies and their Registration Modes SIP Proxy Registration Mode Microsoft LCS • Redirect 2003/2005 Cisco • Forking • Redirect Alcatel • Redirect • Forking IPTEL •...
  • Page 74 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide It is important to know which protocol the SIP proxy uses, as there are proxies that can work with only one type of protocol. The SIP transport type must reflect the correct protocol in order to communicate.
  • Page 75 EQ1@polycom.com reaches its the outbound proxy, this proxy looks for the SIP server in the polycom.com domain to which it will forward the call. When this call arrives to the SIP server in polycom.com, the server looks for the registered user (EQ1) and forwards the call to this Entry Queue or conference.
  • Page 76 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Table 3-15: SIP Settings Dialog Box Options (Continued) Field Outbound Proxy Outbound Proxy is different than SIP Server IP Address or Name Port 15. Click Next. 3-46 Description Select this check box if the outbound proxy is installed on a different computer than the one the SIP server is installed on.
  • Page 77 The Security dialog box opens. The Security dialog box lists the authenticated entities registered with the preferred proxy. Authentication is the method used by the SIP proxy to validate the identity of the MCU and its Entry Queues and Meeting Rooms. When registering with the proxy, the MCU must provide the user name and password as configured and predefined in the SIP proxy.
  • Page 78 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide 16. Click Next. The Span dialog box opens. This dialog box lists the currently defined spans to be used with the defined Network Service. This dialog box is used to define the cards to which the network, whose properties are defined in the Network Service, is connected.
  • Page 79 17. To add a span: Click the plus (+) button. The IP SPAN dialog box opens. This dialog box is used to define the IP card to which the IP network is connected and that should be used with this Network Service. The IP+ cards and IP48, hardware version 4.41 and higher, can be used for both SIP and H.323 conferencing.
  • Page 80 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Table 3-16: IP SPAN Dialog Box Options Field Circuit ID IP Address Communication Mode 3-50 Define the following fields: Description Enter any whole number between 0 to 65535 as the circuit identification that is used to identify the card’s span.
  • Page 81 IP1. If the local domain name is polycom.com, the card name will be IP1.polycom.com. A default host name is suggested by the system.
  • Page 82 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide 3-52 between them. If these ports are not defined in the system, ports are randomly allocated, which can result in the firewall allocating a wider range of ports and thus be vulnerable to unauthorized network access.
  • Page 83 (Optional) Define the following fields. Table 3-17: Fixed Ports & NAT Dialog Box Options Field Description Enable Fixed Ports Enable Fixed Ports Select this check box to enable the configuration of firewall ports used for softening, control and media and definition of the number of concurrent calls in the IP network service.
  • Page 84 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Table 3-17: Fixed Ports & NAT Dialog Box Options (Continued) Field Port Range Definitions (cont.) Signaling [TCP] Control [TCP] 3-54 Description For example: If each call is allocated 13 ports (Signaling - 1, Control - 1, Audio - 2, Video - 4, and...
  • Page 85 Table 3-17: Fixed Ports & NAT Dialog Box Options (Continued) Field Description Audio [UDP], Define the ports used for audio and video channels. Video [UDP] After you enter the beginning of the range, the system automatically fills in the end of the assigned range.
  • Page 86 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Table 3-17: Fixed Ports & NAT Dialog Box Options (Continued) Field NAT Traversal Use Span External Address External IP address Notes: For a complete port configuration you define both the fixed ports (signaling, media, etc.) and the relevant reserved ports. Make sure that the following IANA registered ports reserved for system services have been opened as part of your firewall’s definitions:...
  • Page 87 19. In the Spans dialog box, click Finish to complete the IP Network Service definition. The new network service is added to the IP Network Services list. The following icons are used to indicate the IP Network Service type: Table 3-18: IP Network Service Icons Icon Description The Network Service supports both SIP and H.323...

