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System Cassettes
 INDeX
has a range of cassettes that allow different devices to be connected. Each
cassette is identical in size and appearance, labels and connector type clearly
distinguish the type. Each cassette uses one full slot and each slot has the
potential to support 32 ports. The actual number of ports supported by each slot
depends on the configuration of the cassette installed. The number of ports
supported by each cassette varies from 2 to 32 depending on the particular
device and the configuration required.
For example: if an 8 port cassette is installed originally, it can be replaced by a higher (or lower) port cassette at any time. The slot must be re-assigned according to the new cassette installation. All device cassettes can be configured for less ports than their maximum capability.
When a PSU 8 is used, there are no restrictions on the number of device cassettes that can be installed on INDeX
(either per cabinet or in total) for the following device types:-
Primary Rate Circuits (DASS II, DPNSS, E-PLI)
Digital Terminals
Analogue Trunks For analogue extensions (that is analogue two wire devices) INDeX can ring a maximum of 112 x 2-wire devices simultaneously per cabinet. This restriction is unlikely to prove detrimental in the majority of installations.
Control Processor Unit (CPU)
INDeX has 4 types of CPU Cassette: CPU 100, CPU 200, CPU 400 and CPU 1000. The
difference between them is the maximum number of cassettes and therefore the
nominal ports that they support. The CPU Cassette contains the core central
software for the entire system, therefore one CPU Cassette is required per
system. The INDeX CPU's are also available in two models, these are the CPU-V and the CPU-X. The CPU-X has the following additional benefits over the CPU-V. The CPU-X delivers a dramatic increase in processor performance and memory capacity and is intended to fulfil the next central processor requirements of INDeX. The CPU-X has an integrated analogue modem for remote access. The embedded modem provides an easy way of providing remote access to your customers sites. This development negates the need for the installer/maintainer having to provide separate exchange lines or find spare ports on analogue cassettes for the connection of external modems.
The CPU-X has an integrated 10/100 M/bit Ethernet interface will provide access for a number of new applications, these include:- INDeX 'Net' - the use of an IP connection between INDeX's to provide additional feature transparency over INDeX private networks. (For more detail refer to INDeX-Net
). SNMP Management - the ability to provide inventory management, alarm notification and simple configuration of the INDeX telephone system, using an SNMP compliant management package. (For more detail refer to the SNMP Management section.)
File Transfer Protocol Support - otherwise known as FTP allowing the INDeX
maintainer to upload and download system software or databases within a
fraction of the time previous V24 methods have taken. Telnet - allowing both remote and local access to the INDeX administration via either the LAN or WAN. Telnet is platform independent providing instant access from most PC's
situated on your network. The option to have a simple Embedded Voice Mail on CPU-X 100's is planned for future release of INDeX
software. With the design of the INDeX CPU, Avaya has continued its philosophy of providing maximum upgradability to the central software of the switch. This ensures that the customer's investment is protected for future developments in the communications market. The range of CPUs ensures that the customer has maximum flexibility in balancing processing power against cost. The architecture of the CPU has been specifically designed to enable maximisation of new chip technology for memory. On INDeX, extensive use is made of Flash memory. Flash has several unique characteristics which make it highly desirable in
comparison to the use of battery backed SRAM. Flash is maintenance free. Once
correctly programmed, it cannot lose data or be corrupted and it guarantees
memory protection without the need for batteries. As such it can guarantee that in the event of any failure on the system the software and the customer's configuration database are protected. The Flash memory is used in conjunction with the Random Access Memory (RAM) which is used as the working memory. A backup copy of the configuration is stored in flash memory and updated regularly. Should anything happen to the RAM database the system instantaneously reloads the Flash back-up to ensure seamless continuity of operation. Effectively INDeX has one copy of the database in non-volatile memory and one copy in RAM at all times ensuring that in the unlikely event of an error occurring in the RAM it is unnoticed by the user.
The core software is written in C, a highly resilient, sophisticated software language, and uses a proprietary, pre-emptive, multi-threading, multi-tasking operating system called Continuous Fault Tolerant Processing (CFTP) which enables faults to be isolated without affecting the functioning of the rest of the system.
