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| Motorola-Unipage Paging Terminal |
(Source: Motorola, author unknown.)
1) INTRODUCTIONUnipage's seamless expansion provides you with the ability to start your system at any size and expand without concern for outgrowing the Unipage architecture. The benefit to you is that no system components, including the CPU, power supply, and housing, are ever discarded.
Furthermore, as we at Motorola develop new, advanced components for the Unipage Terminal, they can simply be added to your current system without the need to purchase an entirely new Terminal.
Along with our ability to expand comes the ability to provide all of the latest features including voice messaging, alphanumeric, and networking capabilities for both small and large systems alike.
The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of what components are needed to make a paging network operate, and to explain the features and advantages of the Unipage Paging Terminal as part of this complete network. Your Motorola Account Executive is available to provide more in-depth information in the areas that you request.
2) PAGING NETWORK GENERAL OVERVIEW
Before discussing the Unipage system, it is important to explain what the Radio Frequency (RF) paging network interfaces with, and how the Terminal fits into this RF paging network. Therefore, what follows is a brief explanation of this interface, and a brief identification and definition of each component in the paging network.
To begin, the RF paging network interfaces with the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which provides basic telephone service to its customers. The PSTN also provides the dedicated circuits, or "trunking", which interface with the Paging Terminal. The Paging Terminal is the initial entrance into the RF paging network. Therefore, a caller is in essence contacting the Paging Terminal through the PSTN to send a message.
People who are calling from a Private Access Branch Exchange (PABX) or cellular system can also access the RF paging system. However, this access is still accomplished by going through the PSTN (assuming the paging system is not "closed" to public access). Figure 1 provides an illustration of how callers can access the RF paging network via the PSTN.
The following five items represent the components which make up a paging network:
Pager - This device, which is carried by the paging service subscriber, is a radio receiver that receives incoming messages. The information that the pager receives can be either numeric digits or alphanumeric characters.
Radio Frequency (RF) Transmitter - This component converts the paging data coming from the Paging Terminal into an FM radio signal to be broadcast over the air. Typically, radio paging frequencies are located in predetermined bandwidths which generally range from 150 MHz to 900 MHz.
Paging Terminal - This component serves as the interface to the PSTN. The Terminal's primary function is to receive information from the PSTN, manipulate it, and route it to the RF Transmitters for FM broadcast. Information that is coming in from the PSTN can be in numerous formats, including voice, Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF), Multi-Frequency (MF-R1 or MFC-R2), and/or modem tones (input via Video Display Terminal (VDT), Personal Computer (PC), Operator Assisted Paging (OAP) System, or other special input device).
RF Transmitter Controller - Most paging networks utilize multiple RF Transmitters located in one or more cities or regions. Typically, the coverage area of a particular Transmitter overlaps with that of other Transmitters. This overlap can cause reliability problems unless the Transmitters are properly configured.
Reliability problems result when paging signals from different Transmitters do not arrive in an overlap area at the same moment in time. This occurrence causes conflicting radio signals to exist in the same area, which causes part of the signal to be canceled out. The end result is that the pager cannot interpret part of the radio signal being sent to it, so the page is lost.
To avoid this problem, it is necessary to have radio signals from multiple Transmitters arrive in an overlap area at the same time. By arriving at the same time, the signal that the pager receives appears to be originating from a single source. This process of having multiple, identical radio signals arrive in an area at the same time is called "simulcasting."
Simulcast paging systems are configured to have each Transmitter broadcast identical paging data at the same time (within a tolerance of microseconds). The component that coordinates this task is the RF Transmitter Controller.
The Controller is co-located with the Paging Terminal. From a system call flow perspective, the Controller is located between the Paging Terminal and the Transmitters it controls. The method used to pass the information to the Transmitters can vary, depending on what method the service provider prefers:
Dedicated Circuit - This setup provides a direct, dedicated telephone circuit between the Controller and each Transmitter in the network. Although this method works, it may not provide the stability required for simulcast systems. Specifically, the circuits' impedance values can change, primarily from environmental conditions such as humidity. Since simulcasting requires the timing for Transmitters to be within several microseconds, these impedance changes can cause the timing for a particular RF Transmitter to be outside of its required parameters.
RF Link Transmitter - This Link Transmitter is similar to the RF Transmitter described previously, but operates at a different frequency and power output. The Link receives the information from the Controller and broadcasts it. All of the RF Transmitters in the system are equipped with Link Receivers which pick up the radio signal and pass it to its respective Transmitter. Each Transmitter rebroadcasts the data on the appropriate paging frequency.
Satellite - The Controller can be connected to a Satellite Link to deliver paging data to the Transmitters. Generally speaking, the Controller is connected to an "uplink" which delivers the paging data to a satellite. This satellite receives the signal and retransmits it back to Earth within a given coverage area, or "foot print". A Transmitter located within the "foot print" receives the signal via Satellite Receiver and rebroadcasts it on the appropriate paging frequency.
Operator Assisted Paging (OAP) System - This system is used when a live operator is needed to input the paging information into the Paging Terminal. Typically an OAP system is used when DTMF telephones are not available to allow for automatic paging. An OAP system is separate from the Paging Terminal and interfaces with it via RS-232 serial port connection. This interface typically uses Telocator Network Paging Protocol (TNPP) or Telocator Alphanumeric Protocol (TAP), which are both industry standard protocols.
Larger OAP systems typically have an Automatic Call Distributor (ACD) or PABX on the front-end to receive the incoming calls. An operator obtains the message from the caller and inputs it into the OAP system. This OAP system then passes the information to the Paging Terminal. The message being sent to the pager is typically alphanumeric.
Now that all of the components have been identified and defined, Figure 2 illustrates how each fits into a total RF paging network.
3) UNIPAGE GENERAL OVERVIEW
The key to the Unipage system's seamless expansion and versatility is its "modular" architecture. The method used to expand an existing Unipage Terminal is simply to add more "modules" to the equipment already in place.
Specifically, the Unipage Paging Terminal is based on a 15-slot rackmounted chassis with its own built-in power supply. This chassis houses the various card components such as trunk input and channel output cards that perform the required paging tasks. When integrated with two other vital system components, these 15 slot chassis provide full paging and voice messaging functionality in a fully integrated system.
A Unipage system can consist of the three components described below:
The Console Computer with Unipage Operating Software is a required component which works in conjunction with the Paging Terminal. The Console provides the mechanism to manipulate and review all system data contained in the Paging Terminal and the Message Manager™. The Console's functions include pager and voice mailbox programming, database maintenance, system parameter setting, report generation capabilities, and "real time" system status.
The Message Manager™ is an optional component which, if included, is fully integrated into the Paging Terminal. The Message Manager™ provides custom voice prompts and full-featured voice messaging services, including Alpha Transcription.
The Message Manager™ is fully integrated because it utilizes the Unipage Terminal's "X-bus". The "X-bus" serves as the audio and data communications path for the Unipage system. This bus uses a proprietary architecture to link all of the components of each "Frame" together (the concept of a "Frame" is discussed in sections 4.1.3 and 4.1.4). The "X-bus" also links the Paging Terminal with the Message Manager™ for all audio and data exchange.
Although the Console Computer connects directly to a port on the "central" Main Processor, it too ultimately has access to the "X-bus" since the Console controls all data manipulation with the Paging Terminal and Message Manager™.
Each component in the Unipage system can expand independently of one another, depending on your individual system requirements. In particular, the Paging Terminal itself, which consists of one or more 15-slot chassis, provides the greatest level of versatility. With the 15-slot chassis, almost nothing is discarded or made obsolete, since expansion is achieved by adding card components and additional chassis when needed.
Another key benefit which results from our "modular" design is the Unipage Terminal's "multi-processor" architecture. We define a "multi-processor system" as one where the tasks required of the system are efficiently divided between multiple processors. Therefore, as the system expands, additional processors are added to keep pace with the additional demand for processing "horsepower". What this means for you, the service provider, is that the dependence on the processing power of a single central processor is minimized.
This multi-processor design provides impressive system capacity. Architecturally, the Unipage Terminal can expand to:
Figure 3 provides a good overview of the Unipage system's remarkable ability to grow without replacing hardly any of the original equipment. The illustration also highlights (by an "*") the components which have been incorporated into the larger system. It is important to note that almost every component, including the chassis, power supplies, Console Computer with VDT, and Card Components continue to be utilized as the system has expanded.
The examples shown in Figure 3 illustrate the Unipage system growing from an estimated 5,000 paging subscribers with the Model 15, to 10,000 paging and voice messaging subscribers with the Model 30, to over 50,000 subscribers with the Model 105.
