Sandbox FAQs
Table of Contents
General
What is Sandbox?
Sandbox is the Cisco Collaboration Developer testing facility. With Sandbox, partners can schedule and get access to working Unified Communication networks via an online public facing web interface. These labs are based at Cisco sites across the globe and available via VPN. As a partner you will able to test and develop new or existing 3'rd party applications.
Over the web users will log in, schedule a lab of their choice, specify a length of time, and the rest is automatic. Once a reservation is active partners will use a VPN tunnel to gain access to the lab devices and resources. The system also allows users to save their sessions so they can be restored at a later time.
Is Sandbox and RAVE the same service?
Yes. We have just changed the name to more accurately reflect the service we provide.
Do I have to be a Cisco Developer Network Partner to use Sandbox?
This is not always required for the shared Sandbox facility but is typically required for the Rich UC Lab facility. We will let you know what more you need to do when appropriate once you request access to a lab. You will always need a Cisco.com User ID to use one of the Cisco Sandbox Labs. Get a Cisco.com User ID.
What UC infrastructure is supported in Sandbox?
Currently, Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM), Cisco Unified Presence, Cisco Unity Connection and Contact Center are supported. Users can also integrate their own application server to create a complete test environment.
Are newly released versions of UC software available through Sandbox?
All released versions of Cisco UCM, Cisco Unified Presence and Cisco Unity Connection are available.
What if I need an older version of Cisco UCM or Cisco Unified Presence?
The Sandbox portal will display a number of older versions of Cisco UCM or Cisco Unified Presence?. However, if for example, Cisco UCM 6 or 7 is required, this can be accommodated. Users should be aware that older versions will take longer to set up as they are not part of the initial offering.
What if I need access to test tools?
In Sandbox, users can gain access to load testing and PSTN Call generator tools.
Support
How much support is provided?
To use the Rich UC sandbox environment, we encourage users to have a good level of knowledge with Cisco UC servers and configuration. VPN connectivity support is provided by emailing us.
Support on specific configuration issues is not provided. Any user experiencing issues with configuration or needing API integration support can open a Developer Support case.
How do I open a Developer Support case?
CDN Partners and purchasers of development-only support subscriptions may open a Developer Support case by following the instructions found here. Visit the CDN Support FAQs page to learn more about CDN Support.
Sandbox Portal
How do I book time in a Rich UC Lab?
Rich UC labs are scheduled and accessed through the Sandbox portal and the process is described here.
How long can I book a lab for?
Initially, users can book a lab for a week. However, depending on test cycles, availability and complexity, this can be extended to suit requirements
I am having difficulty using the portal. What do I do?
A full description of how to use the portal is available here.
Topologies
What is a Topology?
A topology is a term used to describe a collection of servers in a network, and that together make up a pre-built UC lab. These pre-built UC labs can be booked through the Sandbox portal. Sandbox contains a number of topologies ranging in complexity and scale.
The topologies listed on the portal do not meet my requirements. What do I do now?
Contact the Sandbox support team here or your Cisco business development manager to discuss your needs. Specialised topologies can sometimes be created to suit specific partner needs.
I see the option to "Snapshot" my lab. What exactly does this mean?
At the end of a Rich UC Lab testing cycle, users can save the current states of their servers through the snapshot function. Instead of the servers being deleted, they are simply turned off and can be accessed again at a later date.
Access
How do I gain access to the servers in my lab?
Access instructions for the servers in the Rich UC Labs are sent out in an automated email when the session starts.
Where can I get more information on the lab I just booked?
An attachment with detailed lab information is included with the automated email sent out at the beginning of your session.
What are the Access options?
Cisco Anyconnect SSL VPN and Hardware IPSec VPN
What is Anyconnect?
The Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client provides remote users with secure VPN connections to the Cisco ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliance using the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol and the Datagram TLS (DTLS) protocol. AnyConnect provides remote end users with the benefits of a Cisco SSL VPN client, and supports applications and functions unavailable to a clientless, browser-based SSL VPN connection.
Do I need to download the Anyconnect client?
No. Anyconnect Client is automatically downloaded and installed from the VPN server, independent of your operating system.
How do I get VPN username and Password?
A unique username and password is provided in the automated email at the beginning of your reservation.
When I connect with Anyconnect, do I loose local LAN resources to my PC?
No, Split tunnelling is enabled so only traffic destined for the lab will transverse the tunnel. All other traffic, including internet and LAN, will remain local.
How does Hardware VPN access work?
In certain circumstances users may require a router on their side to terminate the VPN tunnel. This allows phones, application server or laptops to easily plug in and communicate with the lab. The router basically provides an extension of the lab network.
Where can I get a Cisco 800 series router?
- On dispatching a Router on loan, we'll "pre-authorize" a $999 charge against your credit card for security. We'll only charge for devices that are lost, stolen or broken.
- You are responsible for returning the device at the end of the loaner period and will need to arrange, and pay for, the return carriage. International return carriage costs can be quite high.
- Cisco ships loaners to international destinations as "Delivery Duty Unpaid" so any taxes and import duties are the responsibility of the recipient, although there should be no taxes or import duties for returned devices.
I have a router but I don't know how to configure it, what do I do?
Router configuration instructions are provided in the Sandbox User Guide Appendix - see below. If you have no experience with Cisco equipment, then contact us to ask for support from a Cisco engineer.
Where can I get the Sandbox User Guide?
The Sandbox User Guide is currently being prepared. We will post where you will find it soon.
My LAN does not allow outbound VPN access. What are my options?
Talk to your IT department. It may be possible to open up access to a single IP address with certain ports. Also, access is available from a private ISP e.g. home internet connection.
Can I get Hardware VPN access to a Shared UC lab?
Yes, this is possible and has been setup for HD video calls with remote endpoints. However, admin access to configure servers is not available in the shared environment.
Can I get Anyconnect VPN access to a Rich UC environment?
Yes, Anyconnect is the default method of access to the Rich UC environment.
When requesting Cius endpoint access, why do I need to supply the Cius MAC Addresses?
Cisco Cius is configured by completing the required fields in the Phone Configuration window of Cisco Unified Communications Manager Administration. The MAC address (for each device to be tested) is one of the required fields.
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