This section contains the following information:
The MetaSwitch System Overview course is intended for all customers who have purchased a MetaSwitch.
This is the entry point into the MetaSwitch curriculum and lays the base foundation knowledge for all disciplines
including Switch Technicians, Engineers, NOC Surveillance, Level 1 / Level 2 Support, and Translators.
The course touches all the major functional areas of the MetaSwitch – overall hardware architecture, trunking,
access line provisioning, subscriber provisioning, hosted Centrex and PBX provisioning, and
an introduction to troubleshooting. Both TDM and VoIP protocols are addressed.
The System Overview Course is intended for individuals new to the MetaSwitch
and no prior knowledge is assumed in this area. Participants should however have a solid understanding of
the traditional voice telephony network, or have taken the TDM Foundations
online course prior to attending. Participants should also have at least entry-level knowledge of IP networking
if VoIP is a focus of your MetaSwitch deployment. The IP Foundations for VoIP
course can be beneficial if you are new to the world of IP networking.
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 System Overview training course is a 5-day course.
Class hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday – Thursday and 9:00 AM to 2:00PM on Friday. The schedule for Friday
includes time for individual exercises and troubleshooting to create some flexibility in planning
your return flights home.
Check the course schedule to
view the dates for future courses.
The course is split into the following eleven modules.
- M1 Introduction to MetaSwitch
This module introduces the MetaSwitch solution, including MetaView and MetaSphere, and continues with
an overview of switch hardware and software architecture. Main topics in this section include:
- Overview of the MetaSwitch Solution
- MetaSwitch in the Network
- Hardware Component Overview
- An introduction to the MetaSwitch Distributed System
- Overview of MetaSwitch Software Architecture
- M2 System Management
The focus of this module is how your MetaSwitch is managed. The MetaView client and server are introduced
along with how MetaView interfaces with MetaSwitch network elements. Setting up individual user accounts
on the MetaView server is discussed in detail. Finally a recap of available product documentation
and access to the Customer Portal is covered and practiced.
- M3 Non-VoIP Access Network
The Non-VoIP Access Module covers GR-303, T1 CAS, ISDN and VoATM IADs. It provides an overview of each protocol
and then a detailed exploration and exercises configuring each type of device.
- M4 Subscribers, services and provisioning
The subscribers, services and provisioning module starts with a detailed exploration of subscriber configuration
and the methods for effective provisioning. This is followed by an introduction to the vast range of CLASS features
on the MetaSwitch.
- M5 VoIP Access Network
The VoIP access network module starts with an overview of VoIP support on MetaSwitch, followed by
a detailed discussion and exercises configuring MGCP and SIP devices. It also provides a comparison of MGCP vs. SIP,
support for T.38 and other uses of the SIP protocol.
- M6 The Trunk Network
The Trunk Network module starts with a discussion of how the MetaSwitch connects to the PSTN.
It includes an introduction to the protocols supported and practical exercises for configuring SS7, MF,
SIP and SIP-T trunking.
- M7 Translations
Translations is a large and complex topic on any switch. This module serves as the most basic of introductions
on the topic. It includes a discussion on how translations are structured on the MetaSwitch and
the basic flow of simple local and InterLATA calls. Route Verification Tests (RVTs) are run
to illustrate call flow through the switch.
- M8 Centrex, PBXs and law enforcement
The first part of the Centrex, PBXs and law enforcement module covers the more advanced aspects
of subscriber configuration - Centrex and PBXs - discussing their value to the customer and how to configure them.
This is followed by a discussion on using Customer Originated Trace and CALEA for law enforcement.
- M9 Integration & customization
The integration and customization module discusses the mechanisms available for tightly integrating the MetaSwitch
with existing systems, such as those for billing, provisioning and alarm management. Additionally
this module details how announcements and CommPortal Stand-Alone services can be integrated to fit with any deployment.
- M10 Distributed System
This module introduces the MetaSwitch distributed architecture covering how Call Agents and Media Gateways
combine to form a distributed switch. Additionally the module introduces the ESA (Emergency Standalone) option
to avoid isolating Media Gateways.
- M11 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
A key aspect of any switch deployment is troubleshooting customer and network problems.
The diagnostics and troubleshooting module discusses the many forms of diagnostics provided by the MetaSwitch
and also provides a diverse range of hands-on troubleshooting exercises.
Some sample training materials from this course can be found
in the Customer Portal Knowledge Base.