Project phases

Network build out is split into several distinct phases each of which is designed to ensure that the necessary checks and requirements are met.

1. 
   

LLD (Low Level Design) document and sign-off:

The document describes the planned services of the new network and highlights how these services should be developed.

       It also covers basic considerations such as overall topology, architecture and deployment of the network elements (PGW2200 and MGCP-controlled gateways, SIP and H323 interconnections). The reader will be introduced to some basic concepts and important issues and considerations in interconnecting the PGW2200.

        The document includes practical design issues such as the physical architecture of the network, going into details such as signaling link, signal-backhauling, mgcp signaling, ISUP-SIP/H323 interworking,  voice delay etc.  Security recommendations for both the UNIX platforms and MGCP-controlled gateways are examined in detail. It describes the planned services of the new network and highlights how these services should be developed. It also covers basic considerations such as overall topology, architecture and deployment of the network elements. The reader will be introduced in detail to all the important issues and considerations in interconnecting the softswitch.

The document includes practical design issues such as the physical architecture of the network, going into details wherever necessary. All areas of redundancy will be fully documented in the LLD.

NRFU (Network Ready for Use) Test plan and sign off

The NRFU should contain details of every test case to be carried out on the system to prove its ability to meeting the stated requirements in the LLD. The test plan should test that the systems have the features as advertised by the Hardware/software seller. That the feature interactions detailed in the LLD work as designed. That redundancy performs 100% according to how it is documented in the LLD.

Build out of network

Much of the network apart from racking and stacking can easily be done remotely, saving on huge expenses and needless onsite travel.

NRFU testing phase

Execution of the NRFU test plan. This is preferably carried out with the assistance of the customer. This allows for an excellent opportunity for end user training and familiarization with the new network elements.

As-Built documentation

After the network has been built and testing finished and signed off on, the “As Built” document should detail the device configurations of the VoIP network devices. It serves as a snap shot of the fully tested and operational network. It can also be very effectively used as a basis for training material.

Training & Support

Following network commissioning there is a great opportunity for training. While all the aspects of your network are fresh in everyones minds, training should happen during that period as the network comes online. There are many different options - Remote training sessions scheduled for half days with hands on trouble shooting are a great option for bringing network engineers up to speed quickly while not distracting from their other day to day work too much. But check out our training options for more details.

Regarding support

Very often, only when a network comes online do the sales and marketing folks finally get their heads around the capabilities of these new systems. That means that the questions and unfortunately the network rollout only gets kick started after the network design phase and training is finished. So, to that end we want to be there supporting you during this initial service evolution phase. We have many years of experience aiding PGW and BTS customers developing their end-user services.  Both from the practical point of view of tailoring what the enduser wants and also ensuring that all these services are practical to implement, operate and maintain. To a large extent this is where all the fun is!! Check out some of our sample support options.

There are many other areas where we are more than happy to provide solutions and guidance.

1. •Billing integration - CDR conversion - BAMS deployments
   

2. •Least cost routing (LCR) design/specification/implementation
   

3. •Cisco Media Node Manager (CMNM) deployment. SNMP configuration.
   

4. •Cacti integration for PGW, PGW monitoring tools from shell scripts with email and SMS notifications
   

5. •Backup procedures
   

6. •LNP implementation
   

7. •Hardware and software upgrades
   

8. •Legal Intercept with SII architecture implementation