An engineer can re-programme a site over the live link by
either using an external modem or the embedded modem (CPU-X only). The ability
to re-programme a switch via a direct connection ensures that customer
disruption is minimised and gives a very high level of service in response to a
customer's requirements. An external modem is connected via one of the RS232
ports on the Control Unit Cabinet with either a dedicated exchange line to
enable the maintainer to dial in, or is attached to INDeX as a two wire
extension which is dialled up as an extension or via a DDI number. Connected to
the CPU is a cable which feeds 4 x V24 ports. These ports provide the interface for connectivity of external software applications. The CPU cassette is always located in slot 8 of the Control Unit Cabinet and uses one of the slots that the PSU 4 and PSU 8 support. The CPU family has been designed to enable a database upload from one type of CPU to another. This minimises the amount of work and disruption to a customer who expands and wishes to move to the next CPU. The database can be downloaded from one CPU and uploaded on to the next. The only programming changes required thereafter will be for the extra ports.
The CPU 100 and CPU 200 do not support the Link cassette which effectively
means that these CPUs can only be used in single cabinet configurations. The CPU 100 supports 3 device cassettes and therefore a nominal portage of 96 ports (3x32 ports). The CPU model numbers are rounded up or down for simplicity. The CPU 200 INDeX supports 7 device cassettes and therefore a nominal portage of 224 ports (7x32 ports). The CPU 400 supports 13 device cassettes (plus the Link and Expansion Link cassettes) and therefore a nominal portage of 416 ports (13x32 ports). The CPU 1000 supports 34 device cassettes (plus the Link and Expansion Link cassettes) and therefore a nominal portage of 1088 ports (34x32 ports). (Configuration examples are shown at the end of this section). To determine the minimum CPU requirement for a particular configuration, the number of device cassettes should be ascertained first.
There are in fact 3 copies of the database, two in flash, one in ram, this way if the power fails while one copy is being
erased and updated there is always a valid copy in flash. The CPU-X also keeps a list of recent changes in flash and so the
database is always completely up to date, the CPU takes a backup ever 30 minutes. Built in voicemail is now supported on the
X100 (software version 9.1 up).
A big change is that on the X the size of the CPU is licensed. To upgrade a X100 to X1000 is simply a case of purchasing a
bigger license. This means that expanding the system no longer requires the configuration to be copied to a new processor and then
new licenses obtained for any optional features (always a annoying hassle rather than a cost). The upgrade can be done with about
30 seconds downtime, the time it takes for a system restart.
Digital Subscriber Line Cassette (DSLC)
The DSLC provides the interface for up to 32 of INDeX's Digital Terminals (a range of five handsets). The full range is as follows; 2010, 2030, 2050, 2060 and 20CC. These are described in detail in the Terminals section. There are four variants of the DSLC providing 8, 16, 24 or 32 extension circuits respectively. The DSLC cassette uses a proprietary 2B+D architecture (ISDN U interface) requiring only two wire standard twisted pair cabling to provide each user with a fully digital telephone which may be located up to 1000m from the Control Unit.
