Chapter 21 Configuring Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Proxy

Information About Cisco Intercompany Media Engine Proxy

Figure 21-2 Ticket Verification Process with Cisco Intercompany Media Engine

Enterprise A

 

1

Enterprise B gets

 

 

authorization ticket

 

 

 

from A at end of

 

 

 

validation protocol

UC-IME

 

 

 

Server

 

 

Internet

 

 

 

M

 

 

 

Cisco UCM

 

 

 

 

ASA

3

IP

4

ASA validates

Enterprise B

IP

 

ticket

calls A and

 

 

includes ticket

 

 

 

Enterprise B

2

 

 

UC-IME server passes

 

 

ticket to UCM and it’s

 

 

stored as part of VoIP

 

 

route

 

UC-IME

 

 

Server

 

 

 

M

 

 

Cisco UCM

 

ASA

IP

 

 

IP

 

 

 

248761

As illustrated in Figure 21-2. Enterprise B makes a PSTN call to enterprise A. That call completes successfully. Later, Enterprise B Cisco Intercompany Media Engine server initiates validation procedures with Enterprise A. These validation procedures succeed. During the validation handshake, Enterprise B sends Enterprise A its domain name. Enterprise A verifies that this domain name is not on the blacklisted set of domains. Assuming it is not, Enterprise A creates a ticket.

Subsequently, someone in Enterprise B calls that number again. That call setup message from Enterprise

Bto Enterprise A includes the ticket in the X-Cisco-UC-IME-Ticket header field in the SIP INVITE message. This message arrives at the Enterprise A ASA. The ASA verifies the signature and computes several checks on the ticket to make sure it is valid. If the ticket is valid, the ASA forwards the request to Cisco UCM (including the ticket). Because the ASA drops requests that lack a valid ticket, unauthorized calls are never received by Cisco UCM.

The ticket password is a 128 bit random key, which can be thought of as a shared password between the adaptive security appliance and the Cisco Intercompany Media Engine server. This password is generated by the Cisco Intercompany Media Engine server and is used by a Cisco Intercompany Media Engine SIP trunk to generate a ticket to allow a call to be made between Cisco Intercompany Media Engine SIP trunks. A ticket is a signed object that contains a number of fields that grant permission to the calling domain to make a Cisco Intercompany Media Engine call to a specific number. The ticket is signed by the ticket password.

The Cisco Intercompany Media Engine also required that you configure an epoch for the password. The epoch contains an integer that updates each time that the password is changed. When the proxy is configured the first time and a password entered for the first time, enter 1 for the epoch integer. Each time you change the password, increment the epoch to indicate the new password. You must increment the epoch value each time your change the password.

Typically, you increment the epoch sequentially; however, the ASA allows you to choose any value when you update the epoch. If you change the epoch value, the tickets in use at remote enterprises become invalid. The incoming calls from the remote enterprises fallback to the PSTN until the terminating enterprise reissues tickets with the new epoch value and password.

The epoch and password that you configure on the ASA must match the epoch and password configured on the Cisco Intercompany Media Engine server. If you change the password or epoch on the ASA, you must update them on the Cisco Intercompany Media Engine server. See the Cisco Intercompany Media Engine server documentation for information.

Cisco ASA Series Firewall ASDM Configuration Guide

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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.
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