Installing the Cisco HSI, Before You Start

Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring Cisco HSI Software

Installing the Cisco HSI

This section provides step-by-step instructions for installing the Cisco HSI.

Before You Start

Complete the preinstallation tasks listed in Table 2-1before installing the Cisco HSI. Use the checklist to ensure that each task is completed. Detailed instructions for completing some tasks follow the checklist.

Table 2-1 Preinstallation Tasks Checklist

Check Preinstallation Task

Ensure that the required operating system is installed on the appropriate hardware platform.

Configure group and user names, as described in the “Configuring Groups and Users” section on page 2-2.

Gather the information listed in Table 2-2and note it in the table for reference during the installation.

Have your company internal support information and Cisco support contact information readily available so you can get help with the installation if needed. If you have questions or need assistance, see the “Obtaining Technical Assistance” section on page 18.

Configuring Groups and Users

You must configure groups and users for the Cisco HSI on each host server. A user must be a member of the “mgcgrp” group to use certain Cisco HSI functions, such as Man-Machine Language (MML).

To configure groups and users, complete the following steps:

Step 1 Log in as root.

Step 2 At the # prompt, enter the following commands:

#mkdir -p /export/home/users/mgcusr

#mkdir /export/BUILDS

#mkdir /export/PATCHES

#cd /export/home/users

#groupadd -g 20000 mgcgrp

#useradd -u 20001 -g 20000 -d /export/home/users/mgcusr -s /bin/csh mgcusr

#chown mgcusr:mgcgrp mgcusr

#passwd mgcusr <type password twice>

(Enter and confirm password)

Step 3 Log out, then log in as user mgcusr, using the password you applied in Step 2.

Step 4 Verify that you are in directory /export/home/users/mgcusr by entering the following command:

#pwd

	Cisco H.323 Signaling Interface User Guide
2-2	OL-4806-01 Rev. A14

H.323 specifications

Cisco Systems H.323 is a set of standards designed for transmitting audio, video, and data over packet-switched networks. It is a critical technology that enables real-time communication and has become integral to the world of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and video conferencing applications. Originally developed by the ITU-T, H.323 has been widely adopted and implemented by Cisco Systems, allowing organizations to leverage reliable and scalable communication solutions.

One of the standout features of H.323 is its ability to support interoperability among varying equipment and platforms. This means that devices from different manufacturers can communicate seamlessly, which is vital in a diverse technical environment. H.323 does this by defining protocols that handle signaling, media transport, and control, ensuring that various systems can work together effectively.

Key technologies utilized within H.323 include H.225 and H.245 signaling protocols. H.225 is responsible for call setup and management, establishing communication between endpoints. In contrast, H.245 manages the negotiation of media channels, allowing devices to configure themselves based on the capabilities of each other. This adaptability is crucial for dynamic network conditions typical in VoIP applications.

Another defining characteristic of H.323 is its support for multiple types of multimedia communication, including point-to-point and multipoint calls. This flexibility supports everything from simple audio calls to complex videoconferencing setups, where many participants can share video and audio streams concurrently. Cisco enhances this capability through its hardware and software offerings, optimizing performance for conference calls.

H.323 also features robust error resilience mechanisms. This ensures that real-time data, which is typically sensitive to delays and losses, can be transmitted with minimal disruption. Moreover, it facilitates quality of service (QoS) implementation, allowing organizations to prioritize voice and video traffic over less critical data services, thereby improving the overall user experience.

In conclusion, Cisco Systems H.323 stands out as a comprehensive solution for real-time communication over packet-based networks. Its main features, including interoperability, multimedia support, and enhanced error resilience, position it as a relevant technology in both corporate and personal communication settings. As organizations continue to adopt cloud and hybrid communication models, H.323 remains a reliable backbone for ensuring connectivity and collaboration across diverse platforms.

Cisco Systems H.323 Installing the Cisco HSI, Before You Start, Configuring Groups and Users

Models: H.323