Analogue Cassette
The Analogue Cassette provides the interface for up to 24 analogue circuits. The
cassette is a hybrid in that the analogue circuits can be either trunk lines or
any two wire device according to the configuration of the cassette. There are
seven variants of the Analogue Cassette, six providing a mix of trunks and two
wire extensions and one providing AC15a support:-
AL0-24 (0 Trunks, 24 Extensions)
AL0-16 (0 Trunks, 16 extensions)
AL2-8 (2 Trunks, 8 extensions)
AL8-8 (8 trunks, 8 extensions)
AL8-2 (8 trunks, 2 extensions)
AL4-2 (4 trunks, 2 extensions)
AC15-4 (4 AC15a circuits)
Digital Access Signalling System 2 (DASS II) Cassette
The DASS II Cassette provides the interface for connection of one DASS II line of up to 30 channels from the public network provider. DASS II is a UK standard protocol used by all network providers and is provided on a Primary Rate Interface (PRI) which consists of a 2 Megabit pipe (a digital connection). The pipe consists of 30 Bearer channels, one signalling channel and one synchronisation channel
(30B + 2D). Each bearer channel provides 64K/bit of bandwidth, each channel being the equivalent of one trunk line. 32 channels x 64K/bit = 2,048 bytes, hence the name 2 Megabit (or 2 Meg). DASS
II circuits are commonly referred to as digital trunks. The cassette is available in three variants: 30, 15 and 8 channel options. The UK tariffs for digital trunks enable a user with an eight line requirement to install DASS II more cost effectively than an analogue option. Thus the smaller user can now access all the benefits of a digital service, eg. DDI (Direct Dialling In). (For full details of digital services available, see Public Network Access & Call Management ). Euro ISDN - Primary Rate Cassette (E-PRI)
The E-PRI Cassette provides the interface for connection of one E-PRI line of up to 30 channels from the public network provider. E-PRI is a European protocol used by all network providers and provides a Primary Rate Interface (PRI) which consists of a 2 Megabit pipe (a digital connection). The pipe consists of 30 Bearer channels, one signalling channel and one synchronisation channel
(30B + 2D). Each bearer channel provides 64K/bit of bandwidth, each channel being the equivalent of one trunk line. 32 channels x 64K/bit = 2,048 bytes, hence the name 2 Megabit (or 2 Meg).
The Euro ISDN interface is also referred to as DSS1, Q931 or I421. For more information on DASS II, Q931 and ISDN see Public Network Access & Call Management. Basic Rate Interface (BRI) Cassette
The BRI Cassette provides the interface for connection of up to eight Basic Rate Q931 Euro ISDN lines or devices. The Basic Rate protocol has two types of interface, 'T' and 'S'. The 'T' interface is the point of connection to the public network, the 'S' interface is the point of connection to a device (eg. a Group 4 fax or ISDN terminal). Each BRI connection consists of two Bearer channels and one Signalling (or Data) channel
(2B+D). The BRI cassette is configurable, at point of installation, in any combination of 'T' and 'S' interfaces up to the maximum number of circuits available.
Note: power is not supplied to the ISDN device from the BRI cassette. There are three variants of the BRI cassette providing 2, 4, or 8 circuits respectively. Thus the BRI 8 could be configured as 2 'T' and 6 'S' interfaces, or 4 'T' and 4 'S' interfaces. Each circuit on the BRI cassette consists of two bearer channels and one signalling channel, therefore the 8 circuit option provides 16 bearer channels. These cassettes give maximum flexibility for optimisation of BRI on INDeX.
INDeX has European and BABT approval for both the BRI 'S' and 'T' interfaces. Connection to the BRI
Cassette is made via a standard 32 pair INDeX Cable. Basic rate 'T' and 'S'
use two pairs (4 wires), 'S' interface circuits are terminated on RJ45
sockets. From INDeX Level 6. 3 and above the BRI 'T' functionality was enhanced to support the ISDN features of Multiple Subscriber Numbering (MSN) and sub-addressing. MSN may be used in a similar way to DDI to route calls to specific ports or address a specific device on a BRI 'S' operating in point to multi-point mode. Sub-addressing is only available on calls that originate and terminate on Basic Rate ISDN devices, it may be used to address a specific device on a BRI 'S' operating in point to multi-point mode.
