MX Platform Architecture Overview Table of Contents MPATHIX MX PLATFORM: OVERVIEW...1 Open Architecture...1 Transitioning to VoIP?...1 MX PLATFORM MULTI-TIERED ARCHITECTURE...1 Key Architectural Interfaces...2 Signalling Interfaces...2 Transport...2 Notification...2 Network Interoperability...3 Unified Messaging...3 Provisioning, Administration, and Maintenance...3 Billing, OM, and Data Reporting...4 System Monitoring...4 NETWORK ARCHITECTURE...4 Centralized Configurations...4 Distributed Configurations...6 Hybrid Configurations...7 Configurations in Hybrid TDM-IP Networks...8 SCALABILITY...8 RELIABILITY...9 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE COMPONENTS...9
Mpathix MX Platform: Overview Based on open architecture, the Mpathix MX platform uses industry-proven components and exceeds carrier standards for high availability and scalability. Supporting common industry standards and protocols, including SIP, SS7, SMPP, SNMP, XML, VPIM and TCP-IP, Mpathix ensures ultimate compatibility and ease of integration into operator networks. The MX platform is especially compelling to service providers planning to upgrade to an IP network. By simultaneously supporting SS7 and SIP protocols on the same server, Mpathix ensures a smooth and seamless transition to IP messaging. The platform supports voicemail, faxmail, auto attendant, unified messaging and a host of next generation features. The integration of 3rd party technologies enables the rapid introduction of new services and ensures that carrier needs are met today and into the future. Open Architecture A truly open system, the Mpathix MX platform combines the power of the best telecom equipment providers with our superior software to provide a complete voice messaging solution. Continued use of best-of-breed components ensures that operators will not be tied to obsolete equipment. With the integration of the latest 3rd party technologies, service providers can easily offer innovative features. Mpathix provides basic and enhanced features on a single, expandable platform. Since the beginning, Mpathix has enabled operators to improve the payback period and offer voicemail to all subscribers. The use of industry-proven components and 3rd party technologies readily available and widely accepted translate into lower costs for Mpathix, and subsequently, a lower price to service providers. What s more, common equipment and familiar interfaces lead to less training required and ease of use for carriers since the operations staff can quickly come up to speed with the MX platform. Transitioning to VoIP? By supporting both TDM and IP technologies, Mpathix assists service providers in transitioning between them. The platform's simultaneous support of SS7 and SIP protocols ensures that carriers can move towards an IP network smoothly and seamlessly, without compromising on reliability. With the transition from PSTN to IP, hybrid networks will be a reality for years to come. With Mpathix, service providers enjoy a single, integrated solution for all of their network needs. The MX platform interoperates with industry standard TDM switches, media gateways, and softswitches. The Mpathix design ensures interoperability with existing infrastructure, and supports the full range of network access possibilities based on landline, wireless, and other access technologies. MX Platform Multi-Tiered Architecture A smaller footprint than competitive systems allows carriers to make the most of central office real-estate. A fully loaded system fits within two telecom racks with room to spare. The MX platform is built on a multi-tiered architecture using industry standard interfaces (see Figure 1). This allows Mpathix quickly to deploy new applications. Mpathix Inc. Proprietary and Confidential Page 1
Figure 1: MX Platform Multi-Tiered Architecture Key Architectural Interfaces Signalling Interfaces SS7 (Connected via A-Links to STP or F-Links to switch) MF Signaling Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) over IP Transport T1 E1 RTP over IP Notification TCAP over SS7 IS-41 SMDI over RS-232 SMS using SMPP over IP SIP SUBSCRIBE/NOTIFY Pager over T1/E1 Live Outcall Notification over T1/E1 Email Notification using SMTP or POP3 Instant Messaging Mpathix Inc. Proprietary and Confidential Page 2
Network Interoperability IP to network multiple Mpathix systems VPIM to interface with legacy voicemail systems POP3 to collect messages stored on other messaging platforms Unified Messaging Web browser using HTML and XML Email client access to messages using SMTP or POP3 Provisioning, Administration, and Maintenance Command line interface (CLI) via telnet/shell account Incorporation into existing centralized provisioning system (CLI or XML) MX System Administration Web Interface (see Figure 2) Figure 2: System Administration Interface Mpathix Inc. Proprietary and Confidential Page 3
