Chapter 21 Configuring Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Proxy

Information About Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Proxy

•Works with existing phone numbers: Cisco Intercompany Media Engine works with the phone numbers an enterprise currently has and does not require an enterprise to learn new numbers or change providers to use Cisco Intercompany Media Engine.

•Works with existing IP phones: Cisco Intercompany Media Engine works with the existing IP phones within an enterprise. However, the feature set in business-to-business calls is limited to the capabilities of the IP phones.

•Does not require purchasing new services: Cisco Intercompany Media Engine does not require any new services from any service providers. Customers continue to use the PSTN connectivity they have and the Internet connectivity they have today. Cisco Intercompany Media Engine gradually moves calls off the PSTN and onto the Internet.

•Provides a full Cisco Unified Communications experience: Because Cisco Intercompany Media Engine creates inter-cluster SIP trunks between enterprises, any Unified Communication features that work over the SIP trunk and only require a SIP trunk work with the Cisco Intercompany Media Engine, thus providing a Unified Communication experience across enterprises.

•Works on the Internet: Cisco Intercompany Media Engine was designed to work on the Internet. It can also work on managed extranets.

•Provides worldwide reach: Cisco Intercompany Media Engine can connect to any enterprise anywhere in the world, as long as the enterprise is running Cisco Intercompany Media Engine technology. There are no regional limitations. This is because Cisco Intercompany Media Engine utilizes two networks that both have worldwide reach—the Internet and the PSTN.

•Allows for unlimited scale: Cisco Intercompany Media Engine can work with any number of enterprises.

•Is self-learning: The system is primarily self-learning. Customers do not have to enter information

about other businesses: no phone prefixes, no IP address, no ports, no domain names, nor certificates. Customers need to configure information about their own networks, and provide policy information if they want to limit the scope of Cisco Intercompany Media Engine.

•Is secure: Cisco Intercompany Media Engine is secure, utilizing a large number of different technologies to accomplish this security.

•Includes anti-spam: Cisco Intercompany Media Engine prevents people from setting up software on the Internet that spams enterprises with phone calls. It provides an extremely high barrier to entry.

•Provides for QoS management: Cisco Intercompany Media Engine provides features that help customers manage the QoS on the Internet, such as the ability to monitor QoS of the RTP traffic in real-time and fallback to PSTN automatically if problems arise.

How the UC-IME Works with the PSTN and the Internet

The Cisco Intercompany Media Engine utilizes two networks that both have worldwide reach—the Internet and the PSTN. Customers continue to use the PSTN connectivity they have. The Cisco Intercompany Media Engine gradually moves calls off the PSTN and onto the Internet. However, if QoS problems arise, the Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Proxy monitors QoS of the RTP traffic in real-time and fallbacks to PSTN automatically.

The Cisco Intercompany Media Engine uses information from PSTN calls to validate that the terminating side owns the number that the originated side had called. After the PSTN call terminates, the enterprises involved in the call send information about the call to their Cisco IME server. The Cisco IME server on the originating side validates the call. Figure 21-1shows the initial call flow through the PSTN.

Cisco ASA Series Firewall ASDM Configuration Guide

21-2

Page 489 Page 491
Page 490
Image 490
Cisco Systems ASA 5580, ASA 5505, ASA 5545-X, ASA 5555-X manual How the UC-IME Works with the Pstn and the Internet, 21-2
Page 489 Page 491

ASA Services Module, ASA 5555-X, ASA 5545-X, ASA 5585-X, ASA 5580 specifications

Cisco Systems has long been a leader in the field of network security, and its Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) series is a testament to this expertise. Within the ASA lineup, models such as the ASA 5505, ASA 5580, ASA 5585-X, ASA 5545-X, and ASA 5555-X stand out for their unique features, capabilities, and technological advancements.

The Cisco ASA 5505 is designed for small businesses or branch offices. It provides essential security features such as firewall protection, flexible VPN capabilities, and intrusion prevention. The ASA 5505 supports a user-friendly interface, allowing for straightforward management. Its built-in threat detection and prevention tools provide a layered defense, and with scalability in mind, it can accommodate various expansion options as organizational needs grow.

Moving up the line, the ASA 5580 delivers greater throughput and advanced security features. This model is suited for medium to large enterprises that require robust protection against increasingly sophisticated threats. Its multi-core architecture allows it to manage high volumes of traffic seamlessly while maintaining excellent performance levels. The ASA 5580 also supports application-layer security and customizable access policies, making it highly adaptable to diverse security environments.

The ASA 5585-X further enhances Cisco's security offerings with advanced malware protection and extensive security intelligence capabilities. It incorporates next-generation firewall features, including context-aware security, and supports advanced threat detection technologies. This model is ideal for large enterprises or data centers that prioritize security while ensuring uninterrupted network performance and availability.

For enterprises requiring a balance of performance and security, the ASA 5545-X presents a compelling option. This model features scalable performance metrics, high availability, and integrated advanced threat protection. Coupled with advanced endpoint protection and detailed monitoring capabilities, the ASA 5545-X enables organizations to manage their security posture effectively.

Lastly, the ASA 5555-X blends cutting-edge technologies with strong security infrastructures. It boasts high throughput and the ability to execute deep packet inspections. Its sophisticated architecture supports threat intelligence feeds that provide real-time security updates, making it a powerful tool against modern threats.

Each of these Cisco ASA models brings specific advantages to varied environments. Their integrative capabilities enable businesses to enhance their security postures while benefiting from seamless scalability and management. As cybersecurity threats evolve, these advanced appliances play a vital role in protecting valuable digital assets.
Top Page Image Contents