                        The Ericsson Consono MD110 PBX
                         by pbxphreak <chris@lod.com>

Here is some info for you people about the Ericsson MD110 PBX system. :)

Ericsson's Consono MD110 PBX, formerly known as the MD110 Business
Communications System, is a family of three stored program-controlled (SPC)
voice and data PBX models for medium to large businesses. Each member of the
Consono MD110 family accommodates a maximum of 90 incoming lines, but the
models differ in terms of station capacity, with the Consono MD110/20 handling
up to 220 stations, the Consono MD110/50 handling a maximum of 310 stations
and the Consono MD110/90 accommodating up to 330 stations. The models can be
combined in any configuration to support a maximum of 20,000 voice and 10,000
data stations. 

The Consono MD110 PBX is Centrex-compatible and non-blocking, and can
accommodate a variety of facilities, including loop-start, ground-start, T1,
direct inward dial (DID), two- and four-wire E&M tie lines, ISDN, PRI, and
CEPT-1 trunks. The system also accommodates fiber-optic and microwave links.
Consono MD110 PBX data communications capabilities can be enhanced with
optional terminal adapter units, coax asynchronous converters, and modem
access units.

The Consono MD110 PBX uses a distributed processing, star-type architecture
that features end-to-end digital technology and is based on the L. M.
Ericsson AXE-10 processor. Consono MD110 software consists of functionally
related program units designed to provide optimal memory use and simplified
database access. Ericsson software adheres to international communications
standards and is specifically designed to allow multinational organizations
to utilize Ericsson Network Signalling System (ENSS) software and operate
under a homogeneous communications environment. 

Ericsson offers a variety of application-specific, integrated subsystems for
use with the Consono MD110; these applications are supported at all system
sizes. Consono MD110 applications provide functions to suit individual user
requirements, including:

     - Automated attendant functionality.
     - Cable records and equipment inventory maintenance.
     - Call detail recording and accounting activities.
     - Change requests and work order processing.
     - Computer Supported Telephony Applications (CSTA).
     - Fax Mail.
     - Hospitality services.
     - LAN compatibility (token ring and Ethernet support).
     - Online directory.
     - Real-time performance monitoring for ACD agents.
     - Traffic analysis with graphical display.
     - Videoconferencing.
     - Voice processing and integrated voice response. 

The Consono MD110 is noteworthy because it was one of the first PBXs to
support wireless communications. Ericsson's wireless system was first
trialed in the US as the DCT900 Personal Communications System, which was
based on DECT and Cellular Telephone-3 (CT3) technology. The system operated
in the 940MHZ to 952MHz frequency range. In mid-1993, Ericsson, which had been
waiting for an FCC allocation of frequency spectrum in order to commercially
release the DCT900 system, opted instead to modify the system to conform to
current FCC policy and release it as the Freeset 900. Freeset 900 is based on
an adjunct controller that uses analog links to the main PBX. Freeset 900 can
be supported on the Consono MD110 or any non-proprietary analog or digital
PBX, key system, or Centrex system.

The Consono MD110 is fully compliant with AT&T's Integrated Services Digital
Network (ISDN) Primary Rate Interface (PRI) standards and NORTEL's DMS-100
ISDN PRI. Ericsson's test results indicate that the Consono MD110 system also
can provide PRI connections to any common carriers using DMS-100 or DMS-250
switches. The Consono MD110-supported ISDN capabilities that have been tested
include Caller ID, as well as basic call connections for voice-data and
call-by-call service selection over public, private, tie (PBX-to-PBX)
foreign exchange, in-WATS, and out-WATS lines. 

The Consono MD110 has an enhanced networking capacity with the Broadband
Premises Network. The Consono MD110 equipped with a Broadband Premises
Network can support voice calls, Ethernet and token-ring LAN traffic, IBM
terminal connections, and RS-232C synchronous and asynchronous communications
via a fiber backbone. The Consono MD110 PBX accommodates standard analog
dial-pulse and dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) station equipment, in
addition to the proprietary DBC 600 Series of digital phones, which supports
simultaneous voice and data transmission and a 2B+D line card interface. The
DBC 600 Series also incorporates circuitry that allows data terminal equipment
including synchronous and asynchronous terminals and printers, to access
the PBX. Digital telephones can achieve PC-to-telephone integration via
Ericsson's Personal Efficiency desktop application. 