  • Page 88: Assigning Network Services To The Ip/Ip+ Cards

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Assigning Network Services to the IP/IP+ Cards For each IP card installed in the MCU, you need to define which Network Service is used, thereby defining the network properties connected to that card. Usually, one Network Service is used for all IP cards, enabling the MCU to automatically manage the conferencing resources.
  • Page 89 Double-click the IP card. Alternatively, right-click the IP card icon, and then click Properties. The Card Settings-Common Parameters dialog box opens. The Common Parameters tab is for viewing purposes only. Click the IP-Network Parameters tab. In the IP-Network Parameters tab clear the Null Configuration check box to enable assignment of the IP Network Service.
  • Page 90 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide 3-60...

  • Page 91: About Conferences

    About Conferences This chapter gives an overview of basic conference types. For a full description of conference types, see the MGC Manager User’s Guide, Volume I, Chapter 4. MGC Manager provides several methods to set up and schedule different kinds of conferences to suit many different needs. The following scheduling methods are available: On Going Conferences - for setting up conferences that start •...

  • Page 92: On-Demand (Reservation-Less) Conferencing

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide On-Demand (Reservation-less) Conferencing Reservation-less conferencing enables participants to immediately start and connect to an On Going Conference from their endpoint, with no advanced scheduling. The MGC Manager offers two methods for Reservation-less conferencing: Ad Hoc Conferencing •...

  • Page 93: Scheduled Conferences

    the conference is required. When the conference ends, the conference reverts from the active On Going mode to the passive Meeting Room mode until it is activated next. It remains in the MCU memory (configuration) and in the Meeting Rooms list and can be modified between activations. This conferencing method requires that each employee in an organization be defined in the Meeting Room conference.

  • Page 94: Conference Type

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Conference Type When you determine the scheduling method, select an appropriate conference type. The following conference types are available: • Standard - a scheduled On Going Conference or Reservation that runs once and is deleted from the system once it ends.

  • Page 95: Video Conference Attributes

    Video Conference Attributes Video Conferences can include both Video and Audio as well as Audio Only participants. In a video session, participants can connect to the conference using different network connections: ISDN, IP (H.323 and SIP) and MPI (serial connection). A conference is defined for all the interface types. Video Session Types The video session type determines the video display options (full screen or split screen with all participant viewed simultaneously) and the method in...

  • Page 96: Additional Video Conference Settings

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Transcoding is performed on the following parameters: Line rate, Restricted/Non-Restricted, Audio Algorithm, Video Format, Video Frame Rate, Aggregation mode (Bonding/H.221) and different Data Rates. Continuous Presence (CP) - A conference in which several participants • can be viewed simultaneously. In this type of session, each connected endpoint uses its highest video, audio and data capabilities.

  • Page 97: Video Conference Parameters

    The Conference On Port setting is suitable for large Continuous Presence conferences (up to 128 participants for a single Video+ card) for there are not enough available video resources, or if several Continuous Presence conferences are running on the MCU at the same time, and you there are not enough video resources to simultaneously run them all.

  • Page 98: Highest Common Mechanism

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide running on the Video+ card. For more information, see MGC Manager User’s Guide, Volume I, Chapter 4, “Video Sources”. Additional video settings can be configured for the video conference to allow greater customization and options during a video conference.

  • Page 99: Entry Queue

    If Audio Look and Feel is not set for the conference, selecting Audio Only in the Media box causes the conference properties to display only audio related parameters and hide the video properties as in Audio Look and Feel mode. Entry Queue An Entry Queue is a special routing lobby to which one or several dial-in numbers are assigned.
  • Page 100 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide 4-10...

  • Page 101: Basic Operations

    Basic Operations This chapter describes how to start, monitor and manage On Going Conferences. Reservation Templates A Reservation template includes the conference parameters, such as the conference media (audio, video), video session, line rate, video protocol and other video parameters, IVR Service and more. The reservation can include the conference participant parameters.

  • Page 102: Starting A Conference

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Starting a Conference You can start an On Going Conference from one of the default Reservation templates provided with the system or you can define a new On Going Conference. For more details about defining new conferences, see MGC Manager User’s Guide, Chapter 4, “Defining a new Audio Only Conference”...
  • Page 103 Right-click the icon of the Reservations in Database template and click Start Immediately. If the MGC Manager application is connected to several MCUs, select the MCU name as well as the reservation template. The conference begins and appears in the list of On Going Conferences. If no participants were defined in the Reservation template, the conference starts but contains no participants.

