This section contains the following information:
The Hardware Installation course is a three-day program intended for professional
3rd party installation engineers performing services on behalf of Metaswitch.
The course covers the installation process from beginning to end, including all documentation
to be used by the installer to create the desired customer experience.
Metaswitch hardware installation is covered in detail, including pre-installation requirements,
component nomenclature, mounting techniques, and power and signal cabling.
The course addresses key areas of the Bellcore GR-1275 specification
as it applies to Metaswitch installations. Also included are discussions on such topics
as RUS ground audits, IP network audits, and creating as-built documentation.
Installers will tour all core Metaswitch equipment, remove / replace selected components,
and establish initial IP connectivity to the site to allow for additional provisioning.
The installer will participate in a mock installation scenario where each step
of the Metaswitch install process will be practiced and evaluated.
This course is ONLY available to professional 3rd party installation engineers
performing services on behalf of Metaswitch. The course is currently not available to
Metaswitch customers seeking to self-install their own equipment,
nor to contract / consulting installers performing services on behalf of a customer.
Attendees of the course should have achieved a minimum of Level 3 installer
as defined in Bellcore specifications GR-1275 and GR-1502.
Note: The course depends on each student being able to access the Metaswitch Portal
using an individual username and password. Please be sure you have a username/password to access the portal
prior to attending class. You can get the required information from your CSE or account manager.
The Metaswitch Hardware Installation Course is a 3-day course. Class hours are
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Check the course schedule to see
what dates are scheduled for future courses.
During the Metaswitch Hardware Installation course, each installer will:
- Demonstrate the use of Metaswitch product documentation to support equipment installation.
- Identify Metaswitch hardware and describe its basic function.
- Describe or demonstrate as appropriate proper mounting techniques based on
installation requirements.
- Demonstrate proper cable routing for the Metaswitch chassis using supplied
cable management devices.
- Demonstrate proper data cable routing and terminating.
- Show how to set IP addresses on a Metaswitch Serial Concentrator device.
- Using Metaswitch-supplied procedures, ready MetaView Server VPN connections
for remote access.
- With guidance from a Metaswitch CSE or Installation Manager, demonstrate proper testing
techniques for all interface types.
- Describe the phases of the Metaswitch installation process and identify
the documentation necessary to support each phase.
- Describe the objective and expected output regarding the following Metaswitch
installation services:
- Installation Site Survey
- RUS Ground Audit
- IP Network Audit
- Given a sample configuration, complete an As-Built document to Metaswitch standards.
Day 1:
- M0 - Course Introduction
Introduction of all participants, goals of the course, expectations, schedule, and courtesies.
- M1 – The Metaswitch Installation Process
This module introduces the typical customer switch deployment. It also gives a brief overview
of what installation services are available, resources such as end-user documentation,
and what Metaswitch typically considers "installed". We also cover
the overall installation strategy and the documents and tools that govern it.
- M2 – Metaswitch Installer's Guide
The base document for all installation activity is the Metaswitch Installer's Guide.
This module looks at this guide in detail to clarify the intent of each section
and all installation activities.
- M3 – Hardware Components: The Switches
Starting the discussion on Metaswitch hardware, this module introduces the VP2510 / MG2510
and VP3510 / MG3510 hardware (used to run an Integrated Softswitch / Universal Media Gateway)
and the UX9024 Server hardware (used to run a Call Feature Server).
A brief description and tour of these network elements is followed by available manuals
and mounting specifics.
- M4 – Hardware Components: The Servers
It takes more than just a switch for a complete deployment. This module looks at
the various types of servers that go into a typical Metaswitch deployment, including:
- MetaView Server
- Dual-Stack Servers for MetaSphere
- Single Servers for N-Series Applications
- MetaView Service Assurance Server
- Special Mounting Considerations
- M5 – Hardware Components: Other
This module looks at the pieces of hardware that round out a Metaswitch deployment.
Here we investigate the SCON – serial concentrator, the STE-100 SMDI puck, and finally
the blade server platform for large MetaSphere EAS installations, including the load balancer,
NAS storage device, and the FAX server. Again manuals and special considerations are detailed.
Day 2:
- M6 – Bellcore GR-1275 Standards
Metaswitch requires all installs to follow the GR-1275 standards to achieve consistency
and quality in every installation. This module discusses proper cable forming, grounding,
anchoring, labeling, and general connection methods.
- M7 – Hands-On Lab Exercises (Part 1)
This module contains a series of hands-on activities that reinforce the installation standards
and techniques discussed in previous modules. Key activities include:
- Practice install of selected Metaswitch hardware
- Make power, signaling, and telephony connections
- Setting MetaView server IP addresses
- Create and activating VPNs to enable remote access
Day 3:
- M7 – Hands-On Lab Exercises (Part 2)
Additional hands-on exercises include:
- Lacing and stitching techniques
- Cat-6 cable terminations
- DS1 / DS3 cable testing techniques
- Creating As-Built documentation
- M8 – Additional Installation Services
A standard installation includes a site survey and the EF&I of Metaswitch equipment.
However, customers can look to Metaswitch to provide additional services as required,
such as EF&I of 3rd party equipment, network audits, and RUS ground audits.
This module looks at each of these services and sets expectations for what Metaswitch
is looking for from installers representing the company.