diff options
author | Thomas Voss <mail@thomasvoss.com> | 2024-11-27 20:54:24 +0100 |
---|---|---|
committer | Thomas Voss <mail@thomasvoss.com> | 2024-11-27 20:54:24 +0100 |
commit | 4bfd864f10b68b71482b35c818559068ef8d5797 (patch) | |
tree | e3989f47a7994642eb325063d46e8f08ffa681dc /doc/rfc/rfc3435.txt | |
parent | ea76e11061bda059ae9f9ad130a9895cc85607db (diff) |
doc: Add RFC documents
Diffstat (limited to 'doc/rfc/rfc3435.txt')
-rw-r--r-- | doc/rfc/rfc3435.txt | 11763 |
1 files changed, 11763 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/doc/rfc/rfc3435.txt b/doc/rfc/rfc3435.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a242795 --- /dev/null +++ b/doc/rfc/rfc3435.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11763 @@ + + + + + + +Network Working Group F. Andreasen +Request for Comments: 3435 B. Foster +Obsoletes: 2705 Cisco Systems +Category: Informational January 2003 + + + Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) + Version 1.0 + +Status of this Memo + + This memo provides information for the Internet community. It does + not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of this + memo is unlimited. + +Copyright Notice + + Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2003). All Rights Reserved. + +IESG Note + + This document is being published for the information of the + community. It describes a protocol that is currently being deployed + in a number of products. Implementers should be aware of RFC 3015, + which was developed in the IETF Megaco Working Group and the ITU-T + SG16 and which is considered by the IETF and ITU-T to be the + standards-based (including reviewed security considerations) way to + meet the needs that MGCP was designed to address. + +Abstract + + This document describes an application programming interface and a + corresponding protocol (MGCP) which is used between elements of a + decomposed multimedia gateway. The decomposed multimedia gateway + consists of a Call Agent, which contains the call control + "intelligence", and a media gateway which contains the media + functions, e.g., conversion from TDM voice to Voice over IP. + + Media gateways contain endpoints on which the Call Agent can create, + modify and delete connections in order to establish and control media + sessions with other multimedia endpoints. Also, the Call Agent can + instruct the endpoints to detect certain events and generate signals. + The endpoints automatically communicate changes in service state to + the Call Agent. Furthermore, the Call Agent can audit endpoints as + well as the connections on endpoints. + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 1] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The basic and general MGCP protocol is defined in this document, + however most media gateways will need to implement one or more MGCP + packages, which define extensions to the protocol suitable for use + with specific types of media gateways. Such packages are defined in + separate documents. + +Table of Contents + + 1. Introduction.................................................5 + 1.1 Relation with the H.323 Standards............................7 + 1.2 Relation with the IETF Standards.............................8 + 1.3 Definitions..................................................9 + 1.4 Conventions used in this Document............................9 + 2. Media Gateway Control Interface.............................10 + 2.1 Model and Naming Conventions................................10 + 2.1.1 Types of Endpoints..........................................10 + 2.1.2 Endpoint Identifiers........................................14 + 2.1.3 Calls and Connections.......................................16 + 2.1.4 Names of Call Agents and Other Entities.....................22 + 2.1.5 Digit Maps..................................................23 + 2.1.6 Packages....................................................26 + 2.1.7 Events and Signals..........................................28 + 2.2 Usage of SDP................................................33 + 2.3 Gateway Control Commands....................................33 + 2.3.1 Overview of Commands........................................33 + 2.3.2 EndpointConfiguration.......................................36 + 2.3.3 NotificationRequest.........................................37 + 2.3.4 Notify......................................................44 + 2.3.5 CreateConnection............................................46 + 2.3.6 ModifyConnection............................................52 + 2.3.7 DeleteConnection (from the Call Agent)......................54 + 2.3.8 DeleteConnection (from the gateway).........................58 + 2.3.9 DeleteConnection (multiple connections from the Call Agent) 59 + 2.3.10 AuditEndpoint...............................................60 + 2.3.11 AuditConnection.............................................65 + 2.3.12 RestartInProgress...........................................66 + 2.4 Return Codes and Error Codes................................69 + 2.5 Reason Codes................................................74 + 2.6 Use of Local Connection Options and Connection Descriptors..75 + 2.7 Resource Reservations.......................................77 + 3. Media Gateway Control Protocol..............................77 + 3.1 General Description.........................................78 + 3.2 Command Header..............................................79 + 3.2.1 Command Line................................................79 + 3.2.2 Parameter Lines.............................................82 + 3.3 Format of response headers.................................101 + 3.3.1 CreateConnection Response..................................104 + 3.3.2 ModifyConnection Response..................................105 + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 2] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + 3.3.3 DeleteConnection Response..................................106 + 3.3.4 NotificationRequest Response...............................106 + 3.3.5 Notify Response............................................106 + 3.3.6 AuditEndpoint Response.....................................106 + 3.3.7 AuditConnection Response...................................107 + 3.3.8 RestartInProgress Response.................................108 + 3.4 Encoding of the Session Description (SDP)..................108 + 3.4.1 Usage of SDP for an Audio Service..........................110 + 3.4.2 Usage of SDP for LOCAL Connections.........................110 + 3.5 Transmission over UDP......................................111 + 3.5.1 Providing the At-Most-Once Functionality...................112 + 3.5.2 Transaction Identifiers and Three Ways Handshake...........113 + 3.5.3 Computing Retransmission Timers............................114 + 3.5.4 Maximum Datagram Size, Fragmentation and Reassembly........115 + 3.5.5 Piggybacking...............................................116 + 3.5.6 Provisional Responses......................................117 + 4. States, Failover and Race Conditions.......................119 + 4.1 Failover Assumptions and Highlights........................119 + 4.2 Communicating with Gateways................................121 + 4.3 Retransmission, and Detection of Lost Associations:........122 + 4.4 Race Conditions............................................126 + 4.4.1 Quarantine List............................................127 + 4.4.2 Explicit Detection.........................................133 + 4.4.3 Transactional Semantics....................................134 + 4.4.4 Ordering of Commands, and Treatment of Misorder............135 + 4.4.5 Endpoint Service States....................................137 + 4.4.6 Fighting the Restart Avalanche.............................140 + 4.4.7 Disconnected Endpoints.....................................143 + 4.4.8 Load Control in General....................................146 + 5. Security Requirements......................................147 + 5.1 Protection of Media Connections............................148 + 6. Packages...................................................148 + 6.1 Actions....................................................150 + 6.2 BearerInformation..........................................150 + 6.3 ConnectionModes............................................151 + 6.4 ConnectionParameters.......................................151 + 6.5 DigitMapLetters............................................151 + 6.6 Events and Signals.........................................152 + 6.6.1 Default and Reserved Events................................155 + 6.7 ExtensionParameters........................................156 + 6.8 LocalConnectionOptions.....................................157 + 6.9 Reason Codes...............................................157 + 6.10 RestartMethods.............................................158 + 6.11 Return Codes...............................................158 + 7. Versions and Compatibility.................................158 + 7.1 Changes from RFC 2705......................................158 + 8. Security Considerations....................................164 + 9. Acknowledgments............................................164 + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 3] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + 10. References.................................................164 + Appendix A: Formal Syntax Description of the Protocol.............167 + Appendix B: Base Package..........................................175 + B.1 Events.....................................................175 + B.2 Extension Parameters.......................................176 + B.2.1 PersistentEvents...........................................176 + B.2.2 NotificationState..........................................177 + B.3 Verbs......................................................177 + Appendix C: IANA Considerations...................................179 + C.1 New MGCP Package Sub-Registry..............................179 + C.2 New MGCP Package...........................................179 + C.3 New MGCP LocalConnectionOptions Sub-Registry...............179 + Appendix D: Mode Interactions.....................................180 + Appendix E: Endpoint Naming Conventions...........................182 + E.1 Analog Access Line Endpoints...............................182 + E.2 Digital Trunks.............................................182 + E.3 Virtual Endpoints..........................................183 + E.4 Media Gateway..............................................184 + E.5 Range Wildcards............................................184 + Appendix F: Example Command Encodings.............................185 + F.1 NotificationRequest........................................185 + F.2 Notify.....................................................186 + F.3 CreateConnection...........................................186 + F.4 ModifyConnection...........................................189 + F.5 DeleteConnection (from the Call Agent).....................189 + F.6 DeleteConnection (from the gateway)........................190 + F.7 DeleteConnection (multiple connections + from the Call Agent).......................................190 + F.8 AuditEndpoint..............................................191 + F.9 AuditConnection............................................192 + F.10 RestartInProgress..........................................193 + Appendix G: Example Call Flows....................................194 + G.1 Restart....................................................195 + G.1.1 Residential Gateway Restart................................195 + G.1.2 Call Agent Restart.........................................198 + G.2 Connection Creation........................................200 + G.2.1 Residential Gateway to Residential Gateway.................200 + G.3 Connection Deletion........................................206 + G.3.1 Residential Gateway to Residential Gateway.................206 + Authors' Addresses................................................209 + Full Copyright Statement..........................................210 + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 4] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +1. Introduction + + This document describes an abstract application programming interface + (MGCI) and a corresponding protocol (MGCP) for controlling media + gateways from external call control elements called media gateway + controllers or Call Agents. A media gateway is typically a network + element that provides conversion between the audio signals carried on + telephone circuits and data packets carried over the Internet or over + other packet networks. Examples of media gateways are: + + * Trunking gateways, that interface between the telephone network and + a Voice over IP network. Such gateways typically manage a large + number of digital circuits. + + * Voice over ATM gateways, which operate much the same way as voice + over IP trunking gateways, except that they interface to an ATM + network. + + * Residential gateways, that provide a traditional analog (RJ11) + interface to a Voice over IP network. Examples of residential + gateways include cable modem/cable set-top boxes, xDSL devices, and + broad-band wireless devices. + + * Access gateways, that provide a traditional analog (RJ11) or + digital PBX interface to a Voice over IP network. Examples of + access gateways include small-scale voice over IP gateways. + + * Business gateways, that provide a traditional digital PBX interface + or an integrated "soft PBX" interface to a Voice over IP network. + + * Network Access Servers, that can attach a "modem" to a telephone + circuit and provide data access to the Internet. We expect that in + the future, the same gateways will combine Voice over IP services + and Network Access services. + + * Circuit switches, or packet switches, which can offer a control + interface to an external call control element. + + MGCP assumes a call control architecture where the call control + "intelligence" is outside the gateways and handled by external call + control elements known as Call Agents. The MGCP assumes that these + call control elements, or Call Agents, will synchronize with each + other to send coherent commands and responses to the gateways under + their control. If this assumption is violated, inconsistent behavior + should be expected. MGCP does not define a mechanism for + synchronizing Call Agents. MGCP is, in essence, a master/slave + protocol, where the gateways are expected to execute commands sent by + the Call Agents. In consequence, this document specifies in great + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 5] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + detail the expected behavior of the gateways, but only specifies + those parts of a Call Agent implementation, such as timer management, + that are mandated for proper operation of the protocol. + + MGCP assumes a connection model where the basic constructs are + endpoints and connections. Endpoints are sources and/or sinks of + data and can be physical or virtual. Examples of physical endpoints + are: + + * An interface on a gateway that terminates a trunk connected to a + PSTN switch (e.g., Class 5, Class 4, etc.). A gateway that + terminates trunks is called a trunking gateway. + + * An interface on a gateway that terminates an analog POTS connection + to a phone, key system, PBX, etc. A gateway that terminates + residential POTS lines (to phones) is called a residential gateway. + + An example of a virtual endpoint is an audio source in an audio- + content server. Creation of physical endpoints requires hardware + installation, while creation of virtual endpoints can be done by + software. + + Connections may be either point to point or multipoint. A point to + point connection is an association between two endpoints with the + purpose of transmitting data between these endpoints. Once this + association is established for both endpoints, data transfer between + these endpoints can take place. A multipoint connection is + established by connecting the endpoint to a multipoint session. + + Connections can be established over several types of bearer networks, + for example: + + * Transmission of audio packets using RTP and UDP over an IP network. + + * Transmission of audio packets using AAL2, or another adaptation + layer, over an ATM network. + + * Transmission of packets over an internal connection, for example + the TDM backplane or the interconnection bus of a gateway. This is + used, in particular, for "hairpin" connections, connections that + terminate in a gateway but are immediately rerouted over the + telephone network. + + For point-to-point connections the endpoints of a connection could be + in separate gateways or in the same gateway. + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 6] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +1.1 Relation with the H.323 Standards + + MGCP is designed as an internal protocol within a distributed system + that appears to the outside as a single VoIP gateway. This system is + composed of a Call Agent, that may or may not be distributed over + several computer platforms, and of a set of gateways, including at + least one "media gateway" that perform the conversion of media + signals between circuits and packets, and at least one "signaling + gateway" when connecting to an SS7 controlled network. In a typical + configuration, this distributed gateway system will interface on one + side with one or more telephony (i.e., circuit) switches, and on the + other side with H.323 conformant systems, as indicated in the + following table: + + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + | Functional| Phone | Terminating | H.323 conformant | + | Plane | switch | Entity | systems | + |-----------|------------|-----------------|-----------------------| + | Signaling | Signaling | Call agent | Signaling exchanges | + | Plane | exchanges | | with the Call Agent | + | | through | | through H.225/RAS and| + | | SS7/ISUP | | H.225/Q.931. | + |-----------|------------|-----------------|-----------------------| + | | | | Possible negotiation | + | | | | of logical channels | + | | | | and transmission | + | | | | parameters through | + | | | | H.245 with the call | + | | | | agent. | + |-----------|------------|-----------------|-----------------------| + | | | Internal | | + | | | synchronization| | + | | | through MGCP | | + |-----------|------------|-----------------|-----------------------| + | Bearer | Connection| Telephony | Transmission of VoIP | + | Data | through | gateways | data using RTP | + | Transport | high speed| | directly between the | + | Plane | trunk | | H.323 station and the| + | | groups | | gateway. | + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + + In the MGCP model, the gateways focus on the audio signal translation + function, while the Call Agent handles the call signaling and call + processing functions. As a consequence, the Call Agent implements + the "signaling" layers of the H.323 standard, and presents itself as + an "H.323 Gatekeeper" or as one or more "H.323 Endpoints" to the + H.323 systems. + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 7] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +1.2 Relation with the IETF Standards + + While H.323 is the recognized standard for VoIP terminals, the IETF + has also produced specifications for other types of multi-media + applications. These other specifications include: + + * the Session Description Protocol (SDP), RFC 2327 + + * the Session Announcement Protocol (SAP), RFC 2974 + + * the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), RFC 3261 + + * the Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), RFC 2326. + + The latter three specifications are in fact alternative signaling + standards that allow for the transmission of a session description to + an interested party. SAP is used by multicast session managers to + distribute a multicast session description to a large group of + recipients, SIP is used to invite an individual user to take part in + a point-to-point or unicast session, RTSP is used to interface a + server that provides real time data. In all three cases, the session + description is described according to SDP; when audio is transmitted, + it is transmitted through the Real-time Transport Protocol, RTP. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 8] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The distributed gateway systems and MGCP will enable PSTN telephony + users to access sessions set up using SAP, SIP or RTSP. The Call + Agent provides for signaling conversion, according to the following + table: + + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + | Functional| Phone | Terminating | IETF conforming systems| + | Plane | switch | Entity | | + |-----------|------------|---------------|-------------------------| + | Signaling | Signaling | Call agent | Signaling exchanges | + | Plane | exchanges | | with the Call Agent | + | | through | | through SAP, SIP or | + | | SS7/ISUP | | RTSP. | + |-----------|------------|---------------|-------------------------| + | | | | Negotiation of session | + | | | | description parameters | + | | | | through SDP (telephony | + | | | | gateway terminated but | + | | | | passed via the call | + | | | | agent to and from the | + | | | | IETF conforming system)| + |-----------|------------|---------------|-------------------------| + | | | Internal syn- | | + | | | chronization | | + | | | through MGCP | | + |-----------|------------|---------------|-------------------------| + | Bearer | Connection| Telephony | Transmission of VoIP | + | Data | through | gateways | data using RTP, | + | Transport | high speed| | directly between the | + | Plane | trunk | | remote IP end system | + | | groups | | and the gateway. | + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + + The SDP standard has a pivotal status in this architecture. We will + see in the following description that we also use it to carry session + descriptions in MGCP. + +1.3 Definitions + + Trunk: A communication channel between two switching systems, e.g., + a DS0 on a T1 or E1 line. + +1.4 Conventions used in this Document + + The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT", + "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "NOT RECOMMENDED, "MAY", and + "OPTIONAL" in this document are to be interpreted as described in BCP + 14, RFC 2119 [2]. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 9] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +2. Media Gateway Control Interface + + The interface functions provide for connection control and endpoint + control. Both use the same system model and the same naming + conventions. + +2.1 Model and Naming Conventions + + The MGCP assumes a connection model where the basic constructs are + endpoints and connections. Connections are grouped in calls. One or + more connections can belong to one call. Connections and calls are + set up at the initiative of one or more Call Agents. + +2.1.1 Types of Endpoints + + In the introduction, we presented several classes of gateways. Such + classifications, however, can be misleading. Manufacturers can + arbitrarily decide to provide several types of services in a single + package. A single product could well, for example, provide some + trunk connections to telephony switches, some primary rate + connections and some analog line interfaces, thus sharing the + characteristics of what we described in the introduction as + "trunking", "access" and "residential" gateways. MGCP does not make + assumptions about such groupings. We simply assume that media + gateways support collections of endpoints. The type of the endpoint + determines its functionality. Our analysis, so far, has led us to + isolate the following basic endpoint types: + + * Digital channel (DS0), + + * Analog line, + + * Announcement server access point, + + * Interactive Voice Response access point, + + * Conference bridge access point, + + * Packet relay, + + * ATM "trunk side" interface. + + In this section, we will describe the expected behavior of such + endpoints. + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 10] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + This list is not final. There may be other types of endpoints + defined in the future, for example test endpoints that could be used + to check network quality, or frame-relay endpoints that could be used + to manage audio channels multiplexed over a frame-relay virtual + circuit. + +2.1.1.1 Digital Channel (DS0) + + Digital channels provide a 64 Kbps service. Such channels are found + in trunk and ISDN interfaces. They are typically part of digital + multiplexes, such as T1, E1, T3 or E3 interfaces. Media gateways + that support such channels are capable of translating the digital + signals received on the channel, which may be encoded according to + A-law or mu-law, using either the complete set of 8 bits per sample + or only 7 of these bits, into audio packets. When the media gateway + also supports a Network Access Server (NAS) service, the gateway + shall be capable of receiving either audio-encoded data (modem + connection) or binary data (ISDN connection) and convert them into + data packets. + + +------- + +------------+| + (channel) ===|DS0 endpoint| -------- Connections + +------------+| + +------- + + Media gateways should be able to establish several connections + between the endpoint and the packet networks, or between the endpoint + and other endpoints in the same gateway. The signals originating + from these connections shall be mixed according to the connection + "mode", as specified later in this document. The precise number of + connections that an endpoint supports is a characteristic of the + gateway, and may in fact vary according to the allocation of + resources within the gateway. + + In some cases, digital channels are used to carry signaling. This is + the case for example for SS7 "F" links, or ISDN "D" channels. Media + gateways that support these signaling functions shall be able to send + and receive the signaling packets to and from a Call Agent, using the + "backhaul" procedures defined by the SIGTRAN working group of the + IETF. Digital channels are sometimes used in conjunction with + channel associated signaling, such as "MF R2". Media gateways that + support these signaling functions shall be able to detect and produce + the corresponding signals, such as for example "wink" or "A", + according to the event signaling and reporting procedures defined in + MGCP. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 11] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +2.1.1.2 Analog Line + + Analog lines can be used either as a "client" interface, providing + service to a classic telephone unit, or as a "service" interface, + allowing the gateway to send and receive analog calls. When the + media gateway also supports a NAS service, the gateway shall be + capable of receiving audio-encoded data (modem connection) and + convert them into data packets. + + +------- + +---------------+| + (line) ===|analog endpoint| -------- Connections + +---------------+| + +------- + + Media gateways should be able to establish several connections + between the endpoint and the packet networks, or between the endpoint + and other endpoints in the same gateway. The audio signals + originating from these connections shall be mixed according to the + connection "mode", as specified later in this document. The precise + number of connections that an endpoint supports is a characteristic + of the gateway, and may in fact vary according to the allocation of + resources within the gateway. A typical gateway should however be + able to support two or three connections per endpoint, in order to + support services such as "call waiting" or "three way calling". + +2.1.1.3 Announcement Server Access Point + + An announcement server endpoint provides access to an announcement + service. Under requests from the Call Agent, the announcement server + will "play" a specified announcement. The requests from the Call + Agent will follow the event signaling and reporting procedures + defined in MGCP. + + +----------------------+ + | Announcement endpoint| -------- Connection + +----------------------+ + + A given announcement endpoint is not expected to support more than + one connection at a time. If several connections were established to + the same endpoint, then the same announcements would be played + simultaneously over all the connections. + + Connections to an announcement server are typically one way, or "half + duplex" -- the announcement server is not expected to listen to the + audio signals from the connection. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 12] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +2.1.1.4 Interactive Voice Response Access Point + + An Interactive Voice Response (IVR) endpoint provides access to an + IVR service. Under requests from the Call Agent, the IVR server will + "play" announcements and tones, and will "listen" to responses, such + as DTMF input or voice messages, from the user. The requests from + the Call Agent will follow the event signaling and reporting + procedures defined in MGCP. + + +-------------+ + | IVR endpoint| -------- Connection + +-------------+ + + A given IVR endpoint is not expected to support more than one + connection at a time. If several connections were established to the + same endpoint, then the same tones and announcements would be played + simultaneously over all the connections. + +2.1.1.5 Conference Bridge Access Point + + A conference bridge endpoint is used to provide access to a specific + conference. + + +------- + +--------------------------+| + |Conference bridge endpoint| -------- Connections + +--------------------------+| + +------- + + Media gateways should be able to establish several connections + between the endpoint and the packet networks, or between the endpoint + and other endpoints in the same gateway. The signals originating + from these connections shall be mixed according to the connection + "mode", as specified later in this document. The precise number of + connections that an endpoint supports is a characteristic of the + gateway, and may in fact vary according to the allocation of + resources within the gateway. + +2.1.1.6 Packet Relay + + A packet relay endpoint is a specific form of conference bridge, that + typically only supports two connections. Packets relays can be found + in firewalls between a protected and an open network, or in + transcoding servers used to provide interoperation between + incompatible gateways, for example gateways that do not support + compatible compression algorithms, or gateways that operate over + different transmission networks such as IP and ATM. + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 13] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + +------- + +---------------------+ | + |Packet relay endpoint| 2 connections + +---------------------+ | + +------- + +2.1.1.7 ATM "trunk side" Interface + + ATM "trunk side" endpoints are typically found when one or several + ATM permanent virtual circuits are used as a replacement for the + classic "TDM" trunks linking switches. When ATM/AAL2 is used, + several trunks or channels are multiplexed on a single virtual + circuit; each of these trunks correspond to a single endpoint. + + +------- + +------------------+| + (channel) = |ATM trunk endpoint| -------- Connections + +------------------+| + +------- + + Media gateways should be able to establish several connections + between the endpoint and the packet networks, or between the endpoint + and other endpoints in the same gateway. The signals originating + from these connections shall be mixed according to the connection + "mode", as specified later in this document. The precise number of + connections that an endpoint supports is a characteristic of the + gateway, and may in fact vary according to the allocation of + resources within the gateway. + +2.1.2 Endpoint Identifiers + + Endpoint identifiers have two components that both are case- + insensitive: + + * the domain name of the gateway that is managing the endpoint + + * a local name within that gateway + + Endpoint names are of the form: + + local-endpoint-name@domain-name + + where domain-name is an absolute domain-name as defined in RFC 1034 + and includes a host portion, thus an example domain-name could be: + + mygateway.whatever.net + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 14] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Also, domain-name may be an IP-address of the form defined for domain + name in RFC 821, thus another example could be (see RFC 821 for + details): + + [192.168.1.2] + + Both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses can be specified, however use of IP + addresses as endpoint identifiers is generally discouraged. + + Note that since the domain name portion is part of the endpoint + identifier, different forms or different values referring to the same + entity are not freely interchangeable. The most recently supplied + form and value MUST always be used. + + The local endpoint name is case-insensitive. The syntax of the local + endpoint name is hierarchical, where the least specific component of + the name is the leftmost term, and the most specific component is the + rightmost term. The precise syntax depends on the type of endpoint + being named and MAY start with a term that identifies the endpoint + type. In any case, the local endpoint name MUST adhere to the + following naming rules: + + 1) The individual terms of the naming path MUST be separated by a + single slash ("/", ASCII 2F hex). + + 2) The individual terms are character strings composed of letters, + digits or other printable characters, with the exception of + characters used as delimiters ("/", "@"), characters used for + wildcarding ("*", "$") and white spaces. + + 3) Wild-carding is represented either by an asterisk ("*") or a + dollar sign ("$") for the terms of the naming path which are to be + wild-carded. Thus, if the full local endpoint name is of the + form: + + term1/term2/term3 + + then the entity name field looks like this depending on which + terms are wild-carded: + + */term2/term3 if term1 is wild-carded + term1/*/term3 if term2 is wild-carded + term1/term2/* if term3 is wild-carded + term1/*/* if term2 and term3 are wild-carded, etc. + + In each of these examples a dollar sign could have appeared + instead of an asterisk. + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 15] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + 4) A term represented by an asterisk ("*") is to be interpreted as: + "use ALL values of this term known within the scope of the Media + Gateway". Unless specified otherwise, this refers to all + endpoints configured for service, regardless of their actual + service state, i.e., in-service or out-of-service. + + 5) A term represented by a dollar sign ("$") is to be interpreted as: + "use ANY ONE value of this term known within the scope of the + Media Gateway". Unless specified otherwise, this only refers to + endpoints that are in-service. + + Furthermore, it is RECOMMENDED that Call Agents adhere to the + following: + + * Wild-carding should only be done from the right, thus if a term is + wild-carded, then all terms to the right of that term should be + wild-carded as well. + + * In cases where mixed dollar sign and asterisk wild-cards are used, + dollar-signs should only be used from the right, thus if a term had + a dollar sign wild-card, all terms to the right of that term should + also contain dollar sign wild-cards. + + The description of a specific command may add further criteria for + selection within the general rules given above. + + Note, that wild-cards may be applied to more than one term in which + case they shall be evaluated from left to right. For example, if we + have the endpoint names "a/1", "a/2", "b/1", and "b/2", then "$/*" + (which is not recommended) will evaluate to either "a/1, a/2", or + "b/1, b/2". However, "*/$" may evaluate to "a/1, b/1", "a/1, b/2", + "a/2, b/1", or "a/2, b/2". The use of mixed wild-cards in a command + is considered error prone and is consequently discouraged. + + A local name that is composed of only a wildcard character refers to + either all (*) or any ($) endpoints within the media gateway. + +2.1.3 Calls and Connections + + Connections are created on the Call Agent on each endpoint that will + be involved in the "call". In the classic example of a connection + between two "DS0" endpoints (EP1 and EP2), the Call Agents + controlling the endpoints will establish two connections (C1 and C2): + + +---+ +---+ + (channel1) ===|EP1|--(C1)--... ...(C2)--|EP2|===(channel2) + +---+ +---+ + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 16] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Each connection will be designated locally by an endpoint unique + connection identifier, and will be characterized by connection + attributes. + + When the two endpoints are located on gateways that are managed by + the same Call Agent, the creation is done via the three following + steps: + + 1) The Call Agent asks the first gateway to "create a connection" on + the first endpoint. The gateway allocates resources to that + connection, and responds to the command by providing a "session + description". The session description contains the information + necessary for a third party to send packets towards the newly + created connection, such as for example IP address, UDP port, and + codec parameters. + + 2) The Call Agent then asks the second gateway to "create a + connection" on the second endpoint. The command carries the + "session description" provided by the first gateway. The gateway + allocates resources to that connection, and responds to the + command by providing its own "session description". + + 3) The Call Agent then uses a "modify connection" command to provide + this second "session description" to the first endpoint. Once + this is done, communication can proceed in both directions. + + When the two endpoints are located on gateways that are managed by + two different Call Agents, the Call Agents exchange information + through a Call-Agent to Call-Agent signaling protocol, e.g., SIP [7], + in order to synchronize the creation of the connection on the two + endpoints. + + Once a connection has been established, the connection parameters can + be modified at any time by a "modify connection" command. The Call + Agent may for example instruct the gateway to change the codec used + on a connection, or to modify the IP address and UDP port to which + data should be sent, if a connection is "redirected". + + The Call Agent removes a connection by sending a "delete connection" + command to the gateway. The gateway may also, under some + circumstances, inform a gateway that a connection could not be + sustained. + + The following diagram provides a view of the states of a connection, + as seen from the gateway: + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 17] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Create connection + received + | + V + +-------------------+ + |resource allocation|-(failed)-+ + +-------------------+ | + | (connection refused) + (successful) + | + v + +----------->+ + | | + | +-------------------+ + | | remote session | + | | description |----------(yes)--------+ + | | available ? | | + | +-------------------+ | + | | | + | (no) | + | | | + | +-----------+ +------+ + | +--->| half open |------> Delete <-------| open |<----------+ + | | | (wait) | Connection |(wait)| | + | | +-----------+ received +------+ | + | | | | | | + | | Modify Connection | Modify Connection | + | | received | received | + | | | | | | + | | +--------------------+ | +--------------------+ | + | | |assess modification | | |assess modification | | + | | +--------------------+ | +--------------------+ | + | | | | | | | | + | |(failed) (successful) | (failed) (successful) | + | | | | | | | | + | +<---+ | | +-------------+-------+ + | | | + +<-------------------+ | + | + +-----------------+ + | Free connection | + | resources. | + | Report. | + +-----------------+ + | + V + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 18] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +2.1.3.1 Names of Calls + + One of the attributes of each connection is the "call identifier", + which as far as the MGCP protocol is concerned has little semantic + meaning, and is mainly retained for backwards compatibility. + + Calls are identified by unique identifiers, independent of the + underlying platforms or agents. Call identifiers are hexadecimal + strings, which are created by the Call Agent. The maximum length of + call identifiers is 32 characters. + + Call identifiers are expected to be unique within the system, or at a + minimum, unique within the collection of Call Agents that control the + same gateways. From the gateway's perspective, the Call identifier + is thus unique. When a Call Agent builds several connections that + pertain to the same call, either on the same gateway or in different + gateways, these connections that belong to the same call should share + the same call-id. This identifier can then be used by accounting or + management procedures, which are outside the scope of MGCP. + +2.1.3.2 Names of Connections + + Connection identifiers are created by the gateway when it is + requested to create a connection. They identify the connection + within the context of an endpoint. Connection identifiers are + treated in MGCP as hexadecimal strings. The gateway MUST make sure + that a proper waiting period, at least 3 minutes, elapses between the + end of a connection that used this identifier and its use in a new + connection for the same endpoint (gateways MAY decide to use + identifiers that are unique within the context of the gateway). The + maximum length of a connection identifier is 32 characters. + +2.1.3.3 Management of Resources, Attributes of Connections + + Many types of resources will be associated to a connection, such as + specific signal processing functions or packetization functions. + Generally, these resources fall in two categories: + + 1) Externally visible resources, that affect the format of "the bits + on the network" and must be communicated to the second endpoint + involved in the connection. + + 2) Internal resources, that determine which signal is being sent over + the connection and how the received signals are processed by the + endpoint. + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 19] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The resources allocated to a connection, and more generally the + handling of the connection, are chosen by the gateway under + instructions from the Call Agent. The Call Agent will provide these + instructions by sending two sets of parameters to the gateway: + + 1) The local directives instruct the gateway on the choice of + resources that should be used for a connection, + + 2) When available, the "session description" provided by the other + end of the connection (referred to as the remote session + description). + + The local directives specify such parameters as the mode of the + connection (e.g., send-only, or send-receive), preferred coding or + packetization methods, usage of echo cancellation or silence + suppression. (A detailed list can be found in the specification of + the LocalConnectionOptions parameter of the CreateConnection + command.) Depending on the parameter, the Call Agent MAY either + specify a value, a range of values, or no value at all. This allows + various implementations to implement various levels of control, from + a very tight control where the Call Agent specifies minute details of + the connection handling to a very loose control where the Call Agent + only specifies broad guidelines, such as the maximum bandwidth, and + lets the gateway choose the detailed values subject to the + guidelines. + + Based on the value of the local directives, the gateway will + determine the resources to allocate to the connection. When this is + possible, the gateway will choose values that are in line with the + remote session description - but there is no absolute requirement + that the parameters be exactly the same. + + Once the resources have been allocated, the gateway will compose a + "session description" that describes the way it intends to send and + receive packets. Note that the session description may in some cases + present a range of values. For example, if the gateway is ready to + accept one of several compression algorithms, it can provide a list + of these accepted algorithms. + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 20] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Local Directives + (from Call Agent 1) + | + V + +-------------+ + | resource | + | allocation | + | (gateway 1) | + +-------------+ + | | + V | + Local | + Parameters V + | Session + | Description Local Directives + | | (from Call Agent 2) + | +---> Transmission----+ | + | (CA to CA) | | + | V V + | +-------------+ + | | resource | + | | allocation | + | | (gateway 2) | + | +-------------+ + | | | + | | V + | | Local + | | Parameters + | Session + | Description + | +---- Transmission<---+ + | | (CA to CA) + V V + +-------------+ + | modification| + | (gateway 1) | + +-------------+ + | + V + Local + Parameters + + -- Information flow: local directives & session descriptions -- + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 21] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +2.1.3.4 Special Case of Local Connections + + Large gateways include a large number of endpoints which are often of + different types. In some networks, we may often have to set-up + connections between endpoints that are located within the same + gateway. Examples of such connections may be: + + * Connecting a call to an Interactive Voice-Response unit, + + * Connecting a call to a Conferencing unit, + + * Routing a call from one endpoint to another, something often + described as a "hairpin" connection. + + Local connections are much simpler to establish than network + connections. In most cases, the connection will be established + through some local interconnecting device, such as for example a TDM + bus. + + When two endpoints are managed by the same gateway, it is possible to + specify the connection in a single command that conveys the names of + the two endpoints that will be connected. The command is essentially + a "Create Connection" command which includes the name of the second + endpoint in lieu of the "remote session description". + +2.1.4 Names of Call Agents and Other Entities + + The media gateway control protocol has been designed to allow the + implementation of redundant Call Agents, for enhanced network + reliability. This means that there is no fixed binding between + entities and hardware platforms or network interfaces. + + Call Agent names consist of two parts, similar to endpoint names. + Semantically, the local portion of the name does not exhibit any + internal structure. An example Call Agent name is: + + ca1@ca.whatever.net + + Note that both the local part and the domain name have to be + supplied. Nevertheless, implementations are encouraged to accept call + agent names consisting of only the domain name. + + Reliability can be improved by using the following procedures: + + * Entities such as endpoints or Call Agents are identified by their + domain name, not their network addresses. Several addresses can be + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 22] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + associated with a domain name. If a command or a response cannot + be forwarded to one of the network addresses, implementations MUST + retry the transmission using another address. + + * Entities MAY move to another platform. The association between a + logical name (domain name) and the actual platform is kept in the + domain name service. Call Agents and Gateways MUST keep track of + the time-to-live of the record they read from the DNS. They MUST + query the DNS to refresh the information if the time to live has + expired. + + In addition to the indirection provided by the use of domain names + and the DNS, the concept of "notified entity" is central to + reliability and fail-over in MGCP. The "notified entity" for an + endpoint is the Call Agent currently controlling that endpoint. At + any point in time, an endpoint has one, and only one, "notified + entity" associated with it. The "notified entity" determines where + the endpoint will send commands to; when the endpoint needs to send a + command to the Call Agent, it MUST send the command to its current + "notified entity". The "notified entity" however does not determine + where commands can be received from; any Call Agent can send commands + to the endpoint. Please refer to Section 5 for the relevant security + considerations. + + Upon startup, the "notified entity" MUST be set to a provisioned + value. Most commands sent by the Call Agent include the ability to + explicitly name the "notified entity" through the use of a + "NotifiedEntity" parameter. The "notified entity" will stay the same + until either a new "NotifiedEntity" parameter is received or the + endpoint does a warm or cold (power-cycle) restart. + + If a "NotifiedEntity" parameter is sent with an "empty" value, the + "notified entity" for the endpoint will be set to empty. If the + "notified entity" for an endpoint is empty or has not been set + explicitly (neither by a command nor by provisioning), the "notified + entity" will then default to the source address (i.e., IP address and + UDP port number) of the last successful non-audit command received + for the endpoint. Auditing will thus not change the "notified + entity". Use of an empty "NotifiedEntity" parameter value is + strongly discouraged as it is error prone and eliminates the DNS- + based fail-over and reliability mechanisms. + +2.1.5 Digit Maps + + The Call Agent can ask the gateway to collect digits dialed by the + user. This facility is intended to be used with residential gateways + to collect the numbers that a user dials; it can also be used with + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 23] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + trunking gateways and access gateways alike, to collect access codes, + credit card numbers and other numbers requested by call control + services. + + One procedure is for the gateway to notify the Call Agent of each + individual dialed digit, as soon as they are dialed. However, such a + procedure generates a large number of interactions. It is preferable + to accumulate the dialed numbers in a buffer, and to transmit them in + a single message. + + The problem with this accumulation approach, however, is that it is + hard for the gateway to predict how many numbers it needs to + accumulate before transmission. For example, using the phone on our + desk, we can dial the following numbers: + + ------------------------------------------------------ + | 0 | Local operator | + | 00 | Long distance operator | + | xxxx | Local extension number | + | 8xxxxxxx | Local number | + | #xxxxxxx | Shortcut to local number at| + | | other corporate sites | + | *xx | Star services | + | 91xxxxxxxxxx | Long distance number | + | 9011 + up to 15 digits| International number | + ------------------------------------------------------ + + The solution to this problem is to have the Call Agent load the + gateway with a digit map that may correspond to the dial plan. This + digit map is expressed using a syntax derived from the Unix system + command, egrep. For example, the dial plan described above results + in the following digit map: + + (0T|00T|[1-7]xxx|8xxxxxxx|#xxxxxxx|*xx|91xxxxxxxxxx|9011x.T) + + The formal syntax of the digit map is described by the DigitMap rule + in the formal syntax description of the protocol (see Appendix A) - + support for basic digit map letters is REQUIRED while support for + extension digit map letters is OPTIONAL. A gateway receiving a digit + map with an extension digit map letter not supported SHOULD return + error code 537 (unknown digit map extension). + + A digit map, according to this syntax, is defined either by a (case + insensitive) "string" or by a list of strings. Each string in the + list is an alternative numbering scheme, specified either as a set of + digits or timers, or as an expression over which the gateway will + attempt to find a shortest possible match. The following constructs + can be used in each numbering scheme: + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 24] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * Digit: A digit from "0" to "9". + * Timer: The symbol "T" matching a timer expiry. + * DTMF: A digit, a timer, or one of the symbols "A", "B", "C", + "D", "#", or "*". Extensions may be defined. + * Wildcard: The symbol "x" which matches any digit ("0" to "9"). + * Range: One or more DTMF symbols enclosed between square brackets + ("[" and "]"). + * Subrange: Two digits separated by hyphen ("-") which matches any + digit between and including the two. The subrange + construct can only be used inside a range construct, + i.e., between "[" and "]". + * Position: A period (".") which matches an arbitrary number, + including zero, of occurrences of the preceding + construct. + + A gateway that detects events to be matched against a digit map MUST + do the following: + + 1) Add the event code as a token to the end of an internal state + variable for the endpoint called the "current dial string". + + 2) Apply the current dial string to the digit map table, attempting a + match to each expression in the digit map. + + 3) If the result is under-qualified (partially matches at least one + entry in the digit map and doesn't completely match another + entry), do nothing further. + + If the result matches an entry, or is over-qualified (i.e., no + further digits could possibly produce a match), send the list of + accumulated events to the Call Agent. A match, in this + specification, can be either a "perfect match," exactly matching one + of the specified alternatives, or an impossible match, which occurs + when the dial string does not match any of the alternatives. + Unexpected timers, for example, can cause "impossible matches". Both + perfect matches and impossible matches trigger notification of the + accumulated digits (which may include other events - see Section + 2.3.3). + + The following example illustrates the above. Assume we have the + digit map: + + (xxxxxxx|x11) + + and a current dial string of "41". Given the input "1" the current + dial string becomes "411". We have a partial match with "xxxxxxx", + but a complete match with "x11", and hence we send "411" to the Call + Agent. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 25] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The following digit map example is more subtle: + + (0[12].|00|1[12].1|2x.#) + + Given the input "0", a match will occur immediately since position + (".") allows for zero occurrences of the preceding construct. The + input "00" can thus never be produced in this digit map. + + Given the input "1", only a partial match exists. The input "12" is + also only a partial match, however both "11" and "121" are a match. + + Given the input "2", a partial match exists. A partial match also + exists for the input "23", "234", "2345", etc. A full match does not + occur here until a "#" is generated, e.g., "2345#". The input "2#" + would also have been a match. + + Note that digit maps simply define a way of matching sequences of + event codes against a grammar. Although digit maps as defined here + are for DTMF input, extension packages can also be defined so that + digit maps can be used for other types of input represented by event + codes that adhere to the digit map syntax already defined for these + event codes (e.g., "1" or "T"). Where such usage is envisioned, the + definition of the particular event(s) SHOULD explicitly state that in + the package definition. + + Since digit maps are not bounded in size, it is RECOMMENDED that + gateways support digit maps up to at least 2048 bytes per endpoint. + +2.1.6 Packages + + MGCP is a modular and extensible protocol, however with extensibility + comes the need to manage, identify, and name the individual + extensions. This is achieved by the concept of packages, which are + simply well-defined groupings of extensions. For example, one + package may support a certain group of events and signals, e.g., + off-hook and ringing, for analog access lines. Another package may + support another group of events and signals for analog access lines + or for another type of endpoint such as video. One or more packages + may be supported by a given endpoint. + + MGCP allows the following types of extensions to be defined in a + package: + + * BearerInformation + + * LocalConnectionOptions + + * ExtensionParameters + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 26] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * ConnectionModes + + * Events + + * Signals + + * Actions + + * DigitMapLetters + + * ConnectionParameters + + * RestartMethods + + * ReasonCodes + + * Return codes + + each of which will be explained in more detail below. The rules for + defining each of these extensions in a package are described in + Section 6, and the encoding and syntax are defined in Section 3 and + Appendix A. + + With the exception of DigitMapLetters, a package defines a separate + name space for each type of extension by adding the package name as a + prefix to the extension, i.e.: + + package-name/extension + + Thus the package-name is followed by a slash ("/") and the name of + the extension. + + An endpoint supporting one or more packages may define one of those + packages as the default package for the endpoint. Use of the package + name for events and signals in the default package for an endpoint is + OPTIONAL, however it is RECOMMENDED to always include the package + name. All other extensions, except DigitMapLetter, defined in the + package MUST include the package-name when referring to the + extension. + + Package names are case insensitive strings of letters, hyphens and + digits, with the restriction that hyphens shall never be the first or + last character in a name. Examples of package names are "D", "T", + and "XYZ". Package names are not case sensitive - names such as + "XYZ", "xyz", and "xYz" are equal. + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 27] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Package definitions will be provided in other documents and with + package names and extensions names registered with IANA. For more + details, refer to section 6. + + Implementers can gain experience by using experimental packages. The + name of an experimental package MUST start with the two characters + "x-"; the IANA SHALL NOT register package names that start with these + characters, or the characters "x+", which are reserved. A gateway + that receives a command referring to an unsupported package MUST + return an error (error code 518 - unsupported package, is + RECOMMENDED). + +2.1.7 Events and Signals + + The concept of events and signals is central to MGCP. A Call Agent + may ask to be notified about certain events occurring in an endpoint + (e.g., off-hook events) by including the name of the event in a + RequestedEvents parameter (in a NotificationRequest command - see + Section 2.3.3). + + A Call Agent may also request certain signals to be applied to an + endpoint (e.g., dial-tone) by supplying the name of the event in a + SignalRequests parameter. + + Events and signals are grouped in packages, within which they share + the same name space which we will refer to as event names in the + following. Event names are case insensitive strings of letters, + hyphens and digits, with the restriction that hyphens SHALL NOT be + the first or last character in a name. Some event codes may need to + be parameterized with additional data, which is accomplished by + adding the parameters between a set of parentheses. Event names are + not case sensitive - values such as "hu", "Hu", "HU" or "hU" are + equal. + + Examples of event names can be "hu" (off hook or "hang-up" + transition), "hf" (hook-flash) or "0" (the digit zero). + + The package name is OPTIONAL for events in the default package for an + endpoint, however it is RECOMMENDED to always include the package + name. If the package name is excluded from the event name, the + default package name for that endpoint MUST be assumed. For example, + for an analog access line which has the line package ("L") as a + default with dial-tone ("dl") as one of the events in that package, + the following two event names are equal: + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 28] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + L/dl + + and + + dl + + For any other non-default packages that are associated with that + endpoint, (such as the generic package for an analog access + endpoint-type for example), the package name MUST be included with + the event name. Again, unconditional inclusion of the package name + is RECOMMENDED. + + Digits, or letters, are supported in some packages, notably "DTMF". + Digits and letters are defined by the rules "Digit" and "Letter" in + the definition of digit maps. This definition refers to the digits + (0 to 9), to the asterisk or star ("*") and orthotrope, number or + pound sign ("#"), and to the letters "A", "B", "C" and "D", as well + as the timer indication "T". These letters can be combined in "digit + string" that represents the keys that a user punched on a dial. In + addition, the letter "X" can be used to represent all digits (0 to + 9). Also, extensions MAY define use of other letters. The need to + easily express the digit strings in earlier versions of the protocol + has a consequence on the form of event names: + + An event name that does not denote a digit MUST always contain at + least one character that is neither a digit, nor one of the letters + A, B, C, D, T or X (such names also MUST NOT just contain the special + signs "*", or "#"). Event names consisting of more than one + character however may use any of the above. + + A Call Agent may often have to ask a gateway to detect a group of + events. Two conventions can be used to denote such groups: + + * The "*" and "all" wildcard conventions (see below) can be used to + detect any event belonging to a package, or a given event in many + packages, or any event in any package supported by the gateway. + + * The regular expression Range notation can be used to detect a range + of digits. + + The star sign (*) can be used as a wildcard instead of a package + name, and the keyword "all" can be used as a wildcard instead of an + event name: + + * A name such as "foo/all" denotes all events in package "foo". + + * A name such as "*/bar" denotes the event "bar" in any package + supported by the gateway. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 29] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * The name "*/all" denotes all events supported by the endpoint. + + This specification purposely does not define any additional detail + for the "all packages" and "all events" wildcards. They provide + limited benefits, but introduce significant complexity along with the + potential for errors. Their use is consequently strongly + discouraged. + + The Call Agent can ask a gateway to detect a set of digits or letters + either by individually describing those letters, or by using the + "range" notation defined in the syntax of digit strings. For + example, the Call Agent can: + + * Use the letter "x" to denote" digits from 0 to 9. + * Use the notation "[0-9#]" to denote the digits 0 to 9 and the pound + sign. + + The individual event codes are still defined in a package though + (e.g., the "DTMF" package). + + Events can by default only be generated and detected on endpoints, + however events can be also be defined so they can be generated or + detected on connections rather than on the endpoint itself (see + Section 6.6). For example, gateways may be asked to provide a + ringback tone on a connection. When an event is to be applied on a + connection, the name of the connection MUST be added to the name of + the event, using an "at" sign (@) as a delimiter, as in: + + G/rt@0A3F58 + + where "G" is the name of the package and "rt" is the name of the + event. Should the connection be deleted while an event or signal is + being detected or applied on it, that particular event detection or + signal generation simply stops. Depending on the signal, this may + generate a failure (see below). + + The wildcard character "*" (star) can be used to denote "all + connections". When this convention is used, the gateway will + generate or detect the event on all the connections that are + connected to the endpoint. This applies to existing as well as + future connections created on the endpoint. An example of this + convention could be: + + R/qa@* + + where "R" is the name of the package and "qa" is the name of the + event. + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 30] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + When processing a command using the "all connections" wildcard, the + "*" wildcard character applies to all current and future connections + on the endpoint, however it will not be expanded. If a subsequent + command either explicitly (e.g., by auditing) or implicitly (e.g., by + persistence) refers to such an event, the "*" value will be used. + However, when the event is actually observed, that particular + occurrence of the event will include the name of the specific + connection it occurred on. + + The wildcard character "$" can be used to denote "the current + connection". It can only be used by the Call Agent, when the event + notification request is "encapsulated" within a connection creation + or modification command. When this convention is used, the gateway + will generate or detect the event on the connection that is currently + being created or modified. An example of this convention is: + + G/rt@$ + + When processing a command using the "current connection" wildcard, + the "$" wildcard character will be expanded to the value of the + current connection. If a subsequent command either explicitly (e.g., + by auditing) or implicitly (e.g., by persistence) refers to such an + event, the expanded value will be used. In other words, the "current + connection" wildcard is expanded once, which is at the initial + processing of the command in which it was explicitly included. + + The connection id, or a wildcard replacement, can be used in + conjunction with the "all packages" and "all events" conventions. For + example, the notation: + + */all@* + + can be used to designate all events on all current and future + connections on the endpoint. However, as mentioned before, the use + of the "all packages" and "all events" wildcards are strongly + discouraged. + + Signals are divided into different types depending on their behavior: + + * On/off (OO): Once applied, these signals last until they are + turned off. This can only happen as the result of a reboot/restart + or a new SignalRequests where the signal is explicitly turned off + (see later). Signals of type OO are defined to be idempotent, thus + multiple requests to turn a given OO signal on (or off) are + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 31] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + perfectly valid and MUST NOT result in any errors. An On/Off + signal could be a visual message-waiting indicator (VMWI). Once + turned on, it MUST NOT be turned off until explicitly instructed to + by the Call Agent, or as a result of an endpoint restart, i.e., + these signals will not turn off as a result of the detection of a + requested event. + + * Time-out (TO): Once applied, these signals last until they are + either cancelled (by the occurrence of an event or by not being + included in a subsequent (possibly empty) list of signals), or a + signal-specific period of time has elapsed. A TO signal that times + out will generate an "operation complete" event. A TO signal could + be "ringback" timing out after 180 seconds. If an event occurs + prior to the 180 seconds, the signal will, by default, be stopped + (the "Keep signals active" action - see Section 2.3.3 - will + override this behavior). If the signal is not stopped, the signal + will time out, stop and generate an "operation complete" event, + about which the Call Agent may or may not have requested to be + notified. If the Call Agent has asked for the "operation complete" + event to be notified, the "operation complete" event sent to the + Call Agent SHALL include the name(s) of the signal(s) that timed + out (note that if parameters were passed to the signal, the + parameters will not be reported). If the signal was generated on a + connection, the name of the connection SHALL be included as + described above. Time-out signals have a default time-out value + defined for them, which MAY be altered by the provisioning process. + Also, the time-out period may be provided as a parameter to the + signal (see Section 3.2.2.4). A value of zero indicates that the + time-out period is infinite. A TO signal that fails after being + started, but before having generated an "operation complete" event + will generate an "operation failure" event which will include the + name of the signal that failed. Deletion of a connection with an + active TO signal will result in such a failure. + + * Brief (BR): The duration of these signals is normally so short + that they stop on their own. If a signal stopping event occurs, or + a new SignalRequests is applied, a currently active BR signal will + not stop. However, any pending BR signals not yet applied MUST be + cancelled (a BR signal becomes pending if a NotificationRequest + includes a BR signal, and there is already an active BR signal). As + an example, a brief tone could be a DTMF digit. If the DTMF digit + "1" is currently being played, and a signal stopping event occurs, + the "1" would play to completion. If a request to play DTMF digit + "2" arrives before DTMF digit "1" finishes playing, DTMF digit "2" + would become pending. + + Signal(s) generated on a connection MUST include the name of that + connection. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 32] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +2.2 Usage of SDP + + The Call Agent uses the MGCP to provide the endpoint with the + description of connection parameters such as IP addresses, UDP port + and RTP profiles. These descriptions will follow the conventions + delineated in the Session Description Protocol which is now an IETF + proposed standard, documented in RFC 2327. + +2.3 Gateway Control Commands + +2.3.1 Overview of Commands + + This section describes the commands of the MGCP. The service + consists of connection handling and endpoint handling commands. + There are currently nine commands in the protocol: + + * The Call Agent can issue an EndpointConfiguration command to a + gateway, instructing the gateway about the coding characteristics + expected by the "line-side" of the endpoint. + + * The Call Agent can issue a NotificationRequest command to a + gateway, instructing the gateway to watch for specific events such + as hook actions or DTMF tones on a specified endpoint. + + * The gateway will then use the Notify command to inform the Call + Agent when the requested events occur. + + * The Call Agent can use the CreateConnection command to create a + connection that terminates in an "endpoint" inside the gateway. + + * The Call Agent can use the ModifyConnection command to change the + parameters associated with a previously established connection. + + * The Call Agent can use the DeleteConnection command to delete an + existing connection. The DeleteConnection command may also be used + by a gateway to indicate that a connection can no longer be + sustained. + + * The Call Agent can use the AuditEndpoint and AuditConnection + commands to audit the status of an "endpoint" and any connections + associated with it. Network management beyond the capabilities + provided by these commands is generally desirable. Such + capabilities are expected to be supported by the use of the Simple + Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and definition of a MIB which is + outside the scope of this specification. + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 33] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * The Gateway can use the RestartInProgress command to notify the + Call Agent that a group of endpoints managed by the gateway is + being taken out-of-service or is being placed back in-service. + + These services allow a controller (normally, the Call Agent) to + instruct a gateway on the creation of connections that terminate in + an "endpoint" attached to the gateway, and to be informed about + events occurring at the endpoint. An endpoint may be for example: + + * A specific trunk circuit, within a trunk group terminating in a + gateway, + + * A specific announcement handled by an announcement server. + + Connections are logically grouped into "calls" (the concept of a + "call" has however little semantic meaning in MGCP itself). Several + connections, that may or may not belong to the same call, can + terminate in the same endpoint. Each connection is qualified by a + "mode" parameter, which can be set to "send only" (sendonly), + "receive only" (recvonly), "send/receive" (sendrecv), "conference" + (confrnce), "inactive" (inactive), "loopback", "continuity test" + (conttest), "network loop back" (netwloop) or "network continuity + test" (netwtest). + + Media generated by the endpoint is sent on connections whose mode is + either "send only", "send/receive", or "conference", unless the + endpoint has a connection in "loopback" or "continuity test" mode. + However, media generated by applying a signal to a connection is + always sent on the connection, regardless of the mode. + + The handling of the media streams received on connections is + determined by the mode parameters: + + * Media streams received through connections in "receive", + "conference" or "send/receive" mode are mixed and sent to the + endpoint, unless the endpoint has another connection in "loopback" + or "continuity test" mode. + + * Media streams originating from the endpoint are transmitted over + all the connections whose mode is "send", "conference" or + "send/receive", unless the endpoint has another connection in + "loopback" or "continuity test" mode. + + * In addition to being sent to the endpoint, a media stream received + through a connection in "conference" mode is forwarded to all the + other connections whose mode is "conference". This also applies + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 34] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + when the endpoint has a connection in "loopback" or "continuity + test" mode. The details of this forwarding, e.g., RTP translator + or mixer, is outside the scope of this document. + + Note that in order to detect events on a connection, the connection + must by default be in one of the modes "receive", "conference", + "send/receive", "network loopback" or "network continuity test". The + event detection only applies to the incoming media. Connections in + "sendonly", "inactive", "loopback", or "continuity test" mode will + thus normally not detect any events, although requesting to do so is + not considered an error. + + The "loopback" and "continuity test" modes are used during + maintenance and continuity test operations. An endpoint may have + more than one connection in either "loopback" or "continuity test" + mode. As long as there is one connection in that particular mode, + and no other connection on the endpoint is placed in a different + maintenance or test mode, the maintenance or test operation shall + continue undisturbed. There are two flavors of continuity test, one + specified by ITU and one used in the US. In the first case, the test + is a loopback test. The originating switch will send a tone (the go + tone) on the bearer circuit and expects the terminating switch to + loopback the tone. If the originating switch sees the same tone + returned (the return tone), the COT has passed. If not, the COT has + failed. In the second case, the go and return tones are different. + The originating switch sends a certain go tone. The terminating + switch detects the go tone, it asserts a different return tone in the + backwards direction. When the originating switch detects the return + tone, the COT is passed. If the originating switch never detects the + return tone, the COT has failed. + + If the mode is set to "loopback", the gateway is expected to return + the incoming signal from the endpoint back into that same endpoint. + This procedure will be used, typically, for testing the continuity of + trunk circuits according to the ITU specifications. If the mode is + set to "continuity test", the gateway is informed that the other end + of the circuit has initiated a continuity test procedure according to + the GR specification (see [22]). The gateway will place the circuit + in the transponder mode required for dual-tone continuity tests. + + If the mode is set to "network loopback", the audio signals received + from the connection will be echoed back on the same connection. The + media is not forwarded to the endpoint. + + If the mode is set to "network continuity test", the gateway will + process the packets received from the connection according to the + transponder mode required for dual-tone continuity test, and send the + processed signal back on the connection. The media is not forwarded + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 35] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + to the endpoint. The "network continuity test" mode is included for + backwards compatibility only and use of it is discouraged. + +2.3.2 EndpointConfiguration + + The EndpointConfiguration command can be used to specify the encoding + of the signals that will be received by the endpoint. For example, + in certain international telephony configurations, some calls will + carry mu-law encoded audio signals, while others will use A-law. The + Call Agent can use the EndpointConfiguration command to pass this + information to the gateway. The configuration may vary on a call by + call basis, but can also be used in the absence of any connection. + + ReturnCode, + [PackageList] + <-- EndpointConfiguration(EndpointId, + [BearerInformation]) + + EndpointId is the name of the endpoint(s) in the gateway where + EndpointConfiguration executes. The "any of" wildcard convention + MUST NOT be used. If the "all of" wildcard convention is used, the + command applies to all the endpoints whose name matches the wildcard. + + BearerInformation is a parameter defining the coding of the data sent + to and received from the line side. The information is encoded as a + list of sub-parameters. The only sub-parameter defined in this + version of the specification is the bearer encoding, whose value can + be set to "A-law" or "mu-law". The set of sub-parameters may be + extended. + + In order to allow for extensibility, while remaining backwards + compatible, the BearerInformation parameter is conditionally optional + based on the following conditions: + + * if Extension Parameters (vendor, package or other) are not used, + the BearerInformation parameter is REQUIRED, + + * otherwise, the BearerInformation parameter is OPTIONAL. + + When omitted, BearerInformation MUST retain its current value. + + ReturnCode is a parameter returned by the gateway. It indicates the + outcome of the command and consists of an integer number optionally + followed by commentary. + + PackageList is a list of supported packages that MAY be included with + error code 518 (unsupported package). + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 36] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +2.3.3 NotificationRequest + + The NotificationRequest command is used to request the gateway to + send notifications upon the occurrence of specified events in an + endpoint. For example, a notification may be requested for when a + gateway detects that an endpoint is receiving tones associated with + fax communication. The entity receiving this notification may then + decide to specify use of a different type of encoding method in the + connections bound to this endpoint and instruct the gateway + accordingly with a ModifyConnection Command. + + ReturnCode, + [PackageList] + <-- NotificationRequest(EndpointId, + [NotifiedEntity,] + [RequestedEvents,] + RequestIdentifier, + [DigitMap,] + [SignalRequests,] + [QuarantineHandling,] + [DetectEvents,] + [encapsulated EndpointConfiguration]) + + EndpointId is the identifier for the endpoint(s) in the the gateway + where the NotificationRequest executes. The "any of" wildcard MUST + NOT be used. + + NotifiedEntity is an optional parameter that specifies a new + "notified entity" for the endpoint. + + RequestIdentifier is used to correlate this request with the + notifications that it triggers. It will be repeated in the + corresponding Notify command. + + RequestedEvents is a list of events, possibly qualified by event + parameters (see Section 3.2.2.4), that the gateway is requested to + detect and report. Such events may include, for example, fax tones, + continuity tones, or on-hook transition. Unless otherwise specified, + events are detected on the endpoint, however some events can be + detected on a connection. A given event MUST NOT appear more than + once in a RequestedEvents. If the parameter is omitted, it defaults + to empty. + + To each event is associated one or more actions, which can be: + + * Notify the event immediately, together with the accumulated list of + observed events, + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 37] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * Swap audio, + + * Accumulate the event in an event buffer, but don't notify yet, + + * Accumulate according to Digit Map, + + * Keep Signal(s) active, + + * Process the Embedded Notification Request, + + * Ignore the event. + + Support for Notify, Accumulate, Keep Signal(s) Active, Embedded + Notification Request, and Ignore is REQUIRED. Support for Accumulate + according to Digit Map is REQUIRED on any endpoint capable of + detecting DTMF. Support for any other action is OPTIONAL. The set + of actions can be extended. + + A given action can by default be specified for any event, although + some actions will not make sense for all events. For example, an + off-hook event with the Accumulate according to Digit Map action is + valid, but will of course immediately trigger a digit map mismatch + when the off-hook event occurs. Needless to say, such practice is + discouraged. + + Some actions can be combined as shown in the table below, where "Y" + means the two actions can be combined, and "N" means they cannot: + + -------------------------------------------------------------- + | | Notif | Swap | Accum | AccDi | KeSiA | EmbNo | Ignor | + |--------------------------------------------------------------| + | Notif | N | Y | N | N | Y | Y* | N | + | Swap | - | N | Y | N | N | N | Y | + | Accum | - | - | N | N | Y | Y | N | + | AccDi | - | - | - | N | Y | N | N | + | KeSiA | - | - | - | - | N | Y | Y | + | EmbNo | - | - | - | - | - | N | N | + | Ignor | - | - | - | - | - | - | N | + -------------------------------------------------------------- + + Note (*): The "Embedded Notification Request" can only be + combined with "Notify", if the gateway is allowed to issue more + than one Notify command per Notification request (see below and + Section 4.4.1). + + If no action is specified, the Notify action will be applied. If one + or more actions are specified, only those actions apply. When two or + more actions are specified, each action MUST be combinable with all + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 38] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + the other actions as defined by the table above - the individual + actions are assumed to occur simultaneously. + + If a client receives a request with an invalid or unsupported action + or an illegal combination of actions, it MUST return an error to the + Call Agent (error code 523 - unknown or illegal combination of + actions, is RECOMMENDED). + + In addition to the RequestedEvents parameter specified in the + command, some MGCP packages may contain "persistent events" (this is + generally discouraged though - see Appendix B for an alternative). + Persistent events in a given package are always detected on an + endpoint that implements that package. If a persistent event is not + included in the list of RequestedEvents, and the event occurs, the + event will be detected anyway and processed like all other events, as + if the persistent event had been requested with a Notify action. A + NotificationRequest MUST still be in place for a persistent event to + trigger a Notify though. Thus, informally, persistent events can be + viewed as always being implicitly included in the list of + RequestedEvents with an action to Notify, although no glare + detection, etc., will be performed. + + Non-persistent events are those events that need to be explicitly + included in the RequestedEvents list. The (possibly empty) list of + requested events completely replaces the previous list of requested + events. In addition to the persistent events, only the events + specified in the requested events list will be detected by the + endpoint. If a persistent event is included in the RequestedEvents + list, the action specified will replace the default action associated + with the event for the life of the RequestedEvents list, after which + the default action is restored. For example, if "off-hook"was a + persistent event, the "Ignore off-hook" action was specified, and a + new request without any off-hook instructions were received, the + default "Notify off-hook" operation would be restored. + + The gateway will detect the union of the persistent events and the + requested events. If an event is not included in either list, it + will be ignored. + + The Call Agent can send a NotificationRequest with an empty (or + omitted) RequestedEvents list to the gateway. The Call Agent can do + so, for example, to a gateway when it does not want to collect any + more DTMF digits. However, persistent events will still be detected + and notified. + + The Swap Audio action can be used when a gateway handles more than + one connection on an endpoint. This will be the case for call + waiting, and possibly other feature scenarios. In order to avoid the + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 39] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + round-trip to the Call Agent when just changing which connection is + attached to the audio functions of the endpoint, the + NotificationRequest can map an event (usually hook flash, but could + be some other event) to a local swap audio function, which selects + the "next" connection in a round robin fashion. If there is only one + connection, this action is effectively a no-op. If there are more + than two connections, the order is undefined. If the endpoint has + exactly two connections, one of which is "inactive", the other of + which is in "send/receive" mode, then swap audio will attempt to make + the "send/receive" connection "inactive", and vice versa. This + specification intentionally does not provide any additional detail on + the swap audio action. + + If signal(s) are desired to start when an event being looked for + occurs, the "Embedded NotificationRequest" action can be used. The + embedded NotificationRequest may include a new list of + RequestedEvents, SignalRequests and a new digit map as well. The + semantics of the embedded NotificationRequest is as if a new + NotificationRequest was just received with the same NotifiedEntity, + RequestIdentifier, QuarantineHandling and DetectEvents. When the + "Embedded NotificationRequest" is activated, the "current dial + string" will be cleared; however the list of observed events and the + quarantine buffer will be unaffected (if combined with a Notify, the + Notify will clear the list of observed events though - see Section + 4.4.1). Note, that the Embedded NotificationRequest action does not + accumulate the triggering event, however it can be combined with the + Accumulate action to achieve that. If the Embedded + NotificationRequest fails, an Embedded NotificationRequest failure + event SHOULD be generated (see Appendix B). + + MGCP implementations SHALL be able to support at least one level of + embedding. An embedded NotificationRequest that respects this + limitation MUST NOT contain another Embedded NotificationRequest. + + DigitMap is an optional parameter that allows the Call Agent to + provision the endpoint with a digit map according to which digits + will be accumulated. If this optional parameter is absent, the + previously defined value is retained. This parameter MUST be + defined, either explicitly or through a previous command, if the + RequestedEvents parameter contains a request to "accumulate according + to the digit map". The collection of these digits will result in a + digit string. The digit string is initialized to a null string upon + reception of the NotificationRequest, so that a subsequent + notification only returns the digits that were collected after this + request. Digits that were accumulated according to the digit map are + reported as any other accumulated event, in the order in which they + occur. It is therefore possible that other events accumulated are + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 40] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + found in between the list of digits. If the gateway is requested to + "accumulate according to digit map" and the gateway currently does + not have a digit map for the endpoint in question, the gateway MUST + return an error (error code 519 - endpoint does not have a digit map, + is RECOMMENDED). + + SignalRequests is an optional parameter that contains the set of + signals that the gateway is asked to apply. When omitted, it + defaults to empty. When multiple signals are specified, the signals + MUST be applied in parallel. Unless otherwise specified, signals are + applied to the endpoint. However some signals can be applied to a + connection. Signals are identified by their name, which is an event + name, and may be qualified by signal parameters (see Section + 3.2.2.4). The following are examples of signals: + + * Ringing, + + * Busy tone, + + * Call waiting tone, + + * Off hook warning tone, + + * Ringback tones on a connection. + + Names and descriptions of signals are defined in the appropriate + package. + + Signals are, by default, applied to endpoints. If a signal applied + to an endpoint results in the generation of a media stream (audio, + video, etc.), then by default the media stream MUST NOT be forwarded + on any connection associated with that endpoint, regardless of the + mode of the connection. For example, if a call-waiting tone is + applied to an endpoint involved in an active call, only the party + using the endpoint in question will hear the call-waiting tone. + However, individual signals may define a different behavior. + + When a signal is applied to a connection that has received a + RemoteConnectionDescriptor, the media stream generated by that signal + will be forwarded on the connection regardless of the current mode of + the connection (including loopback and continuity test). If a + RemoteConnectionDescriptor has not been received, the gateway MUST + return an error (error code 527 - missing RemoteConnectionDescriptor, + is RECOMMENDED). Note that this restriction does not apply to + detecting events on a connection. + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 41] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + When a (possibly empty) list of signal(s) is supplied, this list + completely replaces the current list of active time-out signals. + Currently active time-out signals that are not provided in the new + list MUST be stopped and the new signal(s) provided will now become + active. Currently active time-out signals that are provided in the + new list of signals MUST remain active without interruption, thus the + timer for such time-out signals will not be affected. Consequently, + there is currently no way to restart the timer for a currently active + time-out signal without turning the signal off first. If the time- + out signal is parameterized, the original set of parameters MUST + remain in effect, regardless of what values are provided + subsequently. A given signal MUST NOT appear more than once in a + SignalRequests. Note that applying a signal S to an endpoint, + connection C1 and connection C2, constitutes three different and + independent signals. + + The action triggered by the SignalRequests is synchronized with the + collection of events specified in the RequestedEvents parameter. For + example, if the NotificationRequest mandates "ringing" and the + RequestedEvents asks to look for an "off-hook" event, the ringing + SHALL stop as soon as the gateway detects an off-hook event. The + formal definition is that the generation of all "Time Out" signals + SHALL stop as soon as one of the requested events is detected, unless + the "Keep signals active" action is associated to the detected event. + The RequestedEvents and SignalRequests may refer to the same event + definitions. In one case, the gateway is asked to detect the + occurrence of the event, and in the other case it is asked to + generate it. The specific events and signals that a given endpoint + can detect or perform are determined by the list of packages that are + supported by that endpoint. Each package specifies a list of events + and signals that can be detected or performed. A gateway that is + requested to detect or perform an event belonging to a package that + is not supported by the specified endpoint MUST return an error + (error code 518 - unsupported or unknown package, is RECOMMENDED). + When the event name is not qualified by a package name, the default + package name for the endpoint is assumed. If the event name is not + registered in this default package, the gateway MUST return an error + (error code 522 - no such event or signal, is RECOMMENDED). + + The Call Agent can send a NotificationRequest whose requested signal + list is empty. It will do so for example when a time-out signal(s) + should stop. + + If signal(s) are desired to start as soon as a "looked-for" event + occurs, the "Embedded NotificationRequest" action can be used. The + embedded NotificationRequest may include a new list of + RequestedEvents, SignalRequests and a new Digit Map as well. The + embedded NotificationRequest action allows the Call Agent to set up a + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 42] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + "mini-script" to be processed by the gateway immediately following + the detection of the associated event. Any SignalRequests specified + in the embedded NotificationRequest will start immediately. + Considerable care must be taken to prevent discrepancies between the + Call Agent and the gateway. However, long-term discrepancies should + not occur as a new SignalRequests completely replaces the old list of + active time-out signals, and BR-type signals always stop on their + own. Limiting the number of On/Off-type signals is encouraged. It + is considered good practice for a Call Agent to occasionally turn on + all On/Off signals that should be on, and turn off all On/Off signals + that should be off. + + The Ignore action can be used to ignore an event, e.g., to prevent a + persistent event from being notified. However, the synchronization + between the event and an active time-out signal will still occur by + default (e.g., a time-out dial-tone signal will stop when an off-hook + occurs even if off-hook was a requested event with action "Ignore"). + To prevent this synchronization from happening, the "Keep Signal(s) + Active" action will have to be specified as well. + + The optional QuarantineHandling parameter specifies the handling of + "quarantine" events, i.e., events that have been detected by the + gateway before the arrival of this NotificationRequest command, but + have not yet been notified to the Call Agent. The parameter provides + a set of handling options (see Section 4.4.1 for details): + + * whether the quarantined events should be processed or discarded + (the default is to process them). + + * whether the gateway is expected to generate at most one + notification (step by step), or multiple notifications (loop), in + response to this request (the default is at most one). + + When the parameter is absent, the default value is assumed. + + We should note that the quarantine-handling parameter also governs + the handling of events that were detected and processed but not yet + notified when the command is received. + + DetectEvents is an optional parameter, possibly qualified by event + parameters, that specifies a list of events that the gateway is + requested to detect during the quarantine period. When this + parameter is absent, the events to be detected in the quarantine + period are those listed in the last received DetectEvents list. In + addition, the gateway will also detect persistent events and the + events specified in the RequestedEvents list, including those for + which the "ignore" action is specified. + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 43] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Some events and signals, such as the in-line ringback or the quality + alert, are performed or detected on connections terminating in the + endpoint rather than on the endpoint itself. The structure of the + event names (see Section 2.1.7) allows the Call Agent to specify the + connection(s) on which the events should be performed or detected. + + The NotificationRequest command may carry an encapsulated + EndpointConfiguration command, that will apply to the same + endpoint(s). When this command is present, the parameters of the + EndpointConfiguration command are included with the normal parameters + of the NotificationRequest, with the exception of the EndpointId, + which is not replicated. + + The encapsulated EndpointConfiguration command shares the fate of the + NotificationRequest command. If the NotificationRequest is rejected, + the EndpointConfiguration is not executed. + + ReturnCode is a parameter returned by the gateway. It indicates the + outcome of the command and consists of an integer number optionally + followed by commentary. + + PackageList is a list of supported packages that MAY be included with + error code 518 (unsupported package). + +2.3.4 Notify + + Notifications with the observed events are sent by the gateway via + the Notify command when a triggering event occurs. + + ReturnCode, + [PackageList] + <-- Notify(EndpointId, + [NotifiedEntity,] + RequestIdentifier, + ObservedEvents) + + EndpointId is the name for the endpoint in the gateway which is + issuing the Notify command. The identifier MUST be a fully qualified + endpoint identifier, including the domain name of the gateway. The + local part of the name MUST NOT use any of the wildcard conventions. + + NotifiedEntity is a parameter that identifies the entity which + requested the notification. This parameter is equal to the + NotifiedEntity parameter of the NotificationRequest that triggered + this notification. The parameter is absent if there was no such + parameter in the triggering request. Regardless of the value of the + NotifiedEntity parameter, the notification MUST be sent to the + current "notified entity" for the endpoint. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 44] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + RequestIdentifier is a parameter that repeats the RequestIdentifier + parameter of the NotificationRequest that triggered this + notification. It is used to correlate this notification with the + request that triggered it. Persistent events will be viewed here as + if they had been included in the last NotificationRequest. An + implicit NotificationRequest MAY be in place right after restart - + the RequestIdentifier used for it will be zero ("0") - see Section + 4.4.1 for details. + + ObservedEvents is a list of events that the gateway detected and + accumulated. A single notification may report a list of events that + will be reported in the order in which they were detected (FIFO). + + The list will only contain the identification of events that were + requested in the RequestedEvents parameter of the triggering + NotificationRequest. It will contain the events that were either + accumulated (but not notified) or treated according to digit map (but + no match yet), and the final event that triggered the notification or + provided a final match in the digit map. It should be noted that + digits MUST be added to the list of observed events as they are + accumulated, irrespective of whether they are accumulated according + to the digit map or not. For example, if a user enters the digits + "1234" and some event E is accumulated between the digits "3" and "4" + being entered, the list of observed events would be "1, 2, 3, E, 4". + Events that were detected on a connection SHALL include the name of + that connection as in "R/qa@0A3F58" (see Section 2.1.7). + + If the list of ObservedEvents reaches the capacity of the endpoint, + an ObservedEvents Full event (see Appendix B) SHOULD be generated + (the endpoint shall ensure it has capacity to include this event in + the list of ObservedEvents). If the ObservedEvents Full event is not + used to trigger a Notify, event processing continues as before + (including digit map matching); however, the subsequent events will + not be included in the list of ObservedEvents. + + ReturnCode is a parameter returned by the Call Agent. It indicates + the outcome of the command and consists of an integer number + optionally followed by commentary. + + PackageList is a list of supported packages that MAY be included with + error code 518 (unsupported package). + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 45] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +2.3.5 CreateConnection + + This command is used to create a connection between two endpoints. + + ReturnCode, + [ConnectionId,] + [SpecificEndPointId,] + [LocalConnectionDescriptor,] + [SecondEndPointId,] + [SecondConnectionId,] + [PackageList] + <-- CreateConnection(CallId, + EndpointId, + [NotifiedEntity,] + [LocalConnectionOptions,] + Mode, + [{RemoteConnectionDescriptor | + SecondEndpointId}, ] + [Encapsulated NotificationRequest,] + [Encapsulated EndpointConfiguration]) + + A connection is defined by its endpoints. The input parameters in + CreateConnection provide the data necessary to build a gateway's + "view" of a connection. + + CallId is a parameter that identifies the call (or session) to which + this connection belongs. This parameter SHOULD, at a minimum, be + unique within the collection of Call Agents that control the same + gateways. Connections that belong to the same call SHOULD share the + same call-id. The call-id has little semantic meaning in the + protocol; however it can be used to identify calls for reporting and + accounting purposes. It does not affect the handling of connections + by the gateway. + + EndpointId is the identifier for the connection endpoint in the + gateway where CreateConnection executes. The EndpointId can be + fully-specified by assigning a value to the parameter EndpointId in + the function call or it may be under-specified by using the "any of" + wildcard convention. If the endpoint is underspecified, the endpoint + identifier SHALL be assigned by the gateway and its complete value + returned in the SpecificEndPointId parameter of the response. When + the "any of" wildcard is used, the endpoint assigned MUST be in- + service and MUST NOT already have any connections on it. If no such + endpoint is available, error code 410 (no endpoint available) SHOULD + be returned. The "all of" wildcard MUST NOT be used. + + The NotifiedEntity is an optional parameter that specifies a new + "notified entity" for the endpoint. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 46] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + LocalConnectionOptions is an optional structure used by the Call + Agent to direct the handling of the connection by the gateway. The + fields contained in a LocalConnectionOptions structure may include + one or more of the following (each field MUST NOT be supplied more + than once): + + * Codec compression algorithm: One or more codecs, listed in order + of preference. For interoperability, it is RECOMMENDED to support + G.711 mu-law encoding ("PCMU"). See Section 2.6 for details on the + codec selection process. + + * Packetization period: A single millisecond value or a range may be + specified. The packetization period SHOULD NOT contradict the + specification of the codec compression algorithm. If a codec is + specified that has a frame size which is inconsistent with the + packetization period, and that codec is selected, the gateway is + authorized to use a packetization period that is consistent with + the frame size even if it is different from that specified. In so + doing, the gateway SHOULD choose a non-zero packetization period as + close to that specified as possible. If a packetization period is + not specified, the endpoint SHOULD use the default packetization + period(s) for the codec(s) selected. + + * Bandwidth: The allowable bandwidth, i.e., payload plus any header + overhead from the transport layer and up, e.g., IP, UDP, and RTP. + The bandwidth specification SHOULD NOT contradict the specification + of codec compression algorithm or packetization period. If a codec + is specified, then the gateway is authorized to use it, even if it + results in the usage of a larger bandwidth than specified. Any + discrepancy between the bandwidth and codec specification will not + be reported as an error. + + * Type of Service: This indicates the class of service to be used + for this connection. When the Type of Service is not specified, + the gateway SHALL use a default value of zero unless provisioned + otherwise. + + * Usage of echo cancellation: By default, the telephony gateways + always perform echo cancellation on the endpoint. However, it may + be necessary, for some calls, to turn off these operations. The + echo cancellation parameter can have two values, "on" (when the + echo cancellation is requested) and "off" (when it is turned off). + The parameter is optional. If the parameter is omitted when + creating a connection and there are no other connections on the + endpoint, the endpoint SHALL apply echo cancellation initially. If + the parameter is omitted when creating a connection and there are + existing connections on the endpoint, echo cancellation is + unchanged. The endpoint SHOULD subsequently enable or disable echo + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 47] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + cancellation when voiceband data is detected - see e.g., ITU-T + recommendation V.8, V.25, and G.168. Following termination of + voiceband data, the handling of echo cancellation SHALL then revert + to the current value of the echo cancellation parameter. It is + RECOMMENDED that echo cancellation handling is left to the gateway + rather than having this parameter specified by the Call Agent. + + * Silence Suppression: The telephony gateways may perform voice + activity detection, and avoid sending packets during periods of + silence. However, it is necessary, for example for modem calls, to + turn off this detection. The silence suppression parameter can + have two values, "on" (when the detection is requested) and "off" + (when it is not requested). The default is "off" (unless + provisioned otherwise). Upon detecting voiceband data, the + endpoint SHOULD disable silence suppression. Following termination + of voiceband data, the handling of silence suppression SHALL then + revert to the current value of the silence suppression parameter. + + * Gain Control: The telephony gateways may perform gain control on + the endpoint, in order to adapt the level of the signal. However, + it is necessary, for example for some modem calls, to turn off this + function. The gain control parameter may either be specified as + "automatic", or as an explicit number of decibels of gain. The + gain specified will be added to media sent out over the endpoint + (as opposed to the connection) and subtracted from media received + on the endpoint. The parameter is optional. When there are no + other connections on the endpoint, and the parameter is omitted, + the default is to not perform gain control (unless provisioned + otherwise), which is equivalent to specifying a gain of 0 decibels. + If there are other connections on the endpoint, and the parameter + is omitted, gain control is unchanged. Upon detecting voiceband + data, the endpoint SHOULD disable gain control if needed. + Following termination of voiceband data, the handling of gain + control SHALL then revert to the current value of the gain control + parameter. It should be noted, that handling of gain control is + normally best left to the gateway and hence use of this parameter + is NOT RECOMMENDED. + + * RTP security: The Call agent can request the gateway to enable + encryption of the audio Packets. It does so by providing a key + specification, as specified in RFC 2327. By default, encryption is + not performed. + + * Network Type: The Call Agent may instruct the gateway to prepare + the connection on a specified type of network. If absent, the + value is based on the network type of the gateway being used. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 48] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * Resource reservation: The Call Agent may instruct the gateway to + use network resource reservation for the connection. See Section + 2.7 for details. + + The Call Agent specifies the relevant fields it cares about in the + command and leaves the rest to the discretion of the gateway. For + those of the above parameters that were not explicitly included, the + gateway SHOULD use the default values if possible. For a detailed + list of local connection options included with this specification + refer to section 3.2.2.10. The set of local connection options can + be extended. + + The Mode indicates the mode of operation for this side of the + connection. The basic modes are "send", "receive", "send/receive", + "conference", "inactive", "loopback", "continuity test", "network + loop back" and "network continuity test". The expected handling of + these modes is specified in the introduction of the "Gateway Control + Commands", Section 2.3. Note that signals applied to a connection do + not follow the connection mode. Some endpoints may not be capable of + supporting all modes. If the command specifies a mode that the + endpoint does not support, an error SHALL be returned (error 517 - + unsupported mode, is RECOMMENDED). Also, if a connection has not yet + received a RemoteConnectionDescriptor, an error MUST be returned if + the connection is attempted to be placed in any of the modes "send + only", "send/receive", "conference", "network loopback", "network + continuity test", or if a signal (as opposed to detecting an event) + is to be applied to the connection (error code 527 - missing + RemoteConnectionDescriptor, is RECOMMENDED). The set of modes can be + extended. + + The gateway returns a ConnectionId, that uniquely identifies the + connection within the endpoint, and a LocalConnectionDescriptor, + which is a session description that contains information about the + connection, e.g., IP address and port for the media, as defined in + SDP. + + The SpecificEndPointId is an optional parameter that identifies the + responding endpoint. It is returned when the EndpointId argument + referred to an "any of" wildcard name and the command succeeded. + When a SpecificEndPointId is returned, the Call Agent SHALL use it as + the EndpointId value in successive commands referring to this + connection. + + The SecondEndpointId can be used instead of the + RemoteConnectionDescriptor to establish a connection between two + endpoints located on the same gateway. The connection is by + definition a local connection. The SecondEndpointId can be fully- + specified by assigning a value to the parameter SecondEndpointId in + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 49] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + the function call or it may be under-specified by using the "any of" + wildcard convention. If the SecondEndpointId is underspecified, the + second endpoint identifier will be assigned by the gateway and its + complete value returned in the SecondEndPointId parameter of the + response. + + When a SecondEndpointId is specified, the command really creates two + connections that can be manipulated separately through + ModifyConnection and DeleteConnection commands. In addition to the + ConnectionId and LocalConnectionDescriptor for the first connection, + the response to the creation provides a SecondConnectionId parameter + that identifies the second connection. The second connection is + established in "send/receive" mode. + + After receiving a "CreateConnection" request that did not include a + RemoteConnectionDescriptor parameter, a gateway is in an ambiguous + situation. Because it has exported a LocalConnectionDescriptor + parameter, it can potentially receive packets. Because it has not + yet received the RemoteConnectionDescriptor parameter of the other + gateway, it does not know whether the packets that it receives have + been authorized by the Call Agent. It must thus navigate between two + risks, i.e., clipping some important announcements or listening to + insane data. The behavior of the gateway is determined by the value + of the Mode parameter: + + * If the mode was set to ReceiveOnly, the gateway MUST accept the + media and transmit them through the endpoint. + + * If the mode was set to Inactive, Loopback, or Continuity Test, the + gateway MUST NOT transmit the media through to the endpoint. + + Note that the mode values SendReceive, Conference, SendOnly, Network + Loopback and Network Continuity Test do not make sense in this + situation. They MUST be treated as errors, and the command MUST be + rejected (error code 527 - missing RemoteConnectionDescriptor, is + RECOMMENDED). + + The command may optionally contain an encapsulated Notification + Request command, which applies to the EndpointId, in which case a + RequestIdentifier parameter MUST be present, as well as, optionally, + other parameters of the NotificationRequest with the exception of the + EndpointId, which is not replicated. The encapsulated + NotificationRequest is executed simultaneously with the creation of + the connection. For example, when the Call Agent wants to initiate a + call to a residential gateway, it could: + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 50] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * ask the residential gateway to prepare a connection, in order to be + sure that the user can start speaking as soon as the phone goes off + hook, + + * ask the residential gateway to start ringing, + + * ask the residential gateway to notify the Call Agent when the phone + goes off-hook. + + This can be accomplished in a single CreateConnection command, by + also transmitting the RequestedEvents parameters for the off-hook + event, and the SignalRequests parameter for the ringing signal. + + When these parameters are present, the creation and the + NotificationRequest MUST be synchronized, which means that both MUST + be accepted, or both MUST be refused. In our example, the + CreateConnection may be refused if the gateway does not have + sufficient resources, or cannot get adequate resources from the local + network access, and the off-hook NotificationRequest can be refused + in the glare condition, if the user is already off-hook. In this + example, the phone must not ring if the connection cannot be + established, and the connection must not be established if the user + is already off-hook. + + The NotifiedEntity parameter, if present, defines the new "notified + entity" for the endpoint. + + The command may carry an encapsulated EndpointConfiguration command, + which applies to the EndpointId. When this command is present, the + parameters of the EndpointConfiguration command are included with the + normal parameters of the CreateConnection with the exception of the + EndpointId, which is not replicated. The EndpointConfiguration + command may be encapsulated together with an encapsulated + NotificationRequest command. Note that both of these apply to the + EndpointId only. + + The encapsulated EndpointConfiguration command shares the fate of the + CreateConnection command. If the CreateConnection is rejected, the + EndpointConfiguration is not executed. + + ReturnCode is a parameter returned by the gateway. It indicates the + outcome of the command and consists of an integer number optionally + followed by commentary. + + PackageList is a list of supported packages that MAY be included with + error code 518 (unsupported package). + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 51] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +2.3.6 ModifyConnection + + This command is used to modify the characteristics of a gateway's + "view" of a connection. This "view" of the call includes both the + local connection descriptor as well as the remote connection + descriptor. + + ReturnCode, + [LocalConnectionDescriptor,] + [PackageList] + <-- ModifyConnection(CallId, + EndpointId, + ConnectionId, + [NotifiedEntity,] + [LocalConnectionOptions,] + [Mode,] + [RemoteConnectionDescriptor,] + [Encapsulated NotificationRequest,] + [Encapsulated EndpointConfiguration]) + + The parameters used are the same as in the CreateConnection command, + with the addition of a ConnectionId that identifies the connection + within the endpoint. This parameter was returned by the + CreateConnection command, in addition to the local connection + descriptor. It uniquely identifies the connection within the context + of the endpoint. The CallId used when the connection was created + MUST be included as well. + + The EndpointId MUST be a fully qualified endpoint identifier. The + local name MUST NOT use the wildcard conventions. + + The ModifyConnection command can be used to affect parameters of a + connection in the following ways: + + * Provide information about the other end of the connection, through + the RemoteConnectionDescriptor. If the parameter is omitted, it + retains its current value. + + * Activate or deactivate the connection, by changing the value of the + Mode parameter. This can occur at any time during the connection, + with arbitrary parameter values. If the parameter is omitted, it + retains its current value. + + * Change the parameters of the connection through the + LocalConnectionOptions, for example by switching to a different + coding scheme, changing the packetization period, or modifying the + handling of echo cancellation. If one or more + LocalConnectionOptions parameters are omitted, then the gateway + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 52] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + SHOULD refrain from changing that parameter from its current value, + unless another parameter necessitating such a change is explicitly + provided. For example, a codec change might require a change in + silence suppression. Note that if a RemoteConnectionDescriptor is + supplied, then only the LocalConnectionOptions actually supplied + with the ModifyConnection command will affect the codec negotiation + (as described in Section 2.6). + + Connections can only be fully activated if the + RemoteConnectionDescriptor has been provided to the gateway. The + receive-only mode, however, can be activated without the provision of + this descriptor. + + The command will only return a LocalConnectionDescriptor if the local + connection parameters, such as RTP ports, were modified. Thus, if, + for example, only the mode of the connection is changed, a + LocalConnectionDescriptor will not be returned. Note however, that + inclusion of LocalConnectionOptions in the command is not a + prerequisite for local connection parameter changes to occur. If a + connection parameter is omitted, e.g., silence suppression, the old + value of that parameter will be retained if possible. If a parameter + change necessitates a change in one or more unspecified parameters, + the gateway is free to choose suitable values for the unspecified + parameters that must change. This can for instance happen if the + packetization period was not specified. If the new codec supported + the old packetization period, the value of this parameter would not + change, as a change would not be necessary. However, if it did not + support the old packetization period, it would choose a suitable + value. + + The command may optionally contain an encapsulated Notification + Request command, in which case a RequestIdentifier parameter MUST be + present, as well as, optionally, other parameters of the + NotificationRequest with the exception of the EndpointId, which is + not replicated. The encapsulated NotificationRequest is executed + simultaneously with the modification of the connection. For example, + when a connection is accepted, the calling gateway should be + instructed to place the circuit in send-receive mode and to stop + providing ringing tones. This can be accomplished in a single + ModifyConnection command, by also transmitting the RequestedEvents + parameters, for the on-hook event, and an empty SignalRequests + parameter, to stop the provision of ringing tones. + + When these parameters are present, the modification and the + NotificationRequest MUST be synchronized, which means that both MUST + be accepted, or both MUST be refused. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 53] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The NotifiedEntity parameter, if present, defines the new "notified + entity" for the endpoint. + + The command may carry an encapsulated EndpointConfiguration command, + that will apply to the same endpoint. When this command is present, + the parameters of the EndpointConfiguration command are included with + the normal parameters of the ModifyConnection with the exception of + the EndpointId, which is not replicated. The EndpointConfiguration + command may be encapsulated together with an encapsulated + NotificationRequest command. + + The encapsulated EndpointConfiguration command shares the fate of the + ModifyConnection command. If the ModifyConnection is rejected, the + EndpointConfiguration is not executed. + + ReturnCode is a parameter returned by the gateway. It indicates the + outcome of the command and consists of an integer number optionally + followed by commentary. + + PackageList is a list of supported packages that MAY be included with + error code 518 (unsupported package). + +2.3.7 DeleteConnection (from the Call Agent) + + This command is used to terminate a connection. As a side effect, it + collects statistics on the execution of the connection. + + ReturnCode, + ConnectionParameters, + [PackageList] + <-- DeleteConnection(CallId, + EndpointId, + ConnectionId, + [NotifiedEntity,] + [Encapsulated NotificationRequest,] + [Encapsulated EndpointConfiguration]) + + The endpoint identifier, in this form of the DeleteConnection + command, SHALL be fully qualified. Wildcard conventions SHALL NOT be + used. + + The ConnectionId identifies the connection to be deleted. The CallId + used when the connection was created is included as well. + + The NotifiedEntity parameter, if present, defines the new "notified + entity" for the endpoint. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 54] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + In the case of IP multicast, connections can be deleted individually + and independently. However, in the unicast case where a connection + has two ends, a DeleteConnection command has to be sent to both + gateways involved in the connection. After the connection has been + deleted, media streams previously supported by the connection are no + longer available. Any media packets received for the old connection + are simply discarded and no new media packets for the stream are + sent. + + After the connection has been deleted, any loopback that has been + requested for the connection must be cancelled (unless the endpoint + has another connection requesting loopback). + + In response to the DeleteConnection command, the gateway returns a + list of connection parameters that describe statistics for the + connection. + + When the connection was for an Internet media stream, these + parameters are: + + Number of packets sent: + + The total number of media packets transmitted by the sender since + starting transmission on this connection. In the case of RTP, the + count is not reset if the sender changes its synchronization + source identifier (SSRC, as defined in RTP), for example as a + result of a ModifyConnection command. The value is zero if the + connection was always set in "receive only" mode and no signals + were applied to the connection. + + Number of octets sent: + + The total number of payload octets (i.e., not including header or + padding) transmitted in media packets by the sender since starting + transmission on this connection. In the case of RTP, the count is + not reset if the sender changes its SSRC identifier, for example + as a result of a ModifyConnection command. The value is zero if + the connection was always set in "receive only" mode and no + signals were applied to the connection. + + Number of packets received: + + The total number of media packets received by the sender since + starting reception on this connection. In the case of RTP, the + count includes packets received from different SSRC, if the sender + used several values. The value is zero if the connection was + always set in "send only" mode. + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 55] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Number of octets received: + + The total number of payload octets (i.e., not including header, + e.g., RTP, or padding) transmitted in media packets by the sender + since starting transmission on this connection. In the case of + RTP, the count includes packets received from different SSRC, if + the sender used several values. The value is zero if the + connection was always set in "send only" mode. + + Number of packets lost: + + The total number of media packets that have been lost since the + beginning of reception. This number is defined to be the number + of packets expected less the number of packets actually received, + where the number of packets received includes any which are late + or duplicates. For RTP, the count includes packets received from + different SSRC, if the sender used several values. Thus packets + that arrive late are not counted as lost, and the loss may be + negative if there are duplicates. The count includes packets + received from different SSRC, if the sender used several values. + The number of packets expected is defined to be the extended last + sequence number received, as defined next, less the initial + sequence number received. The count includes packets received + from different SSRC, if the sender used several values. The value + is zero if the connection was always set in "send only" mode. + + Interarrival jitter: + + An estimate of the statistical variance of the media packet + interarrival time measured in milliseconds and expressed as an + unsigned integer. For RTP, the interarrival jitter J is defined + to be the mean deviation (smoothed absolute value) of the + difference D in packet spacing at the receiver compared to the + sender for a pair of packets. Detailed computation algorithms are + found in RFC 1889. The count includes packets received from + different SSRC, if the sender used several values. The value is + zero if the connection was always set in "send only" mode. + + Average transmission delay: + + An estimate of the network latency, expressed in milliseconds. For + RTP, this is the average value of the difference between the NTP + timestamp indicated by the senders of the RTCP messages and the + NTP timestamp of the receivers, measured when the messages are + received. The average is obtained by summing all the estimates, + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 56] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + then dividing by the number of RTCP messages that have been + received. When the gateway's clock is not synchronized by NTP, + the latency value can be computed as one half of the round trip + delay, as measured through RTCP. When the gateway cannot compute + the one way delay or the round trip delay, the parameter conveys a + null value. + + For a detailed definition of these variables, refer to RFC 1889. + + When the connection was set up over a LOCAL interconnect, the meaning + of these parameters is defined as follows: + + Number of packets sent: + Not significant - MAY be omitted. + + Number of octets sent: + The total number of payload octets transmitted over the local + connection. + + Number of packets received: + Not significant - MAY be omitted. + + Number of octets received: + The total number of payload octets received over the connection. + + Number of packets lost: + Not significant - MAY be omitted. A value of zero is assumed. + + Interarrival jitter: + Not significant - MAY be omitted. A value of zero is assumed. + + Average transmission delay: + Not significant - MAY be omitted. A value of zero is assumed. + + The set of connection parameters can be extended. Also, the meaning + may be further defined by other types of networks which MAY + furthermore elect to not return all, or even any, of the above + specified parameters. + + The command may optionally contain an encapsulated Notification + Request command, in which case a RequestIdentifier parameter MUST be + present, as well as, optionally, other parameters of the + NotificationRequest with the exception of the EndpointId, which is + not replicated. The encapsulated NotificationRequest is executed + simultaneously with the deletion of the connection. For example, + when a user hang-up is notified, the gateway should be instructed to + delete the connection and to start looking for an off-hook event. + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 57] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + This can be accomplished in a single DeleteConnection command, by + also transmitting the RequestedEvents parameters, for the off-hook + event, and an empty SignalRequests parameter. + + When these parameters are present, the DeleteConnection and the + NotificationRequest must be synchronized, which means that both MUST + be accepted, or both MUST be refused. + + The command may carry an encapsulated EndpointConfiguration command, + that will apply to the same endpoint. When this command is present, + the parameters of the EndpointConfiguration command are included with + the normal parameters of the DeleteConnection with the exception of + the EndpointId, which is not replicated. The EndpointConfiguration + command may be encapsulated together with an encapsulated + NotificationRequest command. + + The encapsulated EndpointConfiguration command shares the fate of the + DeleteConnection command. If the DeleteConnection is rejected, the + EndpointConfiguration is not executed. + + ReturnCode is a parameter returned by the gateway. It indicates the + outcome of the command and consists of an integer number optionally + followed by commentary. + + PackageList is a list of supported packages that MAY be included with + error code 518 (unsupported package). + +2.3.8 DeleteConnection (from the gateway) + + In some rare circumstances, a gateway may have to clear a connection, + for example because it has lost the resource associated with the + connection, or because it has detected that the endpoint no longer is + capable or willing to send or receive media. The gateway may then + terminate the connection by using a variant of the DeleteConnection + command: + + ReturnCode, + [PackageList] + <-- DeleteConnection(CallId, + EndpointId, + ConnectionId, + ReasonCode, + Connection-parameters) + + The EndpointId, in this form of the DeleteConnection command, MUST be + fully qualified. Wildcard conventions MUST NOT be used. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 58] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The ReasonCode is a text string starting with a numeric reason code + and optionally followed by a descriptive text string. The reason + code indicates the cause of the DeleteConnection. A list of reason + codes can be found in Section 2.5. + + In addition to the call, endpoint and connection identifiers, the + gateway will also send the connection parameters that would have been + returned to the Call Agent in response to a DeleteConnection command. + + ReturnCode is a parameter returned by the Call Agent. It indicates + the outcome of the command and consists of an integer number + optionally followed by commentary. + + PackageList is a list of supported packages that MAY be included with + error code 518 (unsupported package). + + Note that use of this command is generally discouraged and should + only be done as a last resort. If a connection can be sustained, + deletion of it should be left to the discretion of the Call Agent + which is in a far better position to make intelligent decisions in + this area. + +2.3.9 DeleteConnection (multiple connections from the Call Agent) + + A variation of the DeleteConnection function can be used by the Call + Agent to delete multiple connections at the same time. Note that + encapsulating other commands with this variation of the + DeleteConnection command is not permitted. The command can be used + to delete all connections that relate to a Call for an endpoint: + + ReturnCode, + [PackageList] + <-- DeleteConnection(CallId, + EndpointId) + + The EndpointId, in this form of the DeleteConnection command, MUST + NOT use the "any of" wildcard. All connections for the endpoint(s) + with the CallId specified will be deleted. Note that the command + will still succeed if there were no connections with the CallId + specified, as long as the EndpointId was valid. However, if the + EndpointId is invalid, the command will fail. The command does not + return any individual statistics or call parameters. + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 59] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + It can also be used to delete all connections that terminate in a + given endpoint: + + ReturnCode, + [PackageList] + <-- DeleteConnection(EndpointId) + + The EndpointId, in this form of the DeleteConnection command, MUST + NOT use the "any of" wildcard. Again, the command succeeds even if + there were no connections on the endpoint(s). + + Finally, Call Agents can take advantage of the hierarchical structure + of endpoint names to delete all the connections that belong to a + group of endpoints. In this case, the "local name" component of the + EndpointId will be specified using the "all of" wildcarding + convention. The "any of" convention SHALL NOT be used. For example, + if endpoint names are structured as the combination of a physical + interface name and a circuit number, as in "X35V3+A4/13", the Call + Agent may replace the circuit number by the "all of" wild card + character "*", as in "X35V3+A4/*". This "wildcard" command instructs + the gateway to delete all the connections that were attached to + circuits connected to the physical interface "X35V3+A4". + + After all the connections have been deleted, any loopback that has + been requested for the connections MUST be cancelled by the gateway. + + This command does not return any individual statistics or call + parameters. + + ReturnCode is a parameter returned by the gateway. It indicates the + outcome of the command and consists of an integer number optionally + followed by commentary. + + PackageList is a list of supported packages that MAY be included with + error code 518 (unsupported package). + +2.3.10 AuditEndpoint + + The AuditEndPoint command can be used by the Call Agent to find out + the status of a given endpoint. + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 60] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + ReturnCode, + EndPointIdList,|{ + [RequestedEvents,] + [QuarantineHandling,] + [DigitMap,] + [SignalRequests,] + [RequestIdentifier,] + [NotifiedEntity,] + [ConnectionIdentifiers,] + [DetectEvents,] + [ObservedEvents,] + [EventStates,] + [BearerInformation,] + [RestartMethod,] + [RestartDelay,] + [ReasonCode,] + [MaxMGCPDatagram,] + [Capabilities]} + [PackageList] + <-- AuditEndPoint(EndpointId, + [RequestedInfo]) + + The EndpointId identifies the endpoint(s) being audited. The "any + of" wildcard convention MUST NOT be used. + + The EndpointId identifies the endpoint(s) being audited. The "all + of" wildcard convention can be used to start auditing of a group of + endpoints (regardless of their service-state). If this convention is + used, the gateway SHALL return the list of endpoint identifiers that + match the wildcard in the EndPointIdList parameter, which is simply + one or more SpecificEndpointIds (each supplied separately). In the + case where the "all of" wildcard is used, RequestedInfo SHOULD NOT be + included (if it is included, it MUST be ignored). Note that the use + of the "all of" wildcard can potentially generate a large + EndPointIdList. If the resulting EndPointIdList is considered too + large, the gateway returns an error (error code 533 - response too + large, is RECOMMENDED). + + When a non-wildcard EndpointId is specified, the (possibly empty) + RequestedInfo parameter describes the information that is requested + for the EndpointId specified. The following endpoint info can be + audited with this command: + + RequestedEvents, DigitMap, SignalRequests, RequestIdentifier, + QuarantineHandling, NotifiedEntity, ConnectionIdentifiers, + DetectEvents, ObservedEvents, EventStates, BearerInformation, + RestartMethod, RestartDelay, ReasonCode, PackageList, + MaxMGCPDatagram, and Capabilities. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 61] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The list may be extended by extension parameters. The response will + in turn include information about each of the items for which + auditing info was requested. Supported parameters with empty values + MUST always be returned. However, if an endpoint is queried about a + parameter it does not understand, the endpoint MUST NOT generate an + error; instead the parameter MUST be omitted from the response: + + * RequestedEvents: The current value of RequestedEvents the endpoint + is using including the action(s) and event parameters associated + with each event - if no actions are included, the default action is + assumed. Persistent events are included in the list. If an embedded + NotificationRequest is active, the RequestedEvents will reflect the + events requested in the embedded NotificationRequest, not any + surrounding RequestedEvents (whether embedded or not). + + * DigitMap: The digit map the endpoint is currently using. The + parameter will be empty if the endpoint does not have a digit map. + + * SignalRequests: A list of the; Time-Out signals that are currently + active, On/Off signals that are currently "on" for the endpoint + (with or without parameter), and any pending Brief signals. Time- + Out signals that have timed-out, and currently playing Brief + signals are not included. Any signal parameters included in the + original SignalRequests will be included. + + * RequestIdentifier: The RequestIdentifier for the last + NotificationRequest received by this endpoint (includes + NotificationRequests encapsulated in other commands). If no + NotificationRequest has been received since reboot/restart, the + value zero will be returned. + + * QuarantineHandling: The QuarantineHandling for the last + NotificationRequest received by this endpoint. If + QuarantineHandling was not included, or no notification request has + been received, the default values will be returned. + + * DetectEvents: The value of the most recently received DetectEvents + parameter plus any persistent events implemented by the endpoint. + If no DetectEvents parameter has been received, the (possibly + empty) list only includes persistent events. + + * NotifiedEntity: The current "notified entity" for the endpoint. + + * ConnectionIdentifiers: The list of ConnectionIdentifiers for all + connections that currently exist for the specified endpoint. + + * ObservedEvents: The current list of observed events for the + endpoint. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 62] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * EventStates: For events that have auditable states associated with + them, the event corresponding to the state the endpoint is in, + e.g., off-hook if the endpoint is off-hook. Note that the + definition of the individual events will state if the event in + question has an auditable state associated with it. + + * BearerInformation: The value of the last received + BearerInformation parameter for this endpoint (this includes the + case where BearerInformation was provisioned). The parameter will + be empty if the endpoint has not received a BearerInformation + parameter and a value was also not provisioned. + + * RestartMethod: "restart" if the endpoint is in-service and + operation is normal, or if the endpoint is in the process of + becoming in-service (a non-zero RestartDelay will indicate the + latter). Otherwise, the value of the restart method parameter in + the last RestartInProgress command issued (or should have been + issued) by the endpoint. Note that a "disconnected" endpoint will + thus only report "disconnected" as long as it actually is + disconnected, and "restart" will be reported once it is no longer + disconnected. Similarly, "cancel-graceful" will not be reported, + but "graceful" might (see Section 4.4.5 for further details). + + * RestartDelay: The value of the restart delay parameter if a + RestartInProgress command was to be issued by the endpoint at the + time of this response, or zero if the command would not include + this parameter. + + * ReasonCode: The value of the ReasonCode parameter in the last + RestartInProgress or DeleteConnection command issued by the gateway + for the endpoint, or the special value 000 if the endpoint's state + is normal. + + * PackageList: The packages supported by the endpoint including + package version numbers. For backwards compatibility, support for + the parameter is OPTIONAL although implementations with package + versions higher than zero SHOULD support it. + + * MaxMGCPDatagram: The maximum size of an MGCP datagram in bytes + that can be received by the endpoint (see Section 3.5.4). The + value excludes any lower layer overhead. For backwards + compatibility, support for this parameter is OPTIONAL. The default + maximum MGCP datagram size SHOULD be assumed if a value is not + returned. + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 63] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * Capabilities: The capabilities for the endpoint similar to the + LocalConnectionOptions parameter and including packages and + connection modes. Extensions MAY be included as well. If any + unknown capabilities are reported, they MUST simply be ignored. If + there is a need to specify that some parameters, such as e.g., + silence suppression, are only compatible with some codecs, then the + gateway MUST return several capability sets, each of which may + include: + + - Compression Algorithm: A list of supported codecs. The rest of + the parameters in the capability set will apply to all codecs + specified in this list. + + - Packetization Period: A single value or a range may be + specified. + + - Bandwidth: A single value or a range corresponding to the range + for packetization periods may be specified (assuming no silence + suppression). + + - Echo Cancellation: Whether echo cancellation is supported or not + for the endpoint. + + - Silence Suppression: Whether silence suppression is supported or + not. + + - Gain Control: Whether gain control is supported or not. + + - Type of Service: Whether type of service is supported or not. + + - Resource Reservation: Whether resource reservation is supported + or not. + + - Security: Whether media encryption is supported or not. + + - Type of network: The type(s) of network supported. + + - Packages: A list of packages supported. The first package in + the list will be the default package. + + - Modes: A list of supported connection modes. + + The Call Agent may then decide to use the AuditConnection command to + obtain further information about the connections. + + If no info was requested and the EndpointId refers to a valid + endpoint (in-service or not), the gateway simply returns a positive + acknowledgement. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 64] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + ReturnCode is a parameter returned by the gateway. It indicates the + outcome of the command and consists of an integer number optionally + followed by commentary. + + Note that PackageList MAY also be included with error code 518 + (unsupported package). + +2.3.11 AuditConnection + + The AuditConnection command can be used by the Call Agent to retrieve + the parameters attached to a connection. + + ReturnCode, + [CallId,] + [NotifiedEntity,] + [LocalConnectionOptions,] + [Mode,] + [RemoteConnectionDescriptor,] + [LocalConnectionDescriptor,] + [ConnectionParameters,] + [PackageList] + <-- AuditConnection(EndpointId, + ConnectionId, + RequestedInfo) + + The EndpointId parameter specifies the endpoint that handles the + connection. The wildcard conventions SHALL NOT be used. + + The ConnectionId parameter is the identifier of the audited + connection, within the context of the specified endpoint. + + The (possibly empty) RequestedInfo describes the information that is + requested for the ConnectionId within the EndpointId specified. The + following connection info can be audited with this command: + + CallId, NotifiedEntity, LocalConnectionOptions, Mode, + RemoteConnectionDescriptor, LocalConnectionDescriptor, + ConnectionParameters + + The AuditConnection response will in turn include information about + each of the items auditing info was requested for: + + * CallId, the CallId for the call the connection belongs to. + + * NotifiedEntity, the current "notified entity" for the Connection. + Note this is the same as the "notified entity" for the endpoint + (included here for backwards compatibility). + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 65] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * LocalConnectionOptions, the most recent LocalConnectionOptions + parameters that was actually supplied for the connection (omitting + LocalConnectionOptions from a command thus does not change this + value). Note that default parameters omitted from the most recent + LocalConnectionOptions will not be included. + LocalConnectionOptions that retain their value across + ModifyConnection commands and which have been included in a + previous command for the connection are also included, regardless + of whether they were supplied in the most recent + LocalConnectionOptions or not. + + * Mode, the current mode of the connection. + + * RemoteConnectionDescriptor, the RemoteConnectionDescriptor that was + supplied to the gateway for the connection. + + * LocalConnectionDescriptor, the LocalConnectionDescriptor the + gateway supplied for the connection. + + * ConnectionParameters, the current values of the connection + parameters for the connection. + + If no info was requested and the EndpointId is valid, the gateway + simply checks that the connection exists, and if so returns a + positive acknowledgement. Note, that by definition, the endpoint + must be in-service for this to happen, as out-of-service endpoints do + not have any connections. + + ReturnCode is a parameter returned by the gateway. It indicates the + outcome of the command and consists of an integer number optionally + followed by commentary. + + PackageList is a list of supported packages that MAY be included with + error code 518 (unsupported package). + +2.3.12 RestartInProgress + + The RestartInProgress command is used by the gateway to signal that + an endpoint, or a group of endpoints, is put in-service or out-of- + service. + + ReturnCode, + [NotifiedEntity,] + [PackageList] + <-- RestartInProgress(EndPointId, + RestartMethod, + [RestartDelay,] + [ReasonCode]) + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 66] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The EndPointId identifies the endpoint(s) that are put in-service or + out-of-service. The "all of" wildcard convention may be used to + apply the command to a group of endpoints managed by the same Call + Agent, such as for example all endpoints that are attached to a + specified interface, or even all endpoints that are attached to a + given gateway. The "any of" wildcard convention SHALL NOT be used. + + The RestartMethod parameter specifies the type of restart. The + following values have been defined: + + * A "graceful" restart method indicates that the specified endpoints + will be taken out-of-service after the specified delay. The + established connections are not yet affected, but the Call Agent + SHOULD refrain from establishing new connections, and SHOULD try to + gracefully tear down the existing connections. + + * A "forced" restart method indicates that the specified endpoints + are taken abruptly out-of-service. The established connections, if + any, are lost. + + * A "restart" method indicates that service will be restored on the + endpoints after the specified "restart delay", i.e., the endpoints + will be in-service. The endpoints are in their clean default state + and there are no connections that are currently established on the + endpoints. + + * A "disconnected" method indicates that the endpoint has become + disconnected and is now trying to establish connectivity (see + Section 4.4.7). The "restart delay" specifies the number of + seconds the endpoint has been disconnected. Established + connections are not affected. + + * A "cancel-graceful" method indicates that a gateway is canceling a + previously issued "graceful" restart command. The endpoints are + still in-service. + + The list of restart methods may be extended. + + The optional "restart delay" parameter is expressed as a number of + seconds. If the number is absent, the delay value MUST be considered + null (i.e., zero). In the case of the "graceful" method, a null + delay indicates that the Call Agent SHOULD simply wait for the + natural termination of the existing connections, without establishing + new connections. The restart delay is always considered null in the + case of the "forced" and "cancel-graceful" methods, and hence the + "restart delay" parameter MUST NOT be used with these restart + methods. When the gateway sends a "restart" or "graceful" + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 67] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + RestartInProgress message with a non-zero restart delay, the gateway + SHOULD send an updated RestartInProgress message after the "restart + delay" has passed. + + A restart delay of null for the "restart" method indicates that + service has already been restored. This typically will occur after + gateway startup/reboot. To mitigate the effects of a gateway IP + address change as a result of a re-boot, the Call Agent MAY wish to + either flush its DNS cache for the gateway's domain name or resolve + the gateway's domain name by querying the DNS regardless of the TTL + of a current DNS resource record for the restarted gateway. + + The optional reason code parameter indicates the cause of the + restart. + + Gateways SHOULD send a "graceful" or "forced" RestartInProgress + message (for the relevant endpoints) as a courtesy to the Call Agent + when they are taken out-of-service, e.g., by being shutdown, or taken + out-of-service by a network management system, however the Call Agent + cannot rely on always receiving such a message. Gateways MUST send a + "restart" RestartInProgress message (for the relevant endpoints) with + a null delay to their Call Agent when they are back in-service + according to the restart procedure specified in Section 4.4.6 - Call + Agents can rely on receiving this message. Also, gateways MUST send + a "disconnected" RestartInProgress message (for the relevant + endpoints) to their current "notified entity" according to the + "disconnected" procedure specified in Section 4.4.7. + + The RestartInProgress message will be sent to the current "notified + entity" for the EndpointId in question. It is expected that a + default Call Agent, i.e., "notified entity", has been provisioned so + that after a reboot/restart, the default Call Agent will always be + the "notified entity" for the endpoint. Gateways SHOULD take full + advantage of wild-carding to minimize the number of RestartInProgress + messages generated when multiple endpoints in a gateway restart and + the endpoints are managed by the same Call Agent. + + ReturnCode is a parameter returned by the Call Agent. It indicates + the outcome of the command and consists of an integer number + optionally followed by commentary. + + A NotifiedEntity may additionally be returned with the response to + the RestartInProgress from the Call Agent - this SHOULD normally only + be done in response to "restart" or "disconnected" (see also Section + 4.4.6 and 4.4.7): + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 68] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * If the response indicated success (return code 200 - transaction + executed), the restart in question completed successfully, and the + NotifiedEntity returned is the new "notified entity" for the + endpoint(s). + + * If the response from the Call Agent indicated an error, the restart + in question did not complete successfully. If a NotifiedEntity + parameter was included in the response returned, it specifies a new + "notified entity" for the endpoint(s), which MUST be used when + retrying the restart in question (as a new transaction). This + SHOULD only be done with error code 521 (endpoint redirected). + + Note that the above behavior for returning a NotifiedEntity in the + response is only defined for RestartInProgress responses and SHOULD + NOT be done for responses to other commands. Any other behavior is + undefined. + + PackageList is a list of supported packages that MAY be included with + error code 518 (unsupported package). + +2.4 Return Codes and Error Codes + + All MGCP commands are acknowledged. The acknowledgment carries a + return code, which indicates the status of the command. The return + code is an integer number, for which the following ranges of values + have been defined: + + * values between 000 and 099 indicate a response acknowledgement + + * values between 100 and 199 indicate a provisional response + + * values between 200 and 299 indicate a successful completion + + * values between 400 and 499 indicate a transient error + + * values between 500 and 599 indicate a permanent error + + * values between 800 and 899 are package specific response codes. + + A broad description of transient errors (4XX error codes) versus + permanent errors (5XX error codes) is as follows: + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 69] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * If a Call Agent receives a transient error, there is the + expectation of the possibility that a future similar request will + be honored by the endpoint. In some cases, this may require some + state change in the environment of the endpoint (e.g., hook state + as in the case of error codes 401 or 402; resource availability as + in the case of error code 403, or bandwidth availability as in the + case of error code 404). + + * Permanent errors (error codes 500 to 599) indicate one or more + permanent conditions either due to protocol error or + incompatibility between the endpoint and the Call Agent, or because + of some error condition over which the Call Agent has no control. + Examples are protocol errors, requests for endpoint capabilities + that do not exist, errors on interfaces associated with the + endpoint, missing or incorrect information in the request or any + number of other conditions which will simply not disappear with + time. + + The values that have been already defined are the following: + + 000 Response Acknowledgement. + + 100 The transaction is currently being executed. An actual + completion message will follow later. + + 101 The transaction has been queued for execution. An actual + completion message will follow later. + + 200 The requested transaction was executed normally. This return + code can be used for a successful response to any command. + + 250 The connection was deleted. This return code can only be used + for a successful response to a DeleteConnection command. + + 400 The transaction could not be executed, due to some unspecified + transient error. + + 401 The phone is already off hook. + + 402 The phone is already on hook. + + 403 The transaction could not be executed, because the endpoint does + not have sufficient resources at this time. + + 404 Insufficient bandwidth at this time. + + 405 The transaction could not be executed, because the endpoint is + "restarting". + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 70] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + 406 Transaction time-out. The transaction did not complete in a + reasonable period of time and has been aborted. + + 407 Transaction aborted. The transaction was aborted by some + external action, e.g., a ModifyConnection command aborted by a + DeleteConnection command. + + 409 The transaction could not be executed because of internal + overload. + + 410 No endpoint available. A valid "any of" wildcard was used, + however there was no endpoint available to satisfy the request. + + 500 The transaction could not be executed, because the endpoint is + unknown. + + 501 The transaction could not be executed, because the endpoint is + not ready. This includes the case where the endpoint is out-of- + service. + + 502 The transaction could not be executed, because the endpoint does + not have sufficient resources (permanent condition). + + 503 "All of" wildcard too complicated. + + 504 Unknown or unsupported command. + + 505 Unsupported RemoteConnectionDescriptor. This SHOULD be used when + one or more mandatory parameters or values in the + RemoteConnectionDescriptor is not supported. + + 506 Unable to satisfy both LocalConnectionOptions and + RemoteConnectionDescriptor. This SHOULD be used when the + LocalConnectionOptions and RemoteConnectionDescriptor contain one + or more mandatory parameters or values that conflict with each + other and/or cannot be supported at the same time (except for + codec negotiation failure - see error code 534). + + 507 Unsupported functionality. Some unspecified functionality + required to carry out the command is not supported. Note that + several other error codes have been defined for specific areas of + unsupported functionality (e.g. 508, 511, etc.), and this error + code SHOULD only be used if there is no other more specific error + code for the unsupported functionality. + + 508 Unknown or unsupported quarantine handling. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 71] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + 509 Error in RemoteConnectionDescriptor. This SHOULD be used when + there is a syntax or semantic error in the + RemoteConnectionDescriptor. + + 510 The transaction could not be executed, because some unspecified + protocol error was detected. Automatic recovery from such an + error will be very difficult, and hence this code SHOULD only be + used as a last resort. + + 511 The transaction could not be executed, because the command + contained an unrecognized extension. This code SHOULD be used + for unsupported critical parameter extensions ("X+"). + + 512 The transaction could not be executed, because the gateway is not + equipped to detect one of the requested events. + + 513 The transaction could not be executed, because the gateway is not + equipped to generate one of the requested signals. + + 514 The transaction could not be executed, because the gateway cannot + send the specified announcement. + + 515 The transaction refers to an incorrect connection-id (may have + been already deleted). + + 516 The transaction refers to an unknown call-id, or the call-id + supplied is incorrect (e.g., connection-id not associated with + this call-id). + + 517 Unsupported or invalid mode. + + 518 Unsupported or unknown package. It is RECOMMENDED to include a + PackageList parameter with the list of supported packages in the + response, especially if the response is generated by the Call + Agent. + + 519 Endpoint does not have a digit map. + + 520 The transaction could not be executed, because the endpoint is + "restarting". In most cases this would be a transient error, in + which case, error code 405 SHOULD be used instead. The error + code is only included here for backwards compatibility. + + 521 Endpoint redirected to another Call Agent. The associated + redirection behavior is only well-defined when this response is + issued for a RestartInProgress command. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 72] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + 522 No such event or signal. The request referred to an event or + signal that is not defined in the relevant package (which could + be the default package). + + 523 Unknown action or illegal combination of actions. + + 524 Internal inconsistency in LocalConnectionOptions. + + 525 Unknown extension in LocalConnectionOptions. This code SHOULD be + used for unsupported mandatory vendor extensions ("x+"). + + 526 Insufficient bandwidth. In cases where this is a transient + error, error code 404 SHOULD be used instead. + + 527 Missing RemoteConnectionDescriptor. + + 528 Incompatible protocol version. + + 529 Internal hardware failure. + + 530 CAS signaling protocol error. + + 531 Failure of a grouping of trunks (e.g., facility failure). + + 532 Unsupported value(s) in LocalConnectionOptions. + + 533 Response too large. + + 534 Codec negotiation failure. + + 535 Packetization period not supported. + + 536 Unknown or unsupported RestartMethod. + + 537 Unknown or unsupported digit map extension. + + 538 Event/signal parameter error (e.g., missing, erroneous, + unsupported, unknown, etc.). + + 539 Invalid or unsupported command parameter. This code SHOULD only + be used when the parameter is neither a package or vendor + extension parameter. + + 540 Per endpoint connection limit exceeded. + + 541 Invalid or unsupported LocalConnectionOptions. This code SHOULD + only be used when the LocalConnectionOptions is neither a package + nor a vendor extension LocalConnectionOptions. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 73] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The set of return codes may be extended in a future version of the + protocol. Implementations that receive an unknown or unsupported + return code SHOULD treat the return code as follows: + + * Unknown 0xx code treated as 000. + + * Unknown 1xx code treated as 100. + + * Unknown 2xx code treated as 200. + + * Unknown 3xx code treated as 521. + + * Unknown 4xx code treated as 400. + + * Unknown 5xx-9xx code treated as 510. + +2.5 Reason Codes + + Reason codes are used by the gateway when deleting a connection to + inform the Call Agent about the reason for deleting the connection. + They may also be used in a RestartInProgress command to inform the + Call Agent of the reason for the RestartInProgress. + + The reason code is an integer number, and the following values have + been defined: + + 000 Endpoint state is normal (this code is only used in response to + audit requests). + + 900 Endpoint malfunctioning. + + 901 Endpoint taken out-of-service. + + 902 Loss of lower layer connectivity (e.g., downstream sync). + + 903 QoS resource reservation was lost. + + 904 Manual intervention. + + 905 Facility failure (e.g., DS-0 failure). + + The set of reason codes can be extended. + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 74] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +2.6 Use of Local Connection Options and Connection Descriptors + + As indicated previously, the normal sequence in setting up a bi- + directional connection involves at least 3 steps: + + 1) The Call Agent asks the first gateway to "create a connection" on + an endpoint. The gateway allocates resources to that connection, + and responds to the command by providing a "session description" + (referred to as its LocalConnectionDescriptor). The session + description contains the information necessary for another party + to send packets towards the newly created connection. + + 2) The Call Agent then asks the second gateway to "create a + connection" on an endpoint. The command carries the "session + description" provided by the first gateway (now referred to as the + RemoteConnectionDescriptor). The gateway allocates resources to + that connection, and responds to the command by providing its own + "session description" (LocalConnectionDescriptor). + + 3) The Call Agent uses a "modify connection" command to provide this + second "session description" (now referred to as the + RemoteConnectionDescriptor ) to the first endpoint. Once this is + done, communication can proceed in both directions. + + When the Call Agent issues a Create or Modify Connection command, + there are thus three parameters that determine the media supported by + that connection: + + * LocalConnectionOptions: Supplied by the Call Agent to control the + media parameters used by the gateway for the connection. When + supplied, the gateway MUST conform to these media parameters until + either the connection is deleted, or a ModifyConnection command + with new media parameters (LocalConnectionOptions or + RemoteConnectionDescriptor) is received. + + * RemoteConnectionDescriptor: Supplied by the Call Agent to convey + the media parameters supported by the other side of the connection. + When supplied, the gateway MUST conform to these media parameters + until either the connection is deleted, or a ModifyConnection + command with new media parameters (LocalConnectionOptions or + RemoteConnectionDescriptor) is received. + + * LocalConnectionDescriptor: Supplied by the gateway to the Call + Agent to convey the media parameters it supports for the + connection. When supplied, the gateway MUST honor the media + parameters until either the connection is deleted, or the gateway + issues a new LocalConnectionDescriptor for that connection. + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 75] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + In determining which codec(s) to provide in the + LocalConnectionDescriptor, there are three lists of codecs that a + gateway needs to consider: + + * A list of codecs allowed by the LocalConnectionOptions in the + current command (either explicitly by encoding method or implicitly + by bandwidth and/or packetization period). + + * A list of codecs in the RemoteConnectionDescriptor in the current + command. + + * An internal list of codecs that the gateway can support for the + connection. A gateway MAY support one or more codecs for a given + connection. + + Codec selection (including all relevant media parameters) can then be + described by the following steps: + + 1. An approved list of codecs is formed by taking the intersection of + the internal list of codecs and codecs allowed by the + LocalConnectionOptions. If LocalConnectionOptions were not + provided in the current command, the approved list of codecs thus + contains the internal list of codecs. + + 2. If the approved list of codecs is empty, a codec negotiation + failure has occurred and an error response is generated (error + code 534 - codec negotiation failure, is RECOMMENDED). + + 3. Otherwise, a negotiated list of codecs is formed by taking the + intersection of the approved list of codecs and codecs allowed by + the RemoteConnectionDescriptor. If a RemoteConnectionDescriptor + was not provided in the current command, the negotiated list of + codecs thus contains the approved list of codecs. + + 4. If the negotiated list of codecs is empty, a codec negotiation + failure has occurred and an error response is generated (error + code 534 - codec negotiation failure, is RECOMMENDED). + + 5. Otherwise, codec negotiation has succeeded, and the negotiated + list of codecs is returned in the LocalConnectionDescriptor. + + Note that both LocalConnectionOptions and the + RemoteConnectionDescriptor can contain a list of codecs ordered by + preference. When both are supplied in the current command, the + gateway MUST adhere to the preferences provided in the + LocalConnectionOptions. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 76] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +2.7 Resource Reservations + + The gateways can be instructed to perform a reservation, for example + using RSVP, on a given connection. When a reservation is needed, the + call agent will specify the reservation profile to be used, which is + either "controlled load" or "guaranteed service". The absence of + reservation can be indicated by asking for the "best effort" service, + which is the default value of this parameter in a CreateConnection + command. For a ModifyConnection command, the default is simply to + retain the current value. When reservation has been asked on a + connection, the gateway will: + + * start emitting RSVP "PATH" messages if the connection is in "send- + only", "send-receive", "conference", "network loop back" or + "network continuity test" mode (if a suitable remote connection + descriptor has been received,). + + * start emitting RSVP "RESV" messages as soon as it receives "PATH" + messages if the connection is in "receive-only", "send-receive", + "conference", "network loop back" or "network continuity test" + mode. + + The RSVP filters will be deduced from the characteristics of the + connection. The RSVP resource profiles will be deduced from the + connection's codecs, bandwidth and packetization period. + +3. Media Gateway Control Protocol + + The Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) implements the media + gateway control interface as a set of transactions. The transactions + are composed of a command and a mandatory response. There are nine + commands: + + * EndpointConfiguration + + * CreateConnection + + * ModifyConnection + + * DeleteConnection + + * NotificationRequest + + * Notify + + * AuditEndpoint + + * AuditConnection + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 77] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * RestartInProgress + + The first five commands are sent by the Call Agent to a gateway. The + Notify command is sent by the gateway to the Call Agent. The gateway + may also send a DeleteConnection as defined in Section 2.3.8. The + Call Agent may send either of the Audit commands to the gateway, and + the gateway may send a RestartInProgress command to the Call Agent. + +3.1 General Description + + All commands are composed of a Command header, optionally followed by + a session description. + + All responses are composed of a Response header, optionally followed + by session description information. + + Headers and session descriptions are encoded as a set of text lines, + separated by a carriage return and line feed character (or, + optionally, a single line-feed character). The session descriptions + are preceded by an empty line. + + MGCP uses a transaction identifier to correlate commands and + responses. The transaction identifier is encoded as a component of + the command header and repeated as a component of the response header + (see sections 3.2.1.2 and 3.3). + + Note that an ABNF grammar for MGCP is provided in Appendix A. + Commands and responses SHALL be encoded in accordance with the + grammar, which, per RFC 2234, is case-insensitive except for the SDP + part. Similarly, implementations SHALL be capable of decoding + commands and responses that follow the grammar. Additionally, it is + RECOMMENDED that implementations tolerate additional linear white + space. + + Some productions allow for use of quoted strings, which can be + necessary to avoid syntax problems. Where the quoted string form is + used, the contents will be UTF-8 encoded [20], and the actual value + provided is the unquoted string (UTF-8 encoded). Where both a quoted + and unquoted string form is allowed, either form can be used provided + it does not otherwise violate the grammar. + + In the following, we provide additional detail on the format of MGCP + commands and responses. + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 78] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +3.2 Command Header + + The command header is composed of: + + * A command line, identifying the requested action or verb, the + transaction identifier, the endpoint towards which the action is + requested, and the MGCP protocol version, + + * A set of zero or more parameter lines, composed of a parameter + name followed by a parameter value. + + Unless otherwise noted or dictated by other referenced standards + (e.g., SDP), each component in the command header is case + insensitive. This goes for verbs as well as parameters and values, + and hence all comparisons MUST treat upper and lower case as well as + combinations of these as being equal. + +3.2.1 Command Line + + The command line is composed of: + + * The name of the requested verb, + + * The identification of the transaction, + + * The name of the endpoint(s) that are to execute the command (in + notifications or restarts, the name of the endpoint(s) that is + issuing the command), + + * The protocol version. + + These four items are encoded as strings of printable ASCII + characters, separated by white spaces, i.e., the ASCII space (0x20) + or tabulation (0x09) characters. It is RECOMMENDED to use exactly + one ASCII space separator. However, MGCP entities MUST be able to + parse messages with additional white space characters. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 79] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +3.2.1.1 Coding of the Requested Verb + + The verbs that can be requested are encoded as four letter upper or + lower case ASCII codes (comparisons SHALL be case insensitive) as + defined in the following table: + + ----------------------------- + | Verb | Code | + |----------------------|------| + | EndpointConfiguration| EPCF | + | CreateConnection | CRCX | + | ModifyConnection | MDCX | + | DeleteConnection | DLCX | + | NotificationRequest | RQNT | + | Notify | NTFY | + | AuditEndpoint | AUEP | + | AuditConnection | AUCX | + | RestartInProgress | RSIP | + ----------------------------- + + The transaction identifier is encoded as a string of up to 9 decimal + digits. In the command line, it immediately follows the coding of + the verb. + + New verbs may be defined in further versions of the protocol. It may + be necessary, for experimentation purposes, to use new verbs before + they are sanctioned in a published version of this protocol. + Experimental verbs MUST be identified by a four letter code starting + with the letter X, such as for example XPER. + +3.2.1.2 Transaction Identifiers + + MGCP uses a transaction identifier to correlate commands and + responses. A gateway supports two separate transaction identifier + name spaces: + + * a transaction identifier name space for sending transactions, and + + * a transaction identifier name space for receiving transactions. + + At a minimum, transaction identifiers for commands sent to a given + gateway MUST be unique for the maximum lifetime of the transactions + within the collection of Call Agents that control that gateway. + Thus, regardless of the sending Call Agent, gateways can always + detect duplicate transactions by simply examining the transaction + identifier. The coordination of these transaction identifiers + between Call Agents is outside the scope of this specification + though. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 80] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Transaction identifiers for all commands sent from a given gateway + MUST be unique for the maximum lifetime of the transactions + regardless of which Call Agent the command is sent to. Thus, a Call + Agent can always detect a duplicate transaction from a gateway by the + combination of the domain-name of the endpoint and the transaction + identifier. + + The transaction identifier is encoded as a string of up to nine + decimal digits. In the command lines, it immediately follows the + coding of the verb. + + Transaction identifiers have values between 1 and 999,999,999 (both + included). Transaction identifiers SHOULD NOT use any leading + zeroes, although equality is based on numerical value, i.e., leading + zeroes are ignored. An MGCP entity MUST NOT reuse a transaction + identifier more quickly than three minutes after completion of the + previous command in which the identifier was used. + +3.2.1.3 Coding of the Endpoint Identifiers and Entity Names + + The endpoint identifiers and entity names are encoded as case + insensitive e-mail addresses, as defined in RFC 821, although with + some syntactic restrictions on the local part of the name. + Furthermore, both the local endpoint name part and the domain name + part can each be up to 255 characters. In these addresses, the + domain name identifies the system where the endpoint is attached, + while the left side identifies a specific endpoint or entity on that + system. + + Examples of such addresses are: + + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + | hrd4/56@gw23.example.net | Circuit number 56 in | + | | interface "hrd4" of the Gateway | + | | 23 of the "Example" network | + | Call-agent@ca.example.net | Call Agent for the | + | | "example" network | + | Busy-signal@ann12.example.net| The "busy signal" virtual | + | | endpoint in the announcement | + | | server number 12. | + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + + The name of a notified entity is expressed with the same syntax, with + the possible addition of a port number as in: + + Call-agent@ca.example.net:5234 + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 81] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + In case the port number is omitted from the notified entity, the + default MGCP Call Agent port (2727) MUST be used. + +3.2.1.4 Coding of the Protocol Version + + The protocol version is coded as the keyword MGCP followed by a white + space and the version number, and optionally followed by a profile + name. The version number is composed of a major version, coded by a + decimal number, a dot, and a minor version number, coded as a decimal + number. The version described in this document is version 1.0. + + The profile name, if present, is represented by white-space separated + strings of visible (printable) characters extending to the end of the + line. Profile names may be defined for user communities who want to + apply restrictions or other profiling to MGCP. + + In the initial messages, the version will be coded as: + + MGCP 1.0 + + An entity that receives a command with a protocol version it does not + support, MUST respond with an error (error code 528 - incompatible + protocol version, is RECOMMENDED). Note that this applies to + unsupported profiles as well. + +3.2.2 Parameter Lines + + Parameter lines are composed of a parameter name, which in most cases + is composed of one or two characters, followed by a colon, optional + white space(s) and the parameter value. The parameters that can be + present in commands are defined in the following table: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 82] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + |Parameter name | Code | Parameter value | + |----------------------|------|------------------------------------| + |BearerInformation | B | See description (3.2.2.1). | + |CallId | C | See description (3.2.2.2). | + |Capabilities | A | See description (3.2.2.3). | + |ConnectionId | I | See description (3.2.2.5). | + |ConnectionMode | M | See description (3.2.2.6). | + |ConnectionParameters | P | See description (3.2.2.7). | + |DetectEvents | T | See description (3.2.2.8). | + |DigitMap | D | A text encoding of a digit map. | + |EventStates | ES | See description (3.2.2.9). | + |LocalConnectionOptions| L | See description (3.2.2.10). | + |MaxMGCPDatagram | MD | See description (3.2.2.11). | + |NotifiedEntity | N | An identifier, in RFC 821 format, | + | | | composed of an arbitrary string | + | | | and of the domain name of the | + | | | requesting entity, possibly com- | + | | | pleted by a port number, as in: | + | | | Call-agent@ca.example.net:5234 | + | | | See also Section 3.2.1.3. | + |ObservedEvents | O | See description (3.2.2.12). | + |PackageList | PL | See description (3.2.2.13). | + |QuarantineHandling | Q | See description (3.2.2.14). | + |ReasonCode | E | A string with a 3 digit integer | + | | | optionally followed by a set of | + | | | arbitrary characters (3.2.2.15). | + |RequestedEvents | R | See description (3.2.2.16). | + |RequestedInfo | F | See description (3.2.2.17). | + |RequestIdentifier | X | See description (3.2.2.18). | + |ResponseAck | K | See description (3.2.2.19). | + |RestartDelay | RD | A number of seconds, encoded as | + | | | a decimal number. | + |RestartMethod | RM | See description (3.2.2.20). | + |SecondConnectionId | I2 | Connection Id. | + |SecondEndpointId | Z2 | Endpoint Id. | + |SignalRequests | S | See description (3.2.2.21). | + |SpecificEndPointId | Z | An identifier, in RFC 821 format, | + | | | composed of an arbitrary string, | + | | | followed by an "@" followed by | + | | | the domain name of the gateway to | + | | | which this endpoint is attached. | + | | | See also Section 3.2.1.3. | + |----------------------|------|------------------------------------| + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 83] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + |RemoteConnection- | RC | Session Description. | + | Descriptor | | | + |LocalConnection- | LC | Session Description. | + | Descriptor | | | + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + + The parameters are not necessarily present in all commands. The + following table provides the association between parameters and + commands. The letter M stands for mandatory, O for optional and F + for forbidden. Unless otherwise specified, a parameter MUST NOT be + present more than once. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 84] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + | Parameter name | EP | CR | MD | DL | RQ | NT | AU | AU | RS | + | | CF | CX | CX | CX | NT | FY | EP | CX | IP | + |---------------------|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----| + | BearerInformation | O*| O | O | O | O | F | F | F | F | + | CallId | F | M | M | O | F | F | F | F | F | + | Capabilities | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | + | ConnectionId | F | F | M | O | F | F | F | M | F | + | ConnectionMode | F | M | O | F | F | F | F | F | F | + | Connection- | F | F | F | O*| F | F | F | F | F | + | Parameters | | | | | | | | | | + | DetectEvents | F | O | O | O | O | F | F | F | F | + | DigitMap | F | O | O | O | O | F | F | F | F | + | EventStates | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | + | LocalConnection- | F | O | O | F | F | F | F | F | F | + | Options | | | | | | | | | | + | MaxMGCPDatagram | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | + | NotifiedEntity | F | O | O | O | O | O | F | F | F | + | ObservedEvents | F | F | F | F | F | M | F | F | F | + | PackageList | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | + | QuarantineHandling | F | O | O | O | O | F | F | F | F | + | ReasonCode | F | F | F | O | F | F | F | F | O | + | RequestedEvents | F | O | O | O | O*| F | F | F | F | + | RequestIdentifier | F | O*| O*| O*| M | M | F | F | F | + | RequestedInfo | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | M | F | + | ResponseAck | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | + | RestartDelay | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | + | RestartMethod | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | M | + | SecondConnectionId | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | + | SecondEndpointId | F | O | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | + | SignalRequests | F | O | O | O | O*| F | F | F | F | + | SpecificEndpointId | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | + |---------------------|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----| + | RemoteConnection- | F | O | O | F | F | F | F | F | F | + | Descriptor | | | | | | | | | | + | LocalConnection- | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | + | Descriptor | | | | | | | | | | + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + + Notes (*): + + * The BearerInformation parameter is only conditionally optional as + explained in Section 2.3.2. + + * The RequestIdentifier parameter is optional in connection creation, + modification and deletion commands, however it becomes REQUIRED if + the command contains an encapsulated notification request. + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 85] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * The RequestedEvents and SignalRequests parameters are optional in + the NotificationRequest. If these parameters are omitted the + corresponding lists will be considered empty. + + * The ConnectionParameters parameter is only valid in a + DeleteConnection request sent by the gateway. + + The set of parameters can be extended in two different ways: + + * Package Extension Parameters (preferred) + + * Vendor Extension Parameters + + Package Extension Parameters are defined in packages which provides + the following benefits: + + * a registration mechanism (IANA) for the package name. + + * a separate name space for the parameters. + + * a convenient grouping of the extensions. + + * a simple way to determine support for them through auditing. + + The package extension mechanism is the preferred extension method. + + Vendor extension parameters can be used if implementers need to + experiment with new parameters, for example when developing a new + application of MGCP. Vendor extension parameters MUST be identified + by names that start with the string "X-" or "X+", such as for + example: + + X-Flower: Daisy + + Parameter names that start with "X+" are critical parameter + extensions. An MGCP entity that receives a critical parameter + extension that it cannot understand MUST refuse to execute the + command. It SHOULD respond with error code 511 (unrecognized + extension). + + Parameter names that start with "X-" are non-critical parameter + extensions. An MGCP entity that receives a non-critical parameter + extension that it cannot understand MUST simply ignore that + parameter. + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 86] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Note that vendor extension parameters use an unmanaged name space, + which implies a potential for name clashing. Vendors are + consequently encouraged to include some vendor specific string, e.g., + vendor name, in their vendor extensions. + +3.2.2.1 BearerInformation + + The values of the bearer information are encoded as a comma separated + list of attributes, which are represented by an attribute name, and + possibly followed by a colon and an attribute value. + + The only attribute that is defined is the "encoding" (code "e") + attribute, which MUST have one of the values "A" (A-law) or "mu" + (mu-law). + + An example of bearer information encoding is: + + B: e:mu + + The set of bearer information attributes may be extended through + packages. + +3.2.2.2 CallId + + The Call Identifier is encoded as a hexadecimal string, at most 32 + characters in length. Call Identifiers are compared as strings + rather than numerical values. + +3.2.2.3 Capabilities + + Capabilities inform the Call Agent about endpoints' capabilities when + audited. The encoding of capabilities is based on the Local + Connection Options encoding for the parameters that are common to + both, although a different parameter line code is used ("A"). In + addition, capabilities can also contain a list of supported packages, + and a list of supported modes. + + The parameters used are: + + A list of supported codecs. + The following parameters will apply to all codecs specified in + this list. If there is a need to specify that some parameters, + such as e.g., silence suppression, are only compatible with some + codecs, then the gateway will return several Capability + parameters; one for each set of codecs. + + Packetization Period: + A range may be specified. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 87] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Bandwidth: + A range corresponding to the range for packetization periods may + be specified (assuming no silence suppression). If absent, the + values will be deduced from the codec type. + + Echo Cancellation: + "on" if echo cancellation is supported, "off" otherwise. The + default is support. + + Silence Suppression: + "on" if silence suppression is supported for this codec, "off" + otherwise. The default is support. + + Gain Control: + "0" if gain control is not supported, all other values indicate + support for gain control. The default is support. + + Type of Service: + The value "0" indicates no support for type of service, all other + values indicate support for type of service. The default is + support. + + Resource Reservation Service: + The parameter indicates the reservation services that are + supported, in addition to best effort. The value "g" is encoded + when the gateway supports both the guaranteed and the controlled + load service, "cl" when only the controlled load service is + supported. The default is "best effort". + + Encryption Key: + Encoding any value indicates support for encryption. Default is + no support which is implied by omitting the parameter. + + Type of network: + The keyword "nt", followed by a colon and a semicolon separated + list of supported network types. This parameter is optional. + + Packages: + The packages supported by the endpoint encoded as the keyword "v", + followed by a colon and a character string. If a list of values + is specified, these values will be separated by a semicolon. The + first value specified will be the default package for the + endpoint. + + Modes: + The modes supported by this endpoint encoded as the keyword "m", + followed by a colon and a semicolon-separated list of supported + connection modes for this endpoint. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 88] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Lack of support for a capability can also be indicated by excluding + the parameter from the capability set. + + An example capability is: + + A: a:PCMU;G728, p:10-100, e:on, s:off, t:1, v:L, + m:sendonly;recvonly;sendrecv;inactive + + The carriage return above is included for formatting reasons only and + is not permissible in a real implementation. + + If multiple capabilities are to be returned, each will be returned as + a separate capability line. + + Since Local Connection Options can be extended, the list of + capability parameters can also be extended. Individual extensions + may define how they are reported as capabilities. If no such + definition is provided, the following defaults apply: + + * Package Extension attributes: The individual attributes are not + reported. Instead, the name of the package is simply reported in + the list of supported packages. + + * Vendor Extension attributes: The name of the attribute is reported + without any value. + + * Other Extension attributes: The name of the attribute is reported + without any value. + +3.2.2.4 Coding of Event Names + + Event names are composed of an optional package name, separated by a + slash (/) from the name of the actual event (see Section 2.1.7). The + wildcard character star ("*") can be use to refer to all packages. + The event name can optionally be followed by an at sign (@) and the + identifier of a connection (possibly using a wildcard) on which the + event should be observed. Event names are used in the + RequestedEvents, SignalRequests, ObservedEvents, DetectEvents, and + EventStates parameters. + + Events and signals may be qualified by parameters defined for the + event/signal. Such parameters may be enclosed in double-quotes (in + fact, some parameters MUST be enclosed in double-quotes due to + syntactic restrictions) in which case they are UTF-8 encoded [20]. + + The parameter name "!" (exclamation point) is reserved for future use + for both events and signals. + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 89] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Each signal has one of the following signal-types associated with it: + On/Off (OO), Time-out (TO), or Brief (BR). (These signal types are + specified in the package definitions, and are not present in the + messages.) On/Off signals can be parameterized with a "+" to turn the + signal on, or a "-" to turn the signal off. If an on/off signal is + not parameterized, the signal is turned on. Both of the following + will turn the vmwi signal (from the line package "L") on: + + L/vmwi(+) + L/vmwi + + In addition to "!", "+" and "-", the signal parameter "to" is + reserved as well. It can be used with Time-Out signals to override + the default time-out value for the current request. A decimal value + in milliseconds will be supplied. The individual signal and/or + package definition SHOULD indicate if this parameter is supported for + one or more TO signals in the package. If not indicated, TO signals + in package version zero are assumed to not support it, whereas TO + signals in package versions one or higher are assumed to support it. + By default, a supplied time-out value MAY be rounded to the nearest + non-zero value divisible by 1000, i.e., whole second. The individual + signal and/or package definition may define other rounding rules. All + new package and TO signal definitions are strongly encouraged to + support the "to" signal parameter. + + The following example illustrates how the "to" parameter can be used + to apply a signal for 6 seconds: + + L/rg(to=6000) + L/rg(to(6000)) + + The following are examples of event names: + + ----------------------------------------------------------- + | L/hu | on-hook transition, in the line package | + | F/0 | digit 0 in the MF package | + | hf | Hook-flash, assuming that the line package| + | | is the default package for the endpoint. | + | G/rt@0A3F58 | Ring back signal on connection "0A3F58" | + ----------------------------------------------------------- + + In addition, the range and wildcard notation of events can be used, + instead of individual names, in the RequestedEvents and DetectEvents + parameters. The event code "all" is reserved and refers to all + events or signals in a package. The star sign ("*") can be used to + denote "all connections", and the dollar sign ("$") can be used to + denote the "current" connection (see Section 2.1.7 for details). + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 90] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The following are examples of such notations: + + --------------------------------------------------------- + | M/[0-9] | Digits 0 to 9 in the MF package. | + | hf | Hook-flash, assuming that the line package| + | | is a default package for the endpoint. | + | [0-9*#A-D]| All digits and letters in the DTMF | + | | packages (default for endpoint). | + | T/all | All events in the trunk package. | + | R/qa@* | The quality alert event on all | + | | connections. | + | G/rt@$ | Ringback on current connection. | + --------------------------------------------------------- + +3.2.2.5 ConnectionId + + The Connection Identifier is encoded as a hexadecimal string, at most + 32 characters in length. Connection Identifiers are compared as + strings rather than numerical values. + +3.2.2.6 ConnectionMode + + The connection mode describes the mode of operation of the + connection. The possible values are: + + -------------------------------------------------------- + | Mode | Meaning | + |-------------|------------------------------------------| + | M: sendonly | The gateway should only send packets | + | M: recvonly | The gateway should only receive packets | + | M: sendrecv | The gateway should send | + | | and receive packets | + | M: confrnce | The gateway should place | + | | the connection in conference mode | + | M: inactive | The gateway should neither | + | | send nor receive packets | + | M: loopback | The gateway should place | + | | the circuit in loopback mode. | + | M: conttest | The gateway should place | + | | the circuit in test mode. | + | M: netwloop | The gateway should place | + | | the connection in network loopback mode.| + | M: netwtest | The gateway should place the connection | + | | in network continuity test mode. | + -------------------------------------------------------- + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 91] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Note that irrespective of the connection mode, signals applied to the + connection will still result in packets being sent (see Section + 2.3.1). + + The set of connection modes can be extended through packages. + +3.2.2.7 ConnectionParameters + + Connection parameters are encoded as a string of type and value + pairs, where the type is either a two-letter identifier of the + parameter or an extension type, and the value a decimal integer. + Types are separated from value by an '=' sign. Parameters are + separated from each other by a comma. Connection parameter values + can contain up to nine digits. If the maximum value is reached, the + counter is no longer updated, i.e., it doesn't wrap or overflow. + + The connection parameter types are specified in the following table: + + ----------------------------------------------------------------- + | Connection parameter| Code | Connection parameter | + | name | | value | + |---------------------|------|------------------------------------| + | Packets sent | PS | The number of packets that | + | | | were sent on the connection. | + | Octets sent | OS | The number of octets that | + | | | were sent on the connection. | + | Packets received | PR | The number of packets that | + | | | were received on the connection. | + | Octets received | OR | The number of octets that | + | | | were received on the connection. | + | Packets lost | PL | The number of packets that | + | | | were lost on the connection | + | | | as deduced from gaps in the | + | | | RTP sequence number. | + | Jitter | JI | The average inter-packet arrival | + | | | jitter, in milliseconds, | + | | | expressed as an integer number. | + | Latency | LA | Average latency, in milliseconds, | + | | | expressed as an integer number. | + ----------------------------------------------------------------- + + The set of connection parameters can be extended in two different + ways: + + * Package Extension Parameters (preferred) + + * Vendor Extension Parameters + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 92] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Package Extension Connection Parameters are defined in packages which + provides the following benefits: + + * A registration mechanism (IANA) for the package name. + + * A separate name space for the parameters. + + * A convenient grouping of the extensions. + + * A simple way to determine support for them through auditing. + + The package extension mechanism is the preferred extension method. + + Vendor extension parameters names are composed of the string "X-" + followed by a two or more letters extension parameter name. + + Call agents that receive unrecognized package or vendor connection + parameter extensions SHALL silently ignore these parameters. + + An example of connection parameter encoding is: + + P: PS=1245, OS=62345, PR=0, OR=0, PL=0, JI=0, LA=48 + +3.2.2.8 DetectEvents + + The DetectEvents parameter is encoded as a comma separated list of + events (see Section 3.2.2.4), such as for example: + + T: L/hu,L/hd,L/hf,D/[0-9#*] + + It should be noted, that no actions can be associated with the + events, however event parameters may be provided. + +3.2.2.9 EventStates + + The EventStates parameter is encoded as a comma separated list of + events (see Section 3.2.2.4), such as for example: + + ES: L/hu + + It should be noted, that no actions can be associated with the + events, however event parameters may be provided. + +3.2.2.10 LocalConnectionOptions + + The local connection options describe the operational parameters that + the Call Agent provides to the gateway in connection handling + commands. These include: + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 93] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * The allowed codec(s), encoded as the keyword "a", followed by a + colon and a character string. If the Call Agent specifies a list + of values, these values will be separated by a semicolon. For RTP, + audio codecs SHALL be specified by using encoding names defined in + the RTP AV Profile [4] or its replacement, or by encoding names + registered with the IANA. Non-audio media registered as a MIME + type MUST use the "<MIME type>/<MIME subtype>" form, as in + "image/t38". + + * The packetization period in milliseconds, encoded as the keyword + "p", followed by a colon and a decimal number. If the Call Agent + specifies a range of values, the range will be specified as two + decimal numbers separated by a hyphen (as specified for the "ptime" + parameter for SDP). + + * The bandwidth in kilobits per second (1000 bits per second), + encoded as the keyword "b", followed by a colon and a decimal + number. If the Call Agent specifies a range of values, the range + will be specified as two decimal numbers separated by a hyphen. + + * The type of service parameter, encoded as the keyword "t", followed + by a colon and the value encoded as two hexadecimal digits. When + the connection is transmitted over an IP network, the parameters + encode the 8-bit type of service value parameter of the IP header + (a.k.a. DiffServ field). The left-most "bit" in the parameter + corresponds to the least significant bit in the IP header. + + * The echo cancellation parameter, encoded as the keyword "e", + followed by a colon and the value "on" or "off". + + * The gain control parameter, encoded as the keyword "gc", followed + by a colon and a value which can be either the keyword "auto" or a + decimal number (positive or negative) representing the number of + decibels of gain. + + * The silence suppression parameter, encoded as the keyword "s", + followed by a colon and the value "on" or "off". + + * The resource reservation parameter, encoded as the keyword "r", + followed by a colon and the value "g" (guaranteed service), "cl" + (controlled load) or "be" (best effort). + + * The encryption key, encoded as the keyword "k" followed by a colon + and a key specification, as defined for the parameter "K" in SDP + (RFC 2327). + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 94] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * The type of network, encoded as the keyword "nt" followed by a + colon and the type of network encoded as the keyword "IN" + (internet), "ATM", "LOCAL" (for a local connection), or possibly + another type of network registered with the IANA as per SDP (RFC + 2327). + + * The resource reservation parameter, encoded as the keyword "r", + followed by a colon and the value "g" (guaranteed service), "cl" + (controlled load) or "be" (best effort). + + The encoding of the first three attributes, when they are present, + will be compatible with the SDP and RTP profiles. Note that each of + the attributes is optional. When several attributes are present, + they are separated by a comma. + + Examples of local connection options are: + + L: p:10, a:PCMU + L: p:10, a:G726-32 + L: p:10-20, b:64 + L: b:32-64, e:off + + The set of Local Connection Options attributes can be extended in + three different ways: + + * Package Extension attributes (preferred) + + * Vendor Extension attributes + + * Other Extension attributes + + Package Extension Local Connection Options attributes are defined in + packages which provides the following benefits: + + * A registration mechanism (IANA) for the package name. + + * A separate name space for the attributes. + + * A convenient grouping of the extensions. + + * A simple way to determine support for them through auditing. + + The package extension mechanism is the preferred extension method. + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 95] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Vendor extension attributes are composed of an attribute name, and + possibly followed by a colon and an attribute value. The attribute + name MUST start with the two characters "x+", for a mandatory + extension, or "x-", for a non-mandatory extension. If a gateway + receives a mandatory extension attribute that it does not recognize, + it MUST reject the command (error code 525 - unknown extension in + LocalConnectionOptions, is RECOMMENDED). + + Note that vendor extension attributes use an unmanaged name space, + which implies a potential for name clashing. Vendors are + consequently encouraged to include some vendor specific string, e.g., + vendor name, in their vendor extensions. + + Finally, for backwards compatibility with some existing + implementations, MGCP allows for other extension attributes as well + (see grammar in Appendix A). Note however, that these attribute + extensions do not provide the package extension attribute benefits. + Use of this mechanism for new extensions is discouraged. + +3.2.2.11 MaxMGCPDatagram + + The MaxMGCPDatagram can only be used for auditing, i.e., it is a + valid RequestedInfo code and can be provided as a response parameter. + + In responses, the MaxMGCPDatagram value is encoded as a string of up + to nine decimal digits -- leading zeroes are not permitted. The + following example illustrates the use of this parameter: + + MD: 8100 + +3.2.2.12 ObservedEvents + + The observed events parameter provides the list of events that have + been observed. The event codes are the same as those used in the + NotificationRequest. Events that have been accumulated according to + the digit map may be grouped in a single string, however such + practice is discouraged; they SHOULD be reported as lists of isolated + events if other events were detected during the digit accumulation. + Examples of observed events are: + + O: L/hu + O: D/8295555T + O: D/8,D/2,D/9,D/5,D/5,L/hf,D/5,D/5,D/T + O: L/hf, L/hf, L/hu + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 96] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +3.2.2.13 PackageList + + The Package List can only be used for auditing, i.e., it is a valid + RequestedInfo code and can be provided as a response parameter. + + The response parameter will consist of a comma separated list of + packages supported. The first package returned in the list is the + default package. Each package in the list consists of the package + name followed by a colon, and the highest version number of the + package supported. + + An example of a package list is: + + PL: L:1,G:1,D:0,FOO:2,T:1 + + Note that for backwards compatibility, support for this parameter is + OPTIONAL. + +3.2.2.14 QuarantineHandling + + The quarantine handling parameter contains a list of comma separated + keywords: + + * The keyword "process" or "discard" to indicate the treatment of + quarantined and observed events. If neither "process" or "discard" + is present, "process" is assumed. + + * The keyword "step" or "loop" to indicate whether at most one + notification per NotificationRequest is allowed, or whether + multiple notifications per NotificationRequest are allowed. If + neither "step" nor "loop" is present, "step" is assumed. + + The following values are valid examples: + + Q: loop + Q: process + Q: loop,discard + +3.2.2.15 ReasonCode + + Reason codes are three-digit numeric values. The reason code is + optionally followed by a white space and commentary, e.g.: + + E: 900 Endpoint malfunctioning + + A list of reason codes can be found in Section 2.5. + + The set of reason codes can be extended through packages. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 97] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +3.2.2.16 RequestedEvents + + The RequestedEvents parameter provides the list of events that are + requested. The event codes are described in Section 3.2.2.4. + + Each event can be qualified by a requested action, or by a list of + actions. The actions, when specified, are encoded as a list of + keywords, enclosed in parenthesis and separated by commas. The codes + for the various actions are: + + ------------------------------------- + | Action | Code | + |------------------------------|------| + | Notify immediately | N | + | Accumulate | A | + | Treat according to digit map | D | + | Swap | S | + | Ignore | I | + | Keep Signal(s) active | K | + | Embedded Notification Request| E | + ------------------------------------- + + When no action is specified, the default action is to notify the + event. This means that, for example, ft and ft(N) are equivalent. + Events that are not listed are ignored (unless they are persistent). + + The digit-map action SHOULD only be specified for the digits, letters + and interdigit timers in packages that define the encoding of digits, + letters, and timers (including extension digit map letters). + + The requested events list is encoded on a single line, with + event/action groups separated by commas. Examples of RequestedEvents + encodings are: + + R: L/hu(N), L/hf(S,N) + R: L/hu(N), D/[0-9#T](D) + + In the case of the "Embedded Notification Request" action, the + embedded notification request parameters are encoded as a list of up + to three parameter groups separated by commas. Each group starts by + a one letter identifier, followed by a list of parameters enclosed + between parentheses. The first optional parameter group, identified + by the letter "R", is the value of the embedded RequestedEvents + parameter. The second optional group, identified by the letter "S", + is the embedded value of the SignalRequests parameter. The third + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 98] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + optional group, identified by the letter "D", is the embedded value + of the DigitMap. (Note that some existing implementations and + profiles may encode these three components in a different order. + Implementers are encouraged to accept such encodings, but they SHOULD + NOT generate them.) + + If the RequestedEvents parameter is not present, the parameter will + be set to a null value. If the SignalRequests parameter is not + present, the parameter will be set to a null value. If the DigitMap + is absent, the current value MUST be used. The following are valid + examples of embedded requests: + + R: L/hd(E(R(D/[0-9#T](D),L/hu(N)),S(L/dl),D([0-9].