Liberator Technical FAQs -
For additional help please see  Movie.
- Q. Where can I download the DbManager software?
- Q. Where can I find cable specifications?
- Q. Where can I find the manual?
- Q. How do I connect to the device?
- Q. What does NT mean?
- Q. What does TE mean?
- Q. What do Patapsco’s different coloured cables mean?
- Q. I can’t see some of the settings shown in the manual/they are grayed out. Why?
- Q. When I upload to my device, I get an error message about commands not being accepted. Why?
- Q. I am using an old version of DbManager. How can I upgrade?
- Q. I only have one device node to connect to my units. How can I add more?
- Q. How do I save the configuration to the device?
- Q. Why can’t I get any connections on my PRI/BRI port?
- Q. Why can’t Liberator clock from NT BRI ports?
- Q. Why can’t I hear tones on my ISDN device?
- Q. The tones my Liberator generates sound very distorted!
- Q. What is the difference between the switch types in the T1 PRI/US BRI options?
- Q. How do I know if the BRI ports should be set to Point-to-point or Multipoint?
- Q. Is there a way that I can look at how many calls are currently active?
- Q. What ISDN standards does Liberator support?
- Q. How can I route calls out via two different Carriers
- Q. Does Liberator support Least Cost Routing?
- Q. Is CLI information passed through Liberator?
- Q. Can Liberator convert between E1 and T1?
-
Q. Does Liberator pass TCS4 digits?
- Q. Can I change the capacity available to a device?
- Q. What
is the relevance of the “minimum and maximum” capacity
levels?
- Q. Can I access Liberator remotely?
- Q. What visibility can I have of multiple units in
a network?
- Q. What happens if Liberator fails or loses power?
- Q. Can I “daisy-chain” Liberators?
- Q. Where do clocks come from?
- Q. Are
Events & Alarms saved and battery-backed?
-
Q. Are there any call limitations between ports?
- Q. Is there any limit to the number of calls?
- Q. Will Liberator notify me of any problems?
- Q. Can
I see the unit’s status from the front?
- Q. Is the unit Power-Failure Relay Protected?
- Q. Is there an upgrade path?
- Q. Does Liberator support BRI Power Feed?
- Q. How do I split a PRI between two local PRI devices?
- Q. Does Liberator support USA-standard PRI?
Liberator "Q"
- Q. Does Liberator Q support USA-based PRI 23 “B” channels?
- Q. How can I route calls out via two different Carriers?
- Q. Can Liberator Q convert between E1 and T1?
- Q. Does Liberator pass TCS4 digits?
- Q. Can I “daisy-chain” Liberator "Q"s?
- Q. How do I split a PRI between three local PRI devices?
- Q. Does Liberator Q support USA-standard PRI?
Liberator "E" only
- Q. Do I need baluns to convert between 75 and 120ohm?
Q1. Where can I download the DbManager software?
Please register at http://www.Patapsco.co.uk/Top_Level/LogIn_Register.asp for access to DbManager software. Back to top
Q2. Where can I find cable specifications?
All cable specifications can be located in any Patapsco manual. Back to top
Q3. Where can I find the manual?
All Patapsco product manuals and quick start guides can be located on the CD provided. They can also be found by signing in to www.patapsco.co.uk Back to top
Q4. How do I connect to the device?
Liberator can be initially connected to via the serial cable provided with the unit. Alternatively, the default IP address can be used for IP connection to the unit. Once a connection has been established with Liberator, a new IP Address can be configured. All Patapsco devices have a default IP address of 192.168.0.1 Back to top
Q5. What does NT mean?
The NT ports on a Patapsco device present as a Network, i.e. for connection to a piece of Terminal (TE) equipment. Back to top
Q6. What does TE mean?
The TE ports on a Patapsco device present as a Terminal or User port, i.e. for connection to a Network (NT). Back to top
Q7. What do Patapsco’s different coloured cables mean?
Green = E1/T1/PRI, BRI and Ethernet straight
Yellow = PRI crossover
Red = BRI crossover Back to top
Q8. I can’t see some of the settings shown in the manual/they are grayed out. Why?
DbManager can be configured to run in two modes; Starter and Expert. Starter grays out or removes some of the more advanced options within DbManager, while Expert mode shows all available options. The mode can be switched by going to View - Properties - Device Configuring. Back to top
Q9. When I upload to my device, I get an error message about commands not being accepted. Why?
If commands are not accepted on an upload, the most likely cause is that the version of DbManager in use is older than the firmware on the Patapsco unit. If you have a DbManager installation disk, please see the ‘Upgrade’ folder for information on how to upgrade, or contact Patapsco for instructions on how to upgrade. Back to top
Q10. I am using an old version of DbManager. How can I upgrade?
