Network Management

Prerequisites for adding Cisco and Avaya Call Managers to VNQM

This article outlines the prerequisites and configuration requirements for adding Cisco and Avaya Call Manager devices to SolarWinds VoIP and Network Quality Manager (VNQM).

First published date

11/10/2025 5:12 PM

Last published date

11/10/2025 5:12 PM

Overview

To effectively monitor Cisco and Avaya Call Managers using SolarWinds VNQM, certain prerequisites must be met before onboarding these devices. This includes discovery of the call manager nodes, adding them to the SolarWinds Platform, and configuring them to send call detail records (CDRs) and quality data to VNQM. Proper setup ensures VNQM can collect and analyze call performance metrics for comprehensive VoIP monitoring.

Product section

VoIP & Network Quality Manager

Resolution

 

  1. Device Discovery
    • Ensure your Cisco Call Manager devices are discovered and added to the SolarWinds Platform database via Network Performance Monitor (NPM) discovery.
  2. SNMP and AXL API Access
    • Enable SNMP on the Cisco Call Manager devices for basic monitoring.
    • Enable the Cisco AXL (Administrative XML API) on both publisher and subscriber Call Managers. This allows SolarWinds VNQM to query call and region information without modifying the database.
  3. AXL Credentials and Roles
    • Standard AXL API Access
    • Standard CCM Admin Users
    • Standard SERVICEABILITY Administration
    • Create a read-only AXL user account specifically for SolarWinds VNQM with these roles:
    • If you want to limit access, create a custom Access Control Group in CUCM with only these necessary roles.
  4. CDR/CMR Data Access
    • Configure Cisco Call Managers to generate and store Call Detail Records (CDR) and Call Management Records (CMR) on an FTP server accessible by SolarWinds VNQM.
    • Collect FTP server address and credentials for SolarWinds to download these records.
  5. Certificate and Hostname Resolution
    • If AXL credential testing fails, update the SolarWinds server's hosts file with the Call Manager’s IP and domain name.
    • Install the Cisco Call Manager security certificate on the SolarWinds server if required.

 

 

Documentation procedure to add a Cisco and Avaya Manager device to VoIP and Network Quality Manager: 

Add a call manager device to SolarWinds VNQM 

 

Please note:

Adding a call manager device to SolarWinds VNQM is required because SolarWinds VNQM must verify that service accounts have been set up and that it can make direct API calls to the device.

You need to use a custom management Information Base (MIB) poller specifically configured for your call manager from other manufacturers.