CDR Records for TM 3.1

[airgrumpy]

Where do you find the CDR records once TM pulls them from the sites? Example, I have three remote sites that I do CDR reporting for. Two of the sites have an MDR box that that collects the records which I am connected to via ethernet. The other site uses a Polkat (pollcat not sure of the spelling) that I dial in to.

Once TM contacts those boxes and retrieves data, where does that data go? Does it stay on the specific sites MDR/pollkat box? How do I back up that data incase of a system crash?

 

[pronei]

Most likely, on your TM server it will be located in C:\program files\nortel\telephony manager\common data\MainSiteName\SubSiteName\detail1.img

Then again, it all depends on what you do with the data once its on your TM server.

If you use Nortel Telecom Billing, then its going to a database in the same dir above in a file called CDRD001.MDB and most likely the raw data is being deleted as part of the collection/costing process.

There are numerous ways your CDR data could be stored on your TM server. All depends on what your TM server is configured to do with the data.

 

[airgrumpy]

I don't remember seeing a configuration that would tell TM what to do with the data. When it pulls the info fromt he MDR box, is that information still on the MDR box?

 

[pronei]

Doubtful, as the buffer is just that, a buffer to hold data until it is emptied.

First, are you using Nortel Telecom Billing System, if not, which CDR system are you using?

 

[airgrumpy]

Yes I am using the Telecom billing with in TM 3.1

 

[pronei]

Ok, open telecom billing.
Click Tools, Collection, Configuration
Check the Backup collected data to image file.

Next time you do a collection, the data the MDR sends to you will be in a subdir of the above directory called TBSGBBackup

Keep in mind, the MDR is NOT going to send you RAW PBX switch data, it is going to send you the CDR in the format the MDR stores the data in.

If you want RAW CDR data from the switch use DBA.
To turn on DBA, in the Nortel Telephony Manager Navigator window, click utilities and Data Buffering & Access (DBA).
Simply click the new session button, fill in the form and connect.

Your RAW switch data will then be stored in a file called detail1.img

If you decide to turn on DBA, it will NOT interfere with your MDR collection. Both will run simultaneously.

 

[airgrumpy]

Great. I will check that out in a few. I think that is what I was looking for. I am going to check out my TM server here shortly and check on those settings.

Now, if I wanted to back up that data all I need to do is just back up the TBSGBBackup file and that will back up the MDR data from the sites box?

 

[pronei]

Sort of.

TM will create a txt file of the CDR data it collects from the MDR.

After TM finishes its collection from the MDR. You will then be able to backup the txt files that TM creates in the TBSGBBackup directory.

CDR can get very confusing.

 

[airgrumpy]

yeah you are tellling me. My CIO was asking what happens to the CDR data and wanted to know the plan on how to back up that data. So I think what you gave me so far will help. Stay Tuned to this thread and I will let you know how I made out.

 

[pronei]

The DBA method will be much more thorough if your looking for granular data such as transfers, park pickups, etc. The data you get from the MDR will basically consist of N & E & L records only.

Nortel's Telecom Billing System is basically for Accounting purposes only. It is not viable for call Tracing. If you want to know what happened on a single call that was transfered around to a few people, you will need to see the RAW data.

scenario: A call comes in, Attendant answers, xfers to user1, user1 xfers to user2. User2 terminates call.

Nortel Telecom billing will only show you that User2 spoke to that caller. RAW data however, will show you every step of that call.

Keep that in mind if thats the type information you want.

 

[trvlr1]

Nortel's MAT system had an export option, where you could store all the records at the location you wanted. We used to back up to CD's, but it could go to a server if you wished it to. I assume your system has similar options.

 

[airgrumpy]

Pronei, when I do a full back up of TM, does that also back up the current CDR records that were already collected from the sites i am pulling from?

 

[pronei]

Don't know, have TM create that txt file and do a backup then check the zip file to see if that txt file was added.

 

[airgrumpy]

THanks. I will give it a shot. You all have been very helpfull.