  • Page 104: Dialing-In To A Conference

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Dialing-in to a Conference Dial-in participants can access the conference using the following methods: Audio Only and ISDN Video participants - dial the conference ISDN • dial-in number. H.323 participants when a gatekeeper is present - dial the IP Network •...

  • Page 105: Viewing The Conference Dial-In Properties

    When a new conference reservation or Entry Queue is defined the conference or Entry Queue registers with the SIP proxy. The SIP participant registers.The SIP participant uses the Entry Queue URI to access the Entry Queue using the format: Entry Queue name@domain name. For example, EQ1@polycom.com. Chapter 5 - Basic Operations...

  • Page 106: Dial-Out Participants

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Usually for SIP conferencing, an Ad Hoc Entry Queue is used. In this scenario, the first participant dials the Entry Queue and creates a new conference, while the other conference participants dial directly to the conference using the conference name or Numeric ID.

  • Page 107: Monitoring On Going Conferences

    Monitoring On Going Conferences You can monitor conferences at the conference level or at the participant level and perform various operations while conferences are running. Monitoring conferences means viewing the status of the On Going Conferences and the status of their participants. Operations can also be performed at the conference level or at the participant level.

  • Page 108: Monitoring A Conference

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Monitoring a Conference When you click a conference icon, the conference appears in the Status pane. However, to get more details about the conference and participants statuses, it is better to monitor the conferences through the Monitor pane in the main window.
  • Page 109 The Participant Monitoring Filter dialog box opens. Select the appropriate check boxes that indicate the statuses to monitor. The following statuses may be selected: Table 5-1: Participant Statuses to be Monitored Filtering Option Description Faulty participant Participants who have problems connecting to the conference.

  • Page 110: Listing Participants In The Browser And Status Panes

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide The Status and Monitor panes are displayed as a table. Each row represents a conference or a participant. Each column represents a status item that is being monitored. The columns that are displayed in the Status pane include the...
  • Page 111 To list the participants in the Status pane: Expand the On Going Conferences or Reservations tree to display the list of On Going Conferences or Reservations. Double-click the icon of the On Going Conference or Reservation whose participants you want to list. The participants are listed in the Status pane.

  • Page 112: Participant Level Monitoring

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Participant Level Monitoring In addition to the data that appears in the Status and the Monitor panes, you can also view the connection parameters and status of each of the conference participants. This feature is especially useful if there is a problem during the connection of the participant to the conference.

  • Page 113: Operations Performed During On Going Conferences

    Operations Performed During On Going Conferences The following operations are described in this Getting Started Guide: Adding a new participant to a conference • Connecting/Disconnecting participants • Muting/Unmuting participants • • Changing the Video Layout in a Continuous Presence conference •...
  • Page 114 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide To add a new participant to a Conference: List the On Going Conferences. Right-click the icon of the conference to which to add a participant, and then click New Participant. Alternatively, click the conference icon, and then click the New Participant button on the Conference Toolbar.
  • Page 115 Chapter 5 - Basic Operations For ISDN Participants The Participant Numbers - Enter the participant's phone number (including country and area codes, when required). 5-15...
  • Page 116 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide For H.323 Participants 5-16 Participant IP - Enter the IP address or Alias of the endpoint to be called by the MCU. Alias Name - If you are using the endpoint's alias instead of the IP address, first select the type of alias and then enter the endpoint's alias as registered with the gatekeeper.
  • Page 117 SIP URI-This uses the format of an E-mail address, typically containing a user name and a host name, for example, user@host or dan@polycom.com. TEL URI-This is used when the endpoint does not specify the domain that should interpret a telephone number that has been input by the user.

  • Page 118: Making Dial-Out Connections

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide The following fields are relevant to all participant Interface Types: User Defined fields 1-4 - Enter general information for the participant, such as the participant's E-mail address, telephone number, company name, location, or any required information.

  • Page 119: Disconnecting Participants

    Disconnecting Participants On occasion, a participant does not need to continue with a conference. In that case, you may remove a participant by either: Disconnecting the participant • Deleting the participant • To disconnect a participant: In the Monitor pane, Status pane or Browser pane, right-click the participant icon, and then click Disconnect Participant.

