The CDR Buffer collects Call Data Records (CDR) from your PABX system, and transfers them over the internet (HTTPS) to the MERS databases. Call data in the MERS databases is used to generate reports and alerts on your business telephone use.
How do I connect the CDR Buffer in my business?
The CDR Buffer requires connection to:
1 available Power socket
1 available Network port (connected to LAN) with DHCP ability and internet connectivity
Access to Serial port on Telephone System if using this method to export CDR data
To connect to the CDR Buffer for configuration, go to http://cdrbuffer in a web browser (you must be on the same local network as the CDR Buffer to connect to it)
Why does the CDR Buffer connect to my PABX?
PABX devices output a record for each call made. The CDR Buffer needs to be connected to the PABX to receive these call records.
Why does the CDR Buffer connect to my network?
The CDR Buffer sends information to the MERS databases over the network (HTTPS). The CDR Buffer needs to be connected to the network to send data.
Can the CDR Buffer send data wirelessly?
No, the CDR Buffer has no capacity to send data wirelessly over wireless LAN or mobile networks.
How can I see the CDR Buffer settings?
You must be on the same local network as the CDR Buffer to connect to it. You can browse to the CDR Buffer settings page by navigating to http://cdrbuffer in your web browser and logging in.
If you do not know the username and password to access the CDR Buffer, contact the MERS Helpdesk on 1300 88 95 88.
My network requires users to authenticate before they can access the internet
The CDR Buffer cannot authenticate with third party systems.
If your network requires user authentication for external network access, an exception must be created for the CDR Buffer. Refer to the network administrator to create an exception for the CDR Buffer by hostname or MAC Address.
For reference, the hostname should be “cdrbuffer” and the MAC Address is visible on the configuration page at http://cdrbuffer.
Can I set a static IP address on the CDR Buffer?
Yes. Refer to your network administrator for the settings appropriate to the local network.
To configure a static IP address:
On your local network, go to http://cdrbuffer and login
In the Navigation Menu, click Network Configuration
Click Network Interfaces
Click eth0
Select Static configuration and set fields as per network administrator instructions
Click Save. This will return you to the Network Interfaces screen
Click Hostname and DNS Client
Set Hostname as: cdrbuffer
Set DNS Servers and Search Domins fields as per network administrator instructions
Click Apply Selected Interfaces to apply the changes
Can I isolate the CDR Buffer on my network?
Yes. The buffer only requires access to receive data from the PABX and communicate externally on the ports mentioned above. Any network isolation that does not interfere with these communications will not affect the CDR Buffer.
Can the CDR Buffer be accessed remotely?
Yes. There are 3 methods the MERS administration team can use to perform remote maintenance:
VPN Connection initiated by the CDR Buffer
You can create a VPN Connection with the MERS administration team to allow remote access. To do this:
On your local network, go to http://cdrbuffer and login
In the Navigation Menu, click Contact Support
Click Connect Now
This will initiate a VPN Connection with the MERS helpdesk
Automatic Updates
Software updates to the CDR Buffer are delivered over HTTPS automatically. Automatic updates are enabled by default. To change the automatic updates settings:
On your local network, go to http://cdrbufferand login
In the Navigation Menu, click CDR Buffer
Go to the Configuration tab
Under the Maintenance section, set Allow automatic updates to on or off
VPN Connection initiated by MERS administration team
The MERS administration team can initiate a VPN connection to the CDR Buffer remotely. Remote VPN connections are restricted to:
The CDR Buffer will only accept an incoming VPN Connection if Automatic Updates are enabled
A maximum of 1 remote VPN connection per day is accepted
To disable accepting VPN connections form the MERS administration team, set Automatic Updates to off.
What happens if the CDR Buffer stops functioning?
The MERS administration team can detect if a CDR Buffer is not functioning if communication from the CDR Buffer is not received in the configured schedule. MERS administrators will remotely update the CDR Buffer where possible.
If functionality cannot be resolved remotely, the CDR Buffer unit may need to be replaced with a new unit by an authorised Telstra Business Systems Care technician.
What ports and URLs are used by the CDR Buffer?
Ports used internally on your network:
TCP Port 80 (HTTP) - Used to connect to CDR Buffer webpage interface and configure CDR Buffer settings
TCP Port 22 (SSH) - Used to SSH to the CDR Buffer (root access only)
TCP Port 21 (FTP) - Used where CDR Buffer uses FTP as collection method
TCP Port 10042 or other - Used where CDR Buffer uses TCPIP as collection method. The port number used is configurable on the CDR Buffer, TCP Port 10042 is the default port configured
USB Port - Used where CDR Buffer uses Serial-to-USB as collection method
Ports used externally on your network:
TCP Port 443 (HTTPS) - Used for CDR data delivery, automatic updates, and remote support
TCP and UDP Ports 123 (NTP) - Used for Time server synchronisation
URLs accessed by the CDR Buffer:
For CDR delivery to MERS databases: https://mers.tsa.com.au/upload
For Automatic Updates: https://updates.tsa.com.au/updates
Call data is collected by a CDR Buffer device which connects to your onsite telephone system PABX. The CDR Buffer passes CDR (Call Detail Records) to MERS where it is stored in a database and can be viewed in the MERS Portal website.
What data is collected?
Call data is collected by a CDR Buffer device. Call data records (CDR) are a single record for each call that passes through your onsite PABX device.
Each record contains:
Time of call
Duration of call
Phone Number(s) involved in call (Caller and Receiver phone numbers or Extension numbers)
Route and Trunk used by the call
Where is data sent?
Call data is sent to the MERS databases. MERS databases are hosted in the Microsoft Azure Cloud. MERS databases are managed by Telstra Business Systems Care and administrated by TSA Software Solutions.
How is data transferred? Is my data encrypted when being transferred?
Call data is transferred from the CDR Buffer to MERS databases hosted in the Microsoft Azure Cloud over HTTP Secure (HTTPS). Data transferred over HTTPS is encrypted.
Where is data stored?
MERS databases and websites are stored in the Microsoft Azure Cloud.
Is my data stored securely?
MERS databases and websites are stored in the Microsoft Azure Cloud. Microsoft Azure uses cutting-edge security practices. Azure security controls and capabilities include:
24 hour monitored physical security
Centralized security monitoring and analysis systems
Who can access my data, and what data can they access?
You can access all call data via the MERS Portal. You can see and report on individual call records.
Telstra Business Systems Care can access summary call data. Telstra Business Systems Care cannot see individual call records collected by the CDR Buffer.
Telstra Business Systems Care representatives operate in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act.
Telstra Business Systems Care monitor summary details of your telecommunications use. This includes:
Incoming and outgoing call counts
Number of extensions used/unused
Trunk monitoring (percentage of trunks in use)
Summary details about your telecommunications use is used to manage the service Telstra provides to you.
What happens if law enforcement or another third party asks Telstra or Microsoft for my data? What happens when a subpoena for my data is received?
Since data is stored in the Microsoft Azure Cloud, such requests for data are subject to the Microsoft Law Enforcement requests policy. For more information about Microsoft Azure policies, refer to Microsoft Azure Trust Center information.