The Consono MD110 Series is available in three configurations with compatible
hardware and software components. Station equipment and peripherals are
common throughout the product line, facilitating upward migration, system
maintenance, and user training. 

The basic building block of the Consono MD110 PBX is the line interface
module (LIM)--a processor-based, non-blocking, time-division switch capable
of accommodating approximately 250 voice and data lines. Each LIM can
function as an autonomous PBX, or as an integrated part of a larger system.
Up to two LIMs can connect directly through 32-channel, pulse-code modulation
(PCM) links; three or more LIMs connect through the Consono MD110 PBX's
second building block -- a non-intelligent, modularly expandable digital
group switch (GS) that transmits PCM voice, data, and control signals between
LIMs. Users can connect multiple LIM/GS configurations in a star/star
architecture or via a custom configuration. 

The Consono MD110 system achieves redundancy by duplicating the control
system, switch, and software units. In the event of a system failure, a
switch automatically activates the passive configuration to provide
uninterrupted operation.

A typical Consono MD110 system consists of one or more LIMs connected
directly (with a maximum of two LIMs) or through a group switch. The Consono
MD110 system is designed for autonomous LIM functioning; each LIM operates as
a fully functional independent module with a separate power supply, battery
backup, and software to control call processing. Each LIM is capable of
communicating with all other LIMs in the system; inter-LIM call processing
and feature access is transparent to the user and enables LIMs to share
resources.

LIM analog and digital interface circuits are arranged, with a microprocessor
in groups of eight per card; each LIM supports up to 250 voice and data
ports. LIMs also provide such service circuits as tone receivers for DTMF
dialing, ringing equipment control circuits, and conference circuits that
support up to eight simultaneous conversions. Analog circuits convert voice
input from telephone and trunk lines to PCM-coded digital data; Ericsson
digital telephone units and attendant consoles contain internal analog to
digital circuitry for voice digitization. Groups of these line circuits form
a line signaling subsystem.

The Consono MD110 switching unit subsystem (SWS) accepts serial PCM-coded
data and converts it to parallel form for control by the processor subsystem
(PRS). The PRS controls data communications to and from the LIM through a
32-channel PCM link, as well as line circuits within the LIM through time
division switching. The PCM links carry PCM-encoded voice and data in ITU
format at rates of up to 2.048M bits per second (bps). Consono MD110 systems
consisting of three or more LIMs require a group switch. The GS is a non
blocking, time-division switching matrix that connects multiple LIMs through
the 32-channel PCM links. A fully equipped GS consists of eight cabinets
(group switch modules) and can accommodate up to 248 PCM links, allowing
expansion of the Consono MD110 PBX to its 26,000-station maximum capacity. 

Each Consono MD110 LIM hardware cabinet contains two magazines, each of
which can house a maximum of 24 circuit boards. The magazines connect to one
another through a printed-circuit backplane; external connections to
telephone lines are made from the front of the printed circuit cards.
Consono MD110 systems are composed of one or more LIM cabinets
(up to a maximum of 124) for 26,000 universal ports. Customers typically
structure the Consono MD110 to meet voice/data port requirements by adding
LIM cabinets; cabinets can be arranged in single or double (back-to-back)
rows to adapt to a variety of floor plans.

Each LIM also includes five hardware subsystems: the line signal subsystem
(LSS), the switch subsystem (SWS), the processor subsystem (PRS), the input
output subsystem (IOS), and the service/maintenance subsystem (SMS). The LSS
includes interface circuits that link the LIM with external communications
devices such as telephones and attendant consoles, as well as the service
circuits that provide call processing functions (e.g., tones and ringing).
The SWS establishes and releases connections between the stations, trunks,
and other equipment, and provides two-way communications among this equipment
using time-division switching. 