  • Page 120: Muting A Participant

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Muting a Participant Occasionally, a conference organizer may want to exclude the audio and video channel of a particular participant from part of an On Going Conference. The MGC Manager enables you to mute a participant's audio and/or video signals.

  • Page 121: Changing The Layout In A Continuous Presence Conference

    Changing the Layout in a Continuous Presence Conference You can select a particular Video Layout (that is a specific arrangement of video windows on the screens) or Auto Layout during On Going Continuous Presence conferences. To change the layout in a Continuous Presence conference: In the Browser pane, expand the On Going Conference list.

  • Page 122: Locking And Unlocking A Conference

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Locking and Unlocking a Conference You can lock or unlock On Going Conferences to undefined dial-in participants to control their access to these conferences. In addition, the conference can be locked prior to the start of the conference in the Reservation stage, and unlocked during the On Going Conference.

  • Page 123: Changing The Duration Of A Conference

    Changing the Duration of a Conference It is often necessary to extend the duration of a conference or terminate a conference before its scheduled completion time. The conference can be either manually or automatically extended or terminated. To automatically extend or terminate a conference, refer to the MGC Manager User’s Guide, Volume I, Chapter 6.
  • Page 124 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Click the Scheduler tab. Modify the conference Ending Time. Click OK. The Conference Properties dialog box closes. The conference’s duration is changed. 5-24...

  • Page 125: Terminating A Conference Manually

    Terminating a Conference Manually You may manually end the conference before its scheduled end time. Usually, you will use this option when all the participants disconnected from the conference, or if the meeting organizer has requested it. To terminate a conference manually: In the Browser, Monitor or Status panes, right-click the On Going Conference, and then click Terminate.

  • Page 126: Changing The Video Layout

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Changing the Video Layout You can select a particular Video Layout (that is a specific arrangement of video windows on the screens) or Auto Layout during On Going Continuous Presence conferences. To change the Video Layout in a Continuous Presence Conference: In the Browser pane, expand the On Going Conference list.

  • Page 127: Defining A New Audio Conference

    Defining a New Audio Conference This section describes how to: • Define an Audio Only Entry Queue • Start an On Going Audio Only Conference Set up an Audio Only Meeting Room • For an overview of these types of conferences, see “Conference Types” on page 4-1.
  • Page 128 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide The Entry Queue Properties dialog box opens. In the Name box assign a name to the Entry Queue using up to 20 characters. To manually assign the Numeric ID, enter in the Numeric ID box the number of digits defined in the appropriate flag in the system.cfg file (the...

  • Page 129: Entry Queue Dial-In Number Table

    Entry Queue Dial-in Number Table The list of dial-in numbers assigned to the Entry Queue is displayed in the Dial-in Numbers table. Up to 16 dial-in phone numbers may be assigned to the Entry Queue. If no dial-in number is assigned to the Entry Queue, the system assigns a dial-in number from the dial-in numbers ranges defined in the ISDN Network Service.
  • Page 130 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide The New Entry Queue is added to the Meeting Rooms list. H.323 participants can dial in to an Entry Queue by dialing the Network Service Prefix and the Numeric ID or Name of the Entry Queue - [(Prefix)(Entry Queue Numeric ID or Name)].

  • Page 131: Defining An On Going Audio Conference

    Defining an On Going Audio Conference An On Going Conference is a conference that starts immediately or when the scheduled reservation date and time is reached, and the conference is automatically activated. The following procedures describe how to define a new Standard Audio Only Conference.
  • Page 132 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide If Audio Look and Feel is not set for the conference, select Audio Only in the Media box to display only audio related parameters and hide the video properties as in Audio Look and Feel mode. If Audio Look and Feel is set for the system, the conference properties and defaults are automatically set to Audio Only and all the video parameters are hidden.
  • Page 133 12. Click the Settings tab. The Properties - Settings dialog box opens. Parameters in the Conference Properties - Settings dialog box are grouped in two main areas: General Settings and Media Settings. By default, only the Basic settings in these areas are displayed when you first open the dialog box.
  • Page 134 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide 15. If you are defining an IP only, Audio Only (VoIP) conference, you can use the Audio Alg field to select an additional audio algorithm (G.723/ G.729). In a mixed network environment, only G.711 is available.