This 50,000+ subscriber system can further be expanded to support hundreds of thousands of subscribers following the same path these sample systems have followed. In summary, two qualities are always inherent with the Unipage system:
4) UNIPAGE HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE
The Unipage hardware architecture consists of three (3) components which are configured together to create a full featured paging and voice messaging system. The three components are the Paging Terminal, the Message Manager™, and the Console Computer.
4.1) Paging Terminal Hardware
The Paging Terminal component of the system utilizes one or more 15-slot rackmounted chassis to perform the paging tasks for the system. This section will provide a more in-depth look at the hardware that makes up this portion of a total Unipage system.
4.1.1) 15 Card Slot Chassis - General Operation
The chassis' function is to house, power, and connect the specific Unipage card components to other 15-slot chassis and to external inputs and outputs in the broader paging network system. Figure 4 illustrates what the Unipage 15-slot chassis looks like. The illustration shows a front view to highlight the card components such as Main CPU, Channel, and Trunk Interfaces. It also shows a rear view to highlight the connections of the chassis.
The 15-slot chassis actually consists of 16 slots, with a built-in power supply on the right (when looking from the front). The slot farthest to the left is unassigned for any purpose, except in special applications involving digital trunks, so for this reason is not numbered. The numbering scheme for the chassis is from left to right (when looking from the front). Therefore, slot #1 is the second slot from the left, and slot #15 is the slot farthest to the right.
The number of slots that are available determines the maximum number of card components that can be contained in a system. Three chassis, for example, will house a maximum of 45 cards. Such a system is known as a Model 45, denoting the number of slots available.
Each particular slot is configured to accommodate a particular type of card. The basic slot configurations in the system are:
Trunk Slots always start with slot #1 and progress to the right. The number of Trunk Slots can vary, as will be discussed, depending on the cabling configuration.
Channel Slots start at Slot #13 and progress to the left. Again, the number of channels that can be accommodated depends on the cabling configuration.
A Serial Expansion Slot provides two RS-232 (9-pin) serial connectors per slot, for those cards which require an external direct or modem connection to external devices. General applications include connection to an external alphanumeric input device (such as an OAP System or AlphaMate®), and connection to another Paging Terminal using TNPP networking.
General Purpose Slots provide housing for all cards that do not require external connections. This slot type typically houses cards which provide functions such as subscriber record memory, voice prompts, group call processing, and many others.
The chassis is configured at the time of manufacture to meet the needs of our customers' applications. A chassis can be modified to provide greater flexibility in system configuration and can accommodate different configurations for the following:
A chassis that supports a full T1 span has one slot available for another purpose. Typically this slot houses a VP8 Card (discussed in section 4.4.5.1) to provide voice prompting. If the service provider only utilizes a portion of the T1, then additional slots are available in the chassis to serve other purposes such as gathering trunk statistics, and providing alphanumeric serial port inputs. Analog trunk interface cards (the TK and TK2 Cards, discussed in section 4.4.4) can also be housed within a partial T1 chassis.
4.1.1.2) E1 (CEPT) Digital Trunking
The Unipage Terminal supports both full and partial E1 spans, which provide 30 channels per span. Each slot of the 15-slot chassis is utilized, again including the normally unassigned 16th slot (slot farthest to the left when looking from the front). A special card known as the Digital Service Unit (DSUE1) Card occupies this slot. Unipage then uses a dual digital trunk card to handle two of the 30 channels per card. Therefore, a full E1 span consists of a DSUE1 Card and 15 Digital Trunk Cards per chassis.
An additional chassis houses the Main Processor Card and Tandem Link (TL) Card which handle the inter-Frame activity with the Main Frame. This chassis can house cards which provide special functions such as voice prompting for automatic paging, trunk statistics, and alphanumeric serial port inputs. The chassis can also accommodate analog trunk cards if needed, utilizing the same Main Processor which is handling the E1 span.
4.1.1.3) Channel Capacity per Chassis
Each chassis can be configured to handle up to six channel outputs, which utilize a total of 12 slots. When a chassis is configured to exclusively handle channel outputs, it is referred to as a "Channel Frame" (discussed in sections 4.1.3 and 4.1.4). A Unipage Terminal can accommodate multiple Channel Frames in systems that utilize a high number of channels. Specifically, the Unipage architecture can support up to 128 channels.
4.1.1.4) Serial Expansion Port Capacity
The standard 15-slot chassis comes equipped with six (6) RS-232 serial port connections (9-pin). The slots which are wired with these connections are #11, 14, and 15. However, the chassis can be equipped with one of two options which expand the number of connections by 12 and 18, respectively.
The first option is a 12 serial port expansion panel which is added to the backplane of the chassis itself. These 12 connections, in conjunction with the six that already exist, provide 18 connections on the chassis. Since each slot accommodates two serial port connections, this translates into nine (9) total slots which are capable of serial port access.
With the 12 port expansion panel, slots #4-9, 11, 14 and 15, are wired for serial port connection. As mentioned previously, slot #15 is reserved for the Main Processor (in those chassis that require one), and slots #12-13 are reserved for the Channel Set.
The second option is an 18 serial port expansion panel. This functions in the same manner as the 12 port panel, but adds an additional 18 ports, or nine (9) slots, of serial port access in the chassis. With the 18 port panel, a total of 12 out of the 15 slots are configured with serial port access. Specifically, slots #2-11, 14 and 15, are wired for serial port connection.
4.1.1.5) Power Options
Unipage supports all standard power supplies, including 220 VAC 50/60 Hz, -48 VDC, and 110 VAC. The power supply simply needs to be designated at the time of the initial order. The Unipage can also provide 240 VAC 50 Hz power when the equipment is mounted in a Large Floor Standing (CB3) Cabinet (discussed in section 4.5.3). Contact your Motorola Representative for details if you require 240 VAC 50 Hz power.
4.1.2) Unipage Model 15
The Unipage Model 15 is capable of providing full Paging Terminal functionality and therefore serves as our basic Terminal offering. What makes the Model 15 different from the 15-slot chassis we have been discussing is the addition of a Main Processor Card. This card, as indicated by the name, serves as the Main CPU for the entire Paging Terminal.
As the Unipage system grows, additional Main Processor Cards may or may not be needed, depending on the size and configuration of the system. Whether or not additional Main Processors are utilized is a function of whether or not the system is configured as a "Single-Frame" or "Multi-Frame" system. A detailed explanation of each configuration is given below.
4.1.3) Single-Frame Configuration
To accomplish the task of configuring individual chassis within a total system, the Unipage system arranges specific chassis into what we refer to as "Frames". A Frame is best defined as "a configuration of one or more chassis which utilize(s) one Main Processor Card to coordinate the tasks of the card components housed within the chassis".
Since every chassis does not necessarily require its own Main Processor Card, there can be one or more chassis that are connected to another chassis which does contain a Main Processor Card. Typically this is the case with smaller systems, where one Main Processor can easily handle all of the system functions. Such systems are referred to as "Single-Frame" systems.
The maximum number of chassis that can be contained in a Single-Frame system is four (4). Therefore, under any circumstance, a Single-Frame system has a maximum of 60 slots (otherwise known as a Model 60).
4.1.4) Multi-Frame Configuration
A Unipage system becomes "Multi-Frame" when more than one Main Processor Card is utilized in the system. In such a configuration, one Main Processor serves as the "central" processor, coordinating all of the tasks of the total system. All other Main Processors are therefore subservient to this "central" Main Processor.
The Frame which contains the "central" Main Processor is referred to as the "Main Frame". This Frame typically contains all of the vital functions of the Terminal minus the trunk and alphanumeric inputs. Vital functions include but are not limited to subscriber record memory, system networking, and channel encoding output.
The "subservient" Frames typically handle the trunk inputs for the system, since this configuration represents the most efficient use of Unipage's multiple processors. Such a Frame is known as a "Trunk Frame". However, Frames can also be configured to specialize in other functions such as channel outputs ("Channel Frame"), TNPP networking connections ("TNPP Frame"), and alphanumeric inputs ("Alpha Frame").
Figures 5 and 6 provide two examples of Single-Frame systems. 5 is a Model 15 which can handle approximately 5000 subscribers, and 6 is a Model 30 with Message Manager™ which can handle approximately 10,000 subscribers. Figure 7 shows a Multi-Frame configuration for approximately 50,000 subscribers. The illustration shows one Main Frame, four Trunk Frames, and one Alpha Frame. The channel outputs in this example are contained in the Main Frame.
Take a minute to identify the terms on the illustrations that have been discussed so far, such as "Main Frame" and "Trunk Frame". Understanding how the Unipage Modular Paging Terminal is configured points out our inherent architectural advantage when it comes to system expansion and call processing capacity.
4.2) Message Manager Hardware
The Message Manager™ is an optional component which provides custom greetings,
numeric page insurance, voice page insurance, and voice messaging features. The
Message Manager™ is required if Alpha Transcription is used in the system.
