Use the following topics to configure your network to send SBC Core media quality statistics as well as Security and Audit logs to Ribbon Analytics.

Report Media Quality Statistics to Ribbon Analytics

To facilitate monitoring and management of voice quality by the SBC Core and Ribbon Analytics, the SBC supports the following functionality to allow service providers to see discrete variations in voice quality, as well as monitor SLA and network operations.

  • Communicate with Ribbon Analytics
  • Report media quality statistics (RTP/RTCP) and DTMF packets to Ribbon Analytics using the Media Probe configuration

NOTE: Ribbon Protect is rebranded to Ribbon Analytics. Any references to 'Ribbon Protect' and 'Protect' in the SBC Core documentation apply to the Ribbon Analytics product.

The Media Probe feature facilitates monitoring and management of voice quality by the SBC Core and Ribbon Analytics. Use the following example configurations to establish communication with, and send media quality statistics (RTP/RTCP) and DTMF packets to, Ribbon Analytics using the Media Probe feature.

Configuring SBC Core using CLI for Ribbon Analytics

Media Probe CLI

The Media Probe functionality is added to the System Media configuration to capture and report on media quality statistics (RTP/RTCP) and DTMF packets. Configuration details are explained below. 

Command Syntax

% set system media mediaProbe
	dscpValue <0-63>
	encryptionType <None>
	format <rtcp>
	mediaProbeAddressContext <addressContext>
	mediaProbeIpInterfaceGroup <mediaIpInterfaceGroup>
	protocolType <udp>
	reportingInterval <1-8>
	state <disabled | enabled>


Command Parameters

Note

While configuring system media, the parameter mediaProbe is optional because its default state is disabled. However, when configuring the parameter mediaProbe, ensure to configure all values (or accept defaults, where applicable).


ParameterDescription
mediaProbe

The object that captures and reports media quality statistics (RTP/RTCP) and DTMF packets. Media Probe accepts the following values:

  • dscpValue <DSCP value> – The DSCP value for Media Probe RTCP application packets. Range: 0-63. Default = 0.
  • encryptionType – The encryption type used towards the Ribbon Analytics server. Currently, the SBC does not support any encryption.
    • none (Default).
  • format – The Media Probe format used to report qCDR (quality CDR capturing QoS statistics associated for a leg for each RTP-based stream). Currently, the SBC only supports RTCP.
    • rtcp
  • mediaProbeAddressContext – Address Context associated with the Media Probe IP Interface Group.
  • mediaProbeIpInterfaceGroup – Media IP Interface Group used to transmit Media Probe packets to the remote Ribbon Analytics server.
  • protocolType – The network protocol used to transfer the data to the remote server. Currently, the SBC supports only UDP
    • udp 
  • reportingInterval <1-8> – The interval at which RTCP application packets are sent to the remote Ribbon Analytics server, expressed as an integral multiple of the Media RTCP Control senderReportInterval value (configurable to 5-120 seconds). Default is "1". 
    For example, if senderReportInterval is set to 5 seconds, then
    • set reportingInterval to "1" to send media probe packets every 5 seconds (senderReportInterval x 1).
    • set reportingInterval to "8" to send media probe packets every 40 seconds (senderReportInterval x 8).
  • state – Use this flag to enable/disable the system-wide Media Probe state. If the state is set to enabled, the Media Probe captures and reports media quality statistics (RTP/RTCP) and DTMF packets. If the state is set to disabled (default), the Media Probe does not capture and report media quality statistics (RTP/RTCP) and DTMF packets.
    • disabled (default)
    • enabled

Configuration Example

Command Example: system media mediaProbe
set system media mediaProbe dscpValue 0 encryptionType none format rtcp mediaProbeAddressContext ADDR_CONTEXT_1 mediaProbeIpInterfaceGroup INGRESS_LIG protocolType udp reportingInterval 1 state enabled
commit

show system media mediaProbe
state                      enabled;
reportingInterval          1;
protocolType               udp;
encryptionType             none;
format                     rtcp;
dscpValue                  0;
mediaProbeAddressContext   ADDR_CONTEXT_1;
mediaProbeIpInterfaceGroup INGRESS_LIG;

Protect CLI

The Protect functionality is added to the System configuration to allow the SBC to communicate to the Ribbon Analytics server. 

