SoftRadio System Administrator Utilities - · PDF fileSoftRadio System Administrator Utilities...

Rev. A.01 6/08/2015

SoftRadio System Administrator Utilities SoftRadio configuration and diagnostics utilities

Testadvance pty/ltd

SoftRadio configuration and diagnostics utilities

Copyright © testadvance pty/ltd 2010-15 Page 1 of 10

Contents

1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 2

2. Network Interface (RIU) Setup Utility ............................................................................................... 3

General Settings ............................................................................................................................... 4

Network Settings .............................................................................................................................. 4

Audio Settings ................................................................................................................................... 4

Read / write ...................................................................................................................................... 4

3. SoftRadio Console ............................................................................................................................. 5

4. SoftRadio ‘Help’ function .................................................................................................................. 6

5. SoftRadio Monitoring and Diagnostics ............................................................................................. 6

SoftRadio Network Monitor ............................................................................................................. 6

SoftRadio Network Logger / System Monitor ................................................................................... 8



1. Introduction

SoftRadio is based on a modular design and administering the system follows these principles. The two key elements of administering a system are the configuration files (‘.ini files’) of node, and the information nodes require to connect with other nodes and devices.

A RIU is programed with the relevant information when it is set-up for the specific network it is deployed into. If required the RIU can be re-configured by using the Interface Setup utility. Setup of a RIU that is not delivered ‘pre-configured’ is done by connecting the RIU directly to a PC or laptop. This is necessary as the RIU first requires to be to set to an IP-address that is suited to the network it is deployed into. Each RIU and/or system is provided with a Network Interface Setup Utility.

The SoftRadio console application resides on a PC in the network. Here the configuration file ‘tells’ the console applications which nodes are available to this specific console, how they are identified and to connect each node. Configurations can be administered locally on a console using the ConnectionsSetup utility, or from a central location. Here a template .ini file can be created and distributed to each console PC. These can in turn be amended as needed, for example to allow only certain consoles access to certain radios or devices. Other devices such as Network Repeater or Radio Server are added by adding the relevant information to the console’s .ini file.

A complete SoftRadio System Administrator manual is of course provided with an implementation of a SoftRadio system.

Figure 1 Overview of System Administration

Primary Local LAN Subnet (UDP)

Manage .ini files With utility or simple text editor

Network Repeater

SoftRadio Operator Consoles

Radio Server

Configured RIUs RIU Setup (typ. at installation) Using Network Interface Setup Utility

Add nodes & devices >>

Administrator PC

SoftRadio Console Configuration files (‘.ini files’) create with ConnectionSetup Utility



SoftRadio is provided in a self-installing application that includes the purchased options as well as the required utilities. It is recommended to install SoftRadio on at least one PC, for example a System Administrator PC. Once installed, the utilities required to configure the consoles and RIUs are accessible. A system administrator can configure all RIU’s and create pre-configured settings files for the different SoftRadio console PCs. The two key utilities are:

• ConnectionManager – creates and edits the .ini-files required by the SoftRadio consoles • Network Interface Setup – connects to a RIU and writes the settings to the unit’s memory

Where specific configurations not covered in the two main utilities are required, for example when adding network devices or add-on applications, the installation and set-up guides for these describe the settings and/or amendments and how to makes these in the relevant ‘.ini-files’.

2. Network Interface (RIU) Setup Utility

Figure 2 RIU Network Interface Setup utility device panel functions



General Settings

Radio/RIU ID: Shows the ID number set in the RIU. Each node in the system requires a unique ID. Default is 1-99 for operators and 101-199 for interfaces.

Serial number: Serial number of the RIU, a read-only parameter.

ID-String: Allows to assign a name or label to the RIU. This name is displayed on the white caption bar in the SoftRadio device panel on the console and the string can be up to 32 characters long

Password: To ensure security of the system, a password is required for access via TCP. The password can be up to eight characters in length and a random password can be generated. Consoles connecting to this RIU require the password to be included in the .ini file, typically via the ConnectionsSetup utility.