If you have a DbManager installation disk, please see the ‘Upgrade’ folder for information on how to update, or contact Patapsco for instructions on how to upgrade. Back to top
Q11. I only have one device node to connect to my units. How can I add more?
DbManager Lite only allows a single node to be configured for use. Once IP addresses are added to the IP list, the node can be configured to connect to each configured address as required. IP addresses can be configured in View - Properties - Terminal - Device IP Addresses, and the node can be reconfigured by right-clicking it (Ctrl + right-click for older DbManager versions) and going to Properties - IP List. Please contact Patapsco if multiple nodes are required. Back to top
Q12. How do I save the configuration to the device?
All configuration changes must be uploaded to the device when finished. Changes to the configuration are made ‘offline’, and only take effect when uploaded. Go to File - Upload to load the changes to the device. Config files can be saved to disk by going to File - Save File, and loaded to devices by selecting ‘Load File’ followed by ‘Upload’. Back to top
Q13. Why can’t I get any connections on my PRI/BRI port?
There are a number of possible reasons for this. It is possible that the interface in use is not configured correctly for the application. Please see below for information on correctly configuring the interface ports.
If your device serial number starts A3007XXXX then the following applies:
PRI port 21 is hardware fixed as “TE” and requires a straight cable.
PRI port 22 is hardware fixed as “NT” and requires a straight cable.
PRI port 23 is software switchable from “TE” to “NT” and requires a straight cable in both cases.
BRI ports are hard configured for “NT” or “TE” at time of purchase. Please use a straight cable in both instances.
If your device serial number starts A3050XXXX then the following applies:
PRI port 21 is software switchable from “TE” to “NT”. For “TE” operation please use a straight cable. For “NT” operation please use a crossed cable.
PRI port 22 is software switchable from “NT” to “TE”. For “NT” operation please use a straight cable. For “TE” operation please use a crossed cable.
PRI port 23 is software switchable from “TE” to “NT”. For “TE” operation please use a straight cable. For “NT” operation please use a crossed cable.
PRI port 24 is software switchable from “NT” to “TE”. For “NT” operation please use a straight cable. For “TE” operation please use a crossed cable.
BRI ports are optionally software switchable from “NT” to “TE” in blocks of 4 i.e. (1-4, 5-8, 9-12, and 13-16).
Please use a straight cable for “NT” ports and a crossover cable for “TE” port.
Patapsco advise that all cables used are to be twisted pair, shielded CAT5e spec. Back to top
Q14. Why can’t Liberator clock from NT BRI ports?
The architecture of ISDN BRI is such that clock must always be drawn from an NT (network) connection using a TE port. It is not possible to take clock from a TE connection using an NT port. Liberator units have an optional software feature which allows the user to switch the ports between NT and TE modes (see above for more information). Back to top
Q15. Why can’t I hear tones on my ISDN device?
Tones are usually provided by the ISDN network. In situations where a network connection is not used, Liberator has options for providing tones to local devices on a per-port basis. The tone settings can be found on the configuration settings for each BRI and PRI port. Back to top
Q16. The tones my Liberator generates sound very distorted!
The tone options allow configuration of two types of tone; A-law and µ-law. A-law tones are commonly used in most of the world except in North America and Japan, where μ-law is more common. If the tone type is set incorrectly for the connected device, the tone will sound distorted. Try switching the tone type if you are unsure whether the connected device is A-law or μ -law. Back to top
Q17. What is the difference between the switch types in the T1 PRI/US BRI options?
There are three options under Switch Type: National ISDN 2, DMS-100 and AT&T 5E-SS. Each option forces the port to use different Numbering Plan and Numbering Type information elements:
Switch Type |
Number Type |
Number Plan |
National ISDN 2 |
National |
ISDN |
DMS-100 |
Unknown |
ISDN |
AT&T 5E-SS |
Unknown |
Unknown |
When a call is routed out on a US BRI port, it will be sent on with the Type and Plan associated with that Switch Type. Back to top
Q18. How do I know if the BRI ports should be set to Point-to-point or Multipoint?
All BRI ports default to Point-to-point mode, in which TEI values are dynamically assigned to calls as they arrive. Multipoint mode allows up to 8 devices to be connected to a single BRI interface, and should only be used if the BRI device or network connected supports it. Back to top
Q19. Is there a way that I can look at how many calls are currently active?
If a ‘full’ version of DbManager is in use, the current status of calls can be checked by selecting the Connected to Device window and going to View - Call Status. In recent versions of DbManager (including Lite versions), this option can also be found under the Terminal port settings on the device. The Outstanding Events window within DbManager can also be used to determine the status of current active calls.
Back to top
Q20. What ISDN standards does Liberator support?