Command Syntax

% set system protect
	clusterName <Cluster name>
	serverAddress <DIG IP Address of the Ribbon Analytics Server>
	serverPort <port number>

Command Parameters

ParameterLength/RangeDescription
clusterName1-255 characters

<cluster name> – Specify the Ribbon Analytics cluster name.

serverAddress1-255 characters<IP Address> – Specify the DIG IP Address of the Ribbon Analytics server.
serverPort 1-255 characters

<port number> – Enter the Ribbon Analytics server port number.

Configuration Example

Command Example: system protect
set system protect serverAddress 10.50.100.10 serverPort 5558 clusterName default
commit

show system protect
serverAddress              10.50.100.10;
serverPort                 5558;
clusterName                default;

Configuring SBC Core using EMA for Ribbon Analytics

Media Probe

Use the Media Probe object to capture and report media quality statistics (RTP/RTCP) and DTMF packets.

EMA UI path: All > System > Media > Media Probe

Figure 1: Media Probe


Media Probe Parameters

The Media Probe fields are described below.

Note

While configuring System Media, the parameter Media Probe is optional because its default state is "Disabled". However, when configuring the parameter Media Probe, ensure to configure all values (or accept defaults, where applicable).

Configure the following fields:

Table 1: Media Probe

FieldLength/RangeDescription
StateN/A

Use this flag to enable/disable the system-wide Media Probe state. If the state is set to Enabled, the Media Probe captures and reports media quality statistics (RTP/RTCP) and DTMF packets. If the state is set to Disabled (default), the Media Probe does not capture and report media quality statistics (RTP/RTCP) and DTMF packets.

  • Disabled (default)
  • Enabled
Reporting Interval 1-8

The interval at which RTCP application packets are sent to the remote Ribbon Analytics server, expressed as an integral multiple of the Media RTCP Control Sender Report Interval value (configurable to 5-120 seconds). Default is "1". 

For example, if Sender Report Interval is set to 5 seconds, then

  • set Reporting Interval to "1" to send media probe packets every 5 seconds (Sender Report Interval x 1).
  • set Reporting Interval to "8" to send media probe packets every 40 seconds (Sender Report Interval x 8).
Protocol TypeN/A

The network protocol used to transfer the data to the remote server.

Currently, the SBC supports only UDP. 

Encryption Type N/A

The encryption type used towards the Ribbon Analytics server.

Currently, the SBC does not support any encryption. Default is "None".

FormatN/A

The Media Probe format used to report qCDR (quality CDR capturing QoS statistics associated for a leg for each RTP-based stream).

Currently, the SBC only supports RTCP.

DSCP Value 0-63

The DSCP value for Media Probe RTCP application packets. Default = 0.

Media Probe Address ContextN/AThe Address Context associated with the Media Probe IP Interface Group.
Media Probe IP Interface Group N/A

The Media IP Interface Group used to transmit Media Probe packets to the remote Ribbon Analytics server.

Protect

Use the System > Protect object to allow the SBC to communicate to the Ribbon Analytics server.

EMA UI pathAll > System > Protect

Figure 2: Protect


Protect Parameters

Configure the following fields.

Table 2: System - Protect

ParameterLength/RangeDescription
Server Address 1-255 characters

Specify the DIG IP Address of the Analytics server.

Server Port 1-255 characters

Enter the Analytics server port number.

Cluster Name1-255 characters

The Ribbon Analytics cluster name, which is currently set to the static value of "default".

Configuration and Verification Steps

StepAction
Ribbon Analytics Prerequisites
  1. Enable the  Packet Capture (PCIG) Interface on the Ribbon Analytics system. If this was not done during installation, use the "Enabling the PCIG Interface After Installation or Upgrade" procedure in Ribbon SBC Core MVQ Metrics.
  2. In Ribbon Analytics, note the DIG IP, port, and Cluster name. These are required later for configuring the SBC Core to send data to Analytics.

