CH A P T E R
1
Overview
This chapter provides an overview of Cisco Instant Connect Express and the components that can be part
of a deployment.
This chapter includes the following topics:
•
Introduction to Cisco Instant Connect Express, page 1-1
•
Cisco IPICS and Cisco Instant Connect Express Feature Comparison, page 1-2
Introduction to Cisco Instant Connect Express
Cisco Instant Connect Express is a mobile push-to-talk (PTT) solution based on the Cisco IP
Interoperability and Collaboration System (IPICS). The system enables users of Cisco Instant Connect
for Android Devices to communicate with each other by using their Android devices. Cisco Instant
Connect Express supports up to 50 concurrent mobile users and up to 15 concurrent talklines, and is
preconfigured with 4 users, 4 talk lines, and a multicast pool. The system provides a subset of the
features and functionality of Cisco IPICS and can be upgraded to Cisco IPICS at any time.
A Cisco Instant Connect Express deployment includes various hardware and software components,
including some or all of the following:
•
Cisco Instant Connect Express server—A deployment includes a Cisco Instant Connect Express
server, which is the center of all Cisco Instant Connect Express activity. The Cisco Instant Connect
Express server software runs on the Cisco Linux operating system. and performs the following
functions:
– Hosts the Administration Console, which gives you control over operation and administration
of Cisco Instant Connect Express
– Provides Cisco Instant Connect Express authentication and security services
– Stores data that is required for operation
– Enables integration with various media resources
•
Unified media service (UMS)—Provides media connectivity for mobile users to join and
communicate on associated talklines.
•
Networking components—May include switches, routers, firewalls, mobile access routers, and
wireless access points and bridges.
•
Cisco Instant Connect—An application for Android devices that allows users to use these devices
to interact with other participants Cisco Instant Connect Express talkline.
Getting Started with Cisco Instant Connect Express, Release 4.9(1)
1-1
Chapter 1
Overview
Cisco IPICS and Cisco Instant Connect Express Feature Comparison
Cisco IPICS and Cisco Instant Connect Express Feature
Comparison
Table 1-1 compares major features and functionality of Cisco IPICS and Cisco Instant Connect Express.
Table 1-1
Cisco IPICS and Cisco Instant Connect Express Features
Feature
Cisco IPICS
Cisco Instant Connect Express
Channels
Supported
Not supported
Cisco Instant Connect MIDlet
Supported
Not supported
Cisco Unified IP Phones
Supported
Not supported
DFSI gateway
Supported
Not supported
Dial engine
Supported
Not supported
Dial in users
Supported
Not supported
High availability
Supported
Not supported
Incident Dispatch Console
Supported
Not supported
Incident VTGs
Supported
Not supported
ISSI gateway
Supported
Not supported
LDAP integration
Supported
Not supported
Locations
Supported
Not supported
Mobile users
Unlimited number supported
Up to 50 supported concurrently
Ops views
Supported
Not supported
Policy engine
Supported
Not supported
Radios
Supported
Not supported
Reporter
Supported
Not supported
RMS
Supported
Not supported
User groups
Supported
Not supported
VTGs
Supported
Up to 15 talklines are supported
for communication concurrently
Getting Started with Cisco Instant Connect Express, Release 4.9(1)
1-2