The PRS, which comprises the LIM processor unit and the memory unit, oversees
the LIM functions using stored programs and responds to status changes
detected by the device circuits. The IOS interfaces such digital peripherals
as display terminals and cartridge tape units to the SWS, which, in turn,
communicates with the PRS; a standard RS-232C interface (with 300- to 9600-bps
signaling) connects I/O devices. Each I/O board supports four cartridge tape
units and three terminal devices; up to six terminals can be simultaneously
active. The SMS monitors system hardware and software, detects faults,
generates alarms, aids in fault clearing, and restarts individual devices,
programs, LIMs, or the entire system. The SMS also deactivates faulty
hardware.

Broadband Premises Network. The Consono MD110 Broadband Premises Network
(BPN) integrates the PBX with a user's data and videoconferencing network.
The Consono MD110 BPN thus enables users to run voice, data, and video over
a shared 100M-bps fiber backbone, using a 2B+D format. Transmission media can
include twisted pair, fiber, T1, or microwave for linking nodes up to 1200
miles apart.

The BPN is configured with Luxcom Broadband Interface Module multiplexing
hubs, which are distributed throughout the user site and are connected over
a dual fiber ring. Each hub supports up to eight access modules, which, in
turn, support IBM terminal, LAN voice, or video traffic. Voice calls are
routed from the Consono MD110 LIMs to a Broadband Interface Module for
transport across the backbone.

The Consono MD110's software program units are organized into functionally
related modules and central and regional operating segments to optimize
system memory use and simplify database access. Each LIM is equipped with
regional software to support fully independent call processing within that
particular LIM (intra-LIM). Additional program units in each LIM support
multiple connections between LIMs and provide access to operating and service
software on an as-needed basis. Inter-LIM communications are controlled by
central software, which is accessed when a LIM transfers call processing
functions to another LIM. Central software is duplicated in multiple LIMs to
improve system reliability.

Each Consono MD110 program unit has a separate database, ensuring that
software faults can be isolated in individual program modules and enabling
users to implement changes in specific software modules without affecting the
entire operating system. 

Consono MD110 program units are divided into two main functional categories:
the audio communication systems (ACS) and the service system (SES). ACS
software controls all functions related to establishing connections between
stations, trunks, and other terminal equipment connected to the system, and
includes these software components:

     - Line Signaling Subsystem (LSS)--Controls the signaling
       functions of the LSS hardware, including the application of
       tones and ringing.
     - Traffic Control System (TCS)--Sends program signals to the
       switching subsystem to control the set-up, monitoring, and
       release of connections in the switching matrix.
     - ACS Handling System (AHS)--Stores such information as
       directory numbers and class of service designations, and
       permits users to change this data at any time.
       Consono MD110 service system software is composed of the
       operating system, the I/O programs, the maintenance and
       administration routines, and the switch control. SES software
       modules include:
     - Switching Subsystem (SWS)--Controls the operation of the
       switching matrix hardware in response to program signals
       from the TCS software.
     - Processor Subsystem (PRS)--Directs the overall operation of
       the LIM processor, scheduling the running of subsystem
       programs and performing timing functions.
     - Service/Maintenance Subsystem (SMS)--Includes programs that
       continuously monitor system operation, detect faults, and
       generate alarms.
     - Input/Output Subsystem (IOS)--Directs the loading and
       dumping of software and provides access to stored data that
       requires periodic modification.

The Consono MD110 also suports the proprietary Freeset 900, a wireless
telephone with an interactive display. The Freeset 900 allows six hours of
talk time and 60 hours of battery backup for extended use away from the
office. The set weighs less than seven ounces and provides full speech
encryption. The Freeset 900 Personal Communications System includes base
stations and a radio exchange unit in addition to the handsets, and can
support more than 150,000 terminals in a square mile. The radio exchange unit
is connected via hard wire to the Consono MD110 PBX and to the one or more
base stations. The system is based on CT3 technology, which is similar to the
technology for cordless home telephones; however,the Freeset 900 system
requires a base station and radio switch. Additional base stations can be
included to cover the desired area and can provide seamless handoffs. The
system's CT3 technology offers full speech encryption, PBX feature access,
and no airtime premiums.

The Consono MD110 PBX is designed to accommodate requirements for switched
voice and data communications. Internally, the switch makes no distinction
between data and voice transmission; both are performed independently or
simultaneously using a single twisted-pair of wires. Data devices and digital
telephones use the same digital line cards.