Network Settings

IP-Address: The IP-Address of the RIU, the first three positions equal the subnet address for the network.

Net mask: A 32-bit bit-mask expressed as four decimals that identifies the subnet portion of the IP address.

Gateway: Address of the gateway /router used.

TCP Server Port: The port the NIC uses to listen for connections, and also set at the console(s) connecting to the RIU. Different port settings are required to allow port forwarding to different units in a firewall.

Audio Settings

Audio buffer delay: When using UDP, the duration the RIU buffers audio data before resending. When using TCP connections, the RIU audio buffer settings are overridden by those set for the connecting console. For a local UDP connection a delay of 100ms is typical, for long TCP connections 200-500ms may be necessary.

Wait tone level: The level of the three-tone wait signal can be set to 0dB (full modulation), -6dB and -12dB.

AF detect level: Adjust the level at which an audio signal (AF – Audio Frequency) is detected. This ‘auto Squelch’ is used to indicate an incoming signal, represented by a yellow caption bar on the SoftRadio device panel. A value of 20 is nominal, but a higher value may be used e.g. to avoid detecting noise which is often present in the absence of an RF signal. A value of 0 (zero) means any signal will be treated as incoming audio. The LF detect levels are pre-set for the type of radio the RIU is intended for and should not be changed unless a clear and quantified need is given.

Monitor TX Audio: Audio from an operator to a radio also is echoed back to all other operators.

Advanced settings are used in very specific circumstances, for example in custom applications.

Read / write

Write changes to unit: The settings are written to the persistent memory in the RIU



3. SoftRadio Console

The SoftRadio console program is an independent, distributed application that resides on each console PC. Each console can operate independently. Access and use of the nodes an operator SoftRadio console can access, and how, is governed by the definitions held within a configuration file, or .ini-file. A range of .ini-files are used in the SoftRadio RMS depending on the add-ons and other system applications installed, for example VoiceLog or Local CallLog. How these are configured is defined and explained in the installation and set-up for each of these add-ons and applications.

All SoftRadio consoles must have at least the main .ini-file which governs where nodes are located, their ID and how the console connects to the node. In operation, connections from a specific console to nodes are handled by the background program ConnectionMngr. ConnectionMngr is automatically started when SoftRadio starts. The program reads the required data from an .ini-file.

The connections can be set-up and administered using the ConnectionsSetup utility. This can be done individually on each console, or centrally on for example a system administrator PC and thereafter distributed. The .ini-files can, with suitable access permission, be read and edited using a simple text-file editor.

For more information on configuring a SoftRadio console and RMS installation, please Contact Us.

Figure 3 SoftRadio Console Connections Setup utility

http://testadvance.com/contact-us/



4. SoftRadio ‘Help’ function

SoftRadio includes an extensive Help function within the application. The Help tool includes a wide range of information, from basic operations to advanced settings. It allows beginner operators and users to be productive faster. Operators can continue to improve their skills ‘on-the-job’, in turn given them the ability to coach and mentor other personnel.

5. SoftRadio Monitoring and Diagnostics

SoftRadio Network Monitor

SoftRadio Network Monitor provides an efficient means to monitor the status of the RoIP Network and its nodes (RIU/radios and SoftRadio consoles). SoftRadio Network Monitor combines a proprietary SoftRadio InfoServer with the Nagios® Core open source IT monitoring and alerting platform. The Nagios Core application provides the front-end (user interface and function) while the InfoServer delivers provides the ‘raw’ information form the network to the Nagios application. A graphical user interface displays the status of the network nodes (consoles) in both map-style and in table and message form. Map-style displays provide a graphic of the SoftRadio network and the status of the nodes – green/’Up’ and red/’Down’. An additional warning status can be configured and displayed. Each map displays a limited set of node information and messages in a pop-up screen when a node is selected.