Digital Private Network Signalling System (DPNSS) Cassette
The DPNSS cassette is similar to the DASS II cassette in that it provides the
interface for a digital connection of up to 30 channels, although this time
using the DPNSS protocol. DPNSS is a UK standard that has been widely adopted
world wide. The protocol is designed to give feature transparency to the user
between telephone systems (from the same or different manufacturers) in
different geographical locations. There are two variants of the cassette supporting either 30 or 15 channels. The INDeX supports the following features on DPNSS:-
Simple call set up (Sections 1-6 inclusive)
Call back when free (Section 9)
Executive intrusion (Section 10)
Diversion (Section 11)
Hold (Section 12)
Three party working (Section 13)
Call offer (Section 14)
Service independent strings (Section 16)
Call waiting (Section 17)
Redirection (Section 22)
Centralised operator service (Section 26)
Call back when next used (Section 31)
Call back Messages (Section 36)
Loop avoidance (Section 37)
2M/bit R2 MFC Cassette
The R2 MFC cassette was introduced with INDeX Level 7. 2. R2 MFC is a form of Channel Associated Signalling. This cassette provides connection for up to 30 x R2 channels. The connection to the network is made via an RJ45 connection, a cable is supplied with the cassette. The code for this cassette is EIR2-30.
Note: this cassette has been developed for the Czech Republic only.
Alog-R Cassette
The Alog-R is available in two variants, the 8/0 and the 8/4.
The first digit represents the number of 'loop start' trunk circuits that can be used for both incoming and outgoing calls. The loop start circuits also have the ability to detect line reversal.
The second digit represents the number of Direct Inward Dialling (DID) channels that the board is equipped with. The DID signalling is in the form of R2 MFC, these four channels are incoming only.
The code for these cassettes are ALR-8-0-Z1 and ALR-8-4D-Z1.
Note: this cassette has been developed for the Singapore market only.
Automatic Call Announcing (ACA) Cassette
The ACA Cassette consists of four message modules (3 x 16 second and 1 x 60 second) for the storage of messages or music passages to create integrated call sequencing and announcement applications on INDeX.
Each of the message modules on the ACA Cassette is individually configured for either ACA (message storage) or Digital Music on Hold (DMOH - music storage) function. The individual modules are then recorded with a message or music passage to create announcer plans and multiple music on hold channels that are heard by incoming trunks. The announcer plans may include steps to play particular messages, music, passages of silence, or return to a previous step.
Combo Cassettes
Designed specifically for smaller applications, the Combo is a 24 port cassette, consisting of 16
DSLC ports and 8 ALOG ports. The Combo is supported on the CPU 100 and requires
INDeX Level 6. 3 and above. The introduction of INDeX Level 8. 0 allows up to 3
Combo cassettes to be fitted on CPU 200, CPU 400 and CPU 1000 systems using a
software licence. There are two versions of the Combo Cassette:
COMBO 6/2/16 - supports 6 ALOG trunks, 2 ALOG 2-wire ports, 16 DSLC ports
COMBO 0/8/16 - supports 8 ALOG 2-wire ports and 16 DSLC ports
The ALOG and DSLC ports on the Combo have the same functionality and specification as the current ALOG and DSLC Cassettes. A maximum of 3 Combo Cassettes (ie. maximum 72 device ports via Combo Cassettes) can be supported by a CPU 100.
Basic Rate Combo Cassettes (BRIC)
The Basic Rate Combo Cassette will support 8 Analogue 2-wire extension ports, 16 DSLC ports and 4 Basic rate connections that can be configured in either 'S' or 'T' mode.
As with existing Combo cassettes, the Basic Rate Combo is supported by INDeX systems equipped with CPU 100's and requires INDeX Level 8. 0 and above.
Additionally INDeX Level 8. 0 introduced a new licence that allows up to three Combo cassettes to function on INDeX's equipped with CPU 200, CPU 400 or CPU 1000.
The Alog, DSLC and Basic rate ports on the Combo cassette have the same functionality and specification as the existing dedicated cassettes.
Data Routing Cassette (DRC)
The Data Router Cassette is a corporate 10BaseT router for LAN to LAN applications, capable of routing IP and IPX protocols and bridging all others. The DRC is shipped with eight 64K channels as standard with an optional licence keys to increase the capacity from eight to sixteen, twenty-four or thirty-two channels. An X. 21 port for connection to leased line services is incorporated as standard for use where high data throughput is required to the remote site. The DRC can be supplied fitted with either 4 or 8 integral V. 34 modems to allow analogue access to the LAN. DRC-OM Standard Data Router Cassette equipped with 8 B channels, 10BaseT and X. 21 lease line interface.
