CallerID Vertex VoIP Caller ID User manual

Vertex VoIP Caller ID
(Version 2.0 - 12/01/2017)

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Table of Contents
Overview ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Critical Information ................................................................................................................................... 1
Types of VoIP........................................................................................................................................... 2
Installation................................................................................................................................................ 2
Basics....................................................................................................................................................... 2
Installation Instructions............................................................................................................................. 3
Hosted VoIP Connection Diagrams..................................................................................................... 4
Figure 1 - Phones and Computers on the same Switch ................................................................. 4
Figure 2 - VoIP Phones connected to Auxiliary Switch................................................................... 5
Figure 3 - Separate VoIP and Data Networks................................................................................. 6
Managed VoIP Connection Diagram ................................................................................................... 7
Figure 4 - Dedicated VoIP Gateway ............................................................................................... 7
Installation Checks .............................................................................................................................. 8
Vertex Configuration Tool (VCT) ..................................................................................................... 8
Vertex Configuration Key Parameters...................................................................................................... 9
VCT Main Tab........................................................................................................................................ 10
Serial Number.................................................................................................................................... 10
Firmware Version .............................................................................................................................. 10
Voice Channels Permitted ................................................................................................................. 11
Unit Number ...................................................................................................................................... 11
IP Setting ........................................................................................................................................... 11
Unit IP Address.................................................................................................................................. 11
Gateway IP Address.......................................................................................................................... 11
Data Gateway MAC........................................................................................................................... 11
SIP Gateway MAC............................................................................................................................. 11
Get SIP Gateway MAC Button .......................................................................................................... 11
Save Network Settings Button........................................................................................................... 11
Network Port...................................................................................................................................... 11
DNS Address..................................................................................................................................... 11
VCT Time Tab ....................................................................................................................................... 12
Last Date/Time from Unit................................................................................................................... 12
Time Offset ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Daylight Saving Time......................................................................................................................... 12
Time Servers ..................................................................................................................................... 12
VCT Data Output Tab ........................................................................................................................... 13
Destination
Broadcast...................................................................................................................................... 13
Station Routing ............................................................................................................................. 14
Serial Port ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Call Accounting ............................................................................................................................. 14
Do not Report Ext. to Ext. Calls .................................................................................................... 14
Format
Limited Format .............................................................................................................................. 14
Comprehensive Options ............................................................................................................... 14
Extra SIP Fields ....................................................................................................................... 14
Known Formats (Button) ............................................................................................................... 14

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VCT Station Routing Tab ..................................................................................................................... 15
Edit Routing Table ............................................................................................................................. 16
VCT Advanced Tab............................................................................................................................... 19
VoIP Signaling Format....................................................................................................................... 19
Network Packet Capture.................................................................................................................... 20
Bootup (Radio Button) .................................................................................................................. 20
Other Diagnostic Tools
VoIP Phones/Devices ................................................................................................................... 20
SIP Call Flow ................................................................................................................................ 20
Default View ............................................................................................................................. 21
MAC View ................................................................................................................................ 21
Caller ID Name and Number Reporting............................................................................... 22
SIP Gateway MAC Determination ....................................................................................... 23
Menu Selections
File / Setup Wizard ............................................................................................................................ 24
File / Wizard Logs.............................................................................................................................. 24
File / Configuration Settings .............................................................................................................. 24
File / Transfer Logs............................................................................................................................ 24
File / Location Manager ..................................................................................................................... 25
Tools / My Computer IP..................................................................................................................... 27
Tools / PING ...................................................................................................................................... 27
Tools / Reboot Unit............................................................................................................................ 27
Tools / Reset Hardware to Defaults................................................................................................... 27
Tools / Broadcast Connection ........................................................................................................... 27
Tools / Call Processing...................................................................................................................... 28
Tools / Find Vertex Port..................................................................................................................... 28
Tools / ARP Table ............................................................................................................................. 28
Tools / Port Test ................................................................................................................................ 28
Tools / Set Vertex to PC Time (Unlocked Mode)............................................................................... 29
Monitor / Call Records ....................................................................................................................... 29
Call Records - Filters .................................................................................................................... 30
Filters / Show Incoming............................................................................................................ 30
Filters / Show Outgoing, Detailed, Call Accounting.................................................................. 30
Filters / Show SIP Fields .......................................................................................................... 30
Filters / By Serial # ................................................................................................................... 30
Capture to File (option) ................................................................................................................. 30
Options / Capture to File Options.................................................................................................. 30
Monitor / Serial Data.......................................................................................................................... 30
Tools / Port Scan .......................................................................................................................... 31
Tools / Port Scan - Loopback Test Button .................................................................................... 31
Tools / Device Manager ................................................................................................................ 31
Tools / Upload............................................................................................................................... 31
Monitor / Raw Data....................................................................................................................... 31
Help / Check for Updates .................................................................................................................. 31
VCT Window Form - Labels / Buttons ................................................................................................ 32
Specifications ....................................................................................................................................... 33
Manufacture's Information............................................................................................................... 34
Warranty Information ......................................................................................................................... 34

