Specifications

Port networks
Issue 6 February 2007 25
A port network for a DEFINITY server is one of two types:
● A processor port network (PPN)
A PPN consists of at least one gateway, or carrier in the case of an MCC1 gateway. The
PPN houses the carrier that contains the DEFINITY Server, which is the main call
processor. The DEFINITY Server controls any other gateways or carriers in the PPN stack.
The call processor is connected through the TDM cable connections. A communications
system has only one PPN.
● An expansion port network (EPN)
An EPN is another gateway or gateway stack that is connected to the PPN using fiber links,
DS1 links, ATM links, or IP links. An EPN has its own tone clock and power. It may also
have its own maintenance circuit pack or can share a maintenance circuit pack with another
PN in the same stack. But the DEFINITY Server in the PPN otherwise controls the EPN.
EPNs are optional and usually expand the number of port connections, especially remote
connections.
A port network for an S8500 or S8700-series Media Server is always an EPN because the call
processor resides in the media server, not in a gateway or port network. As a result, the term
"port network" (PN) is sufficient to describe the gateway or gateway stack with an S8500 or
S8700-series Media Server.
For information on port network connectivity, see Administration for Network Connectivity for
Avaya Communication Manager, 555-233-504.
Center Stage Switch
For the S8700-series, an MCC1 media gateway can also contain a center-stage switch (CSS),
which allows fiber link connections to 44 PNs. In this case, the MCC1 is equipped with a Switch
Node carrier. The Switch Node carrier contains one or more Switch Node Interface (SNI) circuit
packs that allow fiber links between the MCC1 Media Gateway and the PNs. The MCC1 Media
Gateway that houses the CSS may also contain one or more PNs.
An S8700-series Media Server can support from one to three CSSs simultaneously. Each CSS
contains a single switch node carrier for a system with a single fiber port network connectivity
(fiber-PNC) bearer network. Each CSS contains two switch node carriers for a system with a
duplicated fiber-PNC bearer network.
Note:
Note: The MCC1 and Center Stage Switch are no longer sold, but are still supported.