SBC Core Configuration Steps




Configure the SBC to communicate with Ribbon Analytics. 

Configure the Protect functionality to establish communication with Ribbon Analytics and the Media probe functionality to collect QoS statistics and send the statistics to Analytics. Ensure to set the variables correctly to send the QoS statistics to Ribbon Analytics.

Note: To use the EMA, refer to the procedure in System - Protect and System - Media - Media Probe.

To configure via the CLI, refer to the procedure in Protect - CLI  and Media System - CLI.

To configure the Protect functionality, execute the following commands (refer to the procedure in Protect - CLI):

% set system protect serverAddress <Ribbon Analytics DIG IP address> serverPort <Ribbon Analytics port #> clusterName <Ribbon Analytics clusterName>
% commit

To configure the Media Probe functionality, execute the following commands (refer to the procedure in Media System - CLI):

% set system media mediaProbe dscpValue 0 encryptionType none format rtcp mediaProbeAddressContext ADDR_CONTEXT_1 mediaProbeIpInterfaceGroup INGRESS_LIG protocolType udp reportingInterval <integral multiple: 1-8> state enabled
% commit

Verify Ribbon Analytics functionality

The SBC Core devices that push data to Ribbon Analytics are added automatically to the list of devices in the Ribbon Analytics system. You do not have to add them manually. Verify if the SBC appears automatically in the Ribbon Analytics device list.

Statistics

Media Probe License Availability

Service Authorised Cur Stats

On the SBC, go to All > Global > Service Authorised Cur StatsThe Service Authorisation Cur Stats window displays.

Use the Service Authorisation Cur Stats window to view current global statistics that report which licensed features are authorized for use on the SBC. A value of 0 indicates the feature license is not available. If the Media Probe Authorisation column is set to "1", the MEDIA-PROBE license is available.

Figure 3: Service Authorization Cur Stats Window - Partial


Service Authorised Int Stats

On the SBC main screen, go to All > Global > Service Authorised Int Stats. The Service Authorisation Int Stats window displays.

Use the Service Authorisation Int Stats window to view global statistics for a series of time intervals that report which licensed features are authorized for use on the SBC. A value of 0 indicates the feature license is not available.

Figure 4: Service Authorisation Int Stats Window - Partial



The statistics Media Probe Authorisation displays under the objects "Service Authorised Cur Stats" and "Service Authorised Int Stats".

Table 3: Media Probe Authorisation

StatisticsDescription
Media Probe Authorisation

This statistic is set based on whether Media Probe is enabled/authorized.

  • 1 – enabled/authorized
  • 0 – disabled/not authorized


Service Authorised Cur Stats

Service Authorised Cur Stats
> show status global serviceAuthorisedCurStats mediaProbeAuthorisation
serviceAuthorisedCurStats entry {
    licenseMode                    nodeLocked;
    encryptAuthorisation           1;
    srtpAuthorisation              1;
    enhancedVideoAuthorisation     1;
    amrnbLegAuthorisation          1;
    amrwbLegAuthorisation          1;
    evrcLegAuthorisation           1;
    niceRecAuthorisation           1;
    mrfSessionsAuthorisation       1;
    sipRecAuthorisation            1;
    transcodeAuthorisation         1;
    pdcsAuthorisation              1;
    liSessionsAuthorisation        1;
    sbcRtuSessionsAuthorisation    1;
    dspG722SessionsAuthorisation   1;
    gmp4x1SessionsAuthorisation    1;
    sipISessionsAuthorisation      1;
    sip323SessionsAuthorisation    1;
    gmp1x10SessionsAuthorisation   1;
    polRtuSessionsAuthorisation    1;
    psxRtuSessionsAuthorisation    1;
    capacityLicenseAuthorisation   0;
    e911SessionsAuthorisation      1;
    enumSessionsAuthorisation      1;
    swInstanceLicenseAuthorisation 1;
    evsLegAuthorisation            1;
    silkLegAuthorisation           1;
    slbAuthorisation               1;
    slbSessionsAuthorisation       1;
    mediaProbeAuthorisation        1;
}
[ok][<YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS>]
Note

Similar result displays for the corresponding show table command, but in a tabular format.


