mohqueue Module

Robert Boisvert

   Copyright © 2013-2021 Robert Boisvert, rdbprog@gmail.com
     __________________________________________________________________

   Table of Contents

   1. Admin Guide

        1. Overview
        2. Dependencies

              2.1. Kamailio Modules
              2.2. External Libraries or Applications

        3. Parameters

              3.1. db_url (str)
              3.2. db_qtable and db_ctable (str)
              3.3. mohdir (str)
              3.4. moh_maxcalls (integer)

        4. Functions

              4.1. mohq_process ()
              4.2. mohq_send (queue_name)
              4.3. mohq_retrieve (queue_name, URI)
              4.4. mohq_count (queue_name, pvar)

        5. Database Schema

              5.1. MOHQUEUES Table
              5.2. MOHQCALLS Table

        6. Audio Files
        7. RPC Commands

              7.1. mohqueue.debug
              7.2. mohqueue.drop_call

   List of Examples

   1.1. Set db_url:
   1.2. Set table names:
   1.3. Set default directory for audio files:
   1.4. Set maximum calls to 200.
   1.5. mohq_process usage:
   1.6. mohq_send usage:
   1.7. mohq_retrieve usage:
   1.8. mohq_count usage:
   1.9. rpc.debug usage:
   1.10. rpc.drop_call usage:

Chapter 1. Admin Guide

   Table of Contents

   1. Overview
   2. Dependencies

        2.1. Kamailio Modules
        2.2. External Libraries or Applications

   3. Parameters

        3.1. db_url (str)
        3.2. db_qtable and db_ctable (str)
        3.3. mohdir (str)
        3.4. moh_maxcalls (integer)

   4. Functions

        4.1. mohq_process ()
        4.2. mohq_send (queue_name)
        4.3. mohq_retrieve (queue_name, URI)
        4.4. mohq_count (queue_name, pvar)

   5. Database Schema

        5.1. MOHQUEUES Table
        5.2. MOHQCALLS Table

   6. Audio Files
   7. RPC Commands

        7.1. mohqueue.debug
        7.2. mohqueue.drop_call

1. Overview

   The mohqueue module diverts INVITE requests into a Music On Hold (MOH)
   queue where the caller can listen to recorded audio until an operator
   is available to take the call. When an operator is available, a
   function can be used to transfer the oldest call in a queue to an
   operator using an unattended transfer (REFER) to a specified URI. If
   successful, the call is removed from the queue.

   While in queue, recorded audio is streamed to the caller in an endless
   loop using the rtpproxy module and application. Each queue can be
   configured to use different audio files.

   The queues are defined in the database which allows for dynamic
   configuration of the queues. Each queue is assigned a specific URI to
   respond to and a location for the audio files.

   As each call arrives the database is updated to show the call status
   which allows outside processes to inspect the queue. It can also be
   inspected using a function to see how many calls are currently in
   queue.

   While in queue, all SIP messages for a call must pass through the
   mohqueue module so that it can accurately detect the call status.

2. Dependencies

   2.1. Kamailio Modules
   2.2. External Libraries or Applications

2.1. Kamailio Modules

   The following modules must be loaded before this module:
     * a database module
     * sl module
     * tm module
     * rtpproxy module

2.2. External Libraries or Applications

   The rtpproxy applications supported by the rtpproxy module (e.g.
   http://www.b2bua.org/wiki/RTPproxy).

3. Parameters

   3.1. db_url (str)
   3.2. db_qtable and db_ctable (str)
   3.3. mohdir (str)
   3.4. moh_maxcalls (integer)

3.1. db_url (str)

   The URL to connect to the database for the mohqueue tables.

   Default is the same value used by Kamailio.

   Example 1.1. Set db_url:
...
modparam ("mohqueue", "db_url", "mysql://kamailio:kamailiorw@localhost/kamailio"
)
...

3.2. db_qtable and db_ctable (str)

   db_qtable is the name of the table that defines the queues and
   db_ctable is the table that maintains the call status.

   Default is "MOHQUEUES" for db_qtable and "MOHQCALLS" for db_ctable.

   Example 1.2. Set table names:
...
modparam ("mohqueue", "db_qtable", "mqueues")
modparam ("mohqueue", "db_ctable", "mcalls")
...

3.3. mohdir (str)

   Path to the directory where the audio files are stored. Audio files are
   usually relative to this directory although the value can be overridden
   by a directory specified in the queues table.

   Default is None. If not set by the module it must be defined in the
   queues table.

   Example 1.3. Set default directory for audio files:
...
modparam ("