  • Page 135: Defining A New Audio Only Meeting Room

    Defining a New Audio Only Meeting Room A Meeting Room is a conference reservation without allocated resources whose default duration is set to 2 hours. To define a New Meeting Room: Expand the MCU tree to display its options. Right-click the Meeting Rooms icon, and then click New Meeting Room.
  • Page 136 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Meeting Room conferences usually include undefined participants. It is, however, possible to add defined participants from the Pre-Defined Participants list or by clicking the Add (>>) button or the New button. Ensure that the Allow Undefined Parties check box is selected in order to allow undefined participants to dial in to the Meeting Room.
  • Page 137 10. Select the Limited Sequences check box, to limit the number of times that the Meeting Room can be activated. If this check box is cleared, the Meeting Room activation is unlimited. 11. In the Number of Occurrences field, determine the number of times the Meeting Room can be activated: 1 means that the conference can be activated once, and then it will be deleted from the system.
  • Page 138 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide 6-12...

  • Page 139: Defining A New Video Conference

    Defining a New Video Conference This chapter describes how to: Define a Video Entry Queue • • Start an On Going Conference • Set up a Meeting Room For an overview of these types of conferences, see “Conference Types” on page 4-1.
  • Page 140 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide To define a new Video Entry Queue: Expand the MCU tree, right-click the Meeting Rooms, Entry Queues and SIP Factories icon and then click New Entry Queue. The Entry Queue Properties dialog box opens. In the Name box assign a name to the Entry Queue using up to 20 characters.
  • Page 141 assigns the Numeric ID provided the MCU is configured to support automatic assignment of Numeric IDs. In the Entry Queue Service box select from the list of predefined Entry Queue Services the one that will be used to play audio messages and prompts to participants waiting in the Entry Queue.
  • Page 142 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide • Setting the Entry Queue to Transcoding or Continuous Presence requires Video resources, while a Video Switching Entry Queue does not. • An IP Only Entry Queue in Continuous Presence mode can only be defined as Classic Continuous Presence, not as Software or Quad View mode Continuous Presence.

  • Page 143: Creating A Target Conference From An Entry Queue

    Creating a Target Conference from an Entry Queue You can create a new On Going conference or Reservation with the same parameters as the Entry Queue. This is especially useful for Video Switching conferences, since their parameters must be the same as those of the Entry Queue.

  • Page 144: Creating An On Going Video Conference

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Creating an On Going Video Conference An On Going Conference is a conference that starts immediately The following procedure describes the main parameters involved in setting up an Video Conference. For a detailed description of all parameters, see the MGC Manager User’s Guide, Volume I, Chapter 4.
  • Page 145 In the User Defined Fields boxes, enter the requested information (if required). Change the Conference’s Duration if required. In the Media area, select the Video, Audio option. In the Supported Network area, select the appropriate type of network. In the Video Session area, select Video Switching, Transcoding or Continuous Presence.
  • Page 146 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide 14. Click the Settings tab. The Properties - Settings dialog box opens. The parameters described here are the Basic parameters. The Advanced parameters are usually not changed from their default values. For more information about these Advanced parameters, see the MGC Manager User’s Guide, Volume I, Chapter 4.
  • Page 147 connect participants to the conference at this line rate or lower, according to their individual capabilities. In a Conference On Port, select the estimated highest transfer rate common to all participants. The Conference On Port method forces all conference participants to use the same video parameters. Participants who connect to the conference do so with the quality of the participant with the lowest line rate.
  • Page 148 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide 19. To enable the Conference On Port option, select its check box. This option is available if Continuous Presence was selected in the Conference Properties - General tab. For more information about this conferencing method, see “Video Conference Types” on page 4-3.
  • Page 149 Alternatively, select the Auto Layout check box to have the system automatically and dynamically apply layouts with the appropriate number of display windows according to the number of connected video participants. 25. In a Continuous Presence conference, you can add visual effects, such as borders and colors, to the video layouts display on the endpoints.

  • Page 150: Defining A New Video Meeting Room

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Defining a New Video Meeting Room A Meeting Room is a conference reservation without resource allocation, whose default duration is set to 2 hours. To define a New Video Meeting Room: Expand the MCU icon to display its options.

