Using prserv for Diagnosing Fax Problems

Chapter 7 Configuring and Debugging Fax Services

Debugging the Cisco ATA 186/188 Fax Services

Using prserv for Diagnosing Fax Problems

This section contains the following topics:

•prserv Overview, page 7-9

•Analyzing prserv Output for Fax Sessions, page 7-9

prserv Overview

prserv is a tool that runs on a Microsoft Windows-based PC and serves as a log server that captures debug information that the Cisco ATA sends to your PC IP address/port. The debug information is saved into a readable text file.

To enable your Cisco ATA to send debug information, you need to set the NPrintf configuration parameter to your PC IP address and an available port, as shown in the following procedure:

Procedure

Step 1 <IP address>.<port>

<IP address> is the IP address of your PC.

<port> is any unused port (any number from 1024 to 65535) on your PC.

Note You can the Nprintf parameter on the Cisco ATA configuration web page or with the TFTP-based configuration method.

Step 2 To operate the debug capture program prserv.exe, place the prserv program in a folder on your PC. At the DOS prompt, enter:

C:>prserv <port>

<port> is the port number you have selected. If <port> is omitted, the default port number is 9001.

As prserv receives debug information from the Cisco ATA, it displays the information on the DOS screen and saves it to the output file <port>.log.

Once you are finished capturing debug information, you can stop prserv by entering Ctrl-C at the DOS prompt. If you restart the process without changing the name of the log file, any new debug information is appended to the end of the original file.

Analyzing prserv Output for Fax Sessions

The debug log obtained from prserv is for detecting simple configuration problems.

Note A comprehensive understanding of the fax events requires the use of the rtpcatch tool (see the “Using rtpcatch for Diagnosing Fax Problems” section on page 7-12).

Table 7-2lists log events relevant to analyzing a fax session.

Cisco ATA 186 and Cisco ATA 188 Analog Telephone Adaptor Administrator’s Guide (H.323)

	OL-4008-01	7-9

ATA 188 specifications

The Cisco Systems ATA 188 is a versatile Analog Telephone Adapter designed to facilitate the integration of traditional telephone systems with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks. This device has been key in bridging the gap between legacy telephony and modern IP-based communication, allowing users to leverage their existing analog phones while enjoying the benefits of digital connectivity.

One of the main features of the ATA 188 is its ability to connect regular analog phones to a VoIP network, enabling users to make and receive calls over the internet. This significantly reduces calling costs, especially for long-distance and international calls. The ATA 188 supports two phone lines, allowing simultaneous voice calls. This dual-line capability makes it a suitable choice for small businesses or home offices that require multiple lines without the need for extensive infrastructure.

The device is equipped with various technologies that enhance its functionality. It supports the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and H.323, making it compatible with a wide range of VoIP service providers. Additionally, the ATA 188 features Quality of Service (QoS) settings, which prioritize voice traffic over the internet, ensuring clear voice quality without interruptions or delays. This is essential for maintaining a professional communication experience, especially in business environments.

Another characteristic of the ATA 188 is its user-friendly configuration interface. It allows users to easily set up and manage their devices through a web-based portal. The configuration process is straightforward, with options to adjust settings such as codec selection, call features including call waiting, and call forwarding functionalities.

Security is also a priority for the ATA 188, as it provides robust protocols to protect call data. The device supports Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt voice traffic and manage signaling securely. This ensures that sensitive conversations remain confidential.

Overall, the Cisco Systems ATA 188 is a reliable and efficient solution for users looking to transition from traditional telephony to VoIP. Its dual-line capacity, compatibility with multiple VoIP standards, user-friendly configuration, and built-in security features make it a valuable asset for both personal and professional communication solutions. In an ever-evolving telecommunications landscape, the ATA 188 remains a relevant and practical choice for integrating legacy telephony with modern internet-based services.