Cisco Unified Communications Manager
Overview
Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), formerly known as Cisco CallManager, is a sophisticated enterprise-class IP telephony call-processing system that provides a scalable, distributable, and highly available architecture. CUCM is integral to Cisco's Unified Communications (UC) solutions, enabling voice, video, messaging, and mobility services. It is designed to facilitate seamless communication across various devices and platforms, offering a comprehensive suite of features that support a wide range of business communication needs.
Architecture
CUCM operates on a server-based architecture that can be deployed on Cisco's proprietary hardware or virtualized on VMware. The architecture is designed to support a distributed model, allowing multiple servers to be deployed across different locations, which enhances redundancy and load balancing. The core components of CUCM include the call processing engine, database, and various service modules that manage features such as conferencing, mobility, and media resources.
Call Processing Engine
The call processing engine is the heart of CUCM, responsible for handling call routing, signaling, and feature activation. It uses the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), H.323, and Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) to manage communications between endpoints. The engine also supports advanced call control features such as call forwarding, call transfer, and call park.
Database
CUCM utilizes an Informix database to store configuration data, user profiles, and call detail records. The database is replicated across all servers in a cluster to ensure consistency and reliability. This replication mechanism allows for seamless failover and load balancing, ensuring that communication services remain uninterrupted even in the event of a server failure.
Service Modules
CUCM includes various service modules that extend its functionality. These modules manage features such as:
- **Media Resources**: Provide services like music on hold, conferencing, and transcoding.
- **Mobility**: Enable features like single number reach and mobile connect, allowing users to remain connected across multiple devices.
- **Security**: Implement encryption and authentication protocols to protect communications.
Features
CUCM offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance communication and collaboration within an organization. These features include:
Voice and Video Communication
CUCM supports a wide range of voice and video communication capabilities. It enables high-definition voice and video calls, video conferencing, and integration with video endpoints. The system supports both point-to-point and multipoint video calls, allowing for flexible communication options.
Unified Messaging
Unified messaging integrates voicemail, email, and fax into a single interface, streamlining message management. CUCM can be integrated with Cisco Unity Connection to provide a robust unified messaging solution, allowing users to access and manage messages from various devices and platforms.
Presence and Instant Messaging
Presence and instant messaging are essential components of modern communication systems. CUCM integrates with Cisco Jabber to provide presence information and instant messaging capabilities, enabling users to see the availability of their contacts and communicate in real-time.
Mobility Features
CUCM's mobility features allow users to remain connected regardless of their location. Features such as single number reach, extension mobility, and mobile connect enable seamless communication across multiple devices, ensuring that users can be reached on their preferred device.
Deployment Models
CUCM can be deployed in various models to suit different organizational needs. These models include:
Single-Site Deployment
In a single-site deployment, all CUCM servers and endpoints are located within a single physical location. This model is suitable for small to medium-sized organizations with centralized communication needs.
Multi-Site Deployment
Multi-site deployment involves distributing CUCM servers across multiple geographic locations. This model supports centralized call processing with remote site survivability, ensuring that communication services remain operational even if the connection to the central site is lost.
Cluster Over the WAN
Cluster over the WAN deployment allows multiple CUCM clusters to be connected over a wide area network (WAN). This model provides high availability and redundancy, enabling organizations to maintain communication services across dispersed locations.
Integration and Interoperability
CUCM is designed to integrate seamlessly with other Cisco products and third-party applications. It supports interoperability with various communication protocols and standards, allowing for integration with legacy systems and non-Cisco devices.
Cisco Collaboration Solutions
CUCM is a core component of Cisco's collaboration solutions, integrating with products such as Cisco Webex, Cisco Unity Connection, and Cisco Contact Center. This integration enables organizations to leverage a comprehensive suite of collaboration tools to enhance productivity and communication.
Third-Party Applications
CUCM supports integration with third-party applications through APIs and SDKs. This allows organizations to extend the functionality of their communication systems by integrating with applications such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, call recording solutions, and analytics platforms.
Security and Compliance
Security is a critical aspect of CUCM, with various features and protocols implemented to protect communication services. CUCM supports encryption for voice and video calls, ensuring that communications are secure and compliant with industry standards.
Encryption and Authentication
CUCM uses Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt voice and video communications. It also supports authentication protocols such as Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and Kerberos to ensure secure access to the system.
Compliance Standards
CUCM complies with various industry standards and regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). This compliance ensures that organizations can use CUCM in regulated environments without compromising security or privacy.
Management and Administration
CUCM provides a comprehensive set of tools for managing and administering communication services. These tools enable administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the system effectively.
Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration
The CUCM Administration interface provides a web-based platform for configuring and managing the system. Administrators can use this interface to add and configure devices, manage user profiles, and set up call routing and features.
Cisco Unified Serviceability
Cisco Unified Serviceability is a tool that provides monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities for CUCM. It allows administrators to view system status, generate reports, and perform diagnostic tests to ensure the system is operating optimally.
Cisco Unified Reporting
Cisco Unified Reporting is a reporting tool that provides detailed insights into the performance and usage of CUCM. It allows administrators to generate reports on call detail records, system performance, and user activity, enabling informed decision-making and optimization of communication services.
Future Developments
As technology continues to evolve, Cisco is committed to enhancing CUCM to meet the changing needs of organizations. Future developments may include advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud integration, further expanding the capabilities of CUCM and enhancing its value as a communication solution.