The bit-transparent architecture of the Consono MD110 supports both
asynchronous and synchronous data transmission independent of protocol. The
system also includes a digital trunk interface and provides data users with
direct access to such features as host port contention, domain switching, and
destination queuing, in addition to data call origination options such as
telephone keypad dialing, smart modem command, menu selection, single button
access, and hotline connection.

The various data communications devices enabling multiple data applications
include terminal adapter units, modem access units, data line units, and a
digital trunk interface.

Terminal adapter units (TAUs) connect data terminal equipment, including
display terminals and computers, to digital lines served by the Consono
MD110. TAUs enable users to add data communications equipment to the system
without affecting the system's integrity or operation. The Consono MD110's
digital connection format eliminates the need for digital-to-analog and
analog-to-digital conversion for internal data switching, and for on-net
communications between multiple Consono MD110s connected via digital trunks. 

Each TAU supports the appropriate signals on an RS-232C or ITU V.35 interface,
along with the appropriate transmission mode and speed, number of start/stop
bits, and interface type. TAUs support both asynchronous (up to 38.4K bps)
and synchronous (up to 64K bps) operation, in full-duplex mode, and provide
visual indicators that enable users to monitor call status. In addition,
a local test button allows users to test system operation and isolate faults. 

Terminal Adapter Unit for Standalone Operations (TAU-S). TAU-S is a standalone
unit designed for data-only applications--such as shared printer connections,
computer ports, and isolated terminals -- within the Consono MD110 system.
TAU-S supports transmission speeds of up to 19.2K bps asynchronous and 48K bps
synchronous through an RS-232C interface. Four programmable buttons located
on the unit's front panel allow users to access a set of predefined functions
and call destinations. Power, test, receive data, transmit data, and data
terminal-ready indications are provided by status LEDs. The unit also
incorporates a two-digit display that indicates call progress. 

TAU-S connects to the Consono MD110 via a single twisted- pair wire. Users
program TAU-S options from the Consono MD110 administration terminal; fault
location and loopback testing are initiated from the unit's front panel test
button.

Terminal Adapter Unit for High-Speed Operations (TAU-H). The TAU-H unit
operates in standalone mode for data-only transmission and is intended
primarily to support high-speed synchronous ECMA or DMI applications such as
host-to-host or LAN-to-LAN communications. TAU-H supports both asynchronous
and synchronous operations at up to 19K bps through an RS-232C interface, and
synchronous operations at up to 64K bps through a V.35 interface.

The TAU-H unit incorporates a Dual In-Line Package (DIP) switch that allows
the user to select one of the following operating modes: standard TAU-H mode;
ECMA Rate Adaptation protocol; DMI protocol; or Menu Interface with autobaud
detection. The Menu Dialing feature is provided through system firmware and
supports data connections and data configuration changes from the DTE
keyboard.

Terminal Adapter Unit Asynchronous. The TAU-2620 unit for asynchronous
communications operates in standalone mode for data- only transmission, and
in dual mode for simultaneous voice and data transmission. In standalone mode,
TAU-2620 transmits data at user-programmable speeds of up to 19.2K bps.

TAU-2620 operation is controlled by on-board firmware; the unit supports
Hayes SmartModem keyboard dialing commands and autobauding, and includes a
user-enabled/disabled menu overlay that provides operational prompts.
TAU-2620 also incorporates an RS-232C/V.24 connector to facilitate data
connections.

The Consono MD110 PBX DS1 digital trunk interface combines 24 64K-bps DS0
channels into a single data stream operating at the DS1 rate of 1.544M bps.
The T-carrier-compatible DS1 digital trunk interface, used in conjunction
with multiple Consono MD110 systems or other PBXs, provides transparent
transmission of digital communications. The channels are administered as
separate trunk circuits assigned to trunk groups, allowing features to be
restricted in the same manner as analog trunks.

Each DS0 channel can be used for digitized voice, data, or signaling
transmission, and can be treated as a separate trunk circuit. The DS1 trunk
supports both D4 and Extended Superframe Format (ESF); the DS1 in CAS Mode
interfaces to a digital central office or an analog central office via a D3
or D4 channel bank.

