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Learn to work with Conax Contego SMS Services

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Overview

Conax Contego is a TV platform that streams content to Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and Over-The-Top (OTT) based subscriptions.

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Major features

  • Integration to Conax Contego 2.0 SMS 
  • Activation and deactivation of multiple subscriptions simultaneously
  • Errors are logged and can be reviewed within the CRM.COM Software.
  • Sending of messages to multiple subscribers simultaneously
  • Requests not submitted to Conax, can be reviewed through an error file while taking the necessary actions to update CRM.COM accordingly
  • Usage of utilities to handle one subscription at a time to pair devices or send messages
  • Option to archive old provisioning requests. For more information refer to Utilities

Using Conax Contego SMS Services

  • Conax Contego SMS Services implementation submits requests on Conax Contego system asynchronously using FTP.
    • Subscription actions update subscription provisioning state.
    • Provisioning Requests run identifies all subscriptions whose provisioning state must be updated in CONAX Contego system and creates 'Pending' requests
    • 'Pending' requests coming from CRM.COM are grouped together into a file which is then transferred through FTP in order to be processed. 
  • Conax provides 'Accepted' and 'Rejected' requests to CRM.COM through 'Error Handling' runs and CRM.COM subscriptions are updated accordingly.

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Setting Up Conax Contego SMS Services

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Billing > Provisioning > Conax Contego SMS Services > Set Up Provisioning Provider

Provisioning Provider

In the Provisioning Provider you can provide the parameters necessary to access the CA/OTT platform and map the CRM.COM services and physical goods to be provisioned. 

Provider fields

The table describes the sections of Provisioning Provider Data Entry page, and explains how the fields in the page are used.

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Name and Alternative Code of the provider

Provisioning Protocol: The protocol of the provider you would like to set up and use.

Life Cycle State: A 'Not Effective', state denotes that commands will not be sent to the CA/OTT platform.

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Connection Parameters

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End Point: The endpoint used for communicating with provisioning provider

User Name & Password: Credentials used to login to the

Character Set Encoding: The encoding that will be used by the Web Services. It defaults to UTF-8 if not specified

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Maximum Number Of Records in Each File: The maximum number of client IDs that can be included in each file, which cannot exceed 20000 (the default value set automatically if no other value is specified).

Renewal Frequency in Months: A subscription sent to CONAX SMS always has an end date (calculated using the Add Subscription End Period in Months).
To ensure that a subscription will not be deactivated once the end date is reached a 'Renewal request' must be sent.
Define how often the renewal of each subscription should be handled. It defaults to '1' and cannot exceed '35'.

Add Subscription End Period in Months: The period to calculate the end date of a subscription service when a request is sent to activate it. If not specified, it defaults to '1' and it cannot exceed '36'.

Cancel Subscription End Period in Months: The period to calculate the end date of the deactivation. months used to set the Cancel Subscription End Date. If not specified, it defaults to '1' and it cannot exceed '36'.

Renew Subscription End Period in months: The period to calculate the subscription's end date once the 'Renewal request' is sent. If not specified, it defaults to '1' and it cannot exceed '36'.

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Distributors

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Distributors are used to relate services and devices (installed items) of a subscription to the provisioning provider. Multiple distributors on a subscription represent multiple viewing points with same or different services available from each device. For example, in a pay-tv subscription, two distributors can represent

  • the decoder and channels available in a household's living room
  • the decoder and channels available in the bedroom

Create the distributors which can be provisioned through the provider. At least one provisioning distributor is required for a provider to be 'Effective'. 

ADD a new distributor and provide the related information in the modal

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Name & Alternative Code for the provisioning distributor.

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Defines a list of services which can be distributed by the distributor. This is used as a filter once the distributor is selected when adding subscription services to a subscription.

Two options are supported:

  • All Provisioned Services: If this option is selected, then all the services provisioned by the provider can be distributed by the distributor.
  • Specific Provisioned Services: If this option is selected, then only the services included in the list will be allowed to be distributed by the distributor. 

Note

The services that can be added are filtered and validated against the services that can be provisioned by the related provisioning, defined in the Services section.

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Minimum and Maximum optional and mandatory service restrictions control the number of services that can be added to the distributor.

Restrictions Per Service Type: Define minimum and maximum number of services allowed to be added to the distributor, from specific service types

Restrictions Per Physical Good Type: Define minimum and maximum number of installed items allowed to be added to the distributor, from specific physical good types

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Service dependencies define services, service types, physical goods or physical good types that must be added to the distributor, if enabled.

 

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Services

At least one service mapping is needed for an 'Effective' Provider.