4.2.1) General Operation
The Message Manager™ is a PC-based voice messaging system which is fully
integrated with the Paging Terminal. Generally speaking, the Message Manager™
receives incoming messages from the Paging Terminal and stores them on its hard
drive for future retrieval. Subscribers can retrieve their messages by accessing
their personal "mailbox" and inputting commands using a DTMF telephone.
The MM unit is configured with the 15-slot chassis of the Paging Terminal to create a system that is capable of both paging and voice messaging functionality. The Paging Terminal portion (the 15-slot chassis) provides the trunk interface connections. The Message Manager™ provides storage on its hard disk for customized and standard voice messaging system prompts, and all incoming voice messages to system subscribers. It is important to note that the Message Manager™ uses a RAM disk to store the most commonly used messaging prompts. This process lessens the need for hard disk access and storage.
Specifically, each Message Manager™ unit ("MM unit") consists of an 80486 processor for call control and data processing, and four (4) 80188 processors for voice "analog to digital" (A/D) and "digital to analog" (D/A) handling. The A/D and D/A function is more commonly referred to as "voice buffering", where each conversion (A/D or D/A) is handled by one voice buffer.
4.2.2) Single-Frame Configuration for Message Manager™
In a Single-Frame configuration, all Message Manager™ components including the disk drive, or drives if redundant, are housed in one standard rackmounted chassis (referred to above as an MM unit). This MM unit is specifically designed to handle the voice messaging components and does not resemble the standard 15-slot chassis. In looking at a Single-Frame system, the MM unit would physically be located beneath the one or more 15-slot chassis.
Within a Single-Frame configuration, the Message Manager™ can provide up to 16 voice buffers. Specifically, the Message Manager utilizes a quad voice buffer card, each having its own 80188 processor for voice data handling. Four of these cards can be housed in one MM unit, therefore, producing the 16 voice buffers.
What 16 voice buffers means for the total system is that a total of 16 messages can be simultaneously recorded to or retrieved from the Message Manager™ hard drive. Therefore, if the traffic on a particular system exceeds 16 simultaneous voice messaging calls during the busiest hour of operation, then the system can be expanded to a Multi-Frame configuration.
The MM unit can be configured with a second hard drive to provide redundancy, or "mirroring", for the Message Manager™'s primary hard disk in the event of a disk failure.
4.2.3) Multi-Frame Configuration for Message Manager™
The Message Manager™ follows a similar expansion path as the Paging Terminal itself. Just as the 15-slot chassis of the Paging Terminal can be configured into a Multi-Frame system, so too can the Message Manager™. As with the 15-slot chassis, the Message Manager™ components can be reconfigured without the need to discard the hardware components. Although typically an upgrade from a Single Frame to a Multi-Frame system involves replacing the hard drives with larger sizes, it is possible to reuse the drives if desired. Reusing the drives does require formatting the drives for compatibility with the Novell® Operating System software.
Configuring the Message Manager™ into a Multi-Frame system involves removing the disk drive or drives from the original MM unit, and configuring the Message Manager™ into a Local Area Network (LAN) which uses Novell® EtherNet® software to operate. The LAN utilizes a common system File Server which houses the hard disks for all the MM units, now referred to as "MM LAN units".
The File Server itself is housed in a rackmounted chassis which from the exterior is identical to the MM LAN unit. The File Server comes standard with redundant ("mirrored") disk drives to protect the voice message data in the event of a disk failure.
The MM LAN units provide the EtherNet® interface for the LAN, and the A/D and D/A conversion (voice buffering) required between the Paging Terminal and the MM LAN. The A/D conversion is utilized for the recording of audio to the hard disks in the File Server, and D/A conversion is utilized for the playback of audio from the hard disks.
In a Multi-Frame configuration, each MM LAN unit is configured with a Trunk Frame. There is also an MM LAN unit connected to the Main Frame of the system. Each MM LAN unit still contains up to 16 voice buffers, with the exception of the MM LAN unit for the Main Frame which only requires four (4) voice buffers for most applications. Four buffers always come standard with the MM and MM LAN units.
It is important to note that one (1) voice buffer is needed for each voice paging channel on the system that stores a voice page to the Message Manager's hard disk. Since all Multi-Frame systems necessarily use this method, one additional buffer is needed for every voice channel beyond four, since four voice buffers come standard.
In a Multi-Frame system, the total number of voice buffers multiplies by the total number of Trunk Frames in the system. For example, if the system contains six (6) E1 Trunk Frames with Message Manager™, the total number of voice buffers is now 96.
If a particular T1, E1, or analog Trunk Frame is not required to provide voice messaging service or numeric page retrieval, the MM LAN unit can be eliminated from the Frame. The same applies to Trunk Frames that have less voice messaging traffic. In this case, the MM LAN unit can contain fewer voice buffers to handle the call traffic.
4.2.4) Disk Drive Options
Each Message Manager™ unit can be equipped with numerous sizes of disk drives, depending on the amount of voice storage time required on the system. The standard disk sizes range from 100 MB to 1 GB. The File Server typically comes equipped with a 1 GB disk drive which provides approximately 72 hours of voice storage. Motorola can configure a multi-Gigabyte Message Manager™ for systems that require such capacity.
4.3) Console Computer Hardware
The Console Computer is a required component in the Unipage system. The Console is used to manipulate and review all the system data contained in the Paging Terminal and the Message Manager™. The Console Computer operates separately from the Paging Terminal and Message Manager™.
The Console Computer, by design, maintains a "mirror image" of the Paging Terminal and Message Manager™ parameters, and the subscriber database. Therefore, running complicated and/or lengthy reports, and performing diagnostics, does not hamper or reduce the throughput of the Paging Terminal in any way. Reports can even be generated with the Console disconnected from the Paging Terminal altogether, which illustrates the Unipage system's true "modular" architecture.
Such functionality is in contrast to "single" and "co-processor" systems that must utilize one central processor to perform both page encoding and report generation/diagnostics. Running a complicated report during a peak traffic period on such a system will likely hamper the primary function of the Terminal which is to perform page encoding. Unipage's "modular" architecture ensures that major system tasks are handled by separate processors, avoiding an overload to the system.
4.3.1) General Operation
The Console is a rackmounted 80386 or 80486 Computer which resides in the same cabinet as the rest of the Unipage equipment (15-slot chassis and Message Manager™ chassis). The Console Computer can also be a table-top version if specified at the time of the original order.
The Console operates the Unipage Console Software which controls basic functions of the system as described in section 5.2, "Console Features". The Console Computer is connected to the Paging Terminal via RS-232 serial port connection located on the back of the M15 chassis. The Console, depending on the model, also provides serial port connections to remote VDT's and billing systems, and a parallel port connection to a printer.
Each Console Computer comes loaded with Operating Software and Unipage's Proprietary Console Software. These Software packages vary depending on the model of Console Computer purchased.
The basic Console Computer is a 386DX with 116 MB hard drive and 4 MB memory. More powerful versions, including a 486DX with 200 MB hard drive and 24 MB memory, are available for Consoles that are performing multiple tasks.
4.3.2) Console 4 Software
Console 4 is Unipage's latest System Software platform. Unipage is continuously upgrading this platform by releasing new versions which contain feature and function enhancements. section 5.2, "Console 4 Features", provides an indepth look at the latest features available.
For single-user Console Computers, Console 4 runs on DOS. For multi-user Consoles, PC-MOS® is used because of the requirement for multi-tasking/user operating software. Console 4 Software also has a DBase III® compatible file structure.
4.3.3) Single-User Console 4 Computers
This basic Console Computer is a 386DX with an 116 MB disk drive and 4 MB of memory. The purpose of this model is to provide a cost effective solution for service providers who only require one-user access to the Paging Terminal with no additional external connections.
This basic Computer can be equipped with a Remote Access Modem which provides an additional serial port connection. The primary purpose of this port is to allow Motorola's Technical Service Department access to the Console for maintenance purposes. However, the port can be used by the system operator for general remote Console programming and maintenance as well.
The single-user Console can further be enhanced with the addition of a Buffered Input/Output (BIO) Port. The purpose of this port is to interface with an external billing system which programs subscriber records and reads pager call counts contained in the Unipage system. The BIO utilizes an RS-232 serial port connection.
4.3.4) Multi-User Console 4 Computers
Unipage offers three levels of multi-user Console 4 Computers: nine-user, 15-user, and 25-user. "Multi-user" refers to the ability to connect remote VDT's or PC's with emulation software to the Console Computer for the purpose of programming pagers in the Paging Terminal.
All of the multi-user Consoles have PC-MOS® Operating Software which allows for multi-tasking. Both the nine-user and 15-user Consoles are 386DX's with 200 MB hard drives. Their memory capacity is 8 MB and 16 MB, respectively. The CX25 is a 486DX with 200 MB disk drive and 24 MB of memory. All the Console Computers can be equipped with a 486 processor option if required. A 486 processor is recommended if the BIO is utilized.