[#T]))) + R: L/hd(E(R(D/[0-9#T](D),L/hu(N)),S(L/dl))) + + Some events can be qualified by additional event parameters. Such + event parameters will be separated by commas and enclosed within + parentheses. Event parameters may be enclosed in double-quotes (in + fact, some event parameters MUST be enclosed in double-quotes due to + syntactic restrictions), in which case the quoted string itself is + UTF-8 encoded. Please refer to Section 3.2.2.4 for additional detail + on event parameters. + + The following example shows the foobar event with an event parameter + "epar": + + R: X/foobar(N)(epar=2) + + Notice that the Action was included even though it is the default + Notify action - this is required by the grammar. + +3.2.2.17 RequestedInfo + + The RequestedInfo parameter contains a comma separated list of + parameter codes, as defined in Section 3.2.2. For example, if one + wants to audit the value of the NotifiedEntity, RequestIdentifier, + RequestedEvents, SignalRequests, DigitMap, QuarantineHandling and + DetectEvents parameters, the value of the RequestedInfo parameter + will be: + + F: N,X,R,S,D,Q,T + + Note that extension parameters in general can be audited as well. + The individual extension will define the auditing operation. + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 99] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The capabilities request, in the AuditEndPoint command, is encoded by + the parameter code "A", as in: + + F: A + +3.2.2.18 RequestIdentifier + + The request identifier correlates a Notify command with the + NotificationRequest that triggered it. A RequestIdentifier is a + hexadecimal string, at most 32 characters in length. + RequestIdentifiers are compared as strings rather than numerical + value. The string "0" is reserved for reporting of persistent events + in the case where a NotificationRequest has not yet been received + after restart. + +3.2.2.19 ResponseAck + + The response acknowledgement parameter is used to manage the "at- + most-once" facility described in Section 3.5. It contains a comma + separated list of "confirmed transaction-id ranges". + + Each "confirmed transaction-id range" is composed of either one + decimal number, when the range includes exactly one transaction, or + two decimal numbers separated by a single hyphen, describing the + lower and higher transaction identifiers included in the range. + + An example of a response acknowledgement is: + + K: 6234-6255, 6257, 19030-19044 + +3.2.2.20 RestartMethod + + The RestartMethod parameter is encoded as one of the keywords + "graceful", "forced", "restart", "disconnected" or "cancel-graceful" + as for example: + + RM: restart + + The set of restart methods can be extended through packages. + +3.2.2.21 SignalRequests + + The SignalRequests parameter provides the name of the signal(s) that + have been requested. Each signal is identified by a name, as + described in Section 3.2.2.4. + + Some signals, such as for example announcement or ADSI display, can + be qualified by additional parameters, e.g.: + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 100] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * the name and parameters of the announcement, + + * the string that should be displayed. + + Such parameters will be separated by commas and enclosed within + parenthesis, as in: + + S: L/adsi("123456 Francois Gerard") + S: A/ann(http://ann.example.net/no-such-number.au, 1234567) + + When a quoted-string is provided, the string itself is UTF-8 encoded + [20]. + + When several signals are requested, their codes are separated by a + comma, as in: + + S: L/adsi("123456 Your friend"), L/rg + + Please refer to Section 3.2.2.4 for additional detail on signal + parameters. + +3.3 Format of response headers + + The response header is composed of a response line, optionally + followed by headers that encode the response parameters. + + An example of a response header could be: + + 200 1203 OK + + The response line starts with the response code, which is a three + digit numeric value. The code is followed by a white space, and the + transaction identifier. Response codes defined in packages (8xx) are + followed by white space, a slash ("/") and the package name. All + response codes may furthermore be followed by optional commentary + preceded by a white space. + + The following table describes the parameters whose presence is + mandatory or optional in a response header, as a function of the + command that triggered the response. The letter M stands for + mandatory, O for optional and F for forbidden. Unless otherwise + specified, a parameter MUST NOT be present more than once. Note that + the table only reflects the default for responses that have not + defined any other behavior. If a response is received with a + parameter that is either not understood or marked as forbidden, the + offending parameter(s) MUST simply be ignored. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 101] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + | Parameter name | EP | CR | MD | DL | RQ | NT | AU | AU | RS | + | | CF | CX | CX | CX | NT | FY | EP | CX | IP | + |---------------------|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----| + | BearerInformation | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | F | + | CallId | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | + | Capabilities | F | F | F | F | F | F | O*| F | F | + | ConnectionId | F | O*| F | F | F | F | O*| F | F | + | ConnectionMode | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | + | Connection- | F | F | F | O*| F | F | F | O | F | + | Parameters | | | | | | | | | | + | DetectEvents | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | F | + | DigitMap | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | F | + | EventStates | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | F | + | LocalConnection- | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | + | Options | | | | | | | | | | + | MaxMGCPDatagram | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | F | + | NotifiedEntity | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | O | O | + | ObservedEvents | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | F | + | QuarantineHandling | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | F | + | PackageList | O*| O*| O*| O*| O*| O*| O | O*| O*| + | ReasonCode | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | F | + | RequestIdentifier | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | F | + | ResponseAck | O*| O*| O*| O*| O*| O*| O*| O*| O*| + | RestartDelay | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | F | + | RestartMethod | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | F | + | RequestedEvents | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | F | + | RequestedInfo | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | + | SecondConnectionId | F | O | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | + | SecondEndpointId | F | O | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | + | SignalRequests | F | F | F | F | F | F | O | F | F | + | SpecificEndpointId | F | O | F | F | F | F | O*| F | F | + |---------------------|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----| + | LocalConnection- | F | O*| O | F | F | F | F | O*| F | + | Descriptor | | | | | | | | | | + | RemoteConnection- | F | F | F | F | F | F | F | O*| F | + | Descriptor | | | | | | | | | | + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + + Notes (*): + + * The PackageList parameter is only allowed with return code 518 + (unsupported package), except for AuditEndpoint, where it may also + be returned if audited. + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 102] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * The ResponseAck parameter MUST NOT be used with any other responses + than a final response issued after a provisional response for the + transaction in question. In that case, the presence of the + ResponseAck parameter SHOULD trigger a Response Acknowledgement - + any ResponseAck values provided will be ignored. + + * In the case of a CreateConnection message, the response line is + followed by a Connection-Id parameter and a + LocalConnectionDescriptor. It may also be followed a Specific- + Endpoint-Id parameter, if the creation request was sent to a + wildcarded Endpoint-Id. The connection-Id and + LocalConnectionDescriptor parameter are marked as optional in the + Table. In fact, they are mandatory with all positive responses, + when a connection was created, and forbidden when the response is + negative, and no connection was created. + + * A LocalConnectionDescriptor MUST be transmitted with a positive + response (code 200) to a CreateConnection. It MUST also be + transmitted in response to a ModifyConnection command, if the + modification resulted in a modification of the session parameters. + The LocalConnectionDescriptor is encoded as a "session + description", as defined in section 3.4. It is separated from the + response header by an empty line. + + * Connection-Parameters are only valid in a response to a non- + wildcarded DeleteConnection command sent by the Call Agent. + + * Multiple ConnectionId, SpecificEndpointId, and Capabilities + parameters may be present in the response to an AuditEndpoint + command. + + * When several session descriptors are encoded in the same response, + they are encoded one after each other, separated by an empty line. + This is the case for example when the response to an audit + connection request carries both a local session description and a + remote session description, as in: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 103] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + 200 1203 OK + C: A3C47F21456789F0 + N: [128.96.41.12] + L: p:10, a:PCMU;G726-32 + M: sendrecv + P: PS=1245, OS=62345, PR=780, OR=45123, PL=10, JI=27,LA=48 + + v=0 + o=- 25678 753849 IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + t=0 0 + m=audio 1296 RTP/AVP 0 + + v=0 + o=- 33343 346463 IN IP4 128.96.63.25 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.63.25 + t=0 0 + m=audio 1296 RTP/AVP 0 96 + a=rtpmap:96 G726-32/8000 + + In this example, according to the SDP syntax, each description + starts with a "version" line, (v=...). The local description is + always transmitted before the remote description. If a connection + descriptor is requested, but it does not exist for the connection + audited, that connection descriptor will appear with the SDP + protocol version field only. + + The response parameters are described for each of the commands in the + following. + +3.3.1 CreateConnection Response + + In the case of a CreateConnection message, the response line is + followed by a Connection-Id parameter with a successful response + (code 200). A LocalConnectionDescriptor is furthermore transmitted + with a positive response. The LocalConnectionDescriptor is encoded + as a "session description", as defined by SDP (RFC 2327). It is + separated from the response header by an empty line, e.g.: + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 104] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + 200 1204 OK + I: FDE234C8 + + v=0 + o=- 25678 753849 IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + t=0 0 + m=audio 3456 RTP/AVP 96 + a=rtpmap:96 G726-32/8000 + + When a provisional response has been issued previously, the final + response SHOULD furthermore contain the Response Acknowledgement + parameter (final responses issued by entities adhering to this + specification will include the parameter, but older RFC 2705 + implementations MAY not): + + 200 1204 OK + K: + I: FDE234C8 + + v=0 + o=- 25678 753849 IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + t=0 0 + m=audio 3456 RTP/AVP 96 + a=rtpmap:96 G726-32/8000 + + The final response SHOULD then be acknowledged by a Response + Acknowledgement: + + 000 1204 + +3.3.2 ModifyConnection Response + + In the case of a successful ModifyConnection message, the response + line is followed by a LocalConnectionDescriptor, if the modification + resulted in a modification of the session parameters (e.g., changing + only the mode of a connection does not alter the session parameters). + The LocalConnectionDescriptor is encoded as a "session description", + as defined by SDP. It is separated from the response header by an + empty line. + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 105] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + 200 1207 OK + + v=0 + o=- 25678 753849 IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + t=0 0 + m=audio 3456 RTP/AVP 0 + + When a provisional response has been issued previously, the final + response SHOULD furthermore contain the Response Acknowledgement + parameter as in: + + 200 1207 OK + K: + + The final response SHOULD then be acknowledged by a Response + Acknowledgement: + + 000 1207 OK + +3.3.3 DeleteConnection Response + + Depending on the variant of the DeleteConnection message, the + response line may be followed by a Connection Parameters parameter + line, as defined in Section 3.2.2.7. + + 250 1210 OK + P: PS=1245, OS=62345, PR=780, OR=45123, PL=10, JI=27, LA=48 + +3.3.4 NotificationRequest Response + + A successful NotificationRequest response does not include any + additional response parameters. + +3.3.5 Notify Response + + A successful Notify response does not include any additional response + parameters. + +3.3.6 AuditEndpoint Response + + In the case of a successful AuditEndPoint the response line may be + followed by information for each of the parameters requested - each + parameter will appear on a separate line. Parameters for which no + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 106] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + value currently exists, e.g., digit map, will still be provided but + with an empty value. Each local endpoint name "expanded" by a + wildcard character will appear on a separate line using the + "SpecificEndPointId" parameter code, e.g.: + + 200 1200 OK + Z: aaln/1@rgw.whatever.net + Z: aaln/2@rgw.whatever.net + + When connection identifiers are audited and multiple connections + exist on the endpoint, a comma-separated list of connection + identifiers SHOULD be returned as in: + + 200 1200 OK + I: FDE234C8, DFE233D1 + + Alternatively, multiple connection id parameter lines may be returned + - the two forms should not be mixed although doing so does not + constitute an error. + + When capabilities are audited, the response may include multiple + capabilities parameter lines as in: + + 200 1200 OK + A: a:PCMU;G728, p:10-100, e:on, s:off, t:1, v:L, + m:sendonly;recvonly;sendrecv;inactive + A: a:G729, p:30-90, e:on, s:on, t:1, v:L, + m:sendonly;recvonly;sendrecv;inactive;confrnce + + Note: The carriage return for Capabilities shown above is present + for formatting reasons only. It is not permissible in a real command + encoding. + +3.3.7 AuditConnection Response + + In the case of a successful AuditConnection, the response may be + followed by information for each of the parameters requested. + Parameters for which no value currently exists will still be + provided. Connection descriptors will always appear last and each + will be preceded by an empty line, as for example: + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 107] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + 200 1203 OK + C: A3C47F21456789F0 + N: [128.96.41.12] + L: p:10, a:PCMU;G728 + M: sendrecv + P: PS=622, OS=31172, PR=390, OR=22561, PL=5, JI=29, LA=50 + + v=0 + o=- 4723891 7428910 IN IP4 128.96.63.25 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.63.25 + t=0 0 + m=audio 1296 RTP/AVP 96 + a=rtpmap:96 G726-32/8000 + + If both a local and a remote connection descriptor are provided, the + local connection descriptor will be the first of the two. If a + connection descriptor is requested, but it does not exist for the + connection audited, that connection descriptor will appear with the + SDP protocol version field only ("v=0"), as for example: + + 200 1203 OK + + v=0 + +3.3.8 RestartInProgress Response + + A successful RestartInProgress response may include a NotifiedEntity + parameter, but otherwise does not include any additional response + parameters. + + Also, a 521 response to a RestartInProgress MUST include a + NotifiedEntity parameter with the name of another Call Agent to + contact when the first Call Agent redirects the endpoint to another + Call Agent as in: + + 521 1204 Redirect + N: CA-1@whatever.net + +3.4 Encoding of the Session Description (SDP) + + The session description (SDP) is encoded in conformance with the + session description protocol, SDP. MGCP implementations are REQUIRED + to be fully capable of parsing any conformant SDP message, and MUST + send session descriptions that strictly conform to the SDP standard. + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 108] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The general description and explanation of SDP parameters can be + found in RFC 2327 (or its successor). In particular, it should be + noted that the + + * Origin ("o="), + + * Session Name ("s="), and + + * Time active ("t=") + + are all mandatory in RFC 2327. While they are of little use to MGCP, + they MUST be provided in conformance with RFC 2327 nevertheless. The + following suggests values to be used for each of the fields, however + the reader is encouraged to consult RFC 2327 (or its successor) for + details: + + Origin + o = <username> <session id> <version> <network type> <address type> + <address> + + * The username SHOULD be set to hyphen ("-"). + + * The session id is RECOMMENDED to be an NTP timestamp as suggested + in RFC 2327. + + * The version is a version number that MUST increment with each + change to the SDP. A counter initialized to zero or an NTP + timestamp as suggested in RFC 2327 is RECOMMENDED. + + * The network type defines the type of network. For RTP sessions the + network type SHOULD be "IN". + + * The address type defines the type of address. For RTP sessions the + address type SHOULD be "IP4" (or "IP6"). + + * The address SHOULD be the same address as provided in the + connection information ("c=") field. + + Session Name + s = <session name> + + The session name should be hyphen ("-"). + + Time active + t = <start time> <stop time> + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 109] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * The start time may be set to zero. + + * The stop time should be set to zero. + + Each of the three fields can be ignored upon reception. + + To further accommodate the extensibility principles of MGCP, + implementations are ENCOURAGED to support the PINT "a=require" + attribute - please refer to RFC 2848 for further details. + + The usage of SDP actually depends on the type of session that is + being established. Below we describe usage of SDP for an audio + service using the RTP/AVP profile [4], or the LOCAL interconnect + defined in this document. In case of any conflicts between what is + described below and SDP (RFC 2327 or its successor), the SDP + specification takes precedence. + +3.4.1 Usage of SDP for an Audio Service + + In a telephony gateway, we only have to describe sessions that use + exactly one media, audio. The usage of SDP for this is + straightforward and described in detail in RFC 2327. + + The following is an example of an RFC 2327 conformant session + description for an audio connection: + + v=0 + o=- A7453949499 0 IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + t=0 0 + m=audio 3456 RTP/AVP 0 96 + a=rtpmap:96 G726-32/8000 + +3.4.2 Usage of SDP for LOCAL Connections + + When MGCP is used to set up internal connections within a single + gateway, the SDP format is used to encode the parameters of that + connection. The connection and media parameters will be used as + follows: + + * The connection parameter (c=) will specify that the connection is + local, using the keyword "LOCAL" as network type, the keyword "EPN" + (endpoint name) as address type, and the local name of the endpoint + as the connection-address. + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 110] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * The "m=audio" parameter will specify a port number, which will + always be set to 0, the type of protocol, always set to the keyword + LOCAL, and the type of encoding, using the same conventions used + for the RTP AVP profile (RTP payload numbers). The type of + encoding should normally be set to 0 (PCMU). + + A session-level attribute identifying the connection MAY furthermore + be present. This enables endpoints to support multiple LOCAL + connections. Use of this attribute is OPTIONAL and indeed + unnecessary for endpoints that only support a single LOCAL + connection. The attribute is defined as follows: + + a=MGCPlocalcx:<ConnectionID> + The MGCP Local Connection attribute is a session level only case- + insensitive attribute that identifies the MGCP LOCAL connection, + on the endpoint identified in the connection information, to which + the SDP applies. The ConnectionId is a hexadecimal string + containing at most 32 characters. The ConnectionId itself is + case-insensitive. The MGCP Local Connection attribute is not + subject to the charset attribute. + + An example of a LOCAL session description could be: + + v=0 + o=- A7453949499 0 LOCAL EPN X35V3+A4/13 + s=- + c=LOCAL EPN X35V3+A4/13 + t=0 0 + a=MGCPlocalcx:FDE234C8 + m=audio 0 LOCAL 0 + + Note that the MGCP Local Connection attribute is specified at the + session level and that it could have been omitted in case only a + single LOCAL connection per endpoint is supported. + +3.5 Transmission over UDP + + MGCP messages are transmitted over UDP. Commands are sent to one of + the IP addresses defined in the DNS for the specified endpoint. The + responses are sent back to the source address (i.e., IP address and + UDP port number) of the commands - the response may or may not arrive + from the same address as the command was sent to. + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 111] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + When no port is specified for the endpoint, the commands MUST by + default be sent: + + * by the Call Agents, to the default MGCP port for gateways, 2427. + + * by the Gateways, to the default MGCP port for Call Agents, 2727. + +3.5.1 Providing the At-Most-Once Functionality + + MGCP messages, being carried over UDP, may be subject to losses. In + the absence of a timely response, commands are retransmitted. Most + MGCP commands are not idempotent. The state of the gateway would + become unpredictable if, for example, CreateConnection commands were + executed several times. The transmission procedures MUST thus + provide an "at-most-once" functionality. + + MGCP entities are expected to keep in memory a list of the responses + that they sent to recent transactions, and a list of the transactions + that are currently being executed. The numerical value of + transaction identifiers of incoming commands are compared to the + transaction identifiers of the recent responses. If a match is + found, the MGCP entity does not execute the transaction again, but + simply resends the response. The remaining commands will be compared + to the list of current transactions, i.e., transactions received + previously which have not yet finished executing. If a match is + found, the MGCP entity does not execute the transaction again, but a + provisional response (Section 3.5.5) SHOULD be issued to acknowledge + receipt of the command. + + The procedure uses a long timer value, noted T-HIST in the following. + The timer MUST be set larger than the maximum duration of a + transaction, which MUST take into account the maximum number of + repetitions, the maximum value of the repetition timer and the + maximum propagation delay of a packet in the network. A suggested + value is 30 seconds. + + The copy of the responses MAY be destroyed either T-HIST seconds + after the response is issued, or when the gateway (or the Call Agent) + receives a confirmation that the response has been received, through + the "Response Acknowledgement". For transactions that are + acknowledged through this attribute, the gateway SHALL keep a copy of + the transaction-id (as opposed to the entire transaction response) + for T-HIST seconds after the response is issued, in order to detect + and ignore duplicate copies of the transaction request that could be + produced by the network. + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 112] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +3.5.2 Transaction Identifiers and Three Ways Handshake + + Transaction identifiers are integer numbers in the range from 1 to + 999,999,999 (both included). Call-agents may decide to use a + specific number space for each of the gateways that they manage, or + to use the same number space for all gateways that belong to some + arbitrary group. Call agents may decide to share the load of + managing a large gateway between several independent processes. + These processes MUST then share the transaction number space. There + are multiple possible implementations of this sharing, such as having + a centralized allocation of transaction identifiers, or pre- + allocating non-overlapping ranges of identifiers to different + processes. The implementations MUST guarantee that unique + transaction identifiers are allocated to all transactions that + originate from a logical call agent, as defined in Section 4. + Gateways can simply detect duplicate transactions by looking at the + transaction identifier only. + + The Response Acknowledgement Attribute can be found in any command. + It carries a set of "confirmed transaction-id ranges" for final + responses received - provisional responses MUST NOT be confirmed. A + given response SHOULD NOT be confirmed in two separate messages. + + MGCP entities MAY choose to delete the copies of the responses (but + not the transaction-id) to transactions whose id is included in + "confirmed transaction-id ranges" received in the Response + Confirmation messages (command or response). They SHOULD then + silently discard further commands from that entity when the + transaction-id falls within these ranges, and the response was issued + less than T-HIST seconds ago. + + Entities MUST exercise due caution when acknowledging responses. In + particular, a response SHOULD only be acknowledged if the response + acknowledgement is sent to the same entity as the corresponding + command (i.e., the command whose response is being acknowledged) was + sent to. + + Likewise, entities SHOULD NOT blindly accept a response + acknowledgement for a given response. However it is considered safe + to accept a response acknowledgement for a given response, when that + response acknowledgement is sent by the same entity as the command + that generated that response. + + It should be noted, that use of response acknowledgments in commands + (as opposed to the Response Acknowledgement response following a + provisional response) is OPTIONAL. The benefit of using it is that + it reduces overall memory consumption. However, in order to avoid + large messages, implementations SHOULD NOT generate large response + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 113] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + acknowledgement lists. One strategy is to manage responses to + commands on a per endpoint basis. A command for an endpoint can + confirm a response to an older command for that same endpoint. + Responses to commands with wildcarded endpoint names can be confirmed + selectively with due consideration to message sizes, or alternatively + simply not be acknowledged (unless the response explicitly required a + Response Acknowledgement). Care must be taken to not confirm the + same response twice or a response that is more than T-HIST seconds + old. + + The "confirmed transaction-id ranges" values SHALL NOT be used if + more than T-HIST seconds have elapsed since the entity issued its + last response to the other entity, or when an entity resumes + operation. In this situation, commands MUST be accepted and + processed, without any test on the transaction-id. + + Commands that carry the "Response Acknowledgement attribute" may be + transmitted in disorder. The union of the "confirmed transaction-id + ranges" received in recent messages SHALL be retained. + +3.5.3 Computing Retransmission Timers + + It is the responsibility of the requesting entity to provide suitable + time outs for all outstanding commands, and to retry commands when + time outs have been exceeded. Furthermore, when repeated commands + fail to be acknowledged, it is the responsibility of the requesting + entity to seek redundant services and/or clear existing or pending + associations. + + The specification purposely avoids specifying any value for the + retransmission timers. These values are typically network dependent. + The retransmission timers SHOULD normally estimate the timer by + measuring the time spent between the sending of a command and the + return of the first response to the command. At a minimum, a + retransmission strategy involving exponential backoff MUST be + implemented. One possibility is to use the algorithm implemented in + TCP/IP, which uses two variables: + + * the average acknowledgement delay, AAD, estimated through an + exponentially smoothed average of the observed delays, + + * the average deviation, ADEV, estimated through an exponentially + smoothed average of the absolute value of the difference between + the observed delay and the current average. + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 114] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The retransmission timer, RTO, in TCP, is set to the sum of the + average delay plus N times the average deviation, where N is a + constant. In MGCP, the maximum value of the timer SHOULD however be + bounded, in order to guarantee that no repeated packet will be + received by the gateways after T-HIST seconds. A suggested maximum + value for RTO (RTO-MAX) is 4 seconds. Implementers SHOULD consider + bounding the minimum value of this timer as well [19]. + + After any retransmission, the MGCP entity SHOULD do the following: + + * It should double the estimated value of the acknowledgement delay + for this transaction, T-DELAY. + + * It should compute a random value, uniformly distributed between 0.5 + T-DELAY and T-DELAY. + + * It should set the retransmission timer (RTO) to the minimum of: + - the sum of that random value and N times the average deviation, + - RTO-MAX. + + This procedure has two effects. Because it includes an exponentially + increasing component, it will automatically slow down the stream of + messages in case of congestion. Because it includes a random + component, it will break the potential synchronization between + notifications triggered by the same external event. + + Note that the estimators AAD and ADEV SHOULD NOT be updated for + transactions that involve retransmissions. Also, the first new + transmission following a successful retransmission SHOULD use the RTO + for that last retransmission. If this transmission succeeds without + any retransmissions, the AAD and ADEV estimators are updated and RTO + is determined as usual again. See, e.g., [18] for further details. + +3.5.4 Maximum Datagram Size, Fragmentation and Reassembly + + MGCP messages being transmitted over UDP rely on IP for fragmentation + and reassembly of large datagrams. The maximum theoretical size of + an IP datagram is 65535 bytes. With a 20-byte IP header and an 8- + byte UDP header, this leaves us with a maximum theoretical MGCP + message size of 65507 bytes when using UDP. + + However, IP does not require a host to receive IP datagrams larger + than 576 bytes [21], which would provide an unacceptably small MGCP + message size. Consequently, MGCP mandates that implementations MUST + support MGCP datagrams up to at least 4000 bytes, which requires the + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 115] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + corresponding IP fragmentation and reassembly to be supported. Note, + that the 4000 byte limit applies to the MGCP level. Lower layer + overhead will require support for IP datagrams that are larger than + this: UDP and IP overhead will be at least 28 bytes, and, e.g., use + of IPSec will add additional overhead. + + It should be noted, that the above applies to both Call Agents and + endpoints. Call Agents can audit endpoints to determine if they + support larger MGCP datagrams than specified above. Endpoints do + currently not have a similar capability to determine if a Call Agent + supports larger MGCP datagram sizes. + +3.5.5 Piggybacking + + There are cases when a Call Agent will want to send several messages + at the same time to the same gateways, and vice versa. When several + MGCP messages have to be sent in the same datagram, they MUST be + separated by a line of text that contains a single dot, as in for + example: + + 200 2005 OK + . + DLCX 1244 card23/21@tgw-7.example.net MGCP 1.0 + C: A3C47F21456789F0 + I: FDE234C8 + + The piggybacked messages MUST be processed exactly as if they had + been received one at a time in several separate datagrams. Each + message in the datagram MUST be processed to completion and in order + starting with the first message, and each command MUST be responded + to. Errors encountered in a message that was piggybacked MUST NOT + affect any of the other messages received in that datagram - each + message is processed on its own. + + Piggybacking can be used to achieve two things: + + * Guaranteed in-order delivery and processing of messages. + + * Fate sharing of message delivery. + + When piggybacking is used to guarantee in-order delivery of messages, + entities MUST ensure that this in-order delivery property is retained + on retransmissions of the individual messages. An example of this is + when multiple Notify's are sent using piggybacking (as described in + Section 4.4.1). + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 116] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Fate sharing of message delivery ensures that either all the messages + are delivered, or none of them are delivered. When piggybacking is + used to guarantee this fate-sharing, entities MUST also ensure that + this property is retained upon retransmission. For example, upon + receiving a Notify from an endpoint operating in lockstep mode, the + Call Agent may wish to send the response and a new + NotificationRequest command in a single datagram to ensure message + delivery fate-sharing of the two. + +3.5.6 Provisional Responses + + Executing some transactions may require a long time. Long execution + times may interact with the timer based retransmission procedure. + + This may result either in an inordinate number of retransmissions, or + in timer values that become too long to be efficient. + + Gateways (and Call Agents) that can predict that a transaction will + require a long execution time SHOULD send a provisional response with + response code 100. As a guideline, a transaction that requires + external communication to complete, e.g., network resource + reservation, SHOULD issue a provisional response. Furthermore + entities SHOULD send a provisional response if they receive a + repetition of a transaction that has not yet finished executing. + + Gateways (or Call Agents) that start building up queues of + transactions to be executed may send a provisional response with + response code 101 to indicate this (see Section 4.4.8 for further + details). + + Pure transactional semantics would imply, that provisional responses + SHOULD NOT return any other information than the fact that the + transaction is currently executing, however an optimistic approach + allowing some information to be returned enables a reduction in the + delay that would otherwise be incurred in the system. + + In order to reduce the delay in the system, it is RECOMMENDED to + include a connection identifier and session description in a 100 + provisional response to the CreateConnection command. If a session + description would be returned by the ModifyConnection command, the + session description SHOULD be included in the provisional response + here as well. If the transaction completes successfully, the + information returned in the provisional response MUST be repeated in + the final response. It is considered a protocol error not to repeat + this information or to change any of the previously supplied + information in a successful response. If the transaction fails, an + error code is returned - the information returned previously is no + longer valid. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 117] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + A currently executing CreateConnection or ModifyConnection + transaction MUST be cancelled if a DeleteConnection command for the + endpoint is received. In that case, a final response for the + cancelled transaction SHOULD still be returned automatically (error + code 407 - transaction aborted, is RECOMMENDED), and a final response + for the cancelled transaction MUST be returned if a retransmission of + the cancelled transaction is detected (see also Section 4.4.4). + + MGCP entities that receive a provisional response SHALL switch to a + longer repetition timer (LONGTRAN-TIMER) for that transaction. The + purpose of this timer is primarily to detect processing failures. + The default value of LONGTRAN-TIMER is 5 seconds, however the + provisioning process may alter this. Note, that retransmissions MUST + still satisfy the timing requirements specified in Section 3.5.1 and + 3.5.3. Consequently LONGTRAN-TIMER MUST be smaller than T-HIST (it + should in fact be considerably smaller). Also, entities MUST NOT let + a transaction run forever. A transaction that is timed out by the + entity SHOULD return error code 406 (transaction time-out). Per the + definition of T-HIST (Section 3.5.1), the maximum transaction + execution time is smaller than T-HIST (in a network with low delay, + it can reasonably safely be approximated as T-HIST minus T-MAX), and + a final response should be received no more than T-HIST seconds after + the command was sent initially. Nevertheless, entities SHOULD wait + for 2*T-HIST seconds before giving up on receiving a final response. + Retransmission of the command MUST still cease after T-MAX seconds + though. If a response is not received, the outcome of the + transaction is not known. If the entity sending the command was a + gateway, it now becomes "disconnected" and SHALL initiate the + "disconnected" procedure (see Section 4.4.7). + + When the transaction finishes execution, the final response is sent + and the by now obsolete provisional response is deleted. In order to + ensure rapid detection of a lost final response, final responses + issued after provisional responses for a transaction SHOULD be + acknowledged (unfortunately older RFC 2705 implementations may not do + this, which is the only reason it is not an absolute requirement). + + The endpoint SHOULD therefore include an empty "ResponseAck" + parameter in those, and only those, final responses. The presence of + the "ResponseAck" parameter in the final response SHOULD trigger a + "Response Acknowledgement" response to be sent back to the endpoint. + The Response Acknowledgement" response will then include the + transaction-id of the response it acknowledges in the response + header. Note that, for backwards compatibility, entities cannot + depend on receiving such a "response acknowledgement", however it is + strongly RECOMMENDED to support this behavior, as excessive delays in + case of packet loss as well as excessive retransmissions may occur + otherwise. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 118] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Receipt of a "Response Acknowledgement" response is subject to the + same time-out and retransmission strategies and procedures as + responses to commands, i.e., the sender of the final response will + retransmit it if a "Response Acknowledgement" is not received in + time. For backwards compatibility, failure to receive a "response + acknowledgement" SHOULD NOT affect the roundtrip time estimates for + subsequent commands, and furthermore MUST NOT lead to the endpoint + becoming "disconnected". The "Response Acknowledgment" response is + never acknowledged. + +4. States, Failover and Race Conditions + + In order to implement proper call signaling, the Call Agent must keep + track of the state of the endpoint, and the gateway must make sure + that events are properly notified to the Call Agent. Special + conditions exist when the gateway or the Call Agent are restarted: + the gateway must be redirected to a new Call Agent during "failover" + procedures, the Call Agent must take special action when the gateway + is taken offline, or restarted. + +4.1 Failover Assumptions and Highlights + + The following protocol highlights are important to understanding Call + Agent fail-over mechanisms: + + * Call Agents are identified by their domain name (and optional + port), not their network addresses, and several addresses can be + associated with a domain name. + + * An endpoint has one and only one Call Agent associated with it at + any given point in time. The Call Agent associated with an + endpoint is the current value of the "notified entity". The + "notified entity" determines where the gateway will send it's + commands. If the "notified entity" does not include a port number, + the default Call Agent port number (2727) is assumed. + + * NotifiedEntity is a parameter sent by the Call Agent to the gateway + to set the "notified entity" for the endpoint. + + * The "notified entity" for an endpoint is the last value of the + NotifiedEntity parameter received for this endpoint. If no + explicit NotifiedEntity parameter has ever been received, the + "notified entity" defaults to a provisioned value. If no value was + provisioned or an empty NotifiedEntity parameter was provided (both + strongly discouraged) thereby making the "notified entity" empty, + the "notified entity" is set to the source address of the last + non-audit command for the endpoint. Thus auditing will not change + the "notified entity". + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 119] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * Responses to commands are sent to the source address of the + command, regardless of the current "notified entity". When a + Notify message needs to be piggybacked with the response, the + datagram is still sent to the source address of the new command + received, regardless of the current "notified entity". + + The ability for the "notified entity" to resolve to multiple network + addresses, allows a "notified entity" to represent a Call Agent with + multiple physical interfaces on it and/or a logical Call Agent made + up of multiple physical systems. The order of network addresses when + a DNS name resolves to multiple addresses is non-deterministic so + Call Agent fail-over schemes MUST NOT depend on any order (e.g., a + gateway MUST be able to send a "Notify" to any of the resolved + network addresses). On the other hand, the system is likely to be + most efficient if the gateway sends commands to the interface with + which it already has a current association. It is RECOMMENDED that + gateways use the following algorithm to achieve that goal: + + * If the "notified entity" resolves to multiple network addresses, + and the source address of the request is one of those addresses, + that network address is the preferred destination address for + commands. + + * If on the other hand, the source address of the request is not one + of the resolved addresses, the gateway must choose one of the + resolved addresses for commands. + + * If the gateway fails to contact the network address chosen, it MUST + try the alternatives in the resolved list as described in Section + 4.3. + + If an entire Call Agent becomes unavailable, the endpoints managed by + that Call Agent will eventually become "disconnected". The only way + for these endpoints to become connected again is either for the + failed Call Agent to become available, or for a backup call agent to + contact the affected endpoints with a new "notified entity". + + When a backup Call Agent has taken over control of a group of + endpoints, it is assumed that the failed Call Agent will communicate + and synchronize with the backup Call Agent in order to transfer + control of the affected endpoints back to the original Call Agent. + Alternatively, the failed Call Agent could simply become the backup + Call Agent. + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 120] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + We should note that handover conflict resolution between separate + CA's is not in place - we are relying strictly on the CA's knowing + what they are doing and communicating with each other (although + AuditEndpoint can be used to learn about the current "notified + entity"). If this is not the case, unexpected behavior may occur. + + Note that as mentioned earlier, the default "notified entity" is + provisioned and may include both domain name and port. For small + gateways, provisioning may be done on a per endpoint basis. For much + larger gateways, a single provisioning element may be provided for + multiple endpoints or even for the entire gateway itself. In either + case, once the gateway powers up, each endpoint MUST have its own + "notified entity", so provisioned values for an aggregation of + endpoints MUST be copied to the "notified entity" for each endpoint + in the aggregation before operation proceeds. Where possible, the + RestartInProgress command on restart SHOULD be sent to the + provisioned "notified entity" based on an aggregation that allows the + "all of" wild-card to be used. This will reduce the number of + RestartInProgress messages. + + Another way of viewing the use of "notified entity" is in terms of + associations between gateways and Call Agents. The "notified entity" + is a means to set up that association, and governs where the gateway + will send commands to. Commands received by the gateway however may + come from any source. The association is initially provisioned with + a provisioned "notified entity", so that on power up + RestartInProgress and persistent events that occur prior to the first + NotificationRequest from Call Agents will be sent to the provisioned + Call Agent. Once a Call Agent makes a request, however it may + include the NotifiedEntity parameter and set up a new association. + Since the "notified entity" persists across calls, the association + remains intact until a new "notified entity" is provided. + +4.2 Communicating with Gateways + + Endpoint names in gateways include a local name indicating the + specific endpoint and a domain name indicating the host/gateway where + the endpoint resides. Gateways may have several interfaces for + redundancy. + + In gateways that have routing capability, the domain name may resolve + to a single network address with internal routing to that address + from any of the gateway's interfaces. In others, the domain name may + resolve to multiple network addresses, one for each interface. In + the latter case, if a Call Agent fails to contact the gateway on one + of the addresses, it MUST try the alternates. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 121] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +4.3 Retransmission, and Detection of Lost Associations: + + The media gateway control protocol is organized as a set of + transactions, each of which is composed of a command and a response, + commonly referred to as an acknowledgement. The MGCP messages, being + carried over UDP, may be subject to losses. In the absence of a + timely response, commands are retransmitted. MGCP entities MUST keep + in memory a list of the responses that they sent to recent + transactions, i.e., a list of all the responses they sent over the + last T-HIST seconds, and a list of the transactions that have not yet + finished executing. + + The transaction identifiers of incoming commands are compared to the + transaction identifiers of the recent responses. If a match is + found, the MGCP entity does not execute the transaction, but simply + repeats the response. If a match to a previously responded to + transaction is not found, the transaction identifier of the incoming + command is compared to the list of transactions that have not yet + finished executing. If a match is found, the MGCP entity does not + execute the transaction again, but SHOULD simply send a provisional + response - a final response will be provided when the execution of + the command is complete (see Section 3.5.6 for further detail). + + The repetition mechanism is used to guard against four types of + possible errors: + + * transmission errors, when for example a packet is lost due to noise + on a line or congestion in a queue, + + * component failure, when for example an interface to a Call Agent + becomes unavailable, + + * Call Agent failure, when for example an entire Call Agent becomes + unavailable, + + * failover, when a new Call Agent is "taking over" transparently. + + The elements should be able to derive from the past history an + estimate of the packet loss rate due to transmission errors. In a + properly configured system, this loss rate should be very low, + typically less than 1%. If a Call Agent or a gateway has to repeat a + message more than a few times, it is very legitimate to assume that + something other than a transmission error is occurring. For example, + given a loss rate of 1%, the probability that 5 consecutive + transmission attempts fail is 1 in 100 billion, an event that should + occur less than once every 10 days for a Call Agent that processes + 1,000 transactions per second. (Indeed, the number of + retransmissions that is considered excessive should be a function of + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 122] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + the prevailing packet loss rate.) We should note that the "suspicion + threshold", which we will call "Max1", is normally lower than the + "disconnection threshold", which we will call "Max2". Max2 MUST be + set to a larger value than Max1. + + The MGCP retransmission algorithm is illustrated in the Figure below + and explained further in the following: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 123] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Command issued: N=0, T=0 + | + | +------------ retransmission: N++ <--------------+ + | | | + | | if T <= T-Max then | + | | transmission | + | | +-- to new address, <-+<----------------------|--+ + | | | N=0 | | | + V V V | | | + +-----------+ | | | + +-->| awaiting |- new Call Agent ->+ +------------+ | | + | | response |--- timer elapsed --->| T > T-Max ?| | | + | +-----------+ +------------+ ^ ^ + | | | | | | + | v +-----(yes)-----+ (no) | | + | (response | | | | + | received) | +------------+ | | + | | | | N >= Max1 ?|-(no)>+ | + | v | +------------+ ^ ^ + | +--------+ | | | | + +<(no)-| final ?| | (yes) | | + ^ +--------+ | | | | + | | | (if first address & N=Max1, | | + | v | or last address & N=Max2 | | + | (yes) | check DNS) | | + | | | | | | + | v V +---------------+ | | + | (end) | |more addresses?|(yes)-|->+ + | | +---------------+ | + | | | ^ + | | (no) | + | | | | + | | +------------+ | + | | | N >= Max2 ?|(no)--+ + | | +------------+ + | | | + | | (yes) + | | | + | | +----------------+ + | +----------->| T >= 2*T-HIST ?