Adding and Configuring Associated MRA servers

Each MRA cluster can have a backup MRA and multiple associated MRA clusters. In addition, if your system is configured for georedundancy, you have the option to configure a georedundant MRA cluster with a secondary site (Default Secondary IP Address).

If the system is set for georedundancy, a primary site contains the preferred site or connection, and a secondary site contains a non-preferred (optional) spare server. The spare server, though located elsewhere, is still part of the cluster, and prepared to take over if an active server and its secondary backup fails. You must associate a primary and secondary site with a cluster.

Use this procedure if you are setting up protection from server failure in a georedundant system.

To add and configure an associated MRA server:

  1. From the Navigation Panel select MRA Associations.

    The MRA Association Administration page opens.

  2. From the top of the MRA Associations tree, select MRA Associations.
  3. Click Create MRA Association

    The Configuration screen opens.

  4. Type in the Name of the MRA Association.
  5. (Optional) Type in a Description of the MRA Association.
  6. Select the Type of binding the Association will use (Algov1 or Legacy).
    • N-site v1 (default)

      Uses Algorithm Verson 1 to distribute binding indexes across MRAs in a system.

    • Legacy

      Used after an MRA has been migrated and issues are encountered. Using this option deletes all mappings from the database and starts a rollback process that reverts the MRA servers back to the previous release.

  7. From the Members section, click Add.
    1. Select an MRA server from the list of existing MRA servers.

      After the MRA has been selected, the Default Primary IP Address for that MRA is visible in the field.

    2. (Optional) If the Association is to be georedundant, select a Default Secondary IP Address.

      This is the IP Address other MRA servers in the Association will use when establishing Diameter Connections with this MRA.
      Note: A different IP Address will be used if there are any matching overrides configured.

    3. (Optional) Select a backup MRA from the list.

      Note: The backup feature has a two-way capacity, for example, if MRA1 is selected to be the backup for MRA2, MRA2 will also function as a backup for MRA1 if something happens to MRA1.

    4. (Optional) Select a Protocol Timer Profile from the list. For more information, see Configuring MRA Protocol Options.
    5. Select either TCP or SCTP for transport protocol.

      If other MRA servers in the Association should connect to this MRA using SCTP instead of TCP, select Connect SCTP and then select Max Incoming Streams and Max Outgoing Streams (the default is 8 streams for both incoming and outgoing streams).

    6. Click Save to save your configuration.
  8. (Optional) If there is to be an Association Override, click Add in the Association Override section. .
    1. Select an MRA server from the list of existing MRA servers.

      After the MRA has been selected, the Default Primary IP Address for that MRA is visible in the field.

    2. (Optional) If the Association is to be georedundant, select a Default Secondary IP Address.

      This is the IP Address other MRA servers in the Association will use when establishing Diameter Connections with this MRA.
      Note: A different IP Address will be used if there are any matching overrides configured.

    3. (Optional) Select a backup MRA from the list.

      Note: The backup feature has a two-way capacity, for example, if MRA1 is selected to be the backup for MRA2, MRA2 will also function as a backup for MRA1 if something happens to MRA1.

    4. (Optional) Select a Protocol Timer Profile from the list. For more information, see Configuring MRA Protocol Options.
    5. Select either TCP or SCTP for transport protocol.

      If other MRA servers in the Association should connect to this MRA using SCTP instead of TCP, select Connect SCTP and then select Max Incoming Streams and Max Outgoing Streams (the default is 8 streams for both incoming and outgoing streams).

    6. Click Save to save your configuration.
  9. Click Save.
  10. For Subscriber Indexing, select any or all of the following: (For more information, see CMP Wireless User's Guide.)
    • Index by IPv4
    • Index by IP-Domain-Id
    • Index by IPv6
    • Index by Username
    • Index by NAI
    • Index by E.164 (MSISDN)
    • Index by IMSI
    • Index by Session ID
    • Primary Indexing (IMSI or e.164/MSISDN)
      Note: Used for having all MRAs use the same subscriber indexing value after an upgrade.
  11. (Optional) If there are to be overrides by APN, click Add in the Overrides by APN section.
    1. Enter the name of the APN (255 character limit, no spaces or special characters).

      Note: APN names are alphanumeric and have the following restrictions:
      • A 255 character limit
      • No spaces or special characters such as asterisks
      • Can contain hyphens (-) and periods (.) but must not begin or end with a hyphen or period
      Example name: pdn1.examplecorp.com

    2. select any or all of the following:

      • Index by IPv4
      • Index by IP-Domain-Id
      • Index by IPv6
      • Index by Username
      • Index by NAI
      • Index by E.164 (MSISDN)
      • Index by IMSI
      • Index by Session ID

    3. Click Save.
  12. Click Save.
The MRA server is added and as associated MRA server.
Parent topic: About Network Elements, Backups, and Diameter Settings