All three multi-user models come equipped with the Remote Access Modem and the BIO Port. All the connections are 25-pin serial ports, with the exception of the two (2) BIO ports, which are 9-pin ports.
4.4) Card Component Hardware
The Unipage system's card components represent the foundation of the Paging Terminal, since the 15-slot chassis serves no other purpose but to house, power, and connect the various cards that populate it.
The Unipage Card is a Printed Circuit (PC) Board designed to handle a specified function such as Main, Channel, Trunk, and Network processing, as well as all other Paging Terminal functions. Each board occupies a slot within the 15-slot chassis, and its placement depends on the wiring of the chassis, as discussed in section 4.1 "Paging Terminal Hardware".
4.4.1) System Processor Cards
The System Processor Cards perform vital processing functions for the Paging Terminal including central processing and serial port processing for alphanumeric paging. Specifically, Unipage offers a Main Processor Card and an Expansion Processor Card. They are the MA3 and EXP3, respectively.
4.4.1.1) Main Processor Card (MA3)
The Main Processor provides the CPU function for the total Paging Terminal. Generally speaking, the Main Processor coordinates all the data exchange between processors within the Paging Terminal, as well as between the Console Computer and the Message Manager™ as they interact with the Paging Terminal. The Main Processor interfaces with the Console Computer via an RS-232 serial port on the Processor itself. The Main Processor interfaces with the Message Manager™ via the Unipage system's proprietary "X-bus".
The standard MA3 works within Unipage's distributed architecture to process 11 pages per second (assuming a 10 digit numeric page or one TNPP ID Page). This translates to 39,600 numeric pages per hour. If the system "busy hour call rate" (BHCR) is 20%, then the maximum number of subscribers is 198,000 when using the standard MA3.
Unipage also utilizes a high speed Main Processor (MAX) Card which increases the above numbers four-fold. Motorola recommends the use of the high speed Main for very large systems that require additional processing capability. The MAX Card is only available with special approval from Motorola.
Specifically, the high speed Main will handle 45 pages per second. This translates to 162,000 pages per hour. With a 20% call rate, the maximum number of subscribers this card can handle is 810,000.
The MA3 and MAX also contain a parallel input/output (I/O) port which provides for printer logging of the Frame's activity.
4.4.1.2) Expansion 3 Processor Card (EXP3)
The EXP3 Card provides serial port connections for alphanumeric paging input into the Paging Terminal. The EXP3 provides two (2) RS-232 serial port connections which allow for 300/1200 auto-baud communications. The EXP3 requires an external modem per port. Motorola can provide this modem, which is a 300/1200 auto-baud, line powered dial-up modem.
The paging protocol that the EXP3 accepts is the industry standard Telocator Alphanumeric Protocol (TAP). The maximum number of characters per message is 1000.
The Unipage system allows for a maximum of four (4) EXP3 Cards in the Main Frame per system. Each Trunk or Alpha Frame can contain up to eight (8) EXP3 Cards, for 16 ports per Frame.
4.4.2) Subscriber Memory Cards
These cards provide varying levels of subscriber record memory for the Unipage system. The MX Series Cards can be added together to provide cumulative memory.
The MX Series Cards are the MX16, MX32, and MX64, which provide 16,000, 32,000, and 64,000 subscriber record memory, respectively.
The MX Cards can also be configured to be redundant within the same Frame. For example, two MX64 Cards can be contained in a Frame to provide 64,000 subscriber record memory. The two cards operate simultaneously and are both updated if changes are sent from the Console Computer. If one card fails, the second card automatically continues to operate.
There is no limit to the number of subscriber records that can be made redundant aside from the current 256,000 limit of the Console itself. A total of eight (8) MX64's can be used to provide 256K subscriber record memory which is redundant.
Conversely, if the cards are not configured for redundancy, then two MX64's will provide 128,000 records. However, a failure of one card in a non-redundant configuration will result in the loss of 50% of the subscriber records until the faulty card is replaced. Upon replacement, the records can be quickly downloaded from the Console Computer to bring the memory back on-line.
4.4.3) Channel Controller Card Set
The Channel Controller Card Set is a two card set, with each card working together to provide both analog and digital paging over an RF paging channel.
Specifically, the Channel Cards receive paging information from the Main Processor Card and buffer the information before it is encoded. The Channel Cards encode the paging information based on encoding format (POCSAG, GSC, etc.) as well as priority status. Once encoded, the batched pages are sent to the RF Transmitter Controller.
The Channel Controller can interface directly with numerous transmitters or with a Transmitter Controller to provide RF system control. For systems with no Transmitter Controller, the Channel Controller can emulate Motorola PURC - Tone (Keyup - Analog & Digital, TX Knock Down - Zoning, Frequency Select); Quintron SCU/SCM (Keyup - Analog & Digital, Analog or Digital Priority - who gets 660 Hz); Quintron DCU (Omega 3.0 and 4.0, Keyup - Analog & Digital, Mode Change, Unkey, Frequency Select - F1 through F4); MicroLink 20X (Keyup - Analog & Digital, Unkey, Mode change, each command is sent once); and MicroLink 20R (Keyup - Analog & Digital, Unkey, Mode change, and zoning).
4.4.4) Trunk Interface Cards
The Trunk Interface Cards provide the primary interface with the PSTN. In particular, these cards support both analog and digital trunks. Trunk configurations include selector level, end-to-end, 2-wire E&M, or outdial. Supported signaling includes DTMF, MF (both MF-R1 and MFC-R2), and Dial Pulse.
4.4.4.1) Trunk Interface Card (TK)
This trunk card supports a single analog trunk coming from the PSTN. This card can be configured for selector level, end-to-end, 2-wire E&M, or outdial. Dial Pulse and DTMF are supported as standard. MF-R1 is supported with the MF-R1 option. An LED digit-display comes standard.
4.4.4.2) Dual Trunk Interface Card (TK2)
This analog trunk card supports two trunks from the PSTN and can be configured for 2-wire selector level and end-to-end only. With the addition of a Multi-Frequency (MF) Daughter Board, this card can support MF-R1 and MFC-R2 signaling. It can be optionally equipped with a dual-digit LED display. This display is designed for periodic use and not for permanent placement on the TK2 Card.
4.4.4.3) T1 Dual Trunk Interface Card with MF-R1 (TKT1)
This trunk card supports two of 24 channels contained in a full T1 digital trunk span, and supports MF-R1 signaling. The use of this card requires a 15-slot chassis specifically designed to support T1 (known as a D15 chassis). This card also requires one (1) special interface card, known as a T1 Digital Service Unit Common Card (DSUT1), per T1 span to operate. The DSUT1 Card serves as the interface between the T1 span from the PSTN and one T1 Trunk Frame. Any number of TKT1 Cards between 1 and 12 can be used in a T1 Trunk Frame depending on the number of T1 channels utilized.
The Unipage digital Trunk Frame arrangement provides two key benefits:
4.4.4.4) E1 (CEPT) Dual Trunk Interface Card with MFC-R2 (TKE1)
This trunk card supports two of 30 channels contained in a full E1 digital trunk span, and supports MFC-R2 signaling. The use of this card requires a 15-slot chassis specifically designed to support E1. This card also requires one (1) special interface card, known as an E1 Digital Service Unit Common Card (DSUE1), per E1 span to operate. The DSUE1 Card serves as the interface between the E1 span from the PSTN and the E1 Trunk Frame it is housed in. Any number of TKE1 Cards between 1 and 15 can be used in an E1 Trunk Frame depending on the number of E1 channels utilized.
4.4.5 Optional Cards
This category covers all of the remaining cards available for the Unipage system, with the exception of Alpha Transcription which is covered in section 4.4.6. The functionality of these cards ranges from voice prompting to TNPP networking.
4.4.5.1) Voice Prompt Card (VP8)
The VP8 provides shared system voice prompts for paging subscribers. Specifically, there are five standard prompts which assist callers in all aspects of entering a page:
The VP8 can be customized to any language, accent, or verbage. In a Multi-Frame system, one VP8 is needed for every Trunk Frame that requires system prompting.
4.4.5.2) Quad Store Card (QS)
This card is used solely for voice paging in a Single-Frame system where a Message Manager™ is not utilized. The QS Card provides four (4) 28-second voice buffers (so therefore can handle four simultaneous calls) to record messages coming in on the Trunk Interface Cards. A voice buffer is not available for another call until the call that is currently being stored is "played out" over the channel by the Channel Controller. The QS does not provide storage of the message after the message is sent out as a page.