Service: Termed and usage services that can be provisioned by the provider.

CA ID: The unique ID that identifies the service at the CA/OTT platform

Note

If the service added is a non-provisioning service (i.e. Product Type is not set as "Used for Provisioning") then the ID is not mandatory.

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Physical Goods

A list of devices which are required for provisioning through the provider. For example, a decoder and a smartcard, or just a decoder, or a modem. Depending on the provider you are setting up specific device type may be mandatory.

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Learn to work with Conax Contego SMS Services

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On this page

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Overview

Conax Contego is a TV platform that streams content to digital video broadcasting (DVB), internet protocol television (IPTV) and over-the-top (OTT) based subscriptions.

CRM.COM provides a ready-made implementation of the Conax Contego Subscriptions Management System (SMS) Services protocol and uses the Conax Contego SMS Services provisioning module, which primarily handles the activation and deactivation of signals transmitted to devices.  The module can also be used to send messages to subscribers through their devices. 

Major features

  • Integration with Conax Contego 2.0 SMS.
  • Simultaneous activation and deactivation of multiple subscriptions.
  • Logging and review of errors from the CRM.COM software.
  • Ability to message multiple subscribers at once.
  • Utilities can be used to manage individual subscriptions (e.g., to pair devices or send messages).
  • Archiving of former provisioning requests (refer to Utilities for more information).

Using Conax Contego SMS Services

  • The Conax Contego SMS Services implementation submits requests on the Conax Contego system asynchronously using FTP.
    • Subscription actions update the subscription provisioning state.
    • Provisioning request runs identify the subscriptions whose provisioning state must be updated in CONAX Contego system and create 'Pending' requests.
    • 'Pending' CRM.COM requests are grouped together in a file that is subsequently transferred to CONAX Contego system through FTP to be processed. 
  • Conax uses 'Error Handling' runs to provide CRM.COM with 'Accepted' or 'Rejected' requests.  CRM.COM subscriptions are subsequently updated accordingly.

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Setting Up Conax Contego SMS Services

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Billing > Provisioning > Conax Contego SMS Services > Set Up Provisioning Provider

Provisioning provider

Include Page
Provisioning Provider
Provisioning Provider

Operations Parameters

Maximum Number of Records in Each File: The maximum number of client IDs that can be included in each file (20000 by default)

Add Subscription End Period in Months: A value between 1 (default) and 36, used when a request is sent to activate a subscription, to calculate the end date of the services.

Renewal Frequency in Months: A values between 1 (default) and 35, which determines how often each subscription should be renewed.

Renew Subscription End Period in Months: A value between 1 (default) and 36, used when a request is sent to renew a subscription, to calculate the end date of the services.

Cancel Subscription End Period in Months: A value between 1 (default) and 36, used to calculate the end date of the deactivation and set the Cancel Subscription End Date.

Note

A subscription request sent to CONAX SMS must always contain a predefined end date, calculated using the Add Subscription End Period in Months. A 'renewal request' must be sent (from CRM to Conax) so that the subscription is not deactivated once the end date is reached (Renewal Frequency in Months). The Renew Subscription End Period in Months will be used to calculate the new end date of the subscription once the Renewal request is sent.


 

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Related configuration areas

Include Page
Provisioning - Related Configuration Areas
Provisioning - Related Configuration Areas

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Using Batch Processes to Handle Subscriptions

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Billing > Provisioning > Conax Contego SMS Services

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Handling rejected requests 

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Once Provisioning requests resulting from the provisioning processing run is executed, the respective provisioning requests are sent to Conax through FTP, remain in a 'Pending' life cycle state. 

Once Conax is updated it creates the responses for updated, Conax responds to CRM.COM (i.e. such as reports on whether requests have been rejected or have failed). 
, reporting whether each request was rejected or failed. CRM.COM is then subsequently synchronized to Conax Contego based on these responses which are handled by Error Handling Files Runs reverting changes done to subscriptions

The responses are handled by 'error handling file runs', which in case of an error in Conax, revert changes on subscriptions.

Error Handling handling file runs are created through the ' error handling files run definition' , once it is submitted.

 

Sending mail & bark messages

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The table describes the sections of 'the mail and bark messages run definition ' Data Entry page, and  and explains how the fields in the page are used.

 Mandatory   Configurable

Main Information
Name & , Alternative Code

Input Settings 

Message Type: The type of the message that will be sent, which can be : 'Mail Message' or 'Bark Message'.

Communication Queue External System: The Communication Queue External System that will be system used to identify which the 'Pending' communications must to be processed by the run.