DRC-4M Data Router Cassette equipped with 8 B channels, 10BaseT and X. 21 lease line interface and four V. 34 Modems.
DRC-8M Data Router Cassette equipped with 8 B channels, 10BaseT and X. 21 lease line interface and eight V. 34 Modems.
LIC-DRC-8B Licence key to increase the number of B channels from 8 to 16.
LIC-DRC-16B Licence key to increase the number of B channels from 8 to 24.
LIC-DRC-24B Licence key to increase the number of B channels from 8 to 32.
IP Networking Cassette (IPNC)
The IP Networking Cassette is an 10/100 BaseT, IP only router capable of routing both Voice and data over Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN). It is ideally suited to Internet access, Remote LAN access and Voice over IP solutions (see Voice over IP (IP Telephony) ). The IPNC is shipped with two 64K B channels as standard with a single licence key to increase the capacity to thirty-two channels. An X21 port is included as standard for connection to Internet service providers and Frame Relay networks. The IPNC can be supplied with two options, a 4 x V. 90 modem module and a 20-channel voice compression module. IPNC Standard IP Networking Cassette equipped with 2 B channels, 10BaseT Ethernet port, 10/100Mbit auto-sensing Ethernet Port, and an X. 21 Lease line interface. IPNC-M IP Networking Cassette equipped with 2 B channels, 10BaseT Ethernet port, 10/100Mbit auto-sensing Ethernet Port, an X. 21 Lease line interface and four V. 90 Modems. IPNC-VC IP Networking Cassette equipped with 2 B channels, 10BaseT Ethernet port, 10/100Mbit auto-sensing Ethernet Port, an X. 21 Lease line interface and 20-channel voice compression module. IPNC-M-VC IP Networking Cassette equipped with 2 B channels, 10BaseT Ethernet port, 10/100Mbit auto-sensing Ethernet Port, an X. 21 Lease line interface, 20-channel voice compression module and four V. 90 Modems. LIC-IPNC32 Upgrades the IPNC from 2 to 32 B channels.
Voice Compression Cassette (VCC)
The Voice Compression Cassette (VCC) will enable INDeX to provide Private Voice Networks between INDeX switches over any INDeX compatible digital bearer. The VCC
will allow up to seven simultaneous calls to be delivered via a single 64K/bit
call. Additionally it will enable DPNSS over the compressed voice channels
which, to the ISDN bearer, will just look like B channels. This will allow users
to have the benefits of DPNSS without the cost of a leased line. Additionally the VCC may be used with DPNSS lines giving a significant voice capacity increase.
Link Cassette (LC)
The Link cassette provides the connection between the Control Unit and the rest of the system. It is only required if the system expands to 2 or more cabinets, or if the INDeX is being linked to a SDX60N or SDX420N. There are six types of Link Cassette controlling what can be connected to the Control Unit Cabinet:
LC 1E/0G - Link cassette supporting 1 Expansion cabinet and 0 GCUs
LC 2E/4G - Link cassette supporting 2 Expansion cabinets and up to 4 SDX60N/420N GCUs*
LC 3E/1G - Link cassette supporting 3 Expansion cabinets and 1 SDX60N/420N GCU*
LC 3E/0G - Link cassette supporting 3 Expansion cabinets and 0 GCUs
LC 4E-V - Link Cassette supporting 4 Expansion cabinets and 0 GCUs.
The Link Cassette uses 1 slot of the Control unit cabinet and is always installed in slot 7 (next to the CPU).
Expansion Link Cassette (ELC)
The ELC is required if an Expansion cabinet is required. The ELC is fitted in slot 8 of the INDeX Expansion cabinet and connects to the Link cassette via a cable. In this way the CPU communicates, via the LC and ELC, with the rest of the system cassettes. The ELC uses 1 slot of the INDeX Expansion cabinet. It can be supported by the PSU 4 (unlike the Link cassette).