If message storage for future retrieval is required, the Message Manager™ must be used. In this configuration, voice pages are recorded to the Message Manager™ hard disk instead of being handled by the QS Card. The Message Manager™ then sends the message to the Channel Controller. The hard disk retains the message to allow the subscriber to retrieve it by accessing the Message Manager™.
4.4.5.3) Telocator Alpha Protocol Input Card (TAP)
The TAP Card is a high speed version of the EXP3 Card. The TAP Card is capable of supporting a 9600 Baud connection, but also can be manually set for lower speeds. This card is used in applications that require a higher speed connection. It is also used when more than four EXP3 Cards are used in a system.
4.4.5.4) TDD Interface Card (TDD)
TDD is a protocol used to help the hearing impaired communicate more effectively. Unipage provides a card which can interface with input devices which utilize the TDD protocol. A special TDD modem is required when using this card. This modem is available from Motorola.
4.4.5.5) Group Processor Card (GP)
This card enhances the Unipage Terminal's ability to provide the Group Call feature. Without the GP Card, the Unipage Terminal can simply provide sequential group call paging. The GP allows random assignment of up to 9,999 pager numbers to a Group Call, and also expands the total number of Groups allowed on the system to 9,999.
4.4.5.6) Statistics Processor Card (ST)
The ST Card provides detailed statistics on trunk usage. One ST Card is needed for each Trunk Frame that requires statistics to be gathered. The purpose of the ST Card is to allow the service provider to analyze trunk usage so that under or over utilization does not occur, and to evaluate how often certain trunk conditions exist on the system.
Specifically, the ST Card provides nine (9) accumulators which can be set to increment every time a particular trunk state occurs. The ST Card allows the service provider to define trunks into a common "trunk group" within a trunk Frame so this group can be analyzed. For example if a trunk frame contains a T1 span for a total of 24 channels, a "trunk group" can be created that gathers statistics on channels 1 12.
The following is a listing of the trunk states that can be tracked:
00 Trunk Idle
01 Waiting for digits
02 Waiting for 2nd digit
03 Waiting for 3rd digit
04 Waiting for 4th digit
05 Waiting for 5th digit
06 Verifying subscriber
07 Trying to disconnect
08 Common ringup routine
09 ACK tone only
10 Ringing waiting for channel
11 Connected to channel
12 Group call processing
13 End of call beep
14 Reorder tone
15 Play invalid announcement
16 Dial tone then accept DTMF
17 Accumulate DTMF
18 Beep then return to state 17
19 Accept overdialed subscriber number
20 Pass-thru to other system
21 Release trunk for 1 second, then send
22 Dial from buffer (DTMF)
23 Wait during DTMF transmission
24 Pause
25 Wait for reverse current
26 End of dialing
27 End of call (holding)
28 End of call (outdial idle)
29 No trunk card installed
30 Slow busy then disconnect
31 Trunk out of service
32 Wink start
33 Reserved
34 Ringing voice storage call
35 Connected to store
36 Ringup/overdial delay and answer
37 Ringup/overdial invalid number
38 Reserved
39 Special access
40 Call forward, sending information
41 Call forward, waiting for answer
42 Monitoring audio bus for test
43 Connected to Message Manager for voice mail only
44 Connected to Message Manager in command mode
45 User-controlled options
46 Voice paging being recorded to disk
47-63are currently undefined
The Stats Processor is programmed from the Console Computer. The service provider can set the ST Card to gather statistics immediately upon receiving a proper command, or at an hourly increment so the time interval can be measured. The statistics can be logged to a parallel printer, VDT, or a PC running Emulation software.
A more detailed explanation of the Statistics Processor is contained in the "Statistics Processor" Manual.
4.4.5.7) Fast Load Card (FL)
This card increases the effective Console baud rate to nearly 38.4Kbps for the purpose of downloading subscriber record information from the Console to the Paging Terminal. This card primarily is used if the Paging Terminal requires a download after an MX Card failure, and is recommended for systems with more than 10,000 subscribers.
4.4.5.8) Redundant Switch Link Card (RS)
This card is only used in redundant Unipage systems or systems that require an Alarm Panel. The RS Cards are used to keep the data contained in the "secondary" side of a redundant system up to date. An RS Card on the "primary" side is in constant communication with an RS Card on the "secondary" side. In the event of a "primary" side failure, the "primary" RS Card will command the RS Controller (which will be described in the "Redundant Operation" section) to switch all I/O to the "secondary" side. When the "primary" side becomes operational, the RS Controller will switch all I/O back to the "primary" side.
4.4.5.9) Alarm Panel (AL)
The Alarm Panel consists of two (2) modules - the RS Card and another card in the Fan Panel. The Alarm Panel also comes equipped with an LED display panel and speaker to indicate an alarm condition.
The Alarm Panel monitors two operational conditions of a system Frame including 48 VDC power supply and card chassis operation. There is also an external non system contact closure alarm input which can be wired to external equipment.
4.4.5.10) Quad Modem Card (QM)
This card allows the Unipage system to accept dial-up alphanumeric pages via D.I.D. trunks. The QM Card provides four (4) modems for alphanumeric input.
4.4.5.11) Tandem Link Processor Card (TL)
The TL Card provides the serial communication link between different Frames in a Multi-Frame system. If there are two or more Frames in a system, each "secondary" Frame must contain a TL Card to communicate with the Main Frame, which contains the Main Processor. In turn, the Main Frame requires one TL Card for every two "secondary" Frames (such as a Trunk Frame) since each TL Card has two ports.
4.4.5.12) TNPP Network Interface Card (NW)
This card is used to provide networking between Terminals using the industry standard TNPP protocol. Each NW Card provides two ports for non-voice calls to be passed from system to system using the TNPP format. An external modem is required for each connection. The Unipage Terminal can support up to four TNPP connections per system if full TNPP routing capability is required.
If additional full-routing TNPP connections are required, Motorola's system engineering group can work with you to configure a networking solution.
4.4.5.13) NetUni Network Interface Card (NU)
This card is used for specialized zoning applications where a single page needs to be regenerated multiple times and sent to multiple channel controllers.
4.4.5.14) FAXPage (FAXP)
This PC-based product stores alphanumeric pages and sends them in ASCII format to a specified FAX machine. These alpha pages are sent to the FAX in scheduled groups. This product is only available through special approval from Motorola.
4.4.6) Alpha Transcription (AT)
Alpha Transcription consists of a two card set, with a VDT, keyboard, and headset for use by an operator. AT combines OAP functionality with Message Manager™ voice messaging to create a partially automated approach to alphanumeric paging.
With a standard OAP system, the operator communicates directly with the caller to receive the message. The operator then enters the message into the OAP system, which passes it to the Paging Terminal via TNPP.
With Alpha Transcription, the caller deposits a voice message in a Message Manager™ voice mailbox. The operator is audibly and visually alerted by the VDT that a message is waiting in queue. The operator can hit a key on the VDT keyboard to retrieve the message in the mailbox, and enter the message into the Paging Terminal through the VDT.
Advantages to Alpha Transcription are the following:
4.5) System Cabinets
Unipage provides three sizes of cabinets depending on the initial size of the system and its expected growth rate.
4.5.1) Desktop Cabinet (CB1)
This cabinet is for a Model 15 Paging Terminal only. To use this cabinet, the Console Computer must be a tabletop type, and the system cannot have Message Manager™. Housing any of these components in the cabinet will require going to the next larger size. The Desktop Cabinet is approximately 10 in x 21 in x 21 in (25.4 cm x 53.3 cm x 53.3 cm) (HxWxD).
4.5.2) Small Floor Standing Cabinet (CB2)
This cabinet is for Model 15 to Model 45 systems that do not anticipate much system growth. The cabinet is approximately 30 in x 22 in x 32 in (76.2 cm x 55.9 cm x 81.3 cm) (HxWxD).
4.5.3) Large Floor Standing Cabinet (CB3)
This cabinet is the most commonly used because it comes equipped with a Fan Panel at no additional cost and provides ample room for system expansion. The cabinet is approximately 73 in x 24 in x 32 in (185 cm x 61.0 cm x 81.3 cm) (HxWxD). If this cabinet becomes full, additional large cabinets can be added to allow for system expansion.
5) UNIPAGE FEATURES
The Unipage system provides a full range of features including voice messaging, alphanumeric, and networking capabilities. Features can be added at any time as a result of Unipage's advanced "modular" architecture.
5.1) Terminal Features
The features inherent to the Paging Terminal result from the Card Components that populate the 15-slot chassis. Although detailed explanations of these cards are given in section 4.4, "Card Component Hardware", the following section highlights many features that add advanced functionality to the Unipage system. Many of the features reside in the Main Processor Card, which coordinates all of the activity in each Frame of the Unipage system.