Sequence: The sequence that should be used to send the message. This is the order by which the messages will be handled by Conax. 
If not specified, then the System defaults to '255'.Duration in Seconds: Defines the duration in seconds for which bark messages appear on the subscriber's screen. If not specified, then the system defaults to '20' A value between '1' and '255' (default) that determines the order in which Conax will handle the messages. 

Duration in Seconds of bark messages on the screen of the subscriber ('20' by default).

Process Immediately: Determines if whether the request will be is sent directly to Conax, or created and processed subsequently by  during the provisioning request processing run.

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Using Utilities to Handle a Subscription

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Billing > Provisioning > Conax Contego SMS Services

Utilities are used to handle one subscription at a time.

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Pairing smartcards and set-top boxes (STB)

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Include Page
Provisioning - Pair Smartcards & STBs
Provisioning - Pair Smartcards & STBs

Specify the smartcard and the STB which that should be paired. If the selected smartcard or the smartcard and STB are already paired, then the existing paired device pair is automatically loaded. Select Set the Priority to 'Express' Priority if you need , so that Conax handles the pairing to be handled by Conax as soon as possible.

Note

If the request is successful then each the 'Installed item subscription provisioning distribution' Initialized field is updated by setting the 'Item is initialized' to 1to 'Yes'.

 

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Sending mail & bark messages

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Include Page
Provisioning - Send Mail Messages
Provisioning - Send Mail Messages

Start by selecting the Type of Provide the required information, starting with the type of message to be sent and provide the rest of the required information. Unlike Message Runs, no Communication is related to messages that are sent through the utility as the text to be included in the message .  

There is no related Communication as the message text is provided through the utility (unlike message runs).

Main Information

Message Type: The type of the message that will be sent, which can be 'Mail Message' or 'Bark Message'.

Smartcard: The smartcard that should receive the message.

Text: The text which will be sent through the message

Sequence: Defines the sequence that should be used to send the message. If not specified then the system Defaults to '255'.the message. 

Text (message)

Sequence: A value between '1' and '255' (default) that determines the order in which Conax will handle the messages. 

Display Duration in Seconds: Defines the duration in seconds for which bark messages will appear in the STB. If not specified, then the system defaults to '20'of bark messages on the screen of the subscriber ('20' by default).

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commands
commands
Conax Contego SMS

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Requests

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The table below displays the CRM.COM processes that trigger each Conax Contego SMS Services command (a request) requests, as well as the parameters sent sent for each  each request.

Activation and deactivation commands are not directly triggered by the execution of Subscription Actions.  Once the Provisioning Request Processing Run Definition is executed, the system is checked against the logic available under subscription actions.  

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Once the 'provisioning request processing run definition' is executed, system conditions available under the Trigger Logic column , and must be met, in order for the respective Conax Contego command is created, provided the necessary conditions are met. 

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Conax Contego SMS Services Command

to be created.

 

 

Send

Request

Use
Triggered by
Trigger Logic
Command Parameters
ADD_SUBSCRIPTIONAdd Subscription

Activates subscription services

Has There is at least one 'Effective' or 'Short Term Effective' subscription service, which is not authorized1.

  • The subscription provisioning distributor linked with to the subscription service
  • The subscription service CA ID
  • The smartcard  CA smartcard CA ID.
CANCEL_SUBSCRIPTIONCancel Subscription

Deactivates subscription services

Has at There is at least one 'Not Effective', 'Regretted', 'Swapped', 'Removed', 'Cancelled', 'In Resting' or 'Short Term Not Effective' subscription service, which is authorized1.

  • The subscription provisioning distributor linked with to the subscription service
  • The subscription service CA ID
  • The smartcard CA ID.
RENEW_SUBSCRIPTIONRenew Subscription

Renews subscription services

Has There is at least one 'Effective' or 'Short Term Effective' subscription service, which is authorized1.

The subscription provisioning distributor's authorization date AND the 'Renewal Frequency' defined in the Provider's configuration is less than or equal to the current date.

  • The subscription provisioning distributor linked with to the smartcard (if applicable)
  • The smartcard and STB CA ID
  • The subscription provisioning distributor linked with to the STB (if applicable).

CREATE_PAIRINGCreate PairingPairs Smartcards and STBs

There is at least one 'Effective' or 'Short Term Effective' subscription service distributed to at least one smartcard or STB, which is not initialized2.

  • The subscription provisioning distributor linked with to the smartcard (if applicable)
  • The smartcard and STB CA ID
  • The subscription provisioning distributor linked with to the STB (if applicable).