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Appendix A - Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................... 35
Setup Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................ 35
Vertex Configuration Tool (VCT) will not detect the Vertex hardware ............................................... 35
Amber Lights not Coming On or Flashing ......................................................................................... 36
Restoring to Factory Defaults ............................................................................................................ 37
Reboot causes Unit to Lose Parameters Previously Set................................................................... 37
Restoring Vertex to Previous Working Settings................................................................................. 37
Operational Troubleshooting
Call Parking and Vertex Operation .................................................................................................... 37
"Channels Exceeded" message showing on Caller ID ...................................................................... 38
Caller ID Name does not show correctly ........................................................................................... 38
Advanced Troubleshooting
Firmware Upgrade Procedure ........................................................................................................... 39
Using VCT via a VPN Connection ..................................................................................................... 39
Port Test to check "Bridge Ports" Functionality ................................................................................. 40
LED Boot up sequence for Firmware Versions 92 and above........................................................... 40
DIP Switch Controls........................................................................................................................... 41
DHCP, DNS, and NTP issues ........................................................................................................... 42
Appendix B - Known Incompatible VoIP Providers................................................................ 43

Overview
The Vertex unit is designed to capture Caller ID and other telephony signaling on VoIP phone calls and
send this information to computers. Depending on the software running on the computer, applications
such as Caller ID popup screens for delivery, dispatch, phone billing, and logging calls are available.
Critical Information
1. The Vertex is designed to capture only standard non-encrypted SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).
SIP transmitted via TLS (Transport Layer Security) and SRTP (Secure Real-time Transport
Protocol), or other types of encoding are not supported. Refer to Appendix B - Known Incompatible
VoIP Providers.
2. There are 3 network ports on the Vertex. The 2 VoIP Bridge Ports provide a pass-through link
between two network endpoints and processing circuitry connected in parallel. This approach
allows passive packet "sniffing" thus eliminating any network point-of-failure. The Management
Port is the only port that presents itself as an endpoint on the network.
3. A single network connection carrying all VoIP traffic of interest must pass through the Vertex VoIP
Bridge Ports to capture the incoming and outgoing telephone call signaling. Your network
topography will determine where the Vertex bridge ports will connect all VoIP traffic.
4. The unit will pass a maximum of 100BaseT speed through its VoIP bridge ports. At least one
Gigabit endpoint on either side of the bridge port may need to be re-booted to auto-configure to
100BaseT. Passive packet "sniffing" is technically impossible on a Gigabit connection.
5. The 100BaseT Vertex throughput speed will not adversely affect VoIP phones connected through
VoIP bridge ports. Only computers connected to switches or phones linked through the Bridge
Ports may be affected.
- If possible, we suggest that VoIP phones are connected on a different leg of the network than
computers and the Vertex VoIP Bridge Ports link only the VoIP leg.
- If the link to the internet passes through the Vertex VoIP Bridge Ports, only the internet
speeds above 100mbs would be affected. A Gigabit LAN speed will not be affected.

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Types of VoIP
There are basically two types of VoIP service, Hosted VoIP and Managed VoIP.
Hosted VoIP is defined by the service provider performing all voice switching, routing, messages on
hold, call queuing, and other functions. In most cases, the end user needs only to connect VoIP
phones to their network. Any significant programming and configuration is done by the service provider.
At the time of this writing, popular companies offering Hosted VoIP are Nextiva, Vonage, 8x8, and Jive.
Note that Hosted VoIP service providers can also provide multi-line VoIP to analog conversion devices.
If you are not using VoIP phones and still using analog or digital phones, then our analog devices may
fit your needs better than the Vertex.
Managed VoIP involves additional equipment on site that handles most of the VoIP switching, routing,
and call processing. Various terms and acronyms apply to Managed VoIP including SIP trunking,
Asterisk PBX, ISDN PRI, and T1 feeds. There are many types of architectures available using
particular combinations of these and other items. If you have a Managed VoIP system, your IT person
and/or telephone switch provider should know the details.
Installation
Basics
1. The Vertex Management Port is the only Vertex Endpoint on the network and used to configure
the device. It connects to the same subnet as the PC running the Vertex Configuration Tool.
Caller ID data is also sent out this port to software applications that have integrated Ethernet
connected Caller ID devices.
2 The two “VoIP Bridge Ports" are pass-through, monitoring ports that connect two endpoints (I.E.
network switches, routers, etc.). A single network connection that carries all VoIP traffic of
interest must pass through the Vertex VoIP Bridge Ports.
3. To capture Caller ID and other telephony data from VoIP phone calls, call paths must travel
through the VoIP Bridge Ports on the Vertex. In the simple block diagram below, the connection
from the Router to the Network switch in made through the Vertex VoIP Bridge Ports. This allows
monitoring of all VoIP traffic in and out of the premise.