Many of the features described in "Terminal Features" are also contained in other portions of the "Unipage Features" section. Some overlap exists in describing the features of the Paging Terminal, Message Manager™, and Console Computer because all of these components work together as one integrated paging and voice messaging system.
Also, several of the features listed in this section require special system configurations, primarily in the area of networking. These features are highlighted with an "*". Other features listed below have already been implemented in the Asian market, and can be implemented in the Americas and Europe when requested. Features that fall into this category are marked with a "#".
For all of these special features listed below, Motorola's system engineers can work with you to incorporate them into your paging system.
5.1.1) T1 Digital Span and MF-R1 Signaling
The Unipage Terminal is capable of accepting T1 digital spans, which are equivalent to 24 standard analog trunks per span. The Unipage can also accept MF-R1 signaling to receive the calls through the T1 span.
5.1.2) E1 (CEPT) Digital Span and MFC-R2 Signaling #
The Unipage Terminal is capable of accepting E1 (CEPT) digital spans, which are equivalent to 30 standard analog trunks per span. The Unipage is currently capable of handling the Chinese version of MFC-R2 signaling.
Since the Unipage system provides a high level of MFC-R2 call processing flexibility, Motorola's installation engineers can modify the R2 call script to support the numerous variations of R2 signaling found throughout the world. Some development work may be required to modify the MFC-R2 to fit a particular nation's specification.
5.1.3) Temporary Barring #
The Unipage Terminal allows for Temporary Barring of service to a caller on the system. If barring is implemented, the subscriber will hear a shared greeting prompt which is created by the service provider indicating service has been temporarily discontinued for the subscriber. The subscriber activates/deactivates this feature by contacting the service operator. This feature will be subscriber settable in the second half of 1994.
5.1.4) Network Call Counting #
This feature provides a total call count for all network calls a subscriber receives. With this feature the service provider can charge a flat rate for local paging service, and charge on a "per call" basis for all network pages. It is important to note that when this feature is enabled, no local calls are counted. This feature can be implemented on a per subscriber basis. The network call count is logged in the Console's "Call Count" data field in the subscriber record (refer to section 5.2.5.5, "Call Count Field" for a description of this field).
5.1.5) Call Logging
The Main Processor Card in the Main Frame provides a detailed call log for all pages that come into the system. This log differs from the Console program's "Call Count" field (described in section 5.2.5, "Console Subscriber Record Data Fields") which logs the number of pages to the subscriber's pager. The Main Processor Call Log provides the following information for each call logged: date, time, input ID the call came in on, subscriber ID, channel that page was sent to, signaling format, function, message class, and page contents. An example of a call log is the following:
01/06/94 17:10:54 01 2243509 0A32 This is a test message
"01/06/94" is the date; "17:10:54" is the time; "01" is the input ID (see the reference to "Trunk ID" in section 5.2.4.3, "Status Display", for more details); "2243509" is the subscriber ID; "0A32" are the codes used to identify the channel the page was sent to, encoder signaling format, pager function and message class, respectively; and "This is a test message" is the message sent to the pager.
At various times, the system operator can cause all "X-bus" commands to be sent to the call log. This unique feature can assist the service provider in locating problems caused by a failed component in the Paging Terminal or Message Manager™.
Call logging information can be logged to a parallel printer port or to a serial port. The serial port can accommodate a VDT for "live" monitoring, or a PC with a communications program to write the data to a file on its hard disk.
5.1.6) TNPP Networking Capability
TNPP networking capability is essential in today's paging system environment. Systems today can include multiple Terminals which are all interconnected. TNPP represents the paging industry standard to accomplish interconnectivity between Terminals from different manufacturers.
The Unipage system is capable of providing four (4) full-routing TNPP connections using TNPP Network (NW) Cards. If additional partial or full-routing TNPP connections are required in a system, Motorola can configure a networked system to fit your needs.
5.1.7) Selectable Acknowledge Tone Prompts
The Unipage Terminal allows for different tone prompts when the caller reaches the system. The tone prompts represent different "beep tone" cadences which can be chosen based on the service provider's preference.
5.1.8) Delayed Repeat Page
The standard Paging Terminal provides a "repeat page" feature in which the second page immediately follows the first page being sent out over the channel. For service providers who require the repeat page to be delayed, a card known as the EXTRA Card must be used. This card allows the repeat interval to be set on a system-wide basis. Whether a subscriber receives a repeat page is programmable on a per subscriber basis.
5.1.9) Programmable Maximum Numeric Page Length
The maximum page length for both Golay and POCSAG numeric pagers is programmable on the Unipage system.
5.1.10) Automatic Network Registration #
This feature will be available by the second half of 1994 and will allow the subscriber to control via DTMF telephone the "follow me" network coverage he receives. After the subscriber calls his own pager telephone number, enters the Message Manager™ command mode and enters his security code, the subscriber will then be able to enter a command which allows him to change network coverage.
It is important to note that this feature will only be available from the subscriber's "home" Terminal. If the subscriber wishes to change network coverage while he is away from his "home" Terminal, he can contact the local service operator, and the operator can change his network coverage. The operator will be able to do this through another feature, "Remote Database Access via TNPP Networking", explained below in section 5.1.11.
5.1.11) Remote Database Access via TNPP Networking *
Available by the second half of 1994, this feature will allow a system Console operator to access any Console database within the Unipage network. The operator will be able to pull up and modify subscriber records and perform other Console functions such as maintenance. Access to remote databases is controlled by security code access, and the access levels can be set for variable levels as explained in sections 5.2.3.1 and 5.2.6.2 of "Console Features".
5.1.12) Expiry Date Feature
This feature is also discussed in the "Console Features" section under 5.2.6.4, and provides the ability to set a date in which a subscriber's service will be inactivated. As the expiration date approaches, the Unipage system will automatically send out a "warning" page indicating that service is about to expire. If the subscriber does not renew his service, the system will send out a "service termination" page and then "invalidate" the subscriber's record, which turns off service.
The following items can be set by the system operator: 1) message content of the "warning" and "service termination" pages, 2) the time of day to automatically run the Expiry Date program, and 3) the number of days prior to "service termination" that the "warning" page is sent (maximum 6 days).
5.1.13) Paging Terminal Redundancy
The Unipage Paging Terminal is capable of various levels of redundancy, depending on the service provider's needs. A detailed explanation of this redundancy is discussed in section 6, "Redundant Operation".
5.1.14) System Voice Prompts
The Unipage Terminal provides shared system voice prompts for paging service. These prompts are provided by the Voice Prompt 8 (VP8) Card which is explained in section 4.4.5.1.
5.1.15) Hidden Mailbox Feature #
This feature allows a caller to revert to a subscriber's Message Manager™ voice mailbox if no DTMF digits are entered. The caller is sent to the mailbox after a "time out" period, which is a programmable period of time. This feature is designed to allow callers without DTMF telephones to access the Message Manager™, and the feature is programmable on a per subscriber basis.
5.1.16) Numeric Page Discard
This feature allows a caller to discard the numeric page that he has entered via DTMF telephone by hitting either "**" or "****". Entering the stars will reset the trunk and allow the caller to begin again.
5.1.17) "Canned Messaging" for Alphanumeric Pagers
The Unipage system supports the "canned messaging" feature that is programmed into many alphanumeric pagers on the market. The Unipage sends the appropriate predetermined code to the pager, and the pager converts it into the corresponding message stored in its memory, such as "call the office".
5.1.18) Alphanumeric Input Via Direct Inward Dial (DID) Trunk
The Quad Modem (QM) Card, discussed in section 4.4.5.10, allows the Unipage system to interface with an alphanumeric input device, such as the AlphaMate®, through a DID trunk interface card. This card eliminates the need for a serial port dial-up modem and dial-up telephone line connection to serve this purpose. The use of the Quad Modem Card is not recommended for all systems and should be evaluated by your Motorola Representative.
5.1.19) TDD Interface Capability
TDD stands for "Telephone Device for the Deaf". A TDD is a telephone replacement that provides the user with a display screen, keyboard, and modem connection to other TDD users. The Unipage system has the capability to allow a caller who is using a TDD to telephone the system and send a page to a subscriber. Refer to section 4.4.5.4, "TDD Interface Card (TDD)" for additional information.
5.1.20) Overdial Access from a DID Trunk
Typically, overdial access is used in conjunction with an end-to-end (ETE) trunk. An ETE trunk requires the caller to enter "overdial" digits via DTMF telephone to identify the subscriber pager number. The caller must enter this information because, unlike a DID trunk, no digits are passed from the PSTN to the Unipage system identifying the subscriber pager number. The Unipage allows overdial access by dedicating a special subscriber ID through a DID trunk as an "overdial input" service ID. This feature allows the operator to add more subscribers without purchasing new telephone numbers from the telephone service provider.