Figure 4 Example of Help Screen

http://www.nagios.com/



For detailed information see SoftRadio Network Monitor.

Figure 5 Graphical status display for SoftRadio network

Tabular displays provide both an overview of the system and individual nodes. List-style displays provide details on status, status message and services and service messages. Service(s) provides key information on the network operation and on the SoftRadio operation. The detailed information can be accessed from the two map style displays by selecting a node. The below depicts a screen-shot from a recent installation.

Figure 6 List/tabular display for entire SoftRadio network

http://testadvance.com/wp-content/uploads/resources/SoftRadio-Network-Monitor.pdf



Key functions or features of SoftRadio Network Monitor:

• The monitoring system provides alert messages that can be sent via e-mail and/or SMS • The monitoring system is configurable. Configuration files are provided pre-defined and as

templates. Configurations can be maintained in structured groups that reflect the network configuration

• The monitoring system is readily expandable. Objects can be added and Object Definitions amended by editing the appropriate files, e.g. to add additional consoles, radio-interfaces (RIU’s) or network elements, and/or to modify or add status and services definitions

• The editing and maintenance of the monitoring system can be undertaken by system administrators and training can be provided

• The monitoring system can be provided pre-installed on a server with key network configurations and status and service definitions pre-defined

• All radio devices are checked for connectivity (ping) and that the firmware in the network interface is running

• All operator PC’s are checked for connectivity (ping) and that their SoftRadio client is running • Servers are checked for connectivity, for loading and storage space (disc) • Routers in the LAN/WAN can be checked if they have their own IP address • A wide variety of historical data can be accessed and displayed

SoftRadio Network Logger / System Monitor

The SoftRadio Network Logger is a trouble-shooting utility. The utility program logs information on key types of data that are received from the RoIP interface unit (RIU). The utility allows the system administrator to locate where data is possibly ‘lost’ in the network and equally, whether the data is provided correctly by the RIU in the first place.

Figure 7 SoftRadio Network Logger display panel



Network Logger displays the IP-address and ID for the connection (RIU) and three LED indicators. The three ‘LED’ show whether:

• ‘Status’ is received • ‘Display’ data is received • ’Audio’ is received

The utility operates similar to the SoftRadio consoles. Network Logger creates panels for each RIU (radio) that is monitored and displays the following:

• RIU (radio) is receiving (Rx) by turning the panel background for that RIU yellow • RIU (radio) is transmitting (Tx) by turning the panel background red

When audio is received the background will indicate in yellow and the Audio Led will activate. Ticking the check-box on the panel starts the logging for that particular radio. Data is logged to the file displayed on the panel (see ID 109 in Figure 7). The log-file records relevant information on data received from the RIU.



[email protected]

Tel: 1 300 559 376 (Australia)

Int’l: +61 3 8819 3591

www.testadvance.com

Disclaimer

The information herein is provided solely for the purpose of concept or product description and is not to be deemed as a statement of guaranteed properties. This document is subject to change without notice. While this document and

all the information contained herein and/or referred to have been carefully checked by testadvance, deviations cannot be completely ruled out. In the case errors are detected, the reader is kindly requested to notify testadvance.

In no event shall testadvance be responsible or liable for any loss or damage resulting from the use of e information provided herein or the application of the equipment.

© 2010 – 2015 by testadvance pty/ltd.

All rights reserved. Where materials and other related content are provided by, sourced from or referenced to our OEM partner LS Elektronik AB, the associated copyrights of LS Elektronik AB are recognised.

We kindly thank LS Elektronik AB for their support in creating this handbook.

No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of testadvance pty/ltd.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.testadvance.com/

SoftRadio System Administrator Utilities - · PDF fileSoftRadio System Administrator Utilities...

Documents

Transcript of SoftRadio System Administrator Utilities - · PDF fileSoftRadio System Administrator Utilities...