| + | +----------------+ + | | | + | (no) (yes) + +---------------<-----------------------+ | + v + (disconnected) + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 124] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + A classic retransmission algorithm would simply count the number of + successive repetitions, and conclude that the association is broken + after re-transmitting the packet an excessive number of times + (typically between 7 and 11 times). In order to account for the + possibility of an undetected or in-progress "failover", we modify the + classic algorithm as follows: + + * We require that the gateway always checks for the presence of a new + Call Agent. It can be noticed either by: + + - receiving a command where the NotifiedEntity points to the new + Call Agent, or + + - receiving a redirection response pointing to a new Call Agent. + + If a new Call Agent is detected, the gateway MUST start + retransmitting outstanding commands for the endpoint(s) redirected + to that new Call Agent. Responses to new or old commands are still + transmitted to the source address of the command. + + * Prior to any retransmission, it is checked that the time elapsed + since the sending of the initial datagram is no greater than T-MAX. + If more than T-MAX time has elapsed, then retransmissions MUST + cease. If more than 2*T-HIST has elapsed, then the endpoint + becomes disconnected. + + * If the number of repetitions for this Call Agent is equal to + "Max1", and its domain name was not resolved recently (e.g., within + the last 5 seconds or otherwise provisioned), and it is not in the + process of being resolved, then the gateway MAY actively query the + domain name server in order to detect the possible change of the + Call Agent interfaces. Note that the first repetition is the + second transmission. + + * The gateway may have learned several IP addresses for the call + agent. If the number of repetitions for this IP address is greater + than or equal to "Max1" and lower than "Max2", and there are more + addresses that have not been tried, then the gateway MUST direct + the retransmissions to alternate addresses. Also, receipt of + explicit network notifications such as, e.g., ICMP network, host, + protocol, or port unreachable SHOULD lead the gateway to try + alternate addresses (with due consideration to possible security + issues). + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 125] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * If there are no more interfaces to try, and the number of + repetitions for this address is Max2, then the gateway SHOULD + contact the DNS one more time to see if any other interfaces have + become available, unless the domain name was resolved recently + (e.g., within the last 5 seconds or otherwise provisioned), or it + is already in the process of being resolved. If there still are no + more interfaces to try, the gateway is then disconnected and MUST + initiate the "disconnected" procedure (see Section 4.4.7). + + In order to automatically adapt to network load, MGCP specifies + exponentially increasing timers. If the initial timer is set to 200 + milliseconds, the loss of a fifth retransmission will be detected + after about 6 seconds. This is probably an acceptable waiting delay + to detect a failover. The repetitions should continue after that + delay not only in order to perhaps overcome a transient connectivity + problem, but also in order to allow some more time for the execution + of a failover - waiting a total delay of 30 seconds is probably + acceptable. + + It is however important that the maximum delay of retransmissions be + bounded. Prior to any retransmission, it is checked that the time + (T) elapsed since the sending of the initial datagram is no greater + than T-MAX. If more than T-MAX time has elapsed, retransmissions + MUST cease. If more than 2*T-HIST time has elapsed, the endpoint + becomes disconnected. The value T-MAX is related to the T-HIST + value: the T-HIST value MUST be greater than or equal to T-MAX plus + the maximum propagation delay in the network. + + The default value for T-MAX is 20 seconds. Thus, if the assumed + maximum propagation delay is 10 seconds, then responses to old + transactions would have to be kept for a period of at least 30 + seconds. The importance of having the sender and receiver agree on + these values cannot be overstated. + + The default value for Max1 is 5 retransmissions and the default value + for Max2 is 7 retransmissions. Both of these values may be altered + by the provisioning process. + + The provisioning process MUST be able to disable one or both of the + Max1 and Max2 DNS queries. + +4.4 Race Conditions + + MGCP deals with race conditions through the notion of a "quarantine + list" and through explicit detection of desynchronization, e.g., for + mismatched hook state due to glare for an endpoint. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 126] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + MGCP does not assume that the transport mechanism will maintain the + order of commands and responses. This may cause race conditions, + that may be obviated through a proper behavior of the Call Agent. + (Note that some race conditions are inherent to distributed systems; + they would still occur, even if the commands were transmitted in + strict order.) + + In some cases, many gateways may decide to restart operation at the + same time. This may occur, for example, if an area loses power or + transmission capability during an earthquake or an ice storm. When + power and transmission are reestablished, many gateways may decide to + send "RestartInProgress" commands simultaneously, leading to very + unstable operation. + +4.4.1 Quarantine List + + MGCP controlled gateways will receive "notification requests" that + ask them to watch for a list of "events". The protocol elements that + determine the handling of these events are the "Requested Events" + list, the "Digit Map", the "Quarantine Handling", and the "Detect + Events" list. + + When the endpoint is initialized, the requested events list only + consists of persistent events for the endpoint, and the digit map is + assumed empty. At this point, the endpoint MAY use an implicit + NotificationRequest with the reserved RequestIdentifier zero ("0") to + detect and report a persistent event, e.g., off-hook. A pre-existing + off-hook condition MUST here result in the off-hook event being + generated as well. + + The endpoint awaits the reception of a NotificationRequest command, + after which the gateway starts observing the endpoint for occurrences + of the events mentioned in the list, including persistent events. + + The events are examined as they occur. The action that follows is + determined by the "action" parameter associated with the event in the + list of requested events, and also by the digit map. The events that + are defined as "accumulate" or "accumulate according to digit map" + are accumulated in a list of events, the events that are marked as + "accumulate according to the digit map" will additionally be + accumulated in the "current dial string". This will go on until one + event is encountered that triggers a notification which will be sent + to the current "notified entity". + + The gateway, at this point, will transmit the Notify command and will + place the endpoint in a "notification" state. As long as the + endpoint is in this notification state, the events that are to be + detected on the endpoint are stored in a "quarantine" buffer (FIFO) + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 127] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + for later processing. The events are, in a sense, "quarantined". + All events that are specified by the union of the RequestedEvents + parameter and the most recently received DetectEvents parameter or, + in the absence of the latter, all events that are referred to in the + RequestedEvents, SHALL be detected and quarantined, regardless of the + action associated with the event. Persistent events are here viewed + as implicitly included in RequestedEvents. If the quarantine buffer + reaches the capacity of the endpoint, a Quarantine Buffer Overflow + event (see Appendix B) SHOULD be generated (when this event is + supported, the endpoint MUST ensure it has capacity to include the + event in the quarantine buffer). Excess events will now be + discarded. + + The endpoint exits the "notification state" when the response + (whether success or failure) to the Notify command is received. The + Notify command may be retransmitted in the "notification state", as + specified in Section 3.5 and 4. If the endpoint is or becomes + disconnected (see Section 4.3) during this, a response to the Notify + command will never be received. The Notify command is then lost and + hence no longer considered pending, yet the endpoint is still in the + "notification state". Should that occur, completion of the + disconnected procedure specified in Section 4.4.7 SHALL then lead the + endpoint to exit the "notification state". + + When the endpoint exits the "notification state" it resets the list + of observed events and the "current dial string" of the endpoint to a + null value. + + Following that point, the behavior of the gateway depends on the + value of the QuarantineHandling parameter in the triggering + NotificationRequest command: + + If the Call Agent had specified, that it expected at most one + notification in response to the notification request command, then + the gateway SHALL simply keep on accumulating events in the + quarantine buffer until it receives the next notification request + command. + + If, however, the gateway is authorized to send multiple successive + Notify commands, it will proceed as follows. When the gateway exits + the "notification state", it resets the list of observed events and + the "current dial string" of the endpoint to a null value and starts + processing the list of quarantined events, using the already received + list of requested events and digit map. When processing these + events, the gateway may encounter an event which triggers a Notify + command to be sent. If that is the case, the gateway can adopt one + of the two following behaviors: + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 128] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * it can immediately transmit a Notify command that will report all + events that were accumulated in the list of observed events until + the triggering event, included, leaving the unprocessed events in + the quarantine buffer, + + * or it can attempt to empty the quarantine buffer and transmit a + single Notify command reporting several sets of events (in a single + list of observed events) and possibly several dial strings. The + "current dial string" is reset to a null value after each + triggering event. The events that follow the last triggering event + are left in the quarantine buffer. + + If the gateway transmits a Notify command, the endpoint will reenter + and remain in the "notification state" until the acknowledgement is + received (as described above). If the gateway does not find a + quarantined event that triggers a Notify command, it places the + endpoint in a normal state. Events are then processed as they come, + in exactly the same way as if a Notification Request command had just + been received. + + A gateway may receive at any time a new Notification Request command + for the endpoint, including the case where the endpoint is + disconnected. Activating an embedded Notification Request is here + viewed as receiving a new Notification Request as well, except that + the current list of ObservedEvents remains unmodified rather than + being processed again. When a new notification request is received + in the notification state, the gateway SHALL ensure that the pending + Notify is received by the Call Agent prior to a new Notify (note that + a Notify that was lost due to being disconnected, is no longer + considered pending). It does so by using the "piggybacking" + functionality of the protocol. The messages will then be sent in a + single packet to the current "notified entity". The steps involved + are the following: + + a) the gateway sends a response to the new notification request. + + b) the endpoint is then taken out of the "notification state" without + waiting for the acknowledgement of the pending Notify command. + + c) a copy of the unacknowledged Notify command is kept until an + acknowledgement is received. If a timer elapses, the Notify will + be retransmitted. + + d) If the gateway has to transmit a new Notify before the previous + Notify(s) is acknowledged, it constructs a packet that piggybacks + a repetition of the old Notify(s) and the new Notify (ordered by + age with the oldest first). This datagram will be sent to the + current "notified entity". + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 129] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + f) Gateways that cannot piggyback several messages in the same + datagram and hence guarantee in-order delivery of two (or more) + Notify's SHALL leave the endpoint in the "notification" state as + long as the last Notify is not acknowledged. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 130] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The procedure is illustrated by the following diagram: + + +-------------------+ + | Processing Events |<--------------------------------------+ + +-------------------+ | + | | + Need to send NTFY | + | | + v | + +-------------------+ | + | Outstanding NTFY |---- No -------+ | + | | | | + +-------------------+ v | + | +-----------+ | + Yes | Send NTFY | | + | +-----------+ | + v | | + +--------------------+ v | + | Piggyback new NTFY | +--------------------+ | + | w. old outstanding |---->| Notification State | | + | NTFY(s) | +--------------------+ | + +--------------------+ | | | + new RQNT NTFY response | + received received | + | | | + | v | + | +-------------+ | + | | Step mode ? |- No ->+ + | +-------------+ ^ + | | | + | Yes | + | | | + | v | + | +---------------+ | + | | Wait for RQNT | | + | +---------------+ | + | | | + | RQNT received | + | | | + | v | + | +---------------+ | + +------>| Apply RQNT and|----->+ + | send response | + +---------------+ + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 131] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Gateways may also attempt to deliver the pending Notify prior to a + successful response to the new NotificationRequest by using the + "piggybacking" functionality of the protocol. This was in fact + required behavior in RFC 2705, however there are several + complications in doing this, and the benefits are questionable. In + particular, the RFC 2705 mechanism did not guarantee in-order + delivery of Notify's and responses to NotificationRequests in + general, and hence Call Agents had to handle out-of-order delivery of + these messages anyway. The change to optional status is thus + backwards compatible while greatly reducing complexity. + + After receiving the Notification Request command, the requested + events list and digit map (if a new one was provided) are replaced by + the newly received parameters, and the current dial string is reset + to a null value. Furthermore, when the Notification Request was + received in the "notification state", the list of observed events is + reset to a null value. The subsequent behavior is conditioned by the + value of the QuarantineHandling parameter. The parameter may specify + that quarantined events (and observed events which in this case is + now an empty list), should be discarded, in which case they will be. + If the parameter specifies that the quarantined (and observed) events + are to be processed, the gateway will start processing the list of + quarantined (and observed) events, using the newly received list of + requested events and digit map (if provided). When processing these + events, the gateway may encounter an event which requires a Notify + command to be sent. If that is the case, the gateway will + immediately transmit a Notify command that will report all events + that were accumulated in the list of observed events until the + triggering event, included leaving the unprocessed events in the + quarantine buffer, and will enter the "notification state". + + A new notification request may be received while the gateway has + accumulated events according to the previous notification request, + but has not yet detected a notification-triggering events, i.e., the + endpoint is not in the "notification state". The handling of not- + yet-notified events is determined, as with the quarantined events, by + the quarantine handling parameter: + + * If the quarantine-handling parameter specifies that quarantined + events shall be ignored, the observed events list is simply reset. + + * If the quarantine-handling parameter specifies that quarantined + events shall be processed, the observed event list is transferred + to the quarantined event list. The observed event list is then + reset, and the quarantined event list is processed. + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 132] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Call Agents controlling endpoints in lockstep mode SHOULD provide the + response to a successful Notify message and the new + NotificationRequest in the same datagram using the piggybacking + mechanism. + +4.4.2 Explicit Detection + + A key element of the state of several endpoints is the position of + the hook. A race condition may occur when the user decides to go + off-hook before the Call Agent has the time to ask the gateway to + notify an off-hook event (the "glare" condition well known in + telephony), or if the user goes on-hook before the Call Agent has the + time to request the event's notification. + + To avoid this race condition, the gateway MUST check the condition of + the endpoint before acknowledging a NotificationRequest. It MUST + return an error: + + 1. If the gateway is requested to notify an "off-hook" transition + while the phone is already off-hook, (error code 401 - phone off + hook) + + 2. If the gateway is requested to notify an "on-hook" or "flash hook" + condition while the phone is already on-hook (error code 402 - + phone on hook). + + Additionally, individual signal definitions can specify that a signal + will only operate under certain conditions, e.g., ringing may only be + possible if the phone is already off-hook. If such prerequisites + exist for a given signal, the gateway MUST return the error specified + in the signal definition if the prerequisite is not met. + + It should be noted, that the condition check is performed at the time + the notification request is received, whereas the actual event that + caused the current condition may have either been reported, or + ignored earlier, or it may currently be quarantined. + + The other state variables of the gateway, such as the list of + RequestedEvents or list of requested signals, are entirely replaced + after each successful NotificationRequest, which prevents any long + term discrepancy between the Call Agent and the gateway. + + When a NotificationRequest is unsuccessful, whether it is included in + a connection-handling command or not, the gateway MUST simply + continue as if the command had never been received. As all other + transactions, the NotificationRequest MUST operate as an atomic + transaction, thus any changes initiated as a result of the command + MUST be reverted. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 133] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Another race condition may occur when a Notify is issued shortly + before the reception by the gateway of a NotificationRequest. The + RequestIdentifier is used to correlate Notify commands with + NotificationRequest commands thereby enabling the Call Agent to + determine if the Notify command was generated before or after the + gateway received the new NotificationRequest. This is especially + important to avoid deadlocks in "step" mode. + +4.4.3 Transactional Semantics + + As the potential transaction completion times increase, e.g., due to + external resource reservations, a careful definition of the + transactional semantics becomes increasingly important. In + particular the issue of race conditions, e.g., as it relates to + hook-state, must be defined carefully. + + An important point to consider is, that the status of a pre-condition + (e.g., hook-state) may in fact change between the time a transaction + starts and the time it either completes successfully (transaction + commit) or fails. In general, we can say that the successful + execution of a transaction depends on one or more pre-conditions + where the status of one or more of the pre-conditions may change + dynamically between the transaction start and transaction commit. + + The simplest semantics for this is simply to require that all pre- + conditions be met from the time the transaction is initiated until + the transaction commits. If any pre-condition is not met before the + completion of the transaction, the transaction will also fail. + + As an example, consider a transaction that includes a request for the + "off-hook" event. When the transaction is initiated the phone is + "on-hook" and this pre-condition is therefore met. If the hook-state + changes to "off-hook" before the transaction completes, the pre- + condition is no longer met, and the transaction therefore immediately + fails. + + Finally, we need to consider the point in time when a new transaction + takes effect and endpoint processing according to an old transaction + stops. For example, assume that transaction T1 has been executed + successfully and event processing is currently being done according + to transaction T1. Now we receive a new transaction T2 specifying + new event processing (for example a CreateConnection with an + encapsulated NotificationRequest). Since we don't know whether T2 + will complete successfully or not, we cannot start processing events + according to T2 until the outcome of T2 is known. While we could + suspend all event processing until the outcome of T2 is known, this + would make for a less responsive system and hence SHOULD NOT be done. + Instead, when a new transaction Ty is received and Ty modifies + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 134] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + processing according to an old transaction Tx, processing according + to Tx SHOULD remain active for as long as possible, until a + successful outcome of Ty is known to occur. If Ty fails, then + processing according to Tx will of course continue as usual. Any + changes incurred by Ty logically takes effect when Ty commits. Thus, + if the endpoint was in the notification state when Ty commits, and Ty + contained a NotificationRequest, the endpoint will be taken out of + the notification state when Ty commits. Note that this is + independent of whether the endpoint was in the notification state + when Ty was initiated. For example, a Notify could be generated due + to processing according to Tx between the start and commit of Ty. If + the commit of Ty leads to the endpoint entering the notification + state, a new NotificationRequest (Tz) is needed to exit the + notification state. This follows from the fact that transaction + execution respects causal order. + + Another related issue is the use of wildcards, especially the "all + of" wildcard, which may match more than one endpoint. When a command + is requested, and the endpoint identifier matches more than one + endpoint, transactional semantics still apply. Thus, the command + MUST either succeed for all the endpoints, or it MUST fail for all of + them. A single response is consequently always issued. + +4.4.4 Ordering of Commands, and Treatment of Misorder + + MGCP does not mandate that the underlying transport protocol + guarantees in-order delivery of commands to a gateway or an endpoint. + This property tends to maximize the timeliness of actions, but it has + a few drawbacks. For example: + + * Notify commands may be delayed and arrive at the Call Agent after + the transmission of a new Notification Request command, + + * If a new NotificationRequest is transmitted before a previous one + is acknowledged, there is no guarantee that the previous one will + not be received and executed after the new one. + + Call Agents that want to guarantee consistent operation of the + endpoints can use the following rules: + + 1) When a gateway handles several endpoints, commands pertaining to + the different endpoints can be sent in parallel, for example + following a model where each endpoint is controlled by its own + process or its own thread. + + 2) When several connections are created on the same endpoint, + commands pertaining to different connections can be sent in + parallel. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 135] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + 3) On a given connection, there should normally be only one + outstanding command (create or modify). However, a + DeleteConnection command can be issued at any time. In + consequence, a gateway may sometimes receive a ModifyConnection + command that applies to a previously deleted connection. Such + commands will fail, and an error code MUST be returned (error code + 515 - incorrect connection-id, is RECOMMENDED). + + 4) On a given endpoint, there should normally be only one outstanding + NotificationRequest command at any time. The RequestId parameter + MUST be used to correlate Notify commands with the triggering + notification request. + + 5) In some cases, an implicitly or explicitly wildcarded + DeleteConnection command that applies to a group of endpoints can + step in front of a pending CreateConnection command. The Call + Agent should individually delete all connections whose completion + was pending at the time of the global DeleteConnection command. + Also, new CreateConnection commands for endpoints named by the + wild-carding SHOULD NOT be sent until the wild-carded + DeleteConnection command is acknowledged. + + 6) When commands are embedded within each other, sequencing + requirements for all commands must be adhered to. For example a + Create Connection command with a Notification Request in it must + adhere to the sequencing requirements associated with both + CreateConnection and NotificationRequest at the same time. + + 7) AuditEndpoint and AuditConnection are not subject to any + sequencing requirements. + + 8) RestartInProgress MUST always be the first command sent by an + endpoint as defined by the restart procedure. Any other command + or non-restart response (see Section 4.4.6), except for responses + to auditing, MUST be delivered after this RestartInProgress + command (piggybacking allowed). + + 9) When multiple messages are piggybacked in a single packet, the + messages are always processed in order. + + 10) On a given endpoint, there should normally be only one + outstanding EndpointConfiguration command at any time. + + Gateways MUST NOT make any assumptions as to whether Call Agents + follow these rules or not. Consequently gateways MUST always respond + to commands, regardless of whether they adhere to the above rules or + not. To ensure consistent operation, gateways SHOULD behave as + specified below when one or more of the above rules are not followed: + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 136] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * Where a single outstanding command is expected (ModifyConnection, + NotificationRequest, and EndpointConfiguration), but the same + command is received in a new transaction before the old finishes + executing, the gateway SHOULD fail the previous command. This + includes the case where one or more of the commands were + encapsulated. The use of error code 407 (transaction aborted) is + RECOMMENDED. + + * If a ModifyConnection command is received for a pending + CreateConnection command, the ModifyConnection command SHOULD + simply be rejected. The use of error code 400 (transient error) is + RECOMMENDED. Note that this situation constitutes a Call Agent + programming error. + + * If a DeleteConnection command is received for a pending + CreateConnection or ModifyConnection command, the pending command + MUST be aborted. The use of error code 407 (transaction aborted) + is RECOMMENDED. + + Note, that where reception of a new command leads to aborting an old + command, the old command SHOULD be aborted regardless of whether the + new command succeeds or not. For example, if a ModifyConnection + command is aborted by a DeleteConnection command which itself fails + due to an encapsulated NotificationRequest, the ModifyConnection + command is still aborted. + +4.4.5 Endpoint Service States + + As described earlier, endpoints configured for operation may be + either in-service or out-of-service. The actual service-state of the + endpoint is reflected by the combination of the RestartMethod and + RestartDelay parameters, which are sent with RestartInProgress + commands (Section 2.3.12) and furthermore may be audited in + AuditEndpoint commands (Section 2.3.10). + + The service-state of an endpoint affects how it processes a command. + An endpoint in-service MUST process any command received, whereas an + endpoint that is out-of-service MUST reject non-auditing commands, + but SHOULD process auditing commands if possible. For backwards + compatibility, auditing commands for an out-of-service endpoint may + alternatively be rejected as well. Any command rejected due to an + endpoint being out-of-service SHOULD generate error code 501 + (endpoint not ready/out-of-service). + + Note that (per Section 2.1.2), unless otherwise specified for a + command, endpoint names containing the "any of" wildcard only refer + to endpoints in-service, whereas endpoint names containing the "all + of" wildcard refer to all endpoints, regardless of service state. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 137] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The above relationships are illustrated in the table below which + shows the current service-states and gateway processing of commands + as a function of the RestartInProgress command sent and the response + (if any) received to it. The last column also lists (in parentheses) + the RestartMethod to be returned if audited: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 138] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + | Restart- | Restart- | 2xx | Service- | Response to | + | Method | Delay | received ?| State | new command | + |------------------------------------------------------------------| + | graceful | zero | Yes/No | In | non-audit: 2xx | + | | | | | audit: 2xx | + | | | | | (graceful) | + |-----------+----------+-----------+----------+--------------------| + | graceful | non-zero | Yes/No | In* | non-audit: 2xx | + | | | | | audit: 2xx | + | | | | | (graceful) | + |-----------+----------+-----------+----------+--------------------| + | forced | N/A | Yes/No | Out | non-audit: 501 | + | | | | | audit: 2xx | + | | | | | (forced) | + |-----------+----------+-----------+----------+--------------------| + | restart | zero | No | In | non-audit: 2xx,405*| + | | | | | audit: 2xx | + | | | | | (restart) | + |-----------+----------+-----------+----------+--------------------| + | restart | zero | Yes | In | non-audit: 2xx | + | | | | | audit: 2xx | + | | | | | (restart) | + |-----------+----------+-----------+----------+--------------------| + | restart | non-zero | No | Out* | non-audit: 501* | + | | | | | audit: 2xx | + | | | | | (restart) | + |-----------+----------+-----------+----------+--------------------| + | restart | non-zero | Yes | Out* | non-audit: 501* | + | | | | | audit: 2xx | + | | | | | (restart) | + |-----------+----------+-----------+----------+--------------------| + | discon- | zero/ | No | In | non-audit: 2xx, | + | nected | non-zero | | | audit: 2xx | + | | | | | (disconnected)| + |-----------+----------+-----------+----------+--------------------| + | discon- | zero/ | Yes | In | non-audit: 2xx | + | nected | non-zero | | | audit: 2xx | + | | | | | (restart) | + |-----------+----------+-----------+----------+--------------------| + | cancel- | N/A | Yes/No | In | non-audit: 2xx | + | graceful | | | | audit: 2xx | + | | | | | (restart) | + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 139] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Notes (*): + + * The three service-states marked with "*" will change after the + expiration of the RestartDelay at which time an updated + RestartInProgress command SHOULD be sent. + + * If the endpoint returns 2xx when the restart procedure has not yet + completed, then in-order delivery MUST still be satisfied, i.e., + piggy-backing is to be used. If instead, the command is not + processed, 405 SHOULD be returned. + + * Following a "restart" RestartInProgress with a non-zero + RestartDelay, error code 501 is only returned until the endpoint + goes in-service, i.e., until the expiration of the RestartDelay. + +4.4.6 Fighting the Restart Avalanche + + Let's suppose that a large number of gateways are powered on + simultaneously. If they were to all initiate a RestartInProgress + transaction, the Call Agent would very likely be swamped, leading to + message losses and network congestion during the critical period of + service restoration. In order to prevent such avalanches, the + following behavior is REQUIRED: + + 1) When a gateway is powered on, it MUST initiate a restart timer to + a random value, uniformly distributed between 0 and a maximum + waiting delay (MWD). Care should be taken to avoid synchronicity + of the random number generation between multiple gateways that + would use the same algorithm. + + 2) The gateway MUST then wait for either the end of this timer, the + reception of a command from the Call Agent, or the detection of a + local user activity, such as for example an off-hook transition on + a residential gateway. + + 3) When the timer elapses, when a command is received, or when an + activity is detected, the gateway MUST initiate the restart + procedure. + + The restart procedure simply requires the endpoint to guarantee that + the first + + * non-audit command, or + + * non-restart response (i.e., error codes other than 405, 501, and + 520) to a non-audit command + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 140] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + that the Call Agent sees from this endpoint is a "restart" + RestartInProgress command. The endpoint is free to take full + advantage of piggybacking to achieve this. Endpoints that are + considered in-service will have a RestartMethod of "restart", whereas + endpoints considered out-of-service will have a RestartMethod of + "forced" (also see Section 4.4.5). Commands rejected due to an + endpoint not yet having completed the restart procedure SHOULD use + error code 405 (endpoint "restarting"). + + The restart procedure is complete once a success response has been + received. If an error response is received, the subsequent behavior + depends on the error code in question: + + * If the error code indicates a transient error (4xx), then the + restart procedure MUST be initiated again (as a new transaction). + + * If the error code is 521, then the endpoint is redirected, and the + restart procedure MUST be initiated again (as a new transaction). + The 521 response MUST have included a NotifiedEntity which then is + the "notified entity" towards which the restart is initiated. If + it did not include a NotifiedEntity, the response is treated as any + other permanent error (see below). + + * If the error is any other permanent error (5xx), and the endpoint + is not able to rectify the error, then the endpoint no longer + initiates the restart procedure on its own (until + rebooted/restarted) unless otherwise specified. If a command is + received for the endpoint, the endpoint MUST initiate the restart + procedure again. + + Note that if the RestartInProgress is piggybacked with the response + (R) to a command received while restarting, then retransmission of + the RestartInProgress does not require piggybacking of the response + R. However, while the endpoint is restarting, a resend of the + response R does require the RestartInProgress to be piggybacked to + ensure in-order delivery of the two. + + Should the gateway enter the "disconnected" state while carrying out + the restart procedure, the disconnected procedure specified in + Section 4.4.7 MUST be carried out, except that a "restart" rather + than "disconnected" message is sent during the procedure. + + Each endpoint in a gateway will have a provisionable Call Agent, + i.e., "notified entity", to direct the initial restart message + towards. When the collection of endpoints in a gateway is managed by + more than one Call Agent, the above procedure MUST be performed for + each collection of endpoints managed by a given Call Agent. The + gateway MUST take full advantage of wild-carding to minimize the + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 141] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + number of RestartInProgress messages generated when multiple + endpoints in a gateway restart and the endpoints are managed by the + same Call Agent. Note that during startup, it is possible for + endpoints to start out as being out-of-service, and then become in- + service as part of the gateway initialization procedure. A gateway + may thus choose to send first a "forced" RestartInProgress for all + its endpoints, and subsequently a "restart" RestartInProgress for the + endpoints that come in-service. Alternatively, the gateway may + simply send "restart" RestartInProgress for only those endpoints that + are in-service, and "forced" RestartInProgress for the specific + endpoints that are out-of-service. Wild-carding MUST still be used + to minimize the number of messages sent though. + + The value of MWD is a configuration parameter that depends on the + type of the gateway. The following reasoning can be used to + determine the value of this delay on residential gateways. + + Call agents are typically dimensioned to handle the peak hour traffic + load, during which, in average, 10% of the lines will be busy, + placing calls whose average duration is typically 3 minutes. The + processing of a call typically involves 5 to 6 MGCP transactions + between each endpoint and the Call Agent. This simple calculation + shows that the Call Agent is expected to handle 5 to 6 transactions + for each endpoint, every 30 minutes on average, or, to put it + otherwise, about one transaction per endpoint every 5 to 6 minutes on + average. This suggest that a reasonable value of MWD for a + residential gateway would be 10 to 12 minutes. In the absence of + explicit configuration, residential gateways should adopt a value of + 600 seconds for MWD. + + The same reasoning suggests that the value of MWD should be much + shorter for trunking gateways or for business gateways, because they + handle a large number of endpoints, and also because the usage rate + of these endpoints is much higher than 10% during the peak busy hour, + a typical value being 60%. These endpoints, during the peak hour, + are thus expected to contribute about one transaction per minute to + the Call Agent load. A reasonable algorithm is to make the value of + MWD per "trunk" endpoint six times shorter than the MWD per + residential gateway, and also inversely proportional to the number of + endpoints that are being restarted. For example MWD should be set to + 2.5 seconds for a gateway that handles a T1 line, or to 60 + milliseconds for a gateway that handles a T3 line. + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 142] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +4.4.7 Disconnected Endpoints + + In addition to the restart procedure, gateways also have a + "disconnected" procedure, which MUST be initiated when an endpoint + becomes "disconnected" as described in Section 4.3. It should here + be noted, that endpoints can only become disconnected when they + attempt to communicate with the Call Agent. The following steps MUST + be followed by an endpoint that becomes "disconnected": + + 1. A "disconnected" timer is initialized to a random value, uniformly + distributed between 1 and a provisionable "disconnected" initial + waiting delay (Tdinit), e.g., 15 seconds. Care MUST be taken to + avoid synchronicity of the random number generation between + multiple gateways and endpoints that would use the same algorithm. + + 2. The gateway then waits for either the end of this timer, the + reception of a command for the endpoint from the Call Agent, or + the detection of a local user activity for the endpoint, such as + for example an off-hook transition. + + 3. When the "disconnected" timer elapses for the endpoint, when a + command is received for the endpoint, or when local user activity + is detected for the endpoint, the gateway initiates the + "disconnected" procedure for the endpoint - if a disconnected + procedure was already in progress for the endpoint, it is simply + replaced by the new one. Furthermore, in the case of local user + activity, a provisionable "disconnected" minimum waiting delay + (Tdmin) MUST have elapsed since the endpoint became disconnected + or the last time it ended the "disconnected" procedure in order to + limit the rate at which the procedure is performed. If Tdmin has + not passed, the endpoint simply proceeds to step 2 again, without + affecting any disconnected procedure already in progress. + + 4. If the "disconnected" procedure still left the endpoint + disconnected, the "disconnected" timer is then doubled, subject to + a provisionable "disconnected" maximum waiting delay (Tdmax), + e.g., 600 seconds, and the gateway proceeds with step 2 again + (using a new transaction-id). + + The "disconnected" procedure is similar to the restart procedure in + that it simply states that the endpoint MUST send a RestartInProgress + command to the Call Agent informing it that the endpoint was + disconnected. Furthermore, the endpoint MUST guarantee that the + first non-audit message (non-audit command or response to non-audit + command) that the Call Agent sees from this endpoint MUST inform the + Call Agent that the endpoint is disconnected (unless the endpoint + goes out-of-service). When a command (C) is received, this is + achieved by sending a piggy-backed datagram with a "disconnected" + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 143] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + RestartInProgress command and the response to command C to the source + address of command C as opposed to the current "notified entity". + This piggy-backed RestartInProgress is not automatically + retransmitted by the endpoint but simply relies on fate-sharing with + the piggy-backed response to guarantee the in-order delivery + requirement. The Call Agent still sends a response to the piggy- + backed RestartInProgress, however, as usual, the response may be + lost. In addition to the piggy-backed RestartInProgress command, a + new "disconnected" procedure is triggered by the command received. + This will lead to a non piggy-backed copy (i.e., same transaction) of + the "disconnected" RestartInProgress command being sent reliably to + the current "notified entity". + + When the Call Agent learns that the endpoint is disconnected, the + Call Agent may then for instance decide to audit the endpoint, or + simply clear all connections for the endpoint. Note that each such + "disconnected" procedure will result in a new RestartInProgress + command, which will be subject to the normal retransmission + procedures specified in Section 4.3. At the end of the procedure, + the endpoint may thus still be "disconnected". Should the endpoint + go out-of-service while being disconnected, it SHOULD send a "forced" + RestartInProgress message as described in Section 2.3.12. + + The disconnected procedure is complete once a success response has + been received. Error responses are handled similarly to the restart + procedure (Section 4.4.6). If the "disconnected" procedure is to be + initiated again following an error response, the rate-limiting timer + considerations specified above still apply. + + Note, that if the RestartInProgress is piggybacked with the response + (R) to a command received while being disconnected, then + retransmission of this particular RestartInProgress does not require + piggybacking of the response R. However, while the endpoint is + disconnected, resending the response R does require the + RestartInProgress to be piggybacked with the response to ensure the + in-order delivery of the two. + + If a set of disconnected endpoints have the same "notified entity", + and the set of endpoints can be named with a wildcard, the gateway + MAY replace the individual disconnected procedures with a suitably + wildcarded disconnected procedure instead. In that case, the Restart + Delay for the wildcarded "disconnected" RestartInProgress command + SHALL be the Restart Delay corresponding to the oldest disconnected + procedure replaced. Note that if only a subset of these endpoints + subsequently have their "notified entity" changed and/or are no + longer disconnected, then that wildcarded disconnected procedure can + no longer be used. The remaining individual disconnected procedures + MUST then be resumed again. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 144] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + A disconnected endpoint may wish to send a command (besides + RestartInProgress) while it is disconnected. Doing so will only + succeed once the Call Agent is reachable again, which raises the + question of what to do with such a command meanwhile. At one + extreme, the endpoint could drop the command right away, however that + would not work very well when the Call Agent was in fact available, + but the endpoint had not yet completed the "disconnected" procedure + (consider for example the case where a NotificationRequest was just + received which immediately resulted in a Notify being generated). To + prevent such scenarios, disconnected endpoints SHALL NOT blindly drop + new commands to be sent for a period of T-MAX seconds after they + receive a non-audit command. + + One way of satisfying this requirement is to employ a temporary + buffering of commands to be sent, however in doing so, the endpoint + MUST ensure, that it: + + * does not build up a long queue of commands to be sent, + + * does not swamp the Call Agent by rapidly sending too many commands + once it is connected again. + + Buffering commands for T-MAX seconds and, once the endpoint is + connected again, limiting the rate at which buffered commands are + sent to one outstanding command per endpoint is considered acceptable + (see also Section 4.4.8, especially if using wildcards). If the + endpoint is not connected within T-MAX seconds, but a "disconnected" + procedure is initiated within T-MAX seconds, the endpoint MAY + piggyback the buffered command(s) with that RestartInProgress. Note, + that once a command has been sent, regardless of whether it was + buffered initially, or piggybacked earlier, retransmission of that + command MUST cease T-MAX seconds after the initial send as described + in Section 4.3. + + This specification purposely does not specify any additional behavior + for a disconnected endpoint. Vendors MAY for instance choose to + provide silence, play reorder tone, or even enable a downloaded wav + file to be played. + + The default value for Tdinit is 15 seconds, the default value for + Tdmin, is 15 seconds, and the default value for Tdmax is 600 seconds. + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 145] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +4.4.8 Load Control in General + + The previous sections have described several MGCP mechanisms to deal + with congestion and overload, namely: + + * the UDP retransmission strategy which adapts to network and call + agent congestion on a per endpoint basis, + + * the guidelines on the ordering of commands which limit the number + of commands issued in parallel, + + * the restart procedure which prevents flooding in case of a restart + avalanche, and + + * the disconnected procedure which prevents flooding in case of a + large number of disconnected endpoints. + + It is however still possible for a given set of endpoints, either on + the same or different gateways, to issue one or more commands at a + given point in time. Although it can be argued, that Call Agents + should be sized to handle one message per served endpoint at any + given point in time, this may not always be the case in practice. + Similarly, gateways may not be able to handle a message for all of + its endpoints at any given point in time. In general, such issues + can be dealt with through the use of a credit-based mechanism, or by + monitoring and automatically adapting to the observed behavior. We + opt for the latter approach as follows. + + Conceptually, we assume that Call Agents and gateways maintain a + queue of incoming transactions to be executed. Associated with this + transaction queue is a high-water and a low-water mark. Once the + queue length reaches the high-water mark, the entity SHOULD start + issuing 101 provisional responses (transaction queued) until the + queue length drops to the low-water mark. This applies to new + transactions as well as to retransmissions. If the entity is unable + to process any new transactions at this time, it SHOULD return error + code 409 (processing overload). + + Furthermore, gateways SHOULD adjust the sending rate of new commands + to a given Call Agent by monitoring the observed response times from + that Call Agent to a *set* of endpoints. If the observed smoothed + average response time suddenly rises significantly over some + threshold, or the gateway receives a 101 (transaction queued) or 409 + (overload) response, the gateway SHOULD adjust the sending rate of + new commands to that Call Agent accordingly. The details of the + smoothing average algorithm, the rate adjustments, and the thresholds + involved are for further study, however they MUST be configurable. + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 146] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Similarly, Call Agents SHOULD adjust the sending rate of new + transactions to a given gateway by monitoring the observed response + times from that gateway for a *set* of endpoints. If the observed + smoothed average response time suddenly rises significantly over some + threshold, or the Call Agent receives a 101 (transaction queued) or + 409 (overloaded), the Call Agent SHOULD adjust the sending rate of + new commands to that gateway accordingly. The details of the + smoothing average algorithm, the rate adjustments, and the thresholds + involved are for further study, however they MUST be configurable. + +5. Security Requirements + + Any entity can send a command to an MGCP endpoint. If unauthorized + entities could use the MGCP, they would be able to set-up + unauthorized calls, or to interfere with authorized calls. We expect + that MGCP messages will always be carried over secure Internet + connections, as defined in the IP security architecture as defined in + RFC 2401, using either the IP Authentication Header, defined in RFC + 2402, or the IP Encapsulating Security Payload, defined in RFC 2406. + The complete MGCP protocol stack would thus include the following + layers: + + ------------------------------- + | MGCP | + |-------------------------------| + | UDP | + |-------------------------------| + | IP security | + | (authentication or encryption)| + |-------------------------------| + | IP | + |-------------------------------| + | transmission media | + ------------------------------- + + Adequate protection of the connections will be achieved if the + gateways and the Call Agents only accept messages for which IP + security provided an authentication service. An encryption service + will provide additional protection against eavesdropping, thus + preventing third parties from monitoring the connections set up by a + given endpoint. + + The encryption service will also be requested if the session + descriptions are used to carry session keys, as defined in SDP. + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 147] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + These procedures do not necessarily protect against denial of service + attacks by misbehaving gateways or misbehaving Call Agents. However, + they will provide an identification of these misbehaving entities, + which should then be deprived of their authorization through + maintenance procedures. + +5.1 Protection of Media Connections + + MGCP allows Call Agent to provide gateways with "session keys" that + can be used to encrypt the audio messages, protecting against + eavesdropping. + + A specific problem of packet networks is "uncontrolled barge-in". + This attack can be performed by directing media packets to the IP + address and UDP port used by a connection. If no protection is + implemented, the packets will be decoded and the signals will be + played on the "line side". + + A basic protection against this attack is to only accept packets from + known sources, however this tends to conflict with RTP principles. + This also has two inconveniences: it slows down connection + establishment and it can be fooled by source spoofing: + + * To enable the address-based protection, the Call Agent must obtain + the source address of the egress gateway and pass it to the ingress + gateway. This requires at least one network round trip, and leaves + us with a dilemma: either allow the call to proceed without + waiting for the round trip to complete, and risk for example + "clipping" a remote announcement, or wait for the full round trip + and settle for slower call-set-up procedures. + + * Source spoofing is only effective if the attacker can obtain valid + pairs of source and destination addresses and ports, for example by + listening to a fraction of the traffic. To fight source spoofing, + one could try to control all access points to the network. But + this is in practice very hard to achieve. + + An alternative to checking the source address is to encrypt and + authenticate the packets, using a secret key that is conveyed during + the call set-up procedure. This will not slow down the call set-up, + and provides strong protection against address spoofing. + +6. Packages + + As described in Section 2.1.6, packages are the preferred way of + extending MGCP. In this section we describe the requirements + associated with defining a package. + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 148] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + A package MUST have a unique package name defined. The package name + MUST be registered with the IANA, unless it starts with the + characters "x-" or "x+" which are reserved for experimental packages. + Please refer to Appendix C for IANA considerations. + + A package MUST also have a version defined which is simply a non- + negative integer. The default and initial version of a package is + zero, the next version is one, etc. New package versions MUST be + completely backwards compatible, i.e., a new version of a package + MUST NOT redefine or remove any of the extensions provided in an + earlier version of the package. If such a need arises, a new package + name MUST be used instead. + + Packages containing signals of type time-out MAY indicate if the "to" + parameter is supported for all the time-out signals in the package as + well as the default rounding rules associated with these (see Section + 3.2.2.4). If no such definition is provided, each time-out signal + SHOULD provide these definitions. + + A package defines one or more of the following extensions: + + * Actions + + * BearerInformation + + * ConnectionModes + + * ConnectionParameters + + * DigitMapLetters + + * Events and Signals + + * ExtensionParameters + + * LocalConnectionOptions + + * ReasonCodes + + * RestartMethods + + * Return codes + + For each of the above types of extensions supported by the package, + the package definition MUST contain a description of the extension as + defined in the following sections. Please note, that package + extensions, just like any other extension, MUST adhere to the MGCP + grammar. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 149] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +6.1 Actions + + Extension Actions SHALL include: + + * The name and encoding of the extension action. + + * If the extension action takes any action parameters, then the name, + encoding, and possible values of those parameters. + + * A description of the operation of the extension action. + + * A listing of the actions in this specification the extension can be + combined with. If such a listing is not provided, it is assumed + that the extension action cannot be combined with any other action + in this specification. + + * If more than one extension action is defined in the package, then a + listing of the actions in the package the extension can be combined + with. If such a listing is not provided, it is assumed that the + extension action cannot be combined with any other action in the + package. + + Extension actions defined in two or more different packages SHOULD + NOT be used simultaneously, unless very careful consideration to + their potential interaction and side-effects has been given. + +6.2 BearerInformation + + BearerInformation extensions SHALL include: + + * The name and encoding of the BearerInformation extension. + + * The possible values and encoding of those values that can be + assigned to the BearerInformation extension. + + * A description of the operation of the BearerInformation extension. + As part of this description the default value (if any) if the + extension is omitted in an EndpointConfiguration command MUST be + defined. It may be necessary to make a distinction between the + default value before and after the initial application of the + parameter, for example if the parameter retains its previous value + once specified, until explicitly altered. If default values are + not described, then the extension parameter simply defaults to + empty in all EndpointConfiguration commands. + + Note that the extension SHALL be included in the result for an + AuditEndpoint command auditing the BearerInformation. + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 150] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +6.3 ConnectionModes + + Extension Connection Modes SHALL include: + + * The name and encoding of the extension connection mode. + + * A description of the operation of the extension connection mode. + + * A description of the interaction a connection in the extension + connection mode will have with other connections in each of the + modes defined in this specification. If such a description is not + provided, the extension connection mode MUST NOT have any + interaction with other connections on the endpoint. + + Extension connection modes SHALL NOT be included in the list of modes + in a response to an AuditEndpoint for Capabilities, since the package + will be reported in the list of packages. + +6.4 ConnectionParameters + + Extension Connection Parameters SHALL include: + + * The name and encoding of the connection parameter extension. + + * The possible values and encoding of those values that can be + assigned to the connection parameter extension. + + * A description of how those values are derived. + + Note that the extension connection parameter MUST be included in the + result for an AuditConnection command auditing the connection + parameters. + +6.5 DigitMapLetters + + Extension Digit Map Letters SHALL include: + + * The name and encoding of the extension digit map letter(s). + + * A description of the meaning of the extension digit map letter(s). + + Note that extension DigitMapLetters in a digit map do not follow the + normal naming conventions for extensions defined in packages. More + specifically the package name and slash ("/") will not be part of the + extension name, thereby forming a flat and limited name space with + potential name clashing. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 151] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Therefore, a package SHALL NOT define a digit map letter extension + whose encoding has already been used in another package. If two + packages have used the same encoding for a digit map letter + extension, and those two packages are supported by the same endpoint, + the result of using that digit map letter extension is undefined. + + Note that although an extension DigitMapLetter does not include the + package name prefix and slash ("/") as part of the extension name + within a digit map, the package name prefix and slash are included + when the event code for the event that matched the DigitMapLetter is + reported as an observed event. In other words, the digit map just + define the matching rule(s), but the event is still reported like any + other event. + +6.6 Events and Signals + + The event/signal definition SHALL include the precise name of the + event/signal (i.e., the code used in MGCP), a plain text definition + of the event/signal, and, when appropriate, the precise definition of + the corresponding events/signals, for example the exact frequencies + of audio signals such as dial tones or DTMF tones. + + The package description MUST provide, for each event/signal, the + following information: + + * The description of the event/signal and its purpose, which SHOULD + include the actual signal that is generated by the client (e.g., xx + ms FSK tone) as well as the resulting user observed result (e.g., + Message Waiting light on/off). + + The event code used for the event/signal. + + * The detailed characteristics of the event/signal, such as for + example frequencies and amplitude of audio signals, modulations and + repetitions. Such details may be country specific. + + * The typical and maximum duration of the event/signal if applicable. + + * If the signal or event can be applied to a connection (across a + media stream), it MUST be indicated explicitly. If no such + indication is provided, it is assumed that the signal or event + cannot be applied to a connection. + + For events, the following MUST be provided as well: + + * An indication if the event is persistent. By default, events are + not persistent - defining events as being persistent is discouraged + (see Appendix B for a preferred alternative). Note that persistent + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 152] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + events will automatically trigger a Notify when they occur, unless + the Call Agent explicitly instructed the endpoint otherwise. This + not only violates the normal MGCP model, but also assumes the Call + Agent supports the package in question. Such an assumption is + unlikely to hold in general. + + * An indication if there is an auditable event-state associated with + the event. By default, events do not have auditable event-states. + + * If event parameters are supported, it MUST be stated explicitly. + The precise syntax and semantics of these MUST then be provided + (subject to the grammar provided in Appendix A). It SHOULD also be + specified whether these parameters apply to RequestedEvents, + ObservedEvents, DetectEvents and EventStates. If not specified + otherwise, it is assumed that: + + * they do not apply to RequestedEvents, + + * they do apply to ObservedEvents, + + * they apply in the same way to DetectEvents as they do to + RequestedEvents for a given event parameter, + + * they apply in the same way to EventStates as they do to + ObservedEvents for a given event parameter. + + * If the event is expected to be used in digit map matching, it + SHOULD explicitly state so. Note that only events with single + letter or digit parameter codes can do this. See Section 2.1.5 for + further details. + + For signals, the following MUST be provided as well: + + * The type of signal (OO, TO, BR). + + * Time-Out signals SHOULD have an indication of the default time-out + value. In some cases, time-out values may be variable (if + dependent on some action to complete such as out-pulsing digits). + + * If signal parameters are supported, it MUST be stated explicitly. + The precise syntax and semantics of these MUST then be provided + (subject to the grammar provided in Appendix A). + + * Time-Out signals may also indicate whether the "to" parameter is + supported or not as well as what the rounding rules associated with + them are. If omitted from the signal definition, the package-wide + definition is assumed (see Section 6). If the package definition + did not specify this, rounding rules default to the nearest non- + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 153] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + zero second, whereas support for the "to" parameter defaults to + "no" for package version zero, and "yes" for package versions one + and higher. + + The following format is RECOMMENDED for defining events and signals + in conformance with the above: + + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + | Symbol | Definition | R | S Duration | + |---------|----------------------------|-----|---------------------| + | | | | | + | | | | | + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + + where: + + * Symbol indicates the event code used for the event/signal, e.g., + "hd". + + * Definition gives a brief definition of the event/signal + + * R contains an "x" if the event can be detected or one or more of + the following symbols: + + - "P" if the event is persistent. + + - "S" if the events is an event-state that may be audited. + + - "C" if the event can be detected on a connection. + + * S contains one of the following if it is a signal: + + - "OO" if the signal is On/Off signal. + + - "TO" if the signal is a Time-Out signal. + + - "BR" if the signal is a Brief signal. + + * S also contains: + + - "C" if the signal can be applied on a connection. + + The table SHOULD then be followed by a more comprehensive description + of each event/signal defined. + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 154] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +6.6.1 Default and Reserved Events + + All packages that contain Time-Out type signals contain the operation + failure ("of") and operation complete ("oc") events, irrespective of + whether they are provided as part of the package description or not. + These events are needed to support Time-Out signals and cannot be + overridden in packages with Time-Out signals. They MAY be extended + if necessary, however such practice is discouraged. + + If a package without Time-Out signals does contain definitions for + the "oc" and "of" events, the event definitions provided in the + package MAY over-ride those indicated here. Such practice is however + discouraged and is purely allowed to avoid potential backwards + compatibility problems. + + It is considered good practice to explicitly mention that the two + events are supported in accordance with their default definitions, + which are as follows: + + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + | Symbol | Definition | R | S Duration | + |---------|----------------------------|-----|---------------------| + | oc | Operation Complete | x | | + | of | Operation Failure | x | | + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + + Operation complete (oc): The operation complete event is generated + when the gateway was asked to apply one or several signals of type TO + on the endpoint or connection, and one or more of those signals + completed without being stopped by the detection of a requested event + such as off-hook transition or dialed digit. The completion report + should carry as a parameter the name of the signal that came to the + end of its live time, as in: + + O: G/oc(G/rt) + + In this case, the observed event occurred because the "rt" signal in + the "G" package timed out. + + If the reported signal was applied on a connection, the parameter + supplied will include the name of the connection as well, as in: + + O: G/oc(G/rt@0A3F58) + + When the operation complete event is requested, it cannot be + parameterized with any event parameters. When the package name is + omitted (which is discouraged) as part of the signal name, the + default package is assumed. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 155] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Operation failure (of): The operation failure event is generated + when the endpoint was asked to apply one or several signals of type + TO on the endpoint or connection, and one or more of those signals + failed prior to timing out. The completion report should carry as a + parameter the name of the signal that failed, as in: + + O: G/of(G/rt) + + In this case a failure occurred in producing the "rt" signal in the + "G" package. + + When the reported signal was applied on a connection, the parameter + supplied will include the name of the connection as well, as in: + + O: G/of(G/rt@0A3F58) + + When the operation failure event is requested, event parameters can + not be specified. When the package name is omitted (which is + discouraged), the default package name is assumed. + +6.7 ExtensionParameters + + Extension parameter extensions SHALL include: + + * The name and encoding of the extension parameter. + + * The possible values and encoding of those values that can be + assigned to the extension parameter. + + * For each of the commands defined in this specification, whether the + extension parameter is Mandatory, Optional, or Forbidden in + requests as well as responses. Note that extension parameters + SHOULD NOT normally be mandatory. + + * A description of the operation of the extension parameter. As part + of this description the default value (if any) if the extension is + omitted in a command MUST be defined. It may be necessary to make + a distinction between the default value before and after the + initial application of the parameter, for example if the parameter + retains its previous value once specified, until explicitly + altered. If default values are not described, then the extension + parameter simply defaults to empty in all commands. + + * Whether the extension can be audited in AuditEndpoint and/or + AuditConnection as well as the values returned. If nothing is + specified, then auditing of the extension parameter can only be + done for AuditEndpoint, and the value returned SHALL be the current + value for the extension. Note that this may be empty. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 156] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +6.8 LocalConnectionOptions + + LocalConnectionOptions extensions SHALL include: + + * The name and encoding of the LocalConnectionOptions extension. + + * The possible values and encoding of those values that can be + assigned to the LocalConnectionOptions extension. + + * A description of the operation of the LocalConnectionOptions + extension. As part of this description the following MUST be + specified: + + - The default value (if any) if the extension is omitted in a + CreateConnection command. + + - The default value if omitted in a ModifyConnection command. This + may be to simply retain the previous value (if any) or to apply + the default value. If nothing is specified, the current value is + retained if possible. + + - If Auditing of capabilities will result in the extension being + returned, then a description to that effect as well as with what + possible values and their encoding (note that the package itself + will always be returned). If nothing is specified, the extension + SHALL NOT be returned when auditing capabilities. + + Also note, that the extension MUST be included in the result for an + AuditConnection command auditing the LocalConnectionOptions. + +6.9 Reason Codes + + Extension reason codes SHALL include: + + * The number for the reason code. The number MUST be in the range + 800 to 899. + + * A description of the extension reason code including the + circumstances that leads to the generation of the reason code. + Those circumstances SHOULD be limited to events caused by another + extension defined in the package to ensure the recipient will be + able to interpret the extension reason code correctly. + + Note that the extension reason code may have to be provided in the + result for an AuditEndpoint command auditing the reason code. + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 157] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +6.10 RestartMethods + + Extension Restart Methods SHALL include: + + * The name and encoding for the restart method. + + * A description of the restart method including the circumstances + that leads to the generation of the restart method. Those + circumstances SHOULD be limited to events caused by another + extension defined in the package to ensure the recipient will be + able to interpret the extension restart method correctly. + + * An indication of whether the RestartDelay parameter is to be used + with the extension. If nothing is specified, it is assumed that it + is not to be used. In that case, RestartDelay MUST be ignored if + present. + + * If the restart method defines a service state, the description MUST + explicitly state and describe this. In that case, the extension + restart method can then be provided in the result for an + AuditEndpoint command auditing the restart method. + +6.11 Return Codes + + Extension Return Codes SHALL include: + + * The number for the extension return code. The number MUST be in + the range 800 to 899. + + * A description of the extension return code including the + circumstances that leads to the generation of the extension return + code. Those circumstances SHOULD be limited to events caused by + another extension defined in the package to ensure the recipient + will be able to interpret the extension return code correctly. + +7. Versions and Compatibility + +7.1 Changes from RFC 2705 + + RFC 2705 was issued in October 1999, as the last update of draft + version 0.5. This updated document benefits from further + implementation experience. The main changes from RFC 2705 are: + + * Contains several clarifications, editorial changes and resolution + of known inconsistencies. + + * Firmed up specification language in accordance with RFC 2119 and + added RFC 2119 conventions section. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 158] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * Clarified behavior of mixed wild-carding in endpoint names. + + * Deleted naming requirement about having first term identify the + physical gateway when the gateway consists of multiple physical + gateways. Also added recommendations on wild-carding naming usage + from the right only, as well as mixed wildcard usage. + + * Clarified that synonymous forms and values for endpoint names are + not freely interchangeable. + + * Allowed IPv6 addresses in endpoint names. + + * Clarified Digit Map matching rules. + + * Added missing semantics for symbols used in digit maps. + + * Added Timer T description in Digit Maps. + + * Added recommendation to support digit map sizes of at least 2048 + bytes per endpoint. + + * Clarified use of wildcards in several commands. + + * Event and Signal Parameters formally defined for events and + signals. + + * Persistent events now allowed in base MGCP protocol. + + * Added additional detail on connection wildcards. + + * Clarified behavior of loopback, and continuity test connection + modes for mixing and multiple connections in those modes. + + * Modified BearerInformation to be conditional optional in the + EndpointConfiguration command. + + * Clarified "swap audio" action operation for one specific scenario + and noted that operation for other scenarios is undefined. + + * Added recommendation that all implementations support PCMU encoding + for interoperability. + + * Changed Bandwidth LocalConnectionOptions value from excluding to + including overhead from the IP layer and up for consistency with + SDP. + + * Clarified that mode of second connection in a CreateConnection + command will be set to "send/receive". + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 159] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * Type of service default changed to zero. + + * Additional detail on echo cancellation, silence suppression, and + gain control. Also added recommendation for Call Agents not to + specify handling of echo cancellation and gain control. + + * Added requirement for a connection to have a + RemoteConnectionDescriptor in order to use the "network loopback" + and "network continuity test" modes. + + * Removed procedures and specification for NAS's (will be provided as + package instead). + + * Removed procedures and specification for ATM (will be provided as + package instead). + + * Added missing optional NotifiedEntity parameter to the + DeleteConnection (from the Call Agent) MGCI command. + + * Added optional new MaxMGCPDatagram RequestedInfo code for + AuditEndpoint to enable auditing of maximum size of MGCP datagrams + supported. + + * Added optional new PackageList RequestedInfo code for AuditEndpoint + to enable auditing of packages with a package version number. + PackageList parameter also allowed with return code 518 + (unsupported package). + + * Added missing attributes in Capabilities. + + * Clarified that at the expiration of a non-zero restart delay, an + updated RestartInProgress should be sent. Also clarified that a + new NotifiedEntity can only be returned in response to a + RestartInProgress command. + + * Added Response Acknowledgement response (return code 000) and + included in three-way handshake. + + * ResponseAck parameter changed to be allowed in all commands. + + * Added return codes 101, 405, 406, 407, 409, 410, 503, 504, 505, + 506, 507, 508, 509, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 538, 539, 540, 541, + and defined return codes in range 800-899 to be package specific + return codes. Additional text provided for some return codes and + additional detail on how to handle unknown return codes added. + + * Added reason code 903, 904, 905 and defined reason codes 800-899 to + be package specific reason codes. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 160] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * Added section clarifying codec negotiation procedure. + + * Clarified that resource reservation parameters in a + ModifyConnection command defaults to the current value used. + + * Clarified that connection mode is optional in ModifyConnection + commands. + + * Corrected LocalConnectionDescriptor to be optional in response to + CreateConnection commands (in case of failure). + + * Clarified that quoted-strings are UTF-8 encoded and + interchangeability of quoted strings and unquoted strings. + + * Clarified that Transaction Identifiers are compared as numerical + values. + + * Clarified bit-ordering for Type Of Service LocalConnectionOptions. + + * Clarified the use of RequestIdentifier zero. + + * Added example sections for commands, responses, and some call + flows. + + * Corrected usage of and requirements for SDP to be strictly RFC 2327 + compliant. + + * Added requirement that all MGCP implementations must support MGCP + datagrams up to at least 4000 bytes. Also added new section on + Maximum Datagram Size, Fragmentation and reassembly. + + * Generalized piggybacking retransmission scheme to only state + underlying requirements to be satisfied. + + * Clarified the section on computing retransmission timers. + + * Clarified operation of long-running transactions, including + provisional responses, retransmissions and failures. + + * Enhanced description of provisional responses and interaction with + three-way handshake. + + * Enhanced description of fail-over and the role of "notified + entity". An empty "notified entity" has been allowed, although + strongly discouraged. + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 161] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * Clarified retransmission procedure and removed "wrong key" + considerations from it. Also fixed inconsistencies between Max1 + and Max2 retransmission boundaries and the associated flow diagram. + + * Updated domain name resolution for retransmission procedure to + incur less overhead when multiple endpoints are retransmitting. + + * Removed requirement for in-order delivery of NotificationRequests + response and Notify commands. Notify commands are still delivered + in-order. + + * Clarified that activating an embedded Notification Request does not + clear the list of ObservedEvents. + + * Defined interactions between disconnected state and notification + state. + + * Added section on transactional semantics. + + * Defined gateway behavior when multiple interacting transactions are + received. + + * Additional details provided on service states. Clarified + relationship between endpoint service states, restart methods, and + associated processing of commands. + + * Clarified operation for transitioning from "restart procedure" to + "disconnected state". + + * Allowed auditing commands and responses to bypass the "restart" and + "disconnected" procedures. + + * Clarified operation of "disconnected procedure" and in particular + the operation of piggy-backed "disconnected" RestartInProgress + messages. + + * Added option to aggregate "disconnected" RestartInProgress messages + under certain conditions to reduce message volume. + + * Defined additional behavior for endpoints wishing to send commands + while in the "disconnected" state. + + * Added new section on Load Control in General which includes two new + error codes (101 and 409) to handle overload. + + * Deleted the "Proposed MoveConnection command". + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 162] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * Removed packages from protocol specification (will be provided in + separate documents instead). + + * Package concept formally extended to be primary extension mechanism + now allowing extensions for the following to be defined in packages + as well: + + - BearerInformation + + - LocalConnectionOptions + + - ExtensionParameters + + - Connection Modes + + - Actions + + - Digit Map Letters + + - Connection Parameters + + - Restart Methods + + - Reason Codes + + - Return Codes + + * Requirements and suggested format for package definitions added. + + * Defined "operation complete" and "operation failure" events to be + automatically present in packages with Time-Out signals. + + * Deleted list of differences that were prior to RFC 2705. + + * Added Base Package to deal with quarantine buffer overflow, + ObservedEvents overflow, embedded NotificationRequest failure, and + to enable events to be requested persistently. A new "Message" + command is included as well. + + * IANA registration procedures for packages and other extensions + added. + + * Updated grammar to fix known errors and support new extensions in a + backwards compatible manner. Added new (optional) PackageList and + MaxMGCPDatagram for auditing. Changed explicit white space rules + in some productions to make grammar more consistent. + + * Connection Mode interaction table added. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 163] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * Added additional detail on virtual endpoint naming conventions. + Also added suggested gateway endpoint convention and a "Range + Wildcard" option to the Endpoint Naming Conventions. + +8. Security Considerations + + Security issues are discussed in section 5. + +9. Acknowledgements + + Special thanks are due to the authors of the original MGCP 1.0 + specification: Mauricio Arango, Andrew Dugan, Isaac Elliott, + Christian Huitema, and Scott Picket. + + We also want to thank the many reviewers who provided advice on the + design of SGCP and then MGCP, notably Sankar Ardhanari, Francois + Berard, David Auerbach, Bob Biskner, David Bukovinsky, Charles Eckel, + Mario Edini, Ed Guy, Barry Hoffner, Jerry Kamitses, Oren Kudevitzki, + Rajesh Kumar, Troy Morley, Dave Oran, Jeff Orwick, John Pickens, Lou + Rubin, Chip Sharp, Paul Sijben, Kurt Steinbrenner, Joe Stone, and + Stuart Wray. + + The version 0.1 of MGCP was heavily inspired by the "Internet + Protocol Device Control" (IPDC) designed by the Technical Advisory + Committee set up by Level 3 Communications. Whole sets of text were + retrieved from the IP Connection Control protocol, IP Media Control + protocol, and IP Device Management. The authors wish to acknowledge + the contribution to these protocols made by Ilya Akramovich, Bob + Bell, Dan Brendes, Peter Chung, John Clark, Russ Dehlinger, Andrew + Dugan, Isaac Elliott, Cary FitzGerald, Jan Gronski, Tom Hess, Geoff + Jordan, Tony Lam, Shawn Lewis, Dave Mazik, Alan Mikhak, Pete + O'Connell, Scott Pickett, Shyamal Prasad, Eric Presworsky, Paul + Richards, Dale Skran, Louise Spergel, David Sprague, Raj Srinivasan, + Tom Taylor and Michael Thomas. + +10. References + + [1] Bradner, S., "The Internet Standards Process -- Revision 3", BCP + 9, RFC 2026, October 1996. + + [2] Bradner, S., "Key words for use in RFCs to Indicate Requirement + Levels", BCP 14, RFC 2119, March 1997. + + [3] Schulzrinne, H., Casner, S., Frederick, R. and V. Jacobson, + "RTP: A Transport Protocol for Real-Time Applications", RFC + 1889, January 1996. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 164] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + [4] Schulzrinne, H., "RTP Profile for Audio and Video Conferences + with Minimal Control", RFC 1890, January 1996. + + [5] Handley, M. and V. Jacobson, "SDP: Session Description + Protocol", RFC 2327, April 1998. + + [6] Handley, M., Perkins, C. and E. Whelan, "Session Announcement + Protocol", RFC 2974, October 2000. + + [7] Rosenberg, J., Camarillo, G., Johnston, A., Peterson, J., + Sparks, R., Handley, M., Schulzrinne, H. and E. Schooler, + "Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)", RFC 3261, June 2002. + + [8] Schulzrinne, H., Rao, A. and R. Lanphier, "Real Time Streaming + Protocol (RTSP)", RFC 2326, April 1998. + + [9] ITU-T, Recommendation Q.761, "FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ISDN + USER PART OF SIGNALING SYSTEM No. 7", (Malaga-Torremolinos, + 1984; modified at Helsinki, 1993). + + [10] ITU-T, Recommendation Q.762, "GENERAL FUNCTION OF MESSAGES AND + SIGNALS OF THE ISDN USER PART OF SIGNALING SYSTEM No. 7", + (MalagaTorremolinos, 1984; modified at Helsinki, 1993). + + [11] ITU-T, Recommendation H.323 (02/98), "PACKET-BASED MULTIMEDIA + COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS". + + [12] ITU-T, Recommendation H.225, "Call Signaling Protocols and Media + Stream Packetization for Packet Based Multimedia Communications + Systems". + + [13] ITU-T, Recommendation H.245 (02/98), "CONTROL PROTOCOL FOR + MULTIMEDIA COMMUNICATION". + + [14] Kent, S. and R. Atkinson, "Security Architecture for the + Internet Protocol", RFC 2401, November 1998. + + [15] Kent, S. and R. Atkinson, "IP Authentication Header", RFC 2402, + November 1998. + + [16] Kent, S. and R. Atkinson, "IP Encapsulating Security Payload + (ESP)", RFC 2406, November 1998. + + [17] Crocker, D. and P. Overell, "Augmented BNF for Syntax + Specifications: ABNF", RFC 2234, November 1997. + + [18] Stevens, W. Richard, "TCP/IP Illustrated, Volume 1, The + Protocols", Addison-Wesley, 1994. + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 165] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + [19] Allman, M., Paxson, V. "On Estimating End-to-End Network Path + Properties", Proc. SIGCOMM'99, 1999. + + [20] Yergeau, F., "UTF-8, a transformation format of ISO 10646", RFC + 2279, January 1998. + + [21] Braden, R., "Requirements for Internet Hosts -- Communication + Layers", STD 3, RFC 1122, October 1989. + + [22] Bellcore, "LSSGR: Switching System Generic Requirements for Call + Control Using the Integrated Services Digital Network User Part + (ISDNUP)", GR-317-CORE, Issue 2, December 1997. + + [23] Narten, T., and Alvestrand H., "Guidelines for Writing an IANA + Considerations Section in RFCs", RFC 2434, October 1998. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 166] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +Appendix A: Formal Syntax Description of the Protocol + + In this section, we provide a formal description of the protocol + syntax, following the "Augmented BNF for Syntax Specifications" + defined in RFC 2234. The syntax makes use of the core rules defined + in RFC 2234, Section 6.1, which are not included here. Furthermore, + the syntax follows the case-sensitivity rules of RFC 2234, i.e., MGCP + is case-insensitive (but SDP is not). It should be noted, that ABNF + does not provide for implicit specification of linear white space and + MGCP messages MUST thus follow the explicit linear white space rules + provided in the grammar below. However, in line with general + robustness principles, implementers are strongly encouraged to + tolerate additional linear white space in messages received. + +MGCPMessage = MGCPCommand / MGCPResponse + +MGCPCommand = MGCPCommandLine 0*(MGCPParameter) [EOL *SDPinformation] + +MGCPCommandLine = MGCPVerb 1*(WSP) transaction-id 1*(WSP) + endpointName 1*(WSP) MGCPversion EOL + +MGCPVerb = "EPCF" / "CRCX" / "MDCX" / "DLCX" / "RQNT" + / "NTFY" / "AUEP" / "AUCX" / "RSIP" / extensionVerb + +extensionVerb = ALPHA 3(ALPHA / DIGIT) ; experimental starts with X + +transaction-id = 1*9(DIGIT) + +endpointName = LocalEndpointName "@" DomainName +LocalEndpointName = LocalNamePart 0*("/" LocalNamePart) +LocalNamePart = AnyName / AllName / NameString +AnyName = "$" +AllName = "*" +NameString = 1*(range-of-allowed-characters) +; VCHAR except "$", "*", "/", "@" +range-of-allowed-characters = %x21-23 / %x25-29 / %x2B-2E + / %x30-3F / %x41-7E + +DomainName = 1*255(ALPHA / DIGIT / "." / "-") ; as defined + / "#" number ; in RFC 821 + / "[" IPv4address / IPv6address "]" ; see RFC 2373 + +; Rewritten to ABNF from RFC 821 +number = 1*DIGIT + +;From RFC 2373 +IPv6address = hexpart [ ":" IPv4address ] +IPv4address = 1*3DIGIT "." 1*3DIGIT "." 1*3DIGIT "." 1*3DIGIT + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 167] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +; this production, while occurring in RFC2373, is not referenced +; IPv6prefix = hexpart "/" 1*2DIGIT +hexpart = hexseq / hexseq "::" [ hexseq ] / "::" [ hexseq ] +hexseq = hex4 *( ":" hex4) +hex4 = 1*4HEXDIG + +MGCPversion = "MGCP" 1*(WSP) 1*(DIGIT) "." 1*(DIGIT) + [1*(WSP) ProfileName] +ProfileName = VCHAR *( WSP / VCHAR) + +MGCPParameter = ParameterValue EOL + +; Check infoCode if more parameter values defined +; Most optional values can only be omitted when auditing +ParameterValue = ("K" ":" 0*(WSP) [ResponseAck]) + / ("B" ":" 0*(WSP) [BearerInformation]) + / ("C" ":" 0*(WSP) CallId) + / ("I" ":" 0*(WSP) [ConnectionId]) + / ("N" ":" 0*(WSP) [NotifiedEntity]) + / ("X" ":" 0*(WSP) [RequestIdentifier]) + / ("L" ":" 0*(WSP) [LocalConnectionOptions]) + / ("M" ":" 0*(WSP) ConnectionMode) + / ("R" ":" 0*(WSP) [RequestedEvents]) + / ("S" ":" 0*(WSP) [SignalRequests]) + / ("D" ":" 0*(WSP) [DigitMap]) + / ("O" ":" 0*(WSP) [ObservedEvents]) + / ("P" ":" 0*(WSP) [ConnectionParameters]) + / ("E" ":" 0*(WSP) ReasonCode) + / ("Z" ":" 0*(WSP) [SpecificEndpointID]) + / ("Z2" ":" 0*(WSP) SecondEndpointID) + / ("I2" ":" 0*(WSP) SecondConnectionID) + / ("F" ":" 0*(WSP) [RequestedInfo]) + / ("Q" ":" 0*(WSP) QuarantineHandling) + / ("T" ":" 0*(WSP) [DetectEvents]) + / ("RM" ":" 0*(WSP) RestartMethod) + / ("RD" ":" 0*(WSP) RestartDelay) + / ("A" ":" 0*(WSP) [Capabilities]) + / ("ES" ":" 0*(WSP) [EventStates]) + / ("PL" ":" 0*(WSP) [PackageList]) ; Auditing only + / ("MD" ":" 0*(WSP) MaxMGCPDatagram) ; Auditing only + / (extensionParameter ":" 0*(WSP) [parameterString]) + +; A final response may include an empty ResponseAck +ResponseAck = confirmedTransactionIdRange + *( "," 0*(WSP) confirmedTransactionIdRange ) + +confirmedTransactionIdRange = transaction-id ["-" transaction-id] + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 168] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +BearerInformation = BearerAttribute 0*("," 0*(WSP) BearerAttribute) +BearerAttribute = ("e" ":" BearerEncoding) + / (BearerExtensionName [":" BearerExtensionValue]) +BearerExtensionName = PackageLCOExtensionName +BearerExtensionValue = LocalOptionExtensionValue +BearerEncoding = "A" / "mu" + +CallId = 1*32(HEXDIG) + +; The audit request response may include a list of identifiers +ConnectionId = 1*32(HEXDIG) 0*("," 0*(WSP) 1*32(HEXDIG)) +SecondConnectionID = ConnectionId + +NotifiedEntity = [LocalName "@"] DomainName [":" portNumber] +LocalName = LocalEndpointName ; No internal structure + +portNumber = 1*5(DIGIT) + +RequestIdentifier = 1*32(HEXDIG) + +LocalConnectionOptions = LocalOptionValue 0*(WSP) + 0*("," 0*(WSP) LocalOptionValue 0*(WSP)) +LocalOptionValue = ("p" ":" packetizationPeriod) + / ("a" ":" compressionAlgorithm) + / ("b" ":" bandwidth) + / ("e" ":" echoCancellation) + / ("gc" ":" gainControl) + / ("s" ":" silenceSuppression) + / ("t" ":" typeOfService) + / ("r" ":" resourceReservation) + / ("k" ":" encryptiondata) + / ("nt" ":" ( typeOfNetwork / + supportedTypeOfNetwork)) + / (LocalOptionExtensionName + [":" LocalOptionExtensionValue]) + +Capabilities = CapabilityValue 0*(WSP) + 0*("," 0*(WSP) CapabilityValue 0*(WSP)) +CapabilityValue = LocalOptionValue + / ("v" ":" supportedPackages) + / ("m" ":" supportedModes) + +PackageList = pkgNameAndVers 0*("," pkgNameAndVers) +pkgNameAndVers = packageName ":" packageVersion +packageVersion = 1*(DIGIT) + +packetizationPeriod = 1*4(DIGIT) ["-" 1*4(DIGIT)] +compressionAlgorithm = algorithmName 0*(";" algorithmName) + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 169] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +algorithmName = 1*(SuitableLCOCharacter) +bandwidth = 1*4(DIGIT) ["-" 1*4(DIGIT)] +echoCancellation = "on" / "off" +gainControl = "auto" / ["-"] 1*4(DIGIT) +silenceSuppression = "on" / "off" +typeOfService = 1*2(HEXDIG) ; 1 hex only for capabilities +resourceReservation = "g" / "cl" / "be" + +;encryption parameters are coded as in SDP (RFC 2327) +;NOTE: encryption key may contain an algorithm as specified in RFC 1890 +encryptiondata = ( "clear" ":" encryptionKey ) + / ( "base64" ":" encodedEncryptionKey ) + / ( "uri" ":" URItoObtainKey ) + / ( "prompt" ) ; defined in SDP, not usable in MGCP! + +encryptionKey = 1*(SuitableLCOCharacter) / quotedString +; See RFC 2045 +encodedEncryptionKey = 1*(ALPHA / DIGIT / "+" / "/" / "=") +URItoObtainKey = 1*(SuitableLCOCharacter) / quotedString + +typeOfNetwork = "IN" / "ATM" / "LOCAL" / OtherTypeOfNetwork +; Registered with IANA - see RFC 2327 +OtherTypeOfNetwork = 1*(SuitableLCOCharacter) +supportedTypeOfNetwork = typeOfNetwork *(";" typeOfNetwork) + +supportedModes = ConnectionMode 0*(";" ConnectionMode) + +supportedPackages = packageName 0*(";" packageName) + +packageName = 1*(ALPHA / DIGIT / HYPHEN) ; Hyphen neither first or last + +LocalOptionExtensionName = VendorLCOExtensionName + / PackageLCOExtensionName + / OtherLCOExtensionName +VendorLCOExtensionName = "x" ("+"/"-") 1*32(SuitableExtLCOCharacter) +PackageLCOExtensionName = packageName "/" + 1*32(SuitablePkgExtLCOCharacter) +; must not start with "x-" or "x+" +OtherLCOExtensionName = 1*32(SuitableExtLCOCharacter) + +LocalOptionExtensionValue = (1*(SuitableExtLCOValChar) + / quotedString) + *(";" (1*(SuitableExtLCOValChar) + / quotedString)) + +;Note: No "data" mode. +ConnectionMode = "sendonly" / "recvonly" / "sendrecv" + / "confrnce" / "inactive" / "loopback" + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 170] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + / "conttest" / "netwloop" / "netwtest" + / ExtensionConnectionMode +ExtensionConnectionMode = PkgExtConnectionMode +PkgExtConnectionMode = packageName "/" 1*(ALPHA / DIGIT) + +RequestedEvents = requestedEvent 0*("," 0*(WSP) requestedEvent) +requestedEvent = (eventName ["(" requestedActions ")"]) + / (eventName "(" requestedActions ")" + "(" eventParameters ")" ) +eventName = [(packageName / "*") "/"] + (eventId / "all" / eventRange + / "*" / "#") ; for DTMF + ["@" (ConnectionId / "$" / "*")] +eventId = 1*(ALPHA / DIGIT / HYPHEN) ; Hyphen neither first nor last +eventRange = "[" 1*(DigitMapLetter / (DIGIT "-" DIGIT) / + (DTMFLetter "-" DTMFLetter)) "]" +DTMFLetter = "A" / "B" / "C" / "D" + +requestedActions = requestedAction 0*("," 0*(WSP) requestedAction) +requestedAction = "N" / "A" / "D" / "S" / "I" / "K" + / "E" "(" EmbeddedRequest ")" + / ExtensionAction +ExtensionAction = PackageExtAction +PackageExtAction = packageName "/" Action ["(" ActionParameters ")"] +Action = 1*ALPHA +ActionParameters = eventParameters ; May contain actions + +;NOTE: Should tolerate different order when receiving, e.g., for NCS. +EmbeddedRequest = ( "R" "(" EmbeddedRequestList ")" + ["," 0*(WSP) "S" "(" EmbeddedSignalRequest ")"] + ["," 0*(WSP) "D" "(" EmbeddedDigitMap ")"] ) + / ( "S" "(" EmbeddedSignalRequest ")" + ["," 0*(WSP) "D" "(" EmbeddedDigitMap ")"] ) + / ( "D" "(" EmbeddedDigitMap ")" ) + +EmbeddedRequestList = RequestedEvents +EmbeddedSignalRequest = SignalRequests +EmbeddedDigitMap = DigitMap + +SignalRequests = SignalRequest 0*("," 0*(WSP) SignalRequest ) +SignalRequest = eventName [ "(" eventParameters ")" ] + +eventParameters = eventParameter 0*("," 0*(WSP) eventParameter) +eventParameter = eventParameterValue + / eventParameterName "=" eventParameter + / eventParameterName "(" eventParameters ")" +eventParameterString = 1*(SuitableEventParamCharacter) +eventParameterName = eventParameterString + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 171] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +eventParameterValue = eventParameterString / quotedString + +DigitMap = DigitString / "(" DigitStringList ")" +DigitStringList = DigitString 0*( "|" DigitString ) +DigitString = 1*(DigitStringElement) +DigitStringElement = DigitPosition ["."] +DigitPosition = DigitMapLetter / DigitMapRange +; NOTE "X" is now included +DigitMapLetter = DIGIT / "#" / "*" / "A" / "B" / "C" / "D" / "T" + / "X" / ExtensionDigitMapLetter +ExtensionDigitMapLetter = "E" / "F" / "G" / "H" / "I" / "J" / "K" + / "L" / "M" / "N" / "O" / "P" / "Q" / "R" + / "S" / "U" / "V" / "W" / "Y" / "Z" +; NOTE "[x]" is now allowed +DigitMapRange = "[" 1*DigitLetter "]" +DigitLetter = *((DIGIT "-" DIGIT) / DigitMapLetter) + +ObservedEvents = SignalRequests + +EventStates = SignalRequests + +ConnectionParameters = ConnectionParameter + 0*( "," 0*(WSP) ConnectionParameter ) + +ConnectionParameter = ( "PS" "=" packetsSent ) + / ( "OS" "=" octetsSent ) + / ( "PR" "=" packetsReceived ) + / ( "OR" "=" octetsReceived ) + / ( "PL" "=" packetsLost ) + / ( "JI" "=" jitter ) + / ( "LA" "=" averageLatency ) + / ( ConnectionParameterExtensionName + "=" ConnectionParameterExtensionValue ) +packetsSent = 1*9(DIGIT) +octetsSent = 1*9(DIGIT) +packetsReceived = 1*9(DIGIT) +octetsReceived = 1*9(DIGIT) +packetsLost = 1*9(DIGIT) +jitter = 1*9(DIGIT) +averageLatency = 1*9(DIGIT) + +ConnectionParameterExtensionName = VendorCPExtensionName + / PackageCPExtensionName +VendorCPExtensionName = "X" "-" 2*ALPHA +PackageCPExtensionName = packageName "/" CPName +CPName = 1*(ALPHA / DIGIT / HYPHEN) +ConnectionParameterExtensionValue = 1*9(DIGIT) + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 172] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +MaxMGCPDatagram = 1*9(DIGIT) + +ReasonCode = 3DIGIT + [1*(WSP) "/" packageName] ; Only for 8xx + [WSP 1*(%x20-7E)] + +SpecificEndpointID = endpointName +SecondEndpointID = endpointName + +RequestedInfo = infoCode 0*("," 0*(WSP) infoCode) + +infoCode = "B" / "C" / "I" / "N" / "X" / "L" / "M" / "R" / "S" + / "D" / "O" / "P" / "E" / "Z" / "Q" / "T" / "RC" / "LC" + / "A" / "ES" / "RM" / "RD" / "PL" / "MD" / extensionParameter + +QuarantineHandling = loopControl / processControl + / (loopControl "," 0*(WSP) processControl ) +loopControl = "step" / "loop" +processControl = "process" / "discard" + +DetectEvents = SignalRequests + +RestartMethod = "graceful" / "forced" / "restart" / "disconnected" + / "cancel-graceful" / extensionRestartMethod +extensionRestartMethod = PackageExtensionRM +PackageExtensionRM = packageName "/" 1*32(ALPHA / DIGIT / HYPHEN) +RestartDelay = 1*6(DIGIT) + +extensionParameter = VendorExtensionParameter + / PackageExtensionParameter + / OtherExtensionParameter +VendorExtensionParameter = "X" ("-"/"+") 1*6(ALPHA / DIGIT) +PackageExtensionParameter = packageName "/" + 1*32(ALPHA / DIGIT / HYPHEN) +; must not start with "x-" or x+" +OtherExtensionParameter = 1*32(ALPHA / DIGIT / HYPHEN) + +;If first character is a double-quote, then it is a quoted-string +parameterString = (%x21 / %x23-7F) *(%x20-7F) ; first and last must not + ; be white space + / quotedString + +MGCPResponse = MGCPResponseLine 0*(MGCPParameter) + *2(EOL *SDPinformation) + +MGCPResponseLine = responseCode 1*(WSP) transaction-id + [1*(WSP) "/" packageName] ; Only for 8xx + [WSP responseString] EOL + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 173] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +responseCode = 3DIGIT +responseString = *(%x20-7E) + +SuitablePkgExtLCOCharacter = SuitableLCOCharacter + +SuitableExtLCOCharacter = DIGIT / ALPHA / "+" / "-" / "_" / "&" + / "!" / "'" / "|" / "=" / "#" / "?" + / "." / "$" / "*" / "@" / "[" / "]" + / "^" / "`" / "{" / "}" / "~" + +SuitableLCOCharacter = SuitableExtLCOCharacter / "/" + +SuitableExtLCOValChar = SuitableLCOCharacter / ":" + +; VCHAR except """, "(", ")", ",", and "=" +SuitableEventParamCharacter = %x21 / %x23-27 / %x2A-2B + / %x2D-3C / %x3E-7E + +; NOTE: UTF8 encoded +quotedString = DQUOTE 0*(quoteEscape / quoteChar) DQUOTE +quoteEscape = DQUOTE DQUOTE +quoteChar = (%x00-21 / %x23-FF) + +EOL = CRLF / LF + +HYPHEN = "-" + +; See RFC 2327 for proper SDP grammar instead. +SDPinformation = SDPLine CRLF *(SDPLine CRLF) ; see RFC 2327 +SDPLine = 1*(%x01-09 / %x0B / %x0C / %x0E-FF) ; for proper def. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 174] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +Appendix B: Base Package + + Package name: B + Version: 0 + + The MGCP specification defines a base package which contains a set of + events and extension parameters that are of general use to the + protocol. Although not required, it is highly RECOMMENDED to support + this package as it provides important functionality for the base + protocol. + +B.1 Events + + The table below lists the events: + + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + | Symbol | Definition | R | S Duration | + |---------|----------------------------|-----|---------------------| + | enf(##) | embedded RQNT failure | x | | + | oef | observed events full | x | | + | qbo | quarantine buffer overflow | x | | + ------------------------------------------------------------------ + + The events are defined as follows: + + Embedded NotificationRequest failure (enf): + The Embedded NotificationRequest Failure (enf) event is generated + when an embedded Notification Request failure occurs. When the + event is requested, it should be as part of the Embedded + NotificationRequest itself. When the event is reported, it may be + parameterized with an error code (see Section 2.4) detailing the + error that occurred. When requested, it cannot be parameterized. + + Observed events full (oef): + The event is generated when the endpoint is unable to accumulate + any more events in the list of ObservedEvents. If this event + occurs, and it is not used to trigger a Notify, subsequent events + that should have been added to the list will be lost. + + Quarantine buffer overflow (qbo): + The event is generated when the quarantine buffer overflows and one + or more events have been lost. + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 175] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +B.2 Extension Parameters + +B.2.1 PersistentEvents + + PersistentEvents: A list of events that the gateway is requested to + detect and report persistently. The parameter is optional but can be + provided in any command where the DetectEvents parameter can be + provided. The initial default value of the parameter is empty. When + the parameter is omitted from a command, it retains its current + value. When the parameter is provided, it completely replaces the + current value. Providing an event in this list, is similar (but + preferable) to defining that particular event as being persistent. + The current list of PersistentEvents will implicitly apply to the + current as well as subsequent NotificationRequests, however no glare + detection etc. will be performed (similarly to DetectEvents). If an + event provided in this list is included in a RequestedEvents list, + the action and event parameters used in the RequestedEvents will + replace the action and event parameters associated with the event in + the PersistentEvents list for the life of the RequestedEvents list, + after which the PersistentEvents action and event parameters are + restored. Events with event states requested through this parameter + will be included in the list of EventStates if audited. + + PersistentEvents can also be used to detect events on connections. + Use of the "all connections" wildcard is straightforward, whereas + using PersistentEvents with one or more specific connections must be + considered carefully. Once the connection in question is deleted, a + subsequent NotificationRequest without a new PersistentEvents value + will fail (error code 515 - incorrect connection-id, is RECOMMENDED), + as it implicitly refers to the deleted connection. + + The parameter generates the relevant error codes from the base + protocol, e.g., error code 512 if an unknown event is specified. + + The PersistentEvents parameter can be audited, in which case it will + return its current value. Auditing of RequestedEvents is not + affected by this extension, i.e., events specified in this list are + not automatically reported when auditing RequestedEvents. + + The parameter name for PersistentEvents is "PR" and it is defined by + the production: + + PersistentEvents = "PR" ":" 0*WSP [RequestedEvents] + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 176] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The following example illustrates the use of the parameter: + + B/PR: L/hd(N), L/hf(N), L/hu(N), B/enf, B/oef, B/qbo + + which instructs the endpoint to persistently detect and report off- + hook, hook-flash, and on-hook. It also instructs the endpoint to + persistently detect and report Embedded Notification Request failure, + Observed events full, and Quarantine buffer overflow. + +B.2.2 NotificationState + + NotificationState is a RequestedInfo parameter that can be audited + with the AuditEndpoint command. It can be used to determine if the + endpoint is in the notification state or not. + + The parameter is forbidden in any command. In responses, it is a + valid response parameter for AuditEndpoint only. + + It is defined by the following grammar: + + NotificationState = "NS" ":" 0*WSP NotificationStateValue + NotificationStateValue = "ns" / "ls" / "o" + + It is requested as part of auditing by including the parameter code + in RequestedInfo, as in: + + F: B/NS + + The response parameter will contain the value "ns" if the endpoint is + in the "notification state", the value "ls" if the endpoint is in the + "lockstep state" (i.e., waiting for an RQNT after a response to a + NTFY has been received when operating in "step" mode), or the value + "o" otherwise, as for example: + + B/NS: ns + +B.3 Verbs + + MGCP packages are not intended to define new commands, however an + exception is made in this case in order to add an important general + capability currently missing, namely the ability for the gateway to + send a generic message to the Call Agent. + + The definition of the new command is: + + ReturnCode + <-- Message(EndpointId + [, ...]) + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 177] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + EndpointId is the name for the endpoint(s) in the gateway which is + issuing the Message command. The identifier MUST be a fully + qualified endpoint identifier, including the domain name of the + gateway. The local part of the endpoint name MUST NOT use the "any + of" wildcard. + + The only parameter specified in the definition of the Message command + is the EndpointId, however, it is envisioned that extensions will + define additional parameters to be used with the Message command. + Such extensions MUST NOT alter or otherwise interfere with the normal + operation of the basic MGCP protocol. They may however define + additional capabilities above and beyond that provided by the basic + MGCP protocol. For example, an extension to enable the gateway to + audit the packages supported by the Call Agent could be defined, + whereas using the Message command as an alternative way of reporting + observed events would be illegal, as that would alter the normal MGCP + protocol behavior. + + In order to not interfere with normal MGCP operation, lack of a + response to the Message command MUST NOT lead the endpoint to become + disconnected. The endpoint(s) MUST be prepared to handle this + transparently and continue normal processing unaffected. + + If the endpoint(s) receive a response indicating that the Call Agent + does not support the Message command, the endpoint(s) MUST NOT send a + Message command again until the current "notified entity" has + changed. Similarly, if the endpoint(s) receive a response indicating + that the Call Agent does not support one or more parameters in the + Message command, the endpoint(s) MUST NOT send a Message command with + those parameters again until the current "notified entity" has + changed. + + The Message command is encoded as MESG, as shown in the following + example: + + MESG 1200 aaln/1@rgw.