Maintenance Guide for Cisco Unity Connection Server 12.x

Quick guide from the manual

This document provides essential procedures for maintaining Cisco Unity Connection Server 12.x. Key tasks include migrating physical servers to virtual machines, replacing cluster nodes, updating network configurations, and managing language files. Always perform server replacements during off-peak hours to minimize service impact. Ensure you have performed a full backup using the Disaster Recovery System before initiating any major maintenance tasks.

Migrating a Physical Server to a Virtual Machine

To migrate from a physical server to a virtual machine, follow these steps:

• Backup: Perform a full backup of the software component on the physical server.
• Deploy: Download and deploy the OVA template to create the new virtual machine.
• Restore: Restore the software component from the physical server backup to the new virtual machine.
• Configuration: If required, install new languages or remove existing ones.

Replacing a Publisher or Subscriber Server

When upgrading or replacing nodes in a cluster, follow these procedures:

• Status Check: Use the Cluster Management page in Cisco Unity Connection Serviceability to verify server status (Primary/Secondary).
• Deactivation: Use the Real-Time Monitoring Tool (RTMT) to monitor voice messaging ports. Ensure ports are idle before deactivating the server.
• Shutdown: Use the CLI command utils system shutdown to shut down the server being replaced.
• Installation: Install the replacement virtual machine, ensuring Hostname, IP address, Time zone, and NTP server settings match the original.
• Cluster Configuration: Use the CLI command utils cuc cluster renegotiate on the subscriber server to re-establish the cluster.
• Verification: Run show cuc cluster status to confirm the new cluster configuration.

Changing the IP Address or Hostname

Before changing network settings, determine if the server is defined by hostname or IP address. Note that changing these settings requires careful coordination with associated components.

• Preparation: Ensure the ServerDown alert is clear in the Real-Time Monitoring Tool.
• Validation: Run utils diagnose module validate_network to check connectivity and DNS configuration.
• Update: Update DNS records (A and PTR) on your DNS server.
• Configuration: Update the IP/Hostname in Cisco Unity Connection Administration and Cisco Unified Operating System Administration.
• Restart: Services will restart automatically after saving changes. Do not perform actions until services are fully operational.

Adding or Removing Languages

You can manage installed languages without enforcing a limit, though disk space usage should be monitored.

• Adding: Download the locale installer from Cisco.com. Use the Install/Upgrade option in the Software Upgrades menu.
• Removing: Use the CLI command show cuc locales to list installed languages, then use delete cuc locale <code> to remove the specific language.
• Service Restart: Always stop the Connection Conversation Manager and Connection Mixer services before installing or uninstalling language files, and restart them afterward.