  • Page 151: Management Tools

    Management Tools This chapter describes the basic management tools for the MGC+50/ MGC+100. For details on other management tools, see the MGC Administrator’s Guide, Chapter 5. Resource Report The Resource Report details the availability and usage of the system resources (various card types). The Resource Report displays the number of ports that can be allocated to participants, the number of ports that cannot be used (Bad), the number of ports currently being used by participants (Active), Reserved (reserved to start within the next 5 minutes) to...
  • Page 152 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide The Resource Report dialog box opens. The Resource Report window contains the following columns: Table 8-1: Resource Report Columns Column Title Subject Total Active Non Reserved Description Type of MCU resource. Includes the Network Resources that are used by participants to connect to the system, and Media Resources that are used by the system to run different types of conferences.

  • Page 153: Resources Report - Network Resources

    Table 8-1: Resource Report Columns Column Title Reserved Resources Report - Network Resources The Network Resources describes the bandwidth and port availability for participants connecting over various types of networks. This information includes network resources only. In order for participants to connect to a conference, they may also require Audio+, Video+, Data or MUX+ resources, depending on the type of participant and the type of conference.

  • Page 154: Resource Report - Network Resources Details

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Resource Report - Network Resources Details ISDN Services - ISDN Network Services. This section describes the • available bandwidth, in B channels, for each type of ISDN connection. Only the installed types of connections are displayed: —...

  • Page 155: Resources Report - Media Resources

    Resources Report - Media Resources Media Resources used by participants from different types of networks are displayed in the lower section of the Resources Report window. To view the Media Resources details, use the scroll bar on the right side of the window. Media Resources Area Parameters Description Each row item appearing in the Media Resources Area is described below.

  • Page 156: Port-Unit Allocation Area

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide -Quad Mode must run on the Video+8 card. Participants from multiple Video+8 cards can take part in a single conference. — Video Processors - Total number of video processors from all MUX+ - Displayed is the total number of MUX+ port resources •...
  • Page 157 The following modes are available: — Circular - The system allocates the next available sequential unit in the order in which it is numbered on the card according to the unit numbers. For example, if the last used unit is 2, the next time a conference is run, the system will allocate units starting with unit 3 (provided that unit 3 is free).

  • Page 158: Listing The Installed Cards

    MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Listing the Installed Cards You can check which functional modules are installed in a particular MCU by listing them. To list an MCU’s functional modules: Connect to the MCU whose modules you want to list. In the Browser pane, expand the MCU tree to list its options.
  • Page 159 When the Cards icon in the Browser pane is double-clicked, the Status pane displays the status of the card. Occupied slots appear in green while empty slots appear in grey. The slot number appears next to the slot icon. Table 4-2 describes the Status pane columns.
  • Page 160 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide Table 8-2: MCU's Cards Status Columns Field Clock Configured Clock Status Occupied Units Faulty Units Disabled Units Num Units For more information about viewing card parameters, see MGC Manager Administrator’s Guide, Chapter 4. 8-10 Description This column is valid only for ISDN and Serial (MPI-8) Network Interface cards.

  • Page 161: Mcu Faults Report

    Chapter 8 - Management Tools MCU Faults Report The Faults function records faults related to the MCU that are encountered during operation. To view the Faults list: Right-click the MCU icon, and then click Faults. 8-11...
  • Page 162 MGC-50/MGC-100 Getting Started Guide The Faults window opens. The following columns appear in the Faults report: Table 8-3: Faults Fields Field Time Category 8-12 Description Lists the date and time that the fault occurred. This column also includes the icon indicating the fault Level.
  • Page 163 Table 8-3: Faults Fields Field Description Category (cont.) • • • Level Indicates the severity of the problem. There are three fault indicators: • • • • The icon of the fault Level appears in the Time column. Code Indicates the code of the problem, according to the fault category.

  • Page 164: Reset Mcu

    Right-click the MCU icon, and then click Reset MCU. When the MCU is restarts, the MCU icon changes accordingly. Obtaining Additional Information Information about Polycom products, technologies, and network solutions is available from the company Web site, at the following URL: http://www.polycom.com/home/resource_center/...

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