5.1.21) Universal Group Paging
The Unipage system allows different pager types, such as POCSAG, 5-tone, and Golay, to be mixed within the same pager group. The pagers' numbers must be sequential unless the Group Processor (GP) Card is used (discussed is section 4.4.5.5). If different function pagers are mixed in the same group, the message received by each pager will vary. For example, if a caller sends a numeric page to a group containing a tone, numeric, alpha, and voice pager, the page received by each would be a tone alert, numeric display, numeric display, and tone alert, respectively.
5.1.22) Call Countdown Feature
This feature allows the service provider to program a subscriber's pager to receive a set number of pages before it is "deactivated". Each page to the pager will increment the call count downward until it reaches "zero". At "zero", the subscriber's service is "inactivated" until additional service is provided by the service provider. This feature is useful for demonstration pagers or for metered service for a given period of time.
5.1.23) CLI Handling Script #
The Unipage Terminal is capable of processing the Calling Line Indicator (CLI) that may be passed from the PSTN. Typically, CLI works in conjunction with an E1 (CEPT) span which is using MFC-R2 signaling to communicate with the Unipage. Currently, no established specification exists in North America for a paging application with CLI. However, the Unipage system's flexibility in handling the incoming CLI will allow Motorola to accommodate it when more detailed specifications emerge from the telephone service providers.
5.2) Console Features
The Console Computer is a required component in the Unipage system which serves to manipulate and review all of the system data contained in the Paging Terminal and Message Manager™. The Console provides pager and voice mailbox programming, database maintenance, system parameter setting, report generation capabilities, and "real time" system status.
The current release of software is Console 4. Console 4 is updated periodically to provide new features and functions for the Unipage system. The current version is 4.20. This section of the document is intended to provide a general overview of the Console 4 program. A complete overview of Console 4 is contained in the "Console 4 Reference Manual".
The Unipage Console program is customized software that provides the following general functions and features:
Displays, modifies, and maintains subscriber information
Displays or prints reports on subscriber record information
Provides fast access to database information through indexed fields
Provides the ability to page a pager from the Console keyboard
Provides data backup and reload capability for the Paging Terminal
Displays Paging Terminal status and activity
Provides built-in inventory capability
Provides advanced multi-user and agent access support for billing systems OAP interconnection
Provides a DBase compatible file structure
The Console program is menu driven which makes its operation very "user friendly". The starting point in the menu structure is the Main Menu. This menu provides the commands that the operator will use to perform the majority of the day-to-day operations for the system. It is also the central menu from which all other menus are accessed.
Each of the sub-menus provide a logical grouping of related functions within the Console. The two sub-menus below the Main Menu are the "Maintenance Menu" and the "Other Menu".
The Maintenance Menu contains one sub-menu, the "Modify Setup Menu". The Other Menu contains two sub-menus, the "Report Menu" and the "Account and Number Management Menu". Figure 8 provides an illustration of how the menus are arranged.
5.2.1) Main Menu
The Main Menu of the Console provides 15 function options to control the Unipage system. These options, as displayed on the Console's VDT screen, are denoted by a letter or symbol followed by a brief description:
D: Display pager information
I: Issue new pager
E: Exchange two pagers (change out)
C: Cancel service on a pager
U: Update service information on pager
P: Page a pager
S: Send system setup information
R: Reload paging system database
M: Maintenance Menu
O: Other Menu
L: Log into other database
Q: Quit (suspend)
-: Remove pager from database
+: Add a pager to database
=: Modify a pager in database
Commands "D" through "P" and "-" through "=" all perform functions directly related to programming a specific pager in the system. The brief descriptions provided with the commands are fairly self-explanatory. Commands "S" through "Q" either perform general system functions or guide the system operator into other areas of the Console program. The following are more detailed descriptions of several of the commands.
"S: Send System Setup Information" is a system function (versus a specific pager function) that allows the operator to send the system setup information to the Paging Terminal from the Console Computer, since all parameters in the Paging Terminal are duplicated in the Console Computer. If an operator installs new options, or the Paging Terminal loses power for an extended period, this command is used to update the Terminal.
"R: Reload Paging System Database" will reload the subscriber information from the hard disk of the Console Computer to the Paging Terminal. This option is used if the Paging Terminal loses its subscriber memory.
"L: Log to Another Database" allows the operator to access multiple databases contained within the Unipage system. Typically, an operator spends the majority of time in the "local" database which contains the local Terminal's subscriber records. However, the Console provides the ability to log into other "remote" databases. An example of a "remote" database is a Trunk Frame within a Multi-Frame system. A service operator can log into this Frame to modify operating parameters or display the status of inputs. Access to the databases is security code controlled.
As pointed out previously, the Main Menu also provides access to its two sub-menus through the "M: Maintenance Menu" and "O: Other Menu" options. These menus are discussed below.
5.2.2) Maintenance Menu
The Maintenance Menu is usually restricted to everyone except the Unipage system's technical support personnel. This Menu allows complete access to system files and statistics, including system parameter settings, call counts, and trunk statistics.
The Maintenance Menu provides 13 function options which are denoted by a letter or symbol, followed by a brief description:
M: Modify parameter files
E: Extract call counts from Unipage
R: Reload call counts from disk
Z: Zero call counts in Unipage
W: Wipe (clear) last counts on disk
P: Print trunk statistics
T: set Time and date
V: Verify Unipage / disk data
I: regenerate database Images
:: send commands to Unipage system
::: pack database file after number erase
::: reindex database file
X: eXit to Main Menu
The following is more detailed information on several of the options contained within this menu (an explanation of "M: Modify Parameter Files" is given below in section 5.2.3, "Modify Setup Menu").
The "R: Reload call Counts from disk" command is primarily used when a subscriber memory card in the Paging Terminal fails. When this situation occurs, a new MX series Card needs to be installed and reloaded with the subscriber record data contained in the Console. This command reloads the call count data that existed in the Paging Terminal prior to the failure.
The "V: Verify Unipage / disk data" command is used when there is concern that the data contained in the Paging Terminal is not the same as that found in the Console. Although this occurrence is very infrequent, this feature provides added security for the system's databases.
The "I: Regenerate Database Images" command is used to generate certain internal information within the Console database. This function is used after an "Extended Service Package" definition is changed. These packages are explained in section 5.2.3.2, "Package Service Information".
5.2.3) Modify Setup Menu
The Modify Setup Menu is accessed by implementing the "M: Modify parameter files" command in the Maintenance Menu. The Modify Setup Menu plays a vital role in the Unipage system and warrants its own section for explanation. The options within this menu allow the operator to define the system parameters for all three components in the system - the Console, Paging Terminal, and Message Manager™. The Console stores the operating parameters in parameter files on the Console's hard disk.
The command options are the following:
A: Agent Passwords and Permits
C: Channel Setup Information
E: Extended Setup Information
M: Memory Mapping Information
N: Notes Messages
P: Package Service Information
S: System Setup Information
T: Trunk Definitions
U: Unit Type Definitions
H: Help Information File
X: Exit to Maintenance Menu
The following descriptions provide an overview for the above commands, with the exception of "A: Agent Passwords and Permits" and "P: Package Service Information" which are described in their own sections.
The "Channel Setup Information" and "Extended Setup Information" commands serve to define parameters for the operating characteristics of card components in the system. The Channel Setup consists of inputs for the Station ID, Station ID interval, voice page length, voice page storage count (maximum number of messages which can be stored for this channel), channel use limit (maximum number of seconds a channel can send pages without stopping), and mode delay (amount of time needed to switch from analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog paging). The Extended Setup provides commands for the trunk input programming, channel programming, customized processors, and TNPP Network Cards within the Terminal.
"Memory Mapping Information" is used to allocate the subscriber record memory contained in the system. Specifically, memory mapping establishes the relationship between the telephone number prefixes and the subscriber numbers within the system.
"Note Messages" are special messages that are used in conjunction with the Agent log-in process. The Notes field allows for the entry of up to six letters, each of which designates a note to be displayed to a particular agent upon logging into the Console program.
"System Setup Information" allows access to the system parameter file, which contains information about system operation. Specifically, parameters include call logging (Y/N), clock enabled (Y/N), disable auto upload (Y/N), print log to printer (Y/N), high speed console (Y/N), modem phone number, startup password, maintenance password, and modem password.
"Trunk Definitions" establishes the signaling characteristics for each trunk interface. The classifications include ring up, outdial, DID with pulsing, DID with DTMF or MF, and wink start.
"Unit Type Information" establishes all the pager types within the system, such as Numeric Golay, Alpha POCSAG, and 2-tone pagers. The Unipage system supports virtually all pager types utilized in the market today.
"Help Information File" allows the system maintenance operator to change any of the context sensitive help messages. The "on line help" file exists to assist operators when they encounter questions in programming pagers or system parameters.