SEND_MESSAGE

Send Message

Sends messages to subscribers
  • Mail & Bark message utility
  • Mail & Bark message run
  • Provisioning request processing run

For requests through the mail & bark definition:

  • Entries exist There are entries in the communication queue in a 'Pending' life cycle state.
  • External The external system of the provider is equal to the External System one specified on in the Mail & Bark Message Run Definitionrun definition.
  • The related communication is classified as 'Outgoing'.
  • The related communication refers to a subscription or notification having the subscription in the notification Informationinformation.
  • The subscription provisioning distributor linked with to the smartcard  
  • Smartcard CA ID
  • Text that will be sent to the subscriber
  • Type of Message which can be message ('Mail' or 'Bark')
  • Communication queue number processed by the provisioning request (if applicable)
  • Sequence The sequence that should be used to send the message. This is the order by which the messages will be handled by Conax. 
  • The duration in seconds that the Bark bark message will be shown displayed on the screen of the subscriber's screen.
Info

1. 'Authorized' is a field kept in CRM.COM for every subscription service which that represents its state at the provider.

  • authorized Authorized = active Active (1)
  • not Not authorized = inactive Inactive (0)

2. 'Initialized' is a field kept in CRM.COM for every installed item which that represents its state at the provider.

  • initializedInitialized = registered Registered (1)
  • not Not initialized = not Not registered (0)


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Conax Contego SMS Services Business Examples

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Subscriptions with multiple viewing points 

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titleProvisioning Distributors

Scenario 1

Company ZX offers to its customers the option to have multiple viewing points per for each subscription. This enables its customers to Customers can have a separate 'box and card' pair in each of the roomsroom, and choose between having the same channels or different channels available through boxes. The maximum number of viewing points that can be added to a subscription is 4.

Solution

For each set of box and card that will be made available to subscribers, to have a different selection of channels available from each pair.  Up to four viewing points can be added to a subscription.


Solution

CRM.COM must have a different provisioning distributor available , in order to set the for each pair (box and card) offered to subscribers, as channel availability and restrictions per can be set separately for each box.

To support this, the following distributors must be set up in the Provisioning Providerprovisioning provider.

  • Main
  • TWIN1
  • TWIN2
  • TWIN3

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Sending mail messages to subscriber

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boxes

Panel
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titleConax Web Services 'Mail & Bark Messages' Utility

Scenario 2

Company ZX would like wants to send personalized messages to its subscribers , that will be directly accessible via their Set-Top Boxes (STBs). Specifically, it wants to be able to send:

  • Messages that can be accessed via the subscriber's STB inbox.
  • Messages that are shown on the subscriber's

    that are:

    • Directly accessible through their set-top boxes (STBs) 
    • Displayed on their TV.

    Solution

    Agents should use the "'Mail & Bark Messages Utility" and ', select the appropriate type type of message for each of the above method of communication. The agents should type and provide the message that they would like to send to the subscriber.

    Messages that can be accessed via their through subscriber's STB inbox

    Mail Message

    Messages that are shown on their subscriber's TV

    Bark Message
    Note
    titleNotes
    • Use the WEB API to create and manage Conax Contego SMS Services provisioning requests from an external system. Refer to the Conax Contego SMS Services WEB API for a comprehensive list of available actions.

     

    Glossary

    Stands for system), which DVB and is a IPTVStands for Over The Top and is media Stands for .

    The provisioning state of a Subscription service (i.e. a channel) that can be either 'Active' or 'Inactive'.

  • 'Active' State: Provisioning signals are sent to the subscriber's device.
  • 'Inactive' State: No Provisioning signals are sent to the subscriber's device.
    CRM.COM TermDefinitionCA
    Conditional Access (CA)A system (in this case is Conax Contego) that provides content to subscribers through their devices.
    Mail MessageA message sent by the provider to the customer, that which appears in the Setset-Top Box top box (STB) mailbox , either when it is received or at a specific predetermined time.
    Bark MessageA message sent by the provider to the customer, that which appears directly on the screen , either when it is received or at a specific predetermined time.Stands for
    Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB)A suite of internationally accepted open standards for digital television.
    Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)A system that delivers television content using the internet Protocolprotocol, instead of the traditional terrestrial or satellite signal.
    Over-the-top (OTT)Media content, such as audio or video, which that is delivered over the internet with no intervention from the service Providerprovider.
    FTPFile Transfer Protocol Provisioning State(FTP)The standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server on a computer network. (Wikipedia)
    Service CA ID or Provisioning IDThe An ID that is used in Conax Contego to identify The a subscription service for which signals should be sent to the subscriber's device(channel) that should be handled (added, activated, deactivated, removed).
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