The Consono MD110 PBX offers a wide range of features to ensure efficient
communications and increase user productivity. consono MD110 system, station,
and attendant features are accessible from analog and digital telephones, as
well as from the attendant console. The system also supports several
applications packages that provide additional call processing and management
features.

Standard features of the Consono MD110 include operator-controlled system
administration, automatic callback, executive intrusion, call waiting, call
diversion, and follow-me paging. In addition, the Consono MD110 PBX supports
such call/cost management features as least cost and alternative routing,
account codes, and toll restrictions. Data features include packet switching,
protocol emulation, gateway functions, host port sharing, domain switching, and
destination queuing. In addition, data feature users can utilize keypad dialing,
menu selection, single-button feature access, and hotline functions. All
system features can be networked transparently through the various nodes of a
networked Consono MD110.

System features of the Consono MD110 are:

     - Abbreviated dialing.
     - Code call access.
     - Conference (add-on, attendant, flexible station control).
     - Data privacy and restriction.
     - Dial dictation access.
     - Direct in lines.
     - Direct inward dialing (DID).
     - Direct outward dialing (DOD).
     - Flexible numbering plan.
     - Hotline.
     - Intercom blocking.
     - Manual line service.
     - Night service.
     - Off-premises extensions.
     - Power failure transfer.
     - Remote maintenance facility.
     - Remote system alarm access.
     - Station override security.
     - Tandem trunking.
     - Tenant service.
     - Trunk queuing.
     - Uniform numbering plan.
     - Voice paging.

Consono MD110 station users activate features by pressing a single key on a
digital telephone instrument, or by dialing a code on the keypad of an analog
or digital telephone set. Consono MD110 stations provide such basic call
handling features as hold, conference, transfer, directed and group call
pickup, call forward, and call park, in addition to call waiting indications
for internal and external calls. Consono MD110 station users also have access
to last number redial and emergency speed-dial features, as well as automatic
callback and abbreviated dialing. Consono MD110 stations provide message waiting
indicators, as well as distinctive ringing for internal and external calls.

Ericsson digital station instruments provide access to additional call
handling features, including direct trunk access, direct trunk group
selection, and a data transmission interface. Digital station displays
indicate call diversion destinations, call pickup sources, call waiting
sources callback numbers, calling numbers, conference modes, dial input
verifications, incoming call sources, and stored speed-dial numbers; feature
button illumination indicates when a feature is active. Digital stations also
support handsfree and headset operation, provide privacy and privacy release
buttons, and offer incoming line preference, ringing line preference, prime
line preference, and no line preference features.

Ericsson's digital telephones can also be equipped to provide softkey
operation. BC 8 software enables the display to change information fields on
the bottom row of the telephone's screen according to the call state, and
programmed features are accessible with a single keystroke. Other station
features supported by BC 8 include Stop Watch and Diversion Message.

The Consono MD110 offers a variety of optional applications that provide
enhanced call processing functions, including a switch-to-computer interface,
automatic call distributor (ACD), wireless network, voice messaging system,
and emergency 911 services.

ApplicationLink. The Ericsson ApplicationLink provides a switch-to-computer
link for the Consono MD110 system. By integrating private exchanges with
computer systems, users can create custom-tailored applications. This
interface provides access to IBM's CallPath services, Digital Equipment's
Computer Integrated Telephony (CIT) switch-to-host integration programs,
and Tandem Computers' Call Application Manager (CAM) service, thus paving the
way for more open applications. ApplicationLink is based on the Computer
Supported Telecommunications Applications standard (CTSA) developed by the
European Computer Manufacturer's Association (ECMA).

ApplicationLink can be used in conjunction with Ericsson's ACD/MIS applications
for enhanced call processing. The interface allows synchronized screen
management, which provides agents with immediate call identification and
database information related to calling or called parties. ApplicationLink
also enhances call processing by enabling agents to answer calls, transfer
calls, and make calls from a computer terminal. Additional features include
computer-aided routing, outbound dialing, automated call handling, and
administrative functions.


- this was a research article done for b4b0 - Sept 1999