5.2.3.1) Agent Passwords and Permits
The Console provides multiple access levels to limit the access of selected users on the system. Since different users need varying levels of access, this feature provides security for the system's subscriber database and operating parameters. Specifically, there are five (5) levels of access:
Level 0 Access allows the Console user to view a pager record or to send a page from the Console keyboard. No manipulation of data is allowed.
Level 1 Access is for users who need to have access to a particular group of subscribers. This level allows programming within a particular account number range, channel code, and pager unit type.
Level 2 Access allows unrestricted access to subscriber record functions such as the ability to issue new service or cancel service to a pager. This level allows restricted access to the Other Menu and prohibits access to the Maintenance Menu where system parameters can be altered. Specifically, access to the Other Menu is limited to generating reports and utilizing the Console's dial-up modem (if available).
Level 3 Access allows unrestricted access to the subscriber record functions and the Other Menu. Access to the Maintenance Menu is still prohibited.
Level 4 Access allows full access to the Terminal, including subscriber record functions, the Other Menu, and the Maintenance Menu.
The access levels are also custom tailorable to provide even greater flexibility for the service provider. This enhanced feature is discussed in section 5.2.6.2, "Custom Access Levels".
5.2.3.2) Package Service Information
Extended Service Packages are intended to simplify the pager programming process for the Console operator. The operator can create multiple Packages to meet the unique service needs of the subscriber base. These customized packages can set the Channel, Zone, and Control Flags used for a particular pager record (see section 5.2.5.12, "Flags Field" regarding Control Flags). The packages can also be used to define the customized greeting code and Message Manager™ control string which establishes the type of voice messaging service.
Packages can be created to define all aspects of a subscriber's voice messaging service. The categories are:
Shared Custom Greeting ID
Voice Mailbox Service Class
Voice Message Retention Time
Maximum Voice Message Length
Maximum Customized Greeting Length
Reminder Page Activation and Quantity
Maximum Number of Messages
5.2.4) Other Menu
The Other Menu includes various commands such as account and number management, report menu, and backup and restore functions for the database. Access to the Other Menu is restricted based on the access level assigned to a user. The Other Menu provides nine (9) function options which are denoted by a letter or number, followed by a brief description:
A: Account and number management
R: Report menu
U: Utility access
D: Dial (modem)
H: Hangup (modem)
S: Status display
1: Backup Unipage database
2: Restore Unipage database
X: eXit to Main Menu
The following are brief descriptions for several options within this menu, with the exception of options "A", "R", and "S" which are discussed in separate sections below.
"U: Utility Access" allows the Console operator to exit Console 4 to execute an Operating System Utility or Console Utility. When the operator has finished this task, he can reenter Console 4 without the need to log back on.
"D: Dial (modem)" allows the operator to dial a remote Paging Terminal via modem. The "H: Hangup (modem)" command goes hand-in-hand with the "D" command, since it disconnects the modem when the Console operator has completed communicating with the Remote Paging Terminal.
"1: Backup Unipage database" allows the operator to copy the Console database onto a floppy disk in a compressed format. "2: Restore Unipage database" allows the operator to copy the database information contained on the floppy disk back into the Console after a Console hard disk failure. The "2" command decompressed what had been compressed with the "1" command.
5.2.4.1) Account and Number Management =
The "A: Account and Number Management" command provides the operator with the ability to manage groups of pagers or accounts with respect to Agents who are accessing the Unipage system. The Account and Number Management menu contains seven (7) options which are:
"A: Allocate phone numbers to accounts" allows the operator to assign a range of phone numbers to an account number. These numbers then become available to an operator with agent level access (Level 1, as discussed in section 5.2.3.1) whose account range encompasses the assigned range. These numbers are also available to any operator whose access level is higher that agent level access (Level 1).
"R: Reallocate Phone Numbers/Accounts" allows numbers currently allocated to a specific account range to be reallocated to a new account number range.
"S: Suspend Pagers by Account" allows the operator to suspend a group of pagers based on the account number. In turn, the "U: Unsuspend Pagers by Account" allows the operator to reverse the "suspend" command.
"C: Create Phone Number Region" allows the operator to create a new range of pager telephone numbers, which must already exist in the Console's memory map. Up to 1000 numbers can be created at one time. "E: Erase Phone Number Region" is the opposite of the "C" command since it erases blocks of pager telephone numbers no longer in the system.
5.2.4.2) Report Menu
The Report Menu provides information which is important to the management of the system. The Console contains 10 predetermined reports and also contains a versatile Extended Reporting Option which is discussed in section 5.2.6.1. The 10 predetermined reports are the following (a brief explanation of each report is provided in parentheses):
N:Non-Vacant Subscriber Records
(Lists all active or inactive subscriber records in the system, skipping all vacant records)
V:Vacant Subscriber Records
(Lists all records available for assignment)
R:Range of Subscriber Numbers
(Lists all records within a requested range)
A:Accounts
(Lists all records within a requested account number range)
F:Flags
(Lists all records containing specified flags within a requested range)
O:Overcalls
(Lists all records where the call count number exceeds a predetermined call count limit)
P:Packages
(Lists all records containing specified packages)
G:Groups
(Lists all records containing one or more Group Call ID numbers)
L: Last Modified
(Lists all records changed within a specified date range)
The service provider can modify the report format to display only those fields deemed as pertinent to a particular report. Once the field selections are made, the Console allows the report to be sent to a VDT or printer. The format to the printer can be set for 80 column or 132 column. The column widths of each field selected for the report can also be custom tailored.
5.2.4.3) Status Display
The Status Display provides "real time" viewing for trunks, channels, and network connections in the system, as well as how many voice recorders for voice paging are in the system (the Quad Store Card described in section 4.4.5.2 provides these voice recorders). It also shows the number of Expansion CPU's in the system. Expansion CPU's are defined as the Expansion Processor Card (EXP3) and Subscriber Memory Cards (the MX16, 32, and 64) as described in section 4.4, "Card Component Hardware".
The Status Display also provides a detailed breakdown for up to three (3) trunks in the system. This breakdown consists of nine (9) parameters which provide greater information to the system operator. Specifically, these categories are the following:
Trunk ID - The maximum number of trunks in a given Trunk Frame is 60, so the Trunk ID numbering is from 1 to 60. If more than one Trunk Frame exists in a system, then the Console can be configured to show the status display for each Trunk Frame in the system. This process is accomplished by adding a CRT/Keyboard Master Station (CKM) to switch from Frame to Frame for viewing. The CKM can view up to 15 different Frames within a Unipage system.
Status - The trunk status shows what a given trunk is doing at a given moment in time. Status messages include Idle, 1st...7th digit, Connect, Play Greeting, and Message Input. All of the trunk conditions are itemized is section 4.4.5.6, "Statistics Processor Card".
ValidLogs the number of valid calls for the trunk.
InvalidLogs the number of invalid calls for the trunk.
MinutesLogs the number of minutes the trunk has been used for call input.
ErrorLogs the number of errors detected on the trunk..
SubidShows the current Subscriber ID number that the trunk is handling.
UseShows the time for the current call in seconds.
MessageShows the current numeric message being entered by a caller into the system.
5.2.5) Console Subscriber Record Data Fields
The format of the Console program is based on the use of data fields. These fields serve to program a subscriber's paging and voice messaging service and to store information pertinent to the subscriber's account. The following are the data fields contained in the Console program:
5.2.5.1) Channel Field
This field designates which RF paging frequency the pager is assigned to. The Console can be set to show the channel or network name or frequency to correspond with the letter (A-P) assigned to the pager (e.g. B = 152.840 MHz)
5.2.5.2) Pager Type Field
This field refers to the signaling type of the pager. The Unipage Terminal supports virtually all formats including POCSAG 512, 1200, and 2400; Golay (GSC); and US 2-Tone and 5/6-Tone. FLEX will be supported when it is fully implemented in the market.
5.2.5.3) Cap Code Field
This field contains the unique cap code number of the pager to differentiate it from all the other pagers on a particular RF paging channel.
5.2.5.4) Pager Function Field
This field allows the alert tone for a pager to be set to one of four (4) different "beep" sequences. On display pagers, the function is also displayed on the pager typically using a letter (A-D). Not all pagers can be programmed with multiple addresses.
5.2.5.5) Call Count Field
This field tracks the number of calls a pager receives, up to 55,000 calls. This field can also be programmed with a negative number which will suspend pager service when the call count hits zero. At zero, the word "suspended" appears in the field.
The Call Count field can also be set to count characters instead of calls. This feature is primarily used with alphanumeric pagers, where service charges are based on the number of characters received versus call count.
An enhanced feature, called "Expiry Feature", provides even greater versatility in tracking and controlling a subscriber's usage of the paging system. This feature is explained in section 5.2.6.4.