Service Authorised Int Stats

Service Authorised Int Stats
> show status global serviceAuthorisedIntStats mediaProbeAuthorisation
serviceAuthorisedIntStats 646 entry {
    intervalValid                  true;
    time                           581362;
    licenseMode                    nodeLocked;
    encryptAuthorisation           1;
    srtpAuthorisation              1;
    enhancedVideoAuthorisation     1;
    amrnbLegAuthorisation          1;
    amrwbLegAuthorisation          1;
    evrcLegAuthorisation           1;
    niceRecAuthorisation           1;
    mrfSessionsAuthorisation       1;
    sipRecAuthorisation            1;
    transcodeAuthorisation         1;
    pdcsAuthorisation              1;
    liSessionsAuthorisation        1;
    sbcRtuSessionsAuthorisation    1;
    dspG722SessionsAuthorisation   1;
    gmp4x1SessionsAuthorisation    1;
    sipISessionsAuthorisation      1;
    sip323SessionsAuthorisation    1;
    gmp1x10SessionsAuthorisation   1;
    polRtuSessionsAuthorisation    1;
    psxRtuSessionsAuthorisation    1;
    capacityLicenseAuthorisation   0;
    e911SessionsAuthorisation      1;
    enumSessionsAuthorisation      1;
    swInstanceLicenseAuthorisation 1;
    evsLegAuthorisation            1;
    silkLegAuthorisation           1;
    slbAuthorisation               1;
    slbSessionsAuthorisation       1;
    mediaProbeAuthorisation        1;
}
[ok][<YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS>]
Note

Similar result displays for the corresponding show table command, but in a tabular format.

License

Depending upon the licensing type, install the following license to use the Media Probe feature.

  • NWDL: MEDIA-PROBE-D license
  • Node Locked: MEDIA-PROBE license

Push SEC and AUD logs to Ribbon Analytics

The SBC Core routinely logs and reports invalid login attempts for access to all its accounts and interfaces. These logs and reports serve as an important data set for Ribbon Analytics, which warns administrators when many invalid attempts are seen across the network. The event reporting notes the IP and port from which the invalid attempt was made, and makes logs available in the SEC and AUD logs.

The SBC currently logs this information along with the remote IP to the file auth.log. The SBC also pushes the auth.log via syslogd so that Ribbon Analytics can access messages.

If the SBC is configured with a call trace filter to capture all SIP PDU messages in the trace log, then you must update the settings for the fields diskThrottleLimit, eventLogValidation, fileSize and messageQueueSize using the information provided in the Event Log - CLI page.


Note

 To configure the SBC to push SEC and AUD logs to Ribbon Analytics, refer to the "Type Admin" topic at Event Log - CLI.

Improve Traffic Between Ribbon Analytics and SBC

Using the default Access Control List (ACL) rules, Ribbon Analytics traffic can be throttled when trying to collect files from the SBC. Using the CLI, follow these steps to improve traffic:

  1. Update operatorAggregatePolicer with a fillRate of "30000" and a bucketSize of "250."

    Example
    set addressContext default operatorAggregatePolicer fillRate 30000 bucketSize 250
  2. Create a new user ACL for the traffic between Ribbon Analytics and the SBC using the following parameters:

    ACL Parameters
    admin@PTBF05> show table addressContext default ipAccessControlList rule RA
    	precedence                     7003;
    	protocol                       any;
    	mgmtIpInterfaceGroup           mgmtGroup;
    	sourceIpAddress                <RA IP>;
    	sourceAddressPrefixLength      32;
    	destinationIpAddress           <SBC IP>;
    	destinationAddressPrefixLength 32;
    	sourcePort                     any;
    	destinationPort                any;
    	action                         accept;
    	fillRate                       30000;
    	bucketSize                     unlimited;
    	state                          enabled;
    	aggregatePolicer               OPERATOR;