Chapter 7 Configuring and Debugging Fax Services

Debugging the Cisco ATA 186/188 Fax Services

<cap_file> is the NAI Sniffer capture file.

<prefix> is the prefix prepended to the output filenames.

Output Files

The output files of rtpcatch include a summary file and audio stream files.

The summary file is <prefix>.sum if <prefix> is specified, otherwise it is file.sum.

Stream files are labeled with an integer tag beginning with 00. Stream files are also tagged with the extension pcm for G.711A/G.711µ-law, 723 for G723.1, 729 for G729, t38 for T.38, and cfr for Cisco Fax Relay.

Options

rtpcatch options include:

-fax—to output the fax events for a connection.

The output includes "FAX summary 1" as the interleaved event list for all directions, and "FAX summary 2" as the event list for each direction. The reported events include voice codec change, NSE signalling, and fax relay events.

-port <port0> <port1>—to discard any packets sent from/to this port.

If the NAI Sniffer capture file includes Cisco ATA prserv packets, these packets can interfere with rtpcatch analysis. Some prserv packets might be interpreted as NTE or NSE events. To prevent such interference, you can either disable debugging output on the Cisco ATA (do this by setting the Nprintf configuration parameter to 0), configure your NAI Sniffer to filter out the prserv packets, or run rtpcatch with the -port options.

Note rtpcatch works best for analyzing a single VoIP session. Command-line options can be entered in any order.

Example of rtpcatch

The section contains an example of using rtpcatch and includes an explanation of its output:

Output

 

C:\>rtpcatch

faxpassthru -fax

 

 

 

 

 

 

[

25]open file: 00.723, (G723) 2.213:10000 =>

2.116:10002

 

 

 

[

26]open file: 01.723, (G723) 2.116:10002 =>

2.213:10000

 

 

 

[

29]

<00>

1

silence pkts from

TS 1760 (seq#

3)

 

 

 

[

42]

<00>

2

silence pkts from

TS 4400 (seq#

9)

 

 

 

[

47]

<00>

2

silence pkts from

TS 5600

(seq#

11)

 

 

 

[

55]

<00>

2

silence pkts from

TS 7760

(seq#

15)

 

 

 

[

101]open file: 02.pcm, (G711u)

2.116:10002 => 2.213:10000

 

 

 

[

106]

<02>

2

lost pkts from

seq# 39

 

 

 

 

 

[

107]open file: 03.pcm, (G711u)

2.213:10000 => 2.116:10002

 

 

 

[

110]

<03>

1

silence pkts from

TS 19440 (seq# 41)

------------

Summary --------------

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OL-4008-01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7-13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 143
Image 143
Cisco Systems ATA 188 manual Example of rtpcatch, Output Files

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.