Traffic Analyst Call Forensics

Q.  How does Traffic Analyst collect CDR data from my switch?
A.  Traffic Analyst uses the following collection methods:
  • Unify HiPath 4000: 
    • Data collection via TCP/IP to HiPath or data directory or FTP via HiPath Manager
    • Polling interval can be set to ¼ hour, ½ hour, hourly or daily
  • Unify HiPath 3000: 
    • HiPath 3000 sends data stream via TCP/IP to Traffic Analyst server
    • RSM5000 collects data and writes to a data directory
    • Note that the data streams, not file based
    • Polling interval can be set to ¼ hour, ½ hour, hourly or daily
  • Unify OpenScape Voice: 
    • Data collection via secure FTP or FTP Server
    • Polling interval typically set at ¼ hour
  • Siemens Hicom 300:
    • Data collection via FTP to buffer box
    • Polling interval can be set to ¼ hour, ½ hour, hourly or daily
  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager:
    • Data collection via FTP server or SFTP server
    • Polling interval can be set to ¼ hour, ½ hour, hourly or daily
  • Avaya Aura, Definity G3 and S8700:
    • Data collection via SFTP to switch or FTP to buffer box
    • Polling interval can be set to hourly or daily
  • Nortel Meridian SL1 and CS1000:
    • Data collection via FTP to buffer box
    • Polling interval can be set to ½ hour, hourly or daily


Q.
 I am trying to pull Traffic Analyst reports and there is no data available.  How do I resolve? 
A.  For a HiPath 4000 switch: 
  • In the Admin Tool, go to the switch’s Status Log and look for “Collect and Store” Activity.
  • Double click on Description to open Detail Message Information screen.
  • Click on Default Sort button at bottom of screen.
  • Look for hourly data retrieval message.  If “No CDR data received from switch.  Either no calls occurred or the Traffic_CDR file wasn’t created.”
  • Highlight the switch in the explorer tree and do a right mouse click to go to Properties.
  • Go to Communications tab and click on Test button. 
  • If this test fails, call Impact Technologies help desk.

Q.  Can I create reports based on my corporate departmental structure?
A.  Traffic Analyst supports reporting based on customer corporate hierarchy.  Fields such as Organization, Cost Center, Department and Station Name are all available for searching, filtering and reporting. This information is imported into Traffic Analyst via a customer provided CSV file.


Q.  Can I rate calls?  Can I support different rates based on the type of call?
A.  Yes, Traffic Analyst includes call type definition and rate definition by call type.  Call Types include:  toll free, 900, regional, long distance, international, local, network, incoming and internal. Rate definition includes initial increment and additional increment rates.


Q.  Why can’t I see details for a call made last year?
A.  This is probably because your Traffic Analyst system is not saving detailed CDR information that far back. The number of days that Traffic Analyst stores your CDR is a configurable option.  This is a setting designed to keep your database from getting too big. You set this option in the Properties screen for your switch, on the Polling tab, in the Save CDR Data for X days fields, where X is the number you enter.