Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express - Formerly CallManager Express

The Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express (CUCME) is an integrated call-processing solution - otherwise generally known as an IP telephone system! CUCME -formerly Cisco Unified CallManager Express (CUCE) and Cisco CallManager Express (CME), is a Cisco IOS based IP-PBX for small medium business, enterprise branch office and commercial customers.

The CUCME is not native to any particular platform, and can be found on many mid-range Integrated Services Routers (ISRs) such as the 28xx range, as well as specific hardware, such as the UC520 and UC540 platforms - each of which have a number of other voice-specific features integrated onto the mainboard (including analogue and digital lines, analogue extensions, trunk cards and wireless).

Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express provides a rich set of call control and voice application features. It supports Cisco IP phones using Skinny Client Control Protocol (SCCP) and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). Call Manager Express also provides a rich set of traditional PSTN connectivity options using both digital (ISDN2e Basic Rate, ISDN30 Primary Rate), analogue lines and VoIP trunks (SIP).

Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express also provides integration with TAPI clients, has a basic Automatic call distribution application, provides an integrated Auto Attendant, Voicemail and Interactive voice response systems.

The Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express is ideally suited to environments with between 10 and 120 end users (which may include wireless phones, desk phones, softphones or analogue POTS phones) and can easily provide call processing for small to medium sized environments.

Install, Support and Optimisation

ProAction Networks - A Cisco Select Certified Partner and voice specialist provide the highest level of qualified assurance for your Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express. Whether your interest in the CUCME is within a new project, an existing system or anything in-between, ProAction Networks can give you the support and assurance for a smooth install, assured support and response or a well-rounded opinion.

All our engineers are Cisco CCNA certified, or above!

We can acquire the right hardware, licensing and upgrades for you at the right price - either new or refurbished. ProAction Networks also ensure they are installed and maintained to the highest standards. ProAction Networks excel at adding value - and integrating services. For instance, we can provide you with cost-effective SIP trunks - nationwide local number ranges, combined with Non Geographic numbers which are piped into as many trunks, or lines as you like - over a regular broadband or otherwise data circuit. Remote Working, Wireless Coverage, Secure Firewalls and simple administration are just a few elements that are all taken care of by us.

How Does It All Work?

The Cisco CUCME system provides the PBX-like features and functions for the IP phones. These features are a result of the concept of a centralized point of control and intelligence - similar to that of the traditional Private Branch Exchange (PBX). The Cisco CUCME router provides all of the call control and intelligence needed for the IP phones to place and receive calls. In a Cisco CUCME deployment, the IP phones are not capable of setting up a call by themselves. In fact, the IP phones are totally under the control of the Cisco CME system and are instructed how to place or receive a call.

The IP phones will boot up and register with the Cisco CUCME. If configured, the Cisco CUCME is then able to set up or tear down calls to or from the IP phones. The IP phones and the CUCME router use a protocol called Skinny Client Control Protocol (SCCP) to communicate.

When a call is placed between two IP phones under the control of Cisco CME, the SCCP protocol is used to set the call up. SCCP is also commonly known as the “skinny” protocol.

The SCCP protocol will not go between the two IP phones, only between the IP phone and the Cisco CME system. Once the call is set up, the Realtime Transport Protocol (RTP) will be used to carry the audio stream. RTP is used to carry voice inside of IP packets. RTP is a common protocol that is used to carry time-sensitive traffic like voice and real-time video. RTP is carried inside of a UDP segment, which is then carried inside of an IP packet.

The Cisco CUCME system can act as the PSTN gateway as well as managing the IP phones. There are different types of connections to the PSTN including both digital, VoIP and analog connections. The type of connection used will be dependant on the density of connections needed, technology available in the region, cost of the connections and the interfaces present on the router.

Licensing

There are four CUCME license levels available on the network module (NM-CUE). There are three CUE license levels available with the advanced integration module (AIM-CUE). The fifty-mailbox option, while available, is discouraged due to the 4-port limitation of the AIM module. The preferred configuration when using the AIM module is to have the 12 or 25 mailbox license installed.

The hardware associated with CUCME (NM-CUE, AIM-CUE) must be purchased with an accompanying license. Hardware and software are packaged. Mailbox licenses are purchased separately with the exception of the 12-mailbox license level that is included in the price of the hardware/software bundle. Because of this, a minimum license level of 12 mailboxes must be ordered with each CUE purchase.

CUE license files, like Cisco IOS software, can be downloaded from http://cisco.com and installed on any number of systems for which a license was purchased without change to the file itself. When a license is purchased or software from Cisco is used, a contractual obligation is created. The subscriber must abide by the terms spelled out in the license agreement including prohibitions regarding unauthorized replication of the software or modification to the licensed mailbox level.

The capacity limitations on ports, subscribers, and mailboxes depend on whether CUE is running on a network module or advanced integration module and is controlled by the license installed on the CUE application.