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 178] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +Appendix C: IANA Considerations + +C.1 New MGCP Package Sub-Registry + + The IANA has established a new sub-registry for MGCP packages under + http://www.iana.org/assignments/mgcp-packages. + + Packages can be registered with the IANA according to the following + procedure: + + The package MUST have a unique string name which MUST NOT start with + the two characters "x-" or "x+". + + The package title, name, and version (zero assumed by default) MUST + be registered with IANA as well as a reference to the document that + describes the package. The document MUST have a stable URL and MUST + be contained on a public web server. + + Packages may define one or more Extension Digit Map Letters, however + these are taken from a limited and flat name space. To prevent name + clashing, IANA SHALL NOT register a package that defines an Extension + Digit Map Letter already defined in another package registered by + IANA. To ease this task, such packages SHALL contain the line + "Extension Digit Map Letters: " followed by a list of the Extension + Digit Map Letters defined in the package at the beginning of the + package definition. + + A contact name, e-mail and postal address for the package MUST be + provided. The contact information SHALL be updated by the defining + organization as necessary. + + Finally, prior to registering a package, the IANA MUST have a + designated expert [23] review the package. The expert reviewer will + send e-mail to the IANA on the overall review determination. + +C.2 New MGCP Package + + This document defines a new MGCP Base Package in Appendix B, which + has been registered by IANA. + +C.3 New MGCP LocalConnectionOptions Sub-Registry + + The IANA has established a new sub-registry for MGCP + LocalConnectionOptions under http://www.iana.org/assignments/mgcp- + localconnectionoptions. + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 179] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Packages are the preferred extension mechanism, however for backwards + compatibility, local connection options beyond those provided in this + specification can be registered with IANA. Each such local + connection option MUST have a unique string name which MUST NOT start + with "x-" or "x+". The local connection option field name and + encoding name MUST be registered with IANA as well as a reference to + the document that describes the local connection option. The + document MUST have a stable URL and MUST be contained on a public web + server. + + A contact name, e-mail and postal address for the local connection + option MUST be provided. The contact information SHALL be updated by + the defining organization as necessary. + + Finally, prior to registering a LocalConnectionOption, the IANA MUST + have a designated expert [23] review the LocalConnectionOption. The + expert reviewer will send e-mail to the IANA on the overall review + determination. + +Appendix D: Mode Interactions + + An MGCP endpoint can establish one or more media streams. These + streams are either incoming (from a remote endpoint) or outgoing + (generated at the handset microphone). The "connection mode" + parameter establishes the direction and generation of these streams. + When there is only one connection to an endpoint, the mapping of + these streams is straightforward; the handset plays the incoming + stream over the handset speaker and generates the outgoing stream + from the handset microphone signal, depending on the mode parameter. + + However, when several connections are established to an endpoint, + there can be many incoming and outgoing streams. Depending on the + connection mode used, these streams may interact differently with + each other and the streams going to/from the handset. + + The table below describes how different connections SHALL be mixed + when one or more connections are concurrently "active". An active + connection is here defined as a connection that is in one of the + following modes: + + * "send/receive" + * "send only" + * "receive only" + * "conference" + + Connections in "network loopback", "network continuity test", or + "inactive" modes are not affected by connections in the "active" + modes. The Table uses the following conventions: + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 180] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + * Ai is the incoming media stream from Connection A + * Bi is the incoming media stream from Connection B + * Hi is the incoming media stream from the Handset Microphone + * Ao is the outgoing media stream to Connection A + * Bo is the outgoing media stream to Connection B + * Ho is the outgoing media stream to the Handset earpiece + * NA indicates no stream whatsoever (assuming there are no signals + applied on the connection) + + "netw" in the following table indicates either "netwloop" or + "netwtest" mode. + + ------------------------------------------------------------- + | | Connection A Mode | + | |----------------------------------------------------- + | |sendonly|recvonly|sendrecv|confrnce|inactive| netw | + |-------|-----------------------------------------------------| + | |Send | Ao=Hi | Ao=NA | Ao=Hi | Ao=Hi | Ao=NA | Ao=Ai | + |C|only | Bo=Hi | Bo=Hi | Bo=Hi | Bo=Hi | Bo=Hi | Bo=Hi | + |o| | Ho=NA | Ho=Ai | Ho=Ai | Ho=Ai | Ho=NA | Ho=NA | + |n|----------------------------------------------------------- + |n|recv | |Ao=NA |Ao=Hi |Ao=Hi | Ao=NA | Ao=Ai | + |e|only | |Bo=NA |Bo=NA |Bo=NA | Bo=NA | Bo=NA | + |c| | |Ho=Ai+Bi|Ho=Ai+Bi|Ho=Ai+Bi| Ho=Bi | Ho=Bi | + |t|-----------------------------------------------------------| + |i|send | | |Ao=Hi |Ao=Hi | Ao=NA | Ao=Ai | + |o|recv | | |Bo=Hi |Bo=Hi | Bo=Hi | Bo=Hi | + |n| | | |Ho=Ai+Bi|Ho=Ai+Bi| Ho=Bi | Ho=Bi | + | |-----------------------------------------------------------| + |B|conf | | | |Ao=Hi+Bi| Ao=NA | Ao=Ai | + | |rnce | | | |Bo=Hi+Ai| Bo=Hi | Bo=Hi | + |M| | | | |Ho=Ai+Bi| Ho=Bi | Ho=Bi | + |o|-----------------------------------------------------------| + |d|Inac | | | | | Ao=NA | Ao=Ai | + |e|tive | | | | | Bo=NA | Bo=NA | + | | | | | | | Ho=NA | Ho=NA | + | |-----------------------------------------------------------| + | |netw | | | | | | Ao=Ai | + | | | | | | | | Bo=Bi | + | | | | | | | | Ho=NA | + ------------------------------------------------------------- + + If there are three or more "active" connections they will still + interact as defined in the table above with the outgoing media + streams mixed for each interaction (union of all streams). If + internal resources are used up and the streams cannot be mixed, the + gateway MUST return an error (error code 403 or 502, not enough + resources, are RECOMMENDED). + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 181] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +Appendix E: Endpoint Naming Conventions + + The following sections provide some RECOMMENDED endpoint naming + conventions. + +E.1 Analog Access Line Endpoints + + The string "aaln", should be used as the first term in a local + endpoint name for analog access line endpoints. Terms following + "aaln" should follow the physical hierarchy of the gateway so that if + the gateway has a number of RJ11 ports, the local endpoint name could + look like the following: + + aaln/# + + where "#" is the number of the analog line (RJ11 port) on the + gateway. + + On the other hand, the gateway may have a number of physical plug-in + units, each of which contain some number of RJ11 ports, in which + case, the local endpoint name might look like the following: + + aaln/<unit #>/# + + where <unit #> is the number of the plug in unit in the gateway and + "#" is the number of the analog line (RJ11 port) on that unit. + Leading zeroes MUST NOT be used in any of the numbers ("#") above. + +E.2 Digital Trunks + + The string "ds" should be used for the first term of digital + endpoints with a naming convention that follows the physical and + digital hierarchy such as: + + ds/<unit-type1>-<unit #>/<unit-type2>-<unit #>/.../<channel #> + + where: <unit-type> identifies the particular hierarchy level. Some + example values of <unit-type> are: "s", "su", "oc3", "ds3", "e3", + "ds2", "e2", "ds1", "e1" where "s" indicates a slot number and "su" + indicates a sub-unit within a slot. Leading zeroes MUST NOT be used + in any of the numbers ("#") above. + + The <unit #> is a decimal number which is used to reference a + particular instance of a <unit-type> at that level of the hierarchy. + The number of levels and naming of those levels is based on the + physical hierarchy within the media gateway. + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 182] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +E.3 Virtual Endpoints + + Another type of endpoint is one that is not associated with a + physical interface (such as an analog or digital endpoint). This + type of endpoint is called a virtual endpoint and is often used to + represent some DSP resources that gives the endpoint some capability. + Examples are announcement, IVR or conference bridge devices. These + devices may have multiple instances of DSP functions so that a + possible naming convention is: + + <virtual-endpoint-type>/<endpoint-#> + + where <virtual-endpoint-type> may be some string representing the + type of endpoint (such as "ann" for announcement server or "cnf" for + conference server) and <endpoint-#> would identify a particular + virtual endpoint within the device. Leading zeroes MUST NOT be used + in the number ("#") above. If the physical hierarchy of the server + includes plug-in DSP cards, another level of hierarchy in the local + endpoint name may be used to describe the plug in unit. + + A virtual endpoint may be created as the result of using the "any of" + wildcard. Similarly, a virtual endpoint may cease to exist once the + last connection on the virtual endpoint is deleted. The definition + of the virtual endpoint MUST detail both of these aspects. + + When a <virtual-endpoint-type> creates and deletes virtual endpoints + automatically, there will be cases where no virtual endpoints exist + at the time a RestartInProgress command is to be issued. In such + cases, the gateway SHOULD simply use the "all of" wildcard in lieu of + any specific <endpoint-#> as in, e.g.: + + ann/*@mygateway.whatever.net + + If the RestartInProgress command refers to all endpoints in the + gateway (virtual or not), the <virtual-endpoint-id> can be omitted as + in, e.g.: + + *@mygateway.whatever.net + + Commands received by the gateway will still have to refer to an + actual endpoint (possibly created by that command by use of the "any + of" wildcard) in order for the command to be processed though. + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 183] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +E.4 Media Gateway + + MGCP only defines operation on endpoints in a media gateway. It may + be beneficial to define an endpoint that represents the gateway + itself as opposed to the endpoints managed by the gateway. + Implementations that wish to do so should use the local endpoint name + "mg" (for media gateway) as in: + + mg@mygateway.whatever.net + + Note that defining such an endpoint does not change any of the + protocol semantics, i.e., the "mg" endpoint and other endpoints + (e.g., digital trunks) in the gateway are still independent endpoints + and MUST be treated as such. For example, RestartInProgress commands + MUST still be issued for all endpoints in the gateway as usual. + +E.5 Range Wildcards + + As described in Section 2.1.2, the MGCP endpoint naming scheme + defines the "all of" and "any of" wildcards for the individual terms + in a local endpoint name. While the "all of" wildcard is very useful + for reducing the number of messages, it can by definition only be + used when we wish to refer to all instances of a given term in the + local endpoint name. Furthermore, in the case where a command is to + be sent by the gateway to the Call Agent, the "all of" wildcard can + only be used if all of the endpoints named by it have the same + "notified entity". Implementations that prefer a finer-grained + wildcarding scheme can use the range wildcarding scheme described + here. + + A range wildcard is defined as follows: + + RangeWildcard = "[" NumericalRange *( "," NumericalRange ) "]" + NumericalRange = 1*(DIGIT) [ "-" 1*(DIGIT) ] + + Note that white space is not permitted. Also, since range wildcards + use the character "[" to indicate the start of a range, the "[" + character MUST NOT be used in endpoint names that use range + wildcards. The length of a range wildcard SHOULD be bounded to a + reasonably small value, e.g., 128 characters. + + Range wildcards can be used anywhere an "all of" wildcard can be + used. The semantics are identical for the endpoints named. However, + it MUST be noted, that use of the range wildcarding scheme requires + support on both the gateway and the Call Agent. Therefore, a gateway + MUST NOT assume that it's Call Agent supports range wildcarding and + vice versa. In practice, this typically means that both the gateway + and Call Agent will need to be provisioned consistently in order to + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 184] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + use range wildcards. Also, if a gateway or Call Agent using range + wildcards receives an error response that could indicate a possible + endpoint naming problem, they MUST be able to automatically revert to + not using range wildcards. + + The following examples illustrates the use of range wildcards: + + ds/ds1-1/[1-12] + ds/ds1-1/[1,3,20-24] + ds/ds1-[1-2]/* + ds/ds3-1/[1-96] + + The following example illustrates how to use it in a command: + + RSIP 1204 ds/ds3-1/[1-96]@tgw-18.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + RM: restart + RD: 0 + +Appendix F: Example Command Encodings + + This appendix provides examples of commands and responses shown with + the actual encoding used. Examples are provided for each command. + All commentary shown in the commands and responses is optional. + +F.1 NotificationRequest + + The first example illustrates a NotificationRequest that will ring a + phone and look for an off-hook event: + + RQNT 1201 aaln/1@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + N: ca@ca1.whatever.net:5678 + X: 0123456789AC + R: l/hd(N) + S: l/rg + + The response indicates that the transaction was successful: + + 200 1201 OK + + The second example illustrates a NotificationRequest that will look + for and accumulate an off-hook event, and then provide dial-tone and + accumulate digits according to the digit map provided. The "notified + entity" is set to "ca@ca1.whatever.net:5678", and since the + SignalRequests parameter is empty (it could have been omitted as + well), all currently active TO signals will be stopped. All events + in the quarantine buffer will be processed, and the list of events to + detect in the "notification" state will include fax tones in addition + to the "requested events" and persistent events: + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 185] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + RQNT 1202 aaln/1@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + N: ca@ca1.whatever.net:5678 + X: 0123456789AC + R: L/hd(A, E(S(L/dl),R(L/oc, L/hu, D/[0-9#*T](D)))) + D: (0T|00T|#xxxxxxx|*xx|91xxxxxxxxxx|9011x.T) + S: + Q: process + T: G/ft + + The response indicates that the transaction was successful: + + 200 1202 OK + +F.2 Notify + + The example below illustrates a Notify message that notifies an off- + hook event followed by a 12-digit number beginning with "91". A + transaction identifier correlating the Notify with the + NotificationRequest it results from is included. The command is sent + to the current "notified entity", which typically will be the actual + value supplied in the NotifiedEntity parameter, i.e., + "ca@ca1.whatever.net:5678" - a failover situation could have changed + this: + + NTFY 2002 aaln/1@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + N: ca@ca1.whatever.net:5678 + X: 0123456789AC + O: L/hd,D/9,D/1,D/2,D/0,D/1,D/8,D/2,D/9,D/4,D/2,D/6,D/6 + + The Notify response indicates that the transaction was successful: + + 200 2002 OK + +F.3 CreateConnection + + The first example illustrates a CreateConnection command to create a + connection on the endpoint specified. The connection will be part of + the specified CallId. The LocalConnectionOptions specify that G.711 + mu-law will be the codec used and the packetization period will be 10 + ms. The connection mode will be "receive only": + + CRCX 1204 aaln/1@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + C: A3C47F21456789F0 + L: p:10, a:PCMU + M: recvonly + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 186] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The response indicates that the transaction was successful, and a + connection identifier for the newly created connection is therefore + included. A session description for the new connection is included + as well - note that it is preceded by an empty line. + + 200 1204 OK + I: FDE234C8 + + v=0 + o=- 25678 753849 IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + t=0 0 + m=audio 3456 RTP/AVP 0 + + The second example illustrates a CreateConnection command containing + a notification request and a RemoteConnectionDescriptor: + + CRCX 1205 aaln/1@rgw-2569.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + C: A3C47F21456789F0 + L: p:10, a:PCMU + M: sendrecv + X: 0123456789AD + R: L/hd + S: L/rg + + v=0 + o=- 25678 753849 IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + t=0 0 + m=audio 3456 RTP/AVP 0 + + The response indicates that the transaction failed, because the phone + was already off-hook. Consequently, neither a connection-id nor a + session description is returned: + + 401 1205 Phone off-hook + + Our third example illustrates the use of the provisional response and + the three-way handshake. We create another connection and + acknowledge the previous response received by using the response + acknowledgement parameter: + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 187] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + CRCX 1206 aaln/1@rgw-2569.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + K: 1205 + C: A3C47F21456789F0 + L: p:10, a:PCMU + M: inactive + + v=0 + o=- 25678 753849 IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.41.1 + t=0 0 + m=audio 3456 RTP/AVP 0 + + A provisional response is returned initially: + + 100 1206 Pending + I: DFE233D1 + + v=0 + o=- 4723891 7428910 IN IP4 128.96.63.25 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.63.25 + t=0 0 + m=audio 3456 RTP/AVP 0 + + A little later, the final response is received: + + 200 1206 OK + K: + I: DFE233D1 + + v=0 + o=- 4723891 7428910 IN IP4 128.96.63.25 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.63.25 + t=0 0 + m=audio 3456 RTP/AVP 0 + + The Call Agent acknowledges the final response as requested: + + 000 1206 + + and the transaction is complete. + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 188] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +F.4 ModifyConnection + + The first example shows a ModifyConnection command that simply sets + the connection mode of a connection to "send/receive" - the "notified + entity" is set as well: + + MDCX 1209 aaln/1@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + C: A3C47F21456789F0 + I: FDE234C8 + N: ca@ca1.whatever.net + M: sendrecv + + The response indicates that the transaction was successful: + + 200 1209 OK + + In the second example, we pass a session description and include a + notification request with the ModifyConnection command. The endpoint + will start playing ring-back tones to the user: + + MDCX 1210 aaln/1@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + C: A3C47F21456789F0 + I: FDE234C8 + M: recvonly + X: 0123456789AE + R: L/hu + S: G/rt + + v=0 + o=- 4723891 7428910 IN IP4 128.96.63.25 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.63.25 + t=0 0 + m=audio 3456 RTP/AVP 0 + + The response indicates that the transaction was successful: + + 200 1206 OK + +F.5 DeleteConnection (from the Call Agent) + + In this example, the Call Agent simply instructs the gateway to + delete the connection "FDE234C8" on the endpoint specified: + + DLCX 1210 aaln/1@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + C: A3C47F21456789F0 + I: FDE234C8 + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 189] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The response indicates success, and that the connection was deleted. + Connection parameters for the connection are therefore included as + well: + + 250 1210 OK + P: PS=1245, OS=62345, PR=780, OR=45123, PL=10, JI=27, LA=48 + +F.6 DeleteConnection (from the gateway) + + In this example, the gateway sends a DeleteConnection command to the + Call Agent to instruct it that a connection on the specified endpoint + has been deleted. The ReasonCode specifies the reason for the + deletion, and Connection Parameters for the connection are provided + as well: + + DLCX 1210 aaln/1@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + C: A3C47F21456789F0 + I: FDE234C8 + E: 900 - Hardware error + P: PS=1245, OS=62345, PR=780, OR=45123, PL=10, JI=27, LA=48 + + The Call Agent sends a success response to the gateway: + + 200 1210 OK + +F.7 DeleteConnection (multiple connections from the Call Agent) + + In the first example, the Call Agent instructs the gateway to delete + all connections related to call "A3C47F21456789F0" on the specified + endpoint: + + DLCX 1210 aaln/1@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + C: A3C47F21456789F0 + + The response indicates success and that the connection(s) were + deleted: + + 250 1210 OK + + In the second example, the Call Agent instructs the gateway to delete + all connections related to all of the endpoints specified: + + DLCX 1210 aaln/*@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + + The response indicates success: + + 250 1210 OK + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 190] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +F.8 AuditEndpoint + + In the first example, the Call Agent wants to learn what endpoints + are present on the gateway specified, hence the use of the "all of" + wild-card for the local portion of the endpoint-name: + + AUEP 1200 *@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + + The gateway indicates success and includes a list of endpoint names: + + 200 1200 OK + Z: aaln/1@rgw-2567.whatever.net + Z: aaln/2@rgw-2567.whatever.net + + In the second example, the capabilities of one of the endpoints is + requested: + + AUEP 1201 aaln/1@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + F: A + + The response indicates success and the capabilities as well. Two + codecs are supported, however with different capabilities. + Consequently two separate capability sets are returned: + + 200 1201 OK + A: a:PCMU, p:10-100, e:on, s:off, v:L;S, m:sendonly; + recvonly;sendrecv;inactive;netwloop;netwtest + A: a:G729, p:30-90, e:on, s:on, v:L;S, m:sendonly; + recvonly;sendrecv;inactive;confrnce;netwloop + + Note that the carriage return in the Capabilities lines are shown for + formatting reasons only - they are not permissible in a real + implementation. + + In the third example, the Call Agent audits several types of + information for the endpoint: + + AUEP 2002 aaln/1@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + F: R,D,S,X,N,I,T,O,ES + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 191] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The response indicates success: + + 200 2002 OK + R: L/hu,L/oc(N),D/[0-9](N) + D: + S: L/vmwi(+) + X: 0123456789B1 + N: [128.96.41.12] + I: 32F345E2 + T: G/ft + O: L/hd,D/9,D/1,D/2 + ES: L/hd + + The list of requested events contains three events. Where no package + name is specified, the default package is assumed. The same goes for + actions, so the default action - Notify - must therefore be assumed + for the "L/hu" event. The omission of a value for the "digit map" + means the endpoint currently does not have a digit map. There are + currently no active time-out signals, however the OO signal "vmwi" is + currently on and is consequently included - in this case it was + parameterized, however the parameter could have been excluded. The + current "notified entity" refers to an IP-address and only a single + connection exists for the endpoint. The current value of + DetectEvents is "G/ft", and the list of ObservedEvents contains the + four events specified. Finally, the event-states audited reveals + that the phone was off-hook at the time the transaction was + processed. + +F.9 AuditConnection + + The first example shows an AuditConnection command where we audit the + CallId, NotifiedEntity, LocalConnectionOptions, Connection Mode, + LocalConnectionDescriptor, and the Connection Parameters: + + AUCX 2003 aaln/1@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + I: 32F345E2 + F: C,N,L,M,LC,P + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 192] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The response indicates success and includes information for the + RequestedInfo: + + 200 2003 OK + C: A3C47F21456789F0 + N: ca@ca1.whatever.net + L: p:10, a:PCMU + M: sendrecv + P: PS=395, OS=22850, PR=615, OR=30937, PL=7, JI=26, LA=47 + + v=0 + o=- 4723891 7428910 IN IP4 128.96.63.25 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.63.25 + t=0 0 + m=audio 1296 RTP/AVP 0 + + In the second example, we request to audit RemoteConnectionDescriptor + and LocalConnectionDescriptor: + + AUCX 1203 aaln/2@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + I: FDE234C8 + F: RC,LC + + The response indicates success, and includes information for the + RequestedInfo. In this case, no RemoteConnectionDescriptor exists, + hence only the protocol version field is included for the + RemoteConnectionDescriptor: + + 200 1203 OK + + v=0 + o=- 4723891 7428910 IN IP4 128.96.63.25 + s=- + c=IN IP4 128.96.63.25 + t=0 0 + m=audio 1296 RTP/AVP 0 + + v=0 + +F.10 RestartInProgress + + The first example illustrates a RestartInProgress message sent by an + gateway to inform the Call Agent that the specified endpoint will be + taken out-of-service in 300 seconds: + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 193] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + RSIP 1200 aaln/1@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + RM: graceful + RD: 300 + + The Call Agent's response indicates that the transaction was + successful: + + 200 1200 OK + + In the second example, the RestartInProgress message sent by the + gateway informs the Call Agent, that all of the gateway's endpoints + are being placed in-service in 0 seconds, i.e., they are currently in + service. The restart delay could have been omitted as well: + + RSIP 1204 *@rgw-2567.whatever.net MGCP 1.0 + RM: restart + RD: 0 + + The Call Agent's response indicates success, and furthermore provides + the endpoints in question with a new "notified entity": + + 200 1204 OK + N: CA-1@whatever.net + + Alternatively, the command could have failed with a new "notified + entity" as in: + + 521 1204 OK + N: CA-1@whatever.net + + In that case, the command would then have to be retried in order to + satisfy the "restart procedure", this time going to Call Agent "CA- + 1@whatever.net". + +Appendix G: Example Call Flows + + The message flow tables in this section use the following + abbreviations: + + * rgw = Residential Gateway + + * ca = Call Agent + + * n+ = step 'n' is repeated one or more times + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 194] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Note that any use of upper and lower case within the text of the + messages is to aid readability and is not in any way a requirement. + The only requirement involving case is to be case insensitive at all + times. + +G.1 Restart + +G.1.1 Residential Gateway Restart + + The following table shows a message sequence that might occur when a + call agent (ca) is contacted by two independent residential gateways + (rgw1 and rgw2) which have restarted. + + Table F.1: Residential Gateway Restart + + --------------------------------------------------------------------- +|step#| usr1 | rgw1 | ca | rgw2 | usr2 | +|=====|============|============|============|============|===========| +| 1 | | rsip -> | | | | +| | | | <- ack | | | +|-----|------------|------------|------------|------------|-----------| +| 2 | | | <- auep | | | +| | | ack -> | | | | +|-----|------------|------------|------------|------------|-----------| +| 3+ | | | <- rqnt | | | +| | | ack -> | | | | +|-----|------------|------------|------------|------------|-----------| +| 4 | | | | <- rsip | | +| | | | ack -> | | | +|-----|------------|------------|------------|------------|-----------| +| 5 | | | auep -> | | | +| | | | | <- ack | | +|-----|------------|------------|------------|------------|-----------| +| 6+ | | | rqnt -> | | | +| | | | | <- ack | | + --------------------------------------------------------------------- + + Step 1 - RestartInProgress (rsip) from rgw1 to ca + + rgw1 uses DNS to determine the domain name of ca and send to the + default port of 2727. The command consists of the following: + + rsip 1 *@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + rm: restart + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 195] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The "*" is used to inform ca that all endpoints of rgw1 are being + restarted, and "restart" is specified as the restart method. The + Call Agent "ca" acknowledges the command with an acknowledgement + message containing the transaction-id (in this case 1) for the + command. It sends the acknowledgement to rgw1 using the same port + specified as the source port for the rsip. If none was indicated, it + uses the default port of 2727. + + 200 1 ok + + A response code is mandatory. In this case, "200", indicates "the + requested transaction was executed normally". The response string is + optional. In this case, "ok" is included as an additional + description. + + Step 2 - AuditEndpoint (auep) from ca to rgw1 + + The command consists of the following: + + auep 153 *@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + + The "*" is used to request audit information from rgw1 of all its + endpoints. rgw1 acknowledges the command with an acknowledgement + message containing the transaction-id (in this case 153) of the + command, and it includes a list of its endpoints. In this example, + rgw1 has two endpoints, aaln/1 and aaln/2. + + 200 153 ok + Z: aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net + Z: aaln/2@rgw1.whatever.net + + Once it has the list of endpoint ids, ca may send individual + AuditEndpoint commands in which the "*" is replaced by the id of the + given endpoint. As its response, rgw1 would replace the endpoint id + list returned in the example with the info requested for the + endpoint. This optional message exchange is not shown in this + example. + + Step 3 - NotificationRequest (rqnt) from ca to each endpoint of rgw1 + + In this case, ca sends two rqnts, one for aaln/1: + + rqnt 154 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hd(n) + x: 3456789a0 + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 196] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + and a second for aaln/2: + + rqnt 155 aaln/2@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hd(n) + x: 3456789a1 + + Note that in the requested events parameter line, the event is fully + specified as "l/hd", i.e., with the package name, in order to avoid + any potential ambiguity. This is the recommended behavior. For the + sake of clarity, the action, which in this case is to Notify, is + explicitly specified by including the "(n)". If no action is + specified, Notify is assumed as the default regardless of the event. + If any other action is desired, it must be stated explicitly. + + The expected response from rgw1 to these requests is an + acknowledgement from aaln/1 as follows: + + 200 154 ok + + and from aaln/2: + + 200 155 ok + + Step 4 RestartInProgress (rsip) from rgw2 to ca + + rsip 0 *@rgw2.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + rm: restart + + followed by the acknowledgement from ca: + + 200 0 ok + + Step 5 - AuditEndpoint (auep) from ca to rgw2 + + auep 156 *@rgw2.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + + followed by an acknowledgement from rgw2: + + 200 156 ok + z: aaln/1@rgw2.whatever.net + z: aaln/2@rgw2.whatever.net + + Step 6 - NotificationRequest (rqnt) from ca to each endpoint of rgw2 + + rqnt 157 aaln/1@rgw2.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hd(n) + x: 3456789a2 + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 197] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + followed by: + + rqnt 158 aaln/2@rgw2.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hd(n) + x: 3456789a3 + + with rgw2 acknowledging for aaln/1: + + 200 157 ok + + and for aaln/2: + + 200 158 ok + +G.1.2 Call Agent Restart + + The following table shows the message sequence which occurs when a + call agent (ca) restarts. How it determines the address information + of the gateways, in this case rgw1 and rgw2, is not covered in this + document. For interoperability, it is RECOMMENDED to provide the + ability to configure the call agent to send AUEP (*) to specific + addresses and ports. + + Table F.2: Residential Gateway Restart + + --------------------------------------------------------------------- +| # | usr1 | rgw1 | ca | rgw2 | usr2 | +|===|=============|============|============|============|============| +| 1 | | | <- auep | | | +| | | ack -> | | | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 2+| | | <- rqnt | | | +| | | ack -> | | | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 3 | | | auep -> | | | +| | | | | <- ack | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 4+| | | rqnt -> | | | +| | | | | <- ack | | + --------------------------------------------------------------------- + + Step 1 - AuditEndpoint (auep) from ca to rgw1 + + The command consists of the following: + + auep 0 *@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 198] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + The "*" is used to request audit information from rgw1 of all its + endpoints. rgw1 acknowledges the command with an acknowledgement + message containing the transaction id (in this case 0) of the + command, and it includes a list of its endpoints. In this example, + rgw1 has two endpoints, aaln/1 and aaln/2. + + 200 0 ok + z: aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net + z: aaln/2@rgw1.whatever.net + + Once it has the list of endpoint ids, ca may send individual + AuditEndpoint commands in which the "*" is replaced by the id of the + given endpoint. As its response, rgw1 would replace the endpoint id + list returned in the example with the info requested for the + endpoint. This optional message exchange is not shown in this + example. + + Step 2 - NotificationRequest (rqnt) off-hook from ca to rgw1 + + In this case, ca sends two rqnts, one for aaln/1: + + rqnt 1 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hd(n) + x: 234567890 + + and a second for aaln/2: + + rqnt 2 aaln/2@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hd(n) + x: 234567891 + + The expected response from rgw1 to these requests is an + acknowledgement from aaln/1 as follows: + + 200 1 ok + + and from aaln/2: + + 200 2 ok + + Step 3 - AuditEndpoint (auep) from ca to rgw2 + + auep 3 *@rgw2.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 199] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + followed by an acknowledgement from rgw2: + + 200 3 ok + z: aaln/1@rgw2.whatever.net + z: aaln/2@rgw2.whatever.net + + Step 4 - NotificationRequest (rqnt) from ca to each endpoint of rgw2 + + rqnt 4 aaln/1@rgw2.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hd(n) + x: 234567892 + + followed by: + + rqnt 5 aaln/2@rgw2.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hd(n) + x: 234567893 + + with rgw2 acknowledging for aaln/1: + + 200 4 ok + + and for aaln/2: + + 200 5 ok +G.2 Connection Creation + +G.2.1 Residential Gateway to Residential Gateway + + The following table shows the message sequence which occurs when a + user (usr1) makes a call through a residential gateway (rgw1) to a + user served by another residential gateway (rgw2). This example + illustrates the communication between the residential gateways and + the call agent (ca) only. The local name of the endpoints in this + example is aaln/1 for both gateways, and references within the + description of the steps to rgw1 and rgw2 can be assumed to refer to + aaln/1 of rgw1 and aaln/1 of rgw2. Note that this is only an example + and is not the only legal call scenario. + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 200] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Table F.3: Residential Gateway Connection Creation + + --------------------------------------------------------------------- +| # | usr1 | rgw1 | ca | rgw2 | usr2 | +|===|=============|============|============|============|============| +| 1 | offhook -> | ntfy -> | | | | +| | | | <- ack | | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 2 | <- dialtone | | <- rqnt | | | +| | | ack -> | | | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 3 | digits -> | ntfy -> | | | | +| | | | <- ack | | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 4 | | | <- rqnt | | | +| | | ack -> | | | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 5 | <- recvonly | | <- crcx | | | +| | | ack -> | | | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 6 | | | crcx -> | | sendrcv -> | +| | | | | <- ack | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 7 | <- recvonly | | <- mdcx | | | +| | | ack -> | | | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 8 | <- ringback | | <- rqnt | | | +| | | ack -> | | | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 9 | | | rqnt -> | | ringing -> | +| | | | | <- ack | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +|10 | | | | <- ntfy | <- offhook | +| | | | ack -> | | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +|11 | | | rqnt -> | | | +| | | | | <- ack | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +|12 | | | <- rqnt | | | +| | | ack -> | | | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +|13 | <- sendrcv | | <- mdcx | | | +| | | ack -> | | | | + --------------------------------------------------------------------- + + Step 1 - Notify (ntfy) offhook from rgw1 to ca + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 201] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + This ntfy is the result of usr1 going offhook and assumes ca had + previously sent an rqnt with RequestId "445678944" to rgw1 requesting + notification in the event of an offhook: + + ntfy 12 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + o: l/hd + x: 445678944 + + Acknowledgement from ca: + + 200 12 ok + + Step 2 - Request Notification (rqnt) for digits from ca to rgw1 + + Request rgw1 to notify if on-hook and collect digits according to the + digit map, and to provide dialtone: + + rqnt 1057 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hu(n), d/[0-9#*T](d) + s: l/dl + x: 445678945 + d: 5xxx + + Acknowledgement from rgw1: + + 200 1057 ok + + Step 3 - Notify (ntfy) digits from rgw1 to ca + + ntfy 13 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + o: d/5, d/0, d/0, d/1 + x: 445678945 + + Acknowledgement from ca: + + 200 13 ok + + Step 4 - Request Notification (rqnt) from ca to rgw1 + + Request rgw1 to notify in the event of an on-hook transition: + + rqnt 1058 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hu(n) + x: 445678946 + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 202] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Acknowledgement from rgw1: + + 200 1058 ok + + Step 5 - Create Connection (crcx) from ca to rgw1 + + Request a new connection on rgw1 with the specified local connection + options, including 20 msec as the packetization period, G.711 mu-law + as the codec, and receive only as the mode: + + crcx 1059 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + c: 9876543210abcdef + l: p:20, a:PCMU + m: recvonly + + Acknowledgement from rgw1 that a new connection, "456789fedcba5", has + been created, followed by a blank line and then the SDP parameters: + + 200 1059 ok + i: 456789fedcba5 + + v=0 + o=- 23456789 98765432 IN IP4 192.168.5.7 + s=- + c=IN IP4 192.168.5.7 + t=0 0 + m=audio 6058 RTP/AVP 0 + + Step 6 - Create Connection (crcx) from ca to rgw2 + + Request a new connection on rgw2. The request includes the session + description returned by rgw1 such that a two way connection can be + initiated: + + crcx 2052 aaln/1@rgw2.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + c: 9876543210abcdef + l: p:20, a:PCMU + m: sendrecv + + v=0 + o=- 23456789 98765432 IN IP4 192.168.5.7 + s=- + c=IN IP4 192.168.5.7 + t=0 0 + m=audio 6058 RTP/AVP 0 + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 203] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Acknowledgement from rgw2 that a new connection, "67890af54c9", has + been created; followed by a blank line and then the SDP parameters: + + 200 2052 ok + i: 67890af54c9 + + v=0 + o=- 23456889 98865432 IN IP4 192.168.5.8 + s=- + c=IN IP4 192.168.5.8 + t=0 0 + m=audio 6166 RTP/AVP 0 + + Step 7 - Modify Connection (mdcx) from ca to rgw1 + + Request rgw1 to modify the existing connection, "456789fedcba5", to + use the session description returned by rgw2 establishing a half + duplex connection which, though not used in this example, could be + used to provide usr1 with in band ringback tone, announcements, etc: + + mdcx 1060 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + c: 9876543210abcdef + i: 456789fedcba5 + l: p:20, a:PCMU + M: recvonly + + v=0 + o=- 23456889 98865432 IN IP4 192.168.5.8 + s=- + c=IN IP4 192.168.5.8 + t=0 0 + m=audio 6166 RTP/AVP 0 + + Acknowledgement from rgw1: + + 200 1060 ok + + Step 8 - Request Notification (rqnt) from ca for rgw1 to provide + ringback + + Request rgw1 to notify in the event of an on-hook transition, and + also to provide ringback tone: + + rqnt 1061 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hu(n) + s: g/rt + x: 445678947 + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 204] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Acknowledgement from rgw1: + + 200 1061 ok + + Step 9 - Request Notification (rqnt) from ca to rgw2 to provide + ringing + + Request rgw2 to continue to look for offhook and provide ringing: + + rqnt 2053 aaln/1@rgw2.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hd(n) + s: l/rg + x: 445678948 + + Acknowledgement from rgw2: + + 200 2053 ok + + Step 10 - Notify (ntfy) offhook from rgw2 to ca + + ntfy 27 aaln/1@rgw2.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + o: l/hd + x: 445678948 + + Acknowledgement from ca: + + 200 27 ok + + Step 11 - Request Notification (rqnt) of on-hook from ca to rgw2 + + rqnt 2054 aaln/1@rgw2.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hu(n) + x: 445678949 + + Acknowledgement from rgw2: + + 200 2054 ok + + Step 12 - Request Notification (rqnt) of on-hook from ca to rgw1 + + rqnt 1062 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hu(n) + x: 445678950 + + Acknowledgement from rgw1: + + 200 1062 ok + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 205] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Step 13 - Modify Connection (mdcx) from ca to rgw1 + + Request rgw1 to modify the existing connection, "456789fedcba5", to + sendrecv such that a full duplex connection is initiated: + + mdcx 1063 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + c: 9876543210abcdef + i: 456789fedcba5 + m: sendrecv + + Acknowledgement from rgw1: + + 200 1063 ok + +G.3 Connection Deletion + +G.3.1 Residential Gateway to Residential Gateway + + The following table shows the message sequence which occurs when a + user (usr2) initiates the deletion of an existing connection on a + residential gateway (rgw2) with a user served by another residential + gateway (rgw1). This example illustrates the communication between + the residential gateways and the call agent (ca) only. The local + name of the endpoints in this example is aaln/1 for both gateways, + and references within the description of the steps to rgw1 and rgw2 + can be assumed to refer to aaln/1 of rgw1 and aaln/1 of rgw2. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 206] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Table F.4: Residential Gateway Connection Deletion + + --------------------------------------------------------------------- +| # | usr1 | rgw1 | ca | rgw2 | usr2 | +|===|=============|============|============|============|============| +| 1 | | | | <- ntfy | <- on-hook | +| | | | ack -> | | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 2 | | | dlcx -> | | | +| | | | | <- ack | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 3 | | | <- dlcx | | | +| | | ack -> | | | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 4 | | | rqnt -> | | | +| | | | | <- ack | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 5 | on-hook -> | ntfy -> | | | | +| | | | <- ack | | | +|---|-------------|------------|------------|------------|------------| +| 6 | | | <- rqnt | | | +| | | ack -> | | | | + --------------------------------------------------------------------- + + Step 1 - Notify (ntfy) offhook from rgw1 to ca + + This ntfy is the result of usr2 going on-hook and assumes that ca had + previously sent an rqnt to rgw2 requesting notification in the event + of an on-hook (see end of Connection Creation sequence): + + ntfy 28 aaln/1@rgw2.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + o: l/hu + x: 445678949 + + Acknowledgement from ca: + + 200 28 ok + + Step 2 - Delete Connection (dlcx) from ca to rgw2 + + Requests rgw2 to delete the connection "67890af54c9": + + dlcx 2055 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + c: 9876543210abcdef + i: 67890af54c9 + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 207] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + Acknowledgement from rgw2. Note the response code of "250" meaning + "the connection was deleted": + + 250 2055 ok + + Step 3 - Delete Connection (dlcx) from ca to rgw1 + + Requests rgw1 to delete the connection "456789fedcba5": + + dlcx 1064 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + c: 9876543210abcdef + i: 456789fedcba5 + + Acknowledgement from rgw1: + + 250 1064 ok + + Step 4 - NotificationRequest (rqnt) from ca to rgw2 + + Requests rgw2 to notify ca in the event of an offhook transition: + + rqnt 2056 aaln/1@rgw2.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hd(n) + x: 445678951 + + Acknowledgement from rgw2: + + 200 2056 ok + + Step 5 - Notify (ntfy) on-hook from rgw1 to ca + + Notify ca that usr1 at rgw1 went back on-hook: + + ntfy 15 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + o: l/hu + x: 445678950 + + Acknowledgement from ca: + + 200 15 ok + + Step 6 - NotificationRequest (rqnt) offhook from ca to rgw1 + + Requests rgw1 to notify ca in the event of an offhook transition: + + rqnt 1065 aaln/1@rgw1.whatever.net mgcp 1.0 + r: l/hd(n) + x: 445678952 + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 208] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + + + Acknowledgement from rgw1: + + 200 1065 ok + +Authors' Addresses + + Flemming Andreasen + Cisco Systems + 499 Thornall Street, 8th Floor + Edison, NJ 08837 + + EMail: fandreas@cisco.com + + + Bill Foster + Cisco Systems + 771 Alder Drive + Milpitas, CA 95035 + + EMail: bfoster@cisco.com + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 209] + +RFC 3435 MGCP 1.0 January 2003 + + +Full Copyright Statement + + Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2003). All Rights Reserved. + + This document and translations of it may be copied and furnished to + others, and derivative works that comment on or otherwise explain it + or assist in its implementation may be prepared, copied, published + and distributed, in whole or in part, without restriction of any + kind, provided that the above copyright notice and this paragraph are + included on all such copies and derivative works. However, this + document itself may not be modified in any way, such as by removing + the copyright notice or references to the Internet Society or other + Internet organizations, except as needed for the purpose of + developing Internet standards in which case the procedures for + copyrights defined in the Internet Standards process must be + followed, or as required to translate it into languages other than + English. + + The limited permissions granted above are perpetual and will not be + revoked by the Internet Society or its successors or assigns. + + This document and the information contained herein is provided on an + "AS IS" basis and THE INTERNET SOCIETY AND THE INTERNET ENGINEERING + TASK FORCE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING + BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY THAT THE USE OF THE INFORMATION + HEREIN WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY RIGHTS OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF + MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. + +Acknowledgement + + Funding for the RFC Editor function is currently provided by the + Internet Society. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Andreasen & Foster Informational [Page 210] + |