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When existing network architecture allows, it is recommended that Bridge Port connections be
made nearest to the VoIP telephones as possible, while still in-line with all VoIP phones of
interest. The following configuration shows the Vertex between the network switch and a P.O.E.
switch powering the phones.
Installation Instructions
1. Refer to Figs. 1-4 to decide which connection diagram best matches your VoIP Network
architecture. Chances are, none of the diagrams will match your Network topography exactly.
Therefore, connecting the Vertex in an appropriate location on the network requires a basic
understanding of the device operation. Review the Critical Information and Basics sections
above.
2. Make Vertex connections when no VoIP calls are in progress and internet traffic is at a minimum.
Note that the Vertex will not pass a Gigabit connection.
- If the Vertex is placed between 2 Gigabit network endpoints (I.E Router, Switch), reboot at
least one device to allow automatic negotiation to 100BaseT.
- If rebooting does not establish a link between the two network endpoints, one endpoint will
need to be hard set from automatic negotiation to 100BaseT. You will only need to change
this speed parameter on the specific port that connects to the Vertex Bridge Port.
3. Power-up the Vertex and wait until power light remains steady on. The unit will attempt to
negotiate DHCP in an effort to automatically obtain an IP address.
4. Check the other lights on the front panel. Amber lights on all three channels should be steady on,
indicating a network connection. If any amber light is not on steady, refer to the troubleshooting
section on Amber lights. The green lights on each channel should flash, indicating data packets
detected.
5. Close any software application on this computer that is meant to interface with the Vertex. For
example, if you are running a Caller ID enabled POS or Taxi Dispatch application on this
computer, close it now. Close any Caller ID services associated; they may bind to ports needed
for setup.
6. Download and install the Vertex Configuration Tool (VCT) at www.VCT.CallerID.com.
7. Launch VCT. Upon startup, VCT must detect the Vertex hardware. If not, turn off any third-party
Firewalls or virus checking programs, re-check Ethernet connections, and try again. Refer to
troubleshooting: VCT detection of Vertex.
8. Once the hardware is detected, select “Yes” to load parameters from the Vertex.
9. VCT will prompt you to run the Setup Wizard. Run the Wizard and follow all steps carefully.
When completed, exit VCT.
10. Set the appropriate parameters within your software application to enable Caller ID pop-up
screens.

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Hosted VoIP Connection Diagrams (3 Figures)
Hosted VoIP is defined by the service provider performing all voice switching, routing, messages on
hold, call queuing, and other functions. In most cases, the end user needs only to connect VoIP
phones to their network. Any significant programming and configuration is done by the service
provider. If you are not sure whether you have Hosted VoIP service simply contact your service
provider.
Figure 1 - Phones and Computers on the same Switch
A typical Hosted VoIP network architecture is shown below with a Vertex unit connected. If a
separate gateway router and network switch is not present, you will need to install a network switch.
The original connection is removed and the Gateway Router is connected to the Network Switch
through the VoIP Bridge ports on the Vertex. This allows all VoIP traffic to flow through the Vertex.
The “Management Port” on the Vertex is connected to the Network Switch. Green lines below indicate
new connections.

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Figure 2 - VoIP Phones connected to Auxiliary Switch
For architectures employing an auxiliary network switch to connect the phones, we recommend
installing the Vertex between the auxiliary switch and the main switch. The original connection is
removed and the Gateway Router is connected to the Network Switch through the VoIP Bridge ports
on the Vertex. Removal of the original connection allows all VoIP traffic to flow through the Vertex
“VoIP Bridge Ports”. The Vertex “Management Port” can be connected to any switch on the network.
Green lines indicate new connections below.
Depending on your application software, the data output will be delivered via the Management Port
connection or the serial port.

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Figure 3 - Separate VoIP and Data Networks
This network architecture is seen with controlled POS systems that supply a separate router enabling
all their equipment to reside within its own subnet. Remove the original VoIP connection (dotted line
below) and route the connection carrying all VoIP traffic through the two Vertex “VoIP Bridge Ports”.
If the POS application collects Caller ID via Ethernet, connect the Vertex “Management Port” and your
PC running the Vertex Configuration Tool (VCT) to the Data Subnet Router, as shown in the diagram
below. Conversely, if the POS obtains Caller ID data through a Serial Port, connect the Management
Port and your PC running VCT to the VoIP network.
If DHCP is enabled, the Data Gateway MAC is obtained automatically upon Vertex re-boot. If not, it
will need to be entered manually. If the Management Port is connected to the Subnet Router, use that
MAC as the Data Gateway