Billing, OM, and Data Reporting Billing: System creates Call Detail Records (CDR) for all call and message events OM Data is collected for the following event types: Call Activity MWI Activity Messaging Activity Mailbox Activity Provisioning Activity IVR activity Hardware Resources (System) Reports Subscriber Reports System Monitoring Mpathix provides two systems to help with management of the MX platform: (1) SNMP System provides access to 3 rd party vendor SNMP MIBs, such as the Solaris SNMP Agent and NMS SNMP Agents (2) Alarming System notifies network managers with SNMP traps when events occur in the Mpathix MX software Network Architecture The MX platform also provides the ultimate in affordability and network flexibility, economically supporting both centralized and distributed networks. In Figures 3 to 8, several possible configurations are shown, although the system is flexible enough to work in any imaginable configuration. Mpathix will work with you to choose the configuration that best fits your network. Centralized Configurations Figure 3: Multiple switches, single node Mpathix Inc. Proprietary and Confidential Page 4
Figure 4: Single switch, single node Figure 5: Single switch, multiple nodes Mpathix Inc. Proprietary and Confidential Page 5
Distributed Configurations Figure 6: Multiple switches, multiple nodes Mpathix Inc. Proprietary and Confidential Page 6
Hybrid Configurations Figure 7: Multiple switches per node Mpathix Inc. Proprietary and Confidential Page 7
Configurations in Hybrid TDM-IP Networks Figure 8: One switch per node Mpathix Inc. Proprietary and Confidential Page 8
Scalability Figure 9: MX Platform in a Hybrid TDM-IP Network Mpathix gives service providers the ability to easily add more capacity when they need it. The Mpathix MX platform can scale up to 1,440 ports (IP and/or TDM) per node and 15,000 hours of fully mirrored message storage by simply adding servers, hard disks and telecom equipment as needed. For large networks, multiple nodes can be linked seamlessly and if capacity grows beyond the initial configuration purchased, Mpathix also provides an expansion path. Why pay for more capacity than is needed? Unlike some vendors that force carriers to pay upfront for ports that may not be required for years, the MX platform lets operators scale as needed. This gives service providers full control over growth and ensures capital expenses are not tied up for capacity that will not provide a return on investment. With Mpathix, a carrier s initial investment is protected since all configurations use the same hardware and software load and expansions are built on top of the existing system. With no upfront costs for unneeded hardware or licenses, the platform grows as your traffic grows. Mpathix Inc. Proprietary and Confidential Page 9
Reliability With Mpathix, multi-level redundancy is a design fundamental: NEBS -compliant servers Component level redundancy: power, CPUs, hard disks, database, SS7 links, T1/E1, VoIP cards Architecture level redundancy: software, media servers, application servers, storage array Component Reliability Considerations Disk Storage Fully Mirrored Hot Swappable Power Redundant Power Supplies Hot Swappable CPUs N+1 Redundacy System Connectivity Redundant SS7 Connections The Mpathix MX CX2400 and CX4800 configurations are designed for carriers who require high reliability. The fully redundant architecture includes all of the featured reliability mentioned above, and also includes full redundancy in the system database. These configurations enable upgrades without downtime plus full redundancy and operation protection in the unlikely case of a full server failure. In such an unlikely event, the redundant server handles all call processing. To ensure the highest availability, Mpathix continues to use best-of-breed components such as Sun Microsystems NEBS -compliant servers. Sun has consistently demonstrated commitment to delivering server technology that is reliable and scalable and its servers are widely deployed by respected carriers around the world. At Mpathix, component and architectural reliability are an essential part of the platform s design. Operator networks are complex and each element must adhere to stringent standards to ensure that the overall network meets end-user expectations. The Mpathix MX platform is built for the demanding Central Office environment. Hardware and Software Components The use of industry-proven components and 3rd party technologies readily available and widely accepted translate into lower costs for Mpathix, and subsequently, a lower price to service providers. What s more, common equipment and familiar interfaces lead to less training required and ease of use for carriers since the operations staff can quickly come up to speed with the Mpathix MX platform. The recommended hardware and software is shown below. Component Vendor Product Website Feature Server Sun Microsystems Netra 440 www.sun.com Telecom Server Sun Microsystems Netra 440 www.sun.com UM Server Sun Microsystems Sunfire V240 www.sun.com Storage Array Sun Microsystems StorEdge 3310 www.sun.com T1/E1 Cards NMS Communications CG6000 Quad Cards www.nmscommunications.com VoIP Cards NMS Communications CG6000 www.nmscommunications.com SS7 Cards and Stack SS8 SS8 PCI 370 board www.ss8.com Operating System Sun Microsystems Solaris 8 www.sun.com Mpathix Inc. Proprietary and Confidential Page 10