Processor Ethernet (PE) provides connectivity to IP endpoints, gateways, and adjuncts. The PE interface is a connection in the Communication Manager software that uses a port on NIC in the server. No additional hardware is required to implement PE, but the feature must be enabled using a license file.
During the configuration of a server, PE is assigned to Computer Ethernet (CE). Both PE and CE share the same IP address. However the CE interface is a native computer interface while the PE interface is the logical appearance of the CE interface within the Communication Manager software. The PE interface can either be a control network or a corporate LAN. The selected interface determines the physical port that PE uses on the server.
Note:
The PE interface is enabled automatically on a survivable remote or a survivable core server. If the PE interface is disabled, the survivable remote or survivable core server cannot register with the main server and becomes nonfunctional.
PE is supported on duplicated servers for the connection of H.323 devices, branch gateways, SIP trunks, and all adjuncts.
The capabilities of survivable core servers are enhanced to support the connection of IP devices to the PE interface.
Note:
When you use PE on duplicated servers, you can use the following IP telephone models to ensure an optimal system performance:
9610, 9620, 9630, 9640, and 9650 telephones with firmware 3.0 or later, or any future 96xx and 96x1 models that support Time to Service (TTS) to work optimally.
4601+, 4602SW+, 4610SW, 4620SW, 4621SW, 4622SW, and 4625SW Broadcom telephones with firmware R 2.9 SP1 or later, provided the 46xx telephones are not in the same subnet as the servers.
All other IP telephone models reregister in case of server interchange. If not in the same subnet, the 46xx telephones reregister as the servers.
When PE is used on duplicated servers, PE must be assigned to an active server IP address. The active server IP address is shared between the servers. In networking technology, this address is called IP-alias. The active server is the only server that responds to the IP-alias.
A survivable remote or a single survivable core server can use the PE interface to connect to CDR, AESVCS, and CMS. Duplicated survivable core servers can use the PE interface to connect to CDR, Messaging, and SIP Enablement Server (SES).
For more information about survivable core servers, see Avaya Aura® Communication Manager Survivable Options.