The Liberator currently supports ETSI Q.931 Euro-ISDN and ANSI plus the Hong Kong variant, PRI NT or TE. Various T1 switch options are available.
BRI is NT (looks like a network) "S" interfaces with optional Power Feed and BRI TE (acts like CPE). Liberator supports dual SPIDs and other ANSI based parameters. Back to top
Q21. How can I route calls out via two different Carriers?
Liberator has sophisticated
but simple-to-use configuration tables which allow calls to be directed
to one of two PRI ports (with perhaps different Carriers) depending
upon the number dialled.
Customers can take advantage of the best tariffs depending upon destination and
these parameters can be configured to change depending upon the time-of-day as
Carrier charges often alter during the day or weekend. Back to top
Q22. Does Liberator support Least Cost Routing?
Yes, either by using
two separate Carriers or one Carrier which routes to a second Carrier from within the first Carrier’s
network – often called Carrier Pre-Select.
When two Carriers are connected to Liberator it will route calls depending upon
the time-of-day and preferred configured routing paths.
With Carrier pre-select and only one PRI interface, Liberator adds digits to
the appropriate out-going calls so the first Carrier passes the call to the second
Carrier. Back to top
Q23. Is CLI information passed through Liberator?
Yes, CLI from in-coming
calls is passed in the call set-up information to the called destination. Back to top
Q24. Can Liberator convert between E1 and T1?
Yes. Liberator can optionally convert between E1 PRI and T1 PRI. You may wish to also look at the Liberator "C" which is specifically targeted at E1/T1 PRI conversion. Additionally BRI conversion from ETSI to ANSI is available as standard. Patapsco's Liberator "C" is specifically designed for E1 T1 conversion. Back to top
Q25. Does Liberator pass TCS4 digits?
Yes, TCS4 digits
from in-coming calls are passed in the call set-up information to the
called destination providing the digits all arrive together in the
set-up message. Back to top
Q26. Can I change the capacity available to a device?
Yes. We appreciate that different devices have different
traffic profiles, some needing more capacity during the daytime and
less at night and other perhaps the opposite.
Liberator can have different profiles which allow devices to have different
minimum and maximum access levels at different times of the day. Back to top
Q27. What
is the relevance of the “minimum and maximum” capacity
levels?
This important feature means a local ISDN device, or
a group of devices can be configured with the Minimum number of “B” channels
available to it, and the Maximum it is allowed to access.
Take as an example a site with a PABX on a PRI line, a router on a PRI and
a group of BRI ports, all sharing a single PRI via Liberator. During the day you could configure the PABX with a Minimum of 10 channels
and a Maximum of 15; the router with a Minimum of 4 and a Maximum of
10; the BRI group with a Minimum of 2 and maximum of 8. Overall, the total sum of Minimum channels is 10+4+2=16. These channels
are held in reserve for the appropriate devices so they are immediately
available for access. This leaves a “float” of 14 channels
available from the PRI.
These “floating” or shared 14 channels can be accessed as-required
by any of the three ISDN devices, up to their maximum allocation, on a first-come
basis.
The “float” or shared channels means the ISDN service is used
most efficiently but with all devices having allocated a minimum service level. Back to top
Q28. Can I access Liberator remotely?
Yes, as well as the local access option via RJ connector,
USB or Ethernet, you can place an ISDN call to Liberator which will
give management access, just as if you were locally connected.
Liberator can also report Events and Alarms automatically via an ISDN call
to a centralised Manager. Back to top
Q29. What visibility can I have of multiple units in
a network?
Versions of Patapsco’s DbManager support multiple
real-time workstations and thousands of remote Patapsco products, such
as Liberator.
Each Liberator can be configured to report Alarms and Events and Call Records
to the management system and the status of each unit is displayed on a graphical
user interface.
The Manager can access any remote unit via an ISDN call by simply double-clicking
on the icon on the GUI, or if direct LAN access is available, by this route.
Back to top
Q30. What happens if Liberator fails or loses power?
If the unit fails and there are two PRI ports, one to the
network and one to a local DTE, relays close making a direct metallic
connection between the network and the local device. Back to top
Q31. Can I “daisy-chain” Liberators?
Yes. It is possible to design a very flexible system.
Note that when daisy-chaining one Liberator will
need an NT PRI presentation at one end of the cable and the other a TE. You may also want to see the Liberator "E" which supports more PRIs. Back to top
Q32. Where do clocks come from?
Any PRI port and any BRI TE port can be configured as a clock source, or the internal 10ppm source. Any/all ports can be configured in a hierarchy.
If the primary clock source fails Liberator will automatically source clock from
the secondary clock, and so on down the list and will switch back to the primary when it returns.
Alarms are generated. Back to top
Q33. Are
Events & Alarms saved and battery-backed?
Yes. Liberator stores approximately 5,000 Events in
battery-backed memory.
It is possible to configure a remote call to the Management system to “dump” the
Event buffer when it reaches 90% full.
The buffer over-writes on a FIFO basis.
Battery life is typically 10 years. Back to top
Q34. Are there any call limitations between ports?
None by Liberator. Any port or “B” channel
can call any other.
Call-barring and restricting routing can be done via the manager if required. Back to top
Q35. Is there any limit to the number of calls?
No. The unit can be fully used to its maximum configuration. Back to top
Q36. Will Liberator notify me of any problems?
Yes, it can report through its local asynch, USB or
Ethernet ports to the DbManager or place an ISDN call to a remote network
management centre. Back to top
Q37. Can
I see the unit’s status from the front?
Yes. There is a comprehensive LED display. The LEDs
and meanings are covered in the Technical Datasheets.
When connecting to the unit via the DbManager, the operator sees a representation
of the front and rear of the Liberator with the LEDs displayed as they are on
the unit itself. In this way the operator sees exactly the same display as if
he were in front of the unit and can quickly identify the Liberators status and
calls in place. Back to top
Q38. Is the unit Power-Failure Relay Protected?
PRI/E1 pairs of ports 21/22 and 23/24 which present as TE and NT are
power-failure relayed. These ports would normally
be connected to the network and to a local device.
If Liberator loses power a metallic path is made which connects the local device
directly to the network so services are maintained. Back to top
Q39. Is there an upgrade path?
It depends upon the Liberator model originally purchased,
but normally “yes”.
See the Ordering Information pdf
Software upgrades can be done locally or remotely with code loaded to an off-line FLASH sector which can be switched to at any time. Back to top
Q40. Does Liberator support BRI Power Feed?
Yes.
The optional Phantom Power or Power Feed versions come with an external AC/DC supply which enables
the BRIs to supply Power Feed. Details are in the Technical Datasheets.
This is a factory-fit option and must be purchased at the time of initial order. Back to top
Q41. How do I split a PRI between two local PRI devices?
Liberator can take a single PRI from the network and
present two or three PRI interfaces to local devices.
These can be used for resiliency purposes as well, switching calls to stand-by devices. In addition to the PRIs Liberator can also provide local BRI interfaces.
Channelised Fractional E1s can also be supplied. Back to top
Q42. Does Liberator support USA-standard PRI?
Yes, Liberator supports T1 ISDN with various switch options as well as US-based BRIs. All are software configured and the BRIs can support dual SPIDs and dual TEIs. Liberator is also capable of converting between E1/T1 and US/Euro BRIs in many different combinations. Back to top
Liberator "Q"
Q1. Does Liberator Q support USA-based PRI 23 “B” channels?
Yes, Liberator Q supports T1 ISDN with various switch options. All settings are software configured. Back to top
Back to Liberator "Q" questions
Q2. How can I route calls out via two different Carriers?
Liberator Q has sophisticated but simple-to-use configuration tables which allow calls to be directed to one of two PRI ports (with perhaps different Carriers) depending upon the number dialled.
Customers can take advantage of the best tariffs depending upon destination and these parameters can be configured to change depending upon the time-of-day as Carrier charges often alter during the day or weekend. Back to top
Back to Liberator "Q" questions
Q3. Can Liberator Q convert between E1 and T1?
No. Liberator Q does not support simultaneous operation of T1 end E1. Please see the Liberator C for conversion between T1 and E1.Back to top
Back to Liberator "Q" questions
Q4. Does Liberator pass TCS4 digits?
Yes, TCS4 digits from in-coming calls are passed in the call set-up information to the called destination providing the digits all arrive together in the set-up message. Back to top
Back to Liberator "Q" questions
Q5. Can I “daisy-chain” Liberator "Q"s?
Yes. It is possible to design a very flexible system. Note that when daisy-chaining, one Liberator will need an NT PRI presentation at one end of the cable and the other a TE. You may also want to consider the larger resilient Liberator "E" chassis Back to top
Back to Liberator "Q" questions
Q6. How do I split a PRI between three local PRI devices?
Liberator Q can take a single PRI from the network and present three PRI interfaces to local devices. Channelised Fractional E1s can also be supplied. Back to top
Back to Liberator "Q" questions
Q7. Does Liberator Q support USA-standard PRI?
Yes, Liberator Q supports T1 ISDN with various switch options. All options are software configured. Back to top
Back to Liberator "Q" questions
Liberator "E"
Q1. Do I need baluns to convert between 75 and 120ohm?
A. No. The Liberator "E" has the ability to software switch between 75 and 120ohm. Patapsco can provide an “RJ45 to Co-axial” converter cable if required. Back to top
Should you be unable to find the answer you seek, or are having difficulties, please contact us referencing any Support Agreement. |