INDeX CT Server Cassette
The INDeX CT Server Cassette is an Intel Pentium based processor running the market leading Windows NT4 operating system embedded in the INDeX platform. This dual processing approach offers the best of both worlds - resilient constant up time processing for voice switching, and an open industry standard platform preferred by application developers for provision of application services. The INDeX CT Server Cassette, as well as forming part of the platform for the INDeX Voice Manager, provides a gateway to INDeX for all applications that require visibility or control of telephony. These include Call Centre View, Wallboard Server, Report Server and CTI modules. Where an INDeX CT Server Cassette is installed it acts as the LAN gateway between the Call Centre Modules (CCMs)
running on external Windows NT4 PCs and INDeX. In other cases the connection to
INDeX is achieved through one of the INDeX RS-232 ports. Telephone platforms offer resilient voice switching with typical up times of over 99. 95%. This level of reliability and consistency of service is provided through specialist and highly optimised software running on proprietary hardware platforms. Such proprietary systems, however, are typically unable to cater for general purpose application platforms adhering to IT standards and interfaces, this is not however the case with INDeX. A direct physical integration between the INDeX CT Server Cassette and the INDeX back-plane offers further benefits that cater for installation and configuration simplicity. Like all telephony components the INDeX CT Server Cassette is fully 'hot swappable' and configurable without interrupting any other telephony service. Very importantly, the INDeX CT Server Cassette also offers a direct LAN connection to INDeX through which all applications, services and the INDeX system itself may be managed from any computer workstation able to connect to the LAN. The benefits of this approach are:
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Adherence to Standards - The INDeX CT Server Cassette is based on market leading standards in terms of processor (INTEL Processors), architecture (ISA bus) and operating system (Windows NT4 Workstation).
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Simplified Installation - Upon connection, an INDeX CT Server Cassette is automatically registered with the switch and available as an application platform. There is no need for complex installation.
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Simplified Management - Any PC Workstation using remote access services (RAS) may be used, either locally or remotely, to administer INDeX and its applications through a convenient LAN interface.
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Simplified Configuration - By virtue of the INDeX CT Server Cassette being connected directly to the INDeX it can automatically create user databases and configurations based on the internal INDeX System directories.
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Simplified Maintenance - The INDeX CT Server Cassette is fully 'hot swappable' without impacting any of the critical voice switching services.
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Enhanced Functionality - Using a direct back-plane connection, the INDeX CT Server Cassette is able to provide unprecedented levels of Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) control.
DECT Analogue Board (DAB)
The DAB boards contain 8 circuits for connection to two wire ports on INDeX. These support MF or pulse dialling and Time Break Recall. A version of the PABX interface board with earth recall is also available, however this is not required for use with INDeX.
Each cordless handset that is to be registered for use on the system requires a two wire analogue connection through the host PABX. The cordless handset provides the same functionality as a Plain Ordinary Telephone (POT) connected to the two wire port of INDeX, with the exception of message waiting indication.
DECT Expansion Board (DEB)
The DEB is an optional board fitted within the DCU providing support for a further 8 DECT Base Stations (DBS).
Cables
The DSLC, ALOG and BRI cassettes use an identical custom cable to connect to the
test jack frame. A three metre cable is shipped with every cassette and, to
facilitate upgrades and installation, each of the above cassettes is shipped
with a 32 twisted pair cable. This ensures that each slot is wired for the
optimum number of ports on installation, so sub-equipped cassettes can be
upgraded without significant rewiring. Longer lengths are available as separate
items. The DASS II and DPNSS cassettes use co-axial cable which is also shipped with the cassette in a standard three metre length. Longer lengths of cables are available as separate items. The E-PRI and DRC cassettes use an RJ45 cable which is also shipped with the cassettes in a standard three metre length. Longer lengths of cables are available as separate items. The Link and Expansion Link cassettes also require cables. These are shipped separately and should be ordered according to the number of cabinets and/or GCUs required and the type of installation (wall or rack mounted). Fibre optic cables are only required for connection to an SDX60N/420N GCU and are ordered separately if applicable.
Index Telephones (new style)
Index CPU & Cassette information
Index Dect Telephones
Index 30
Index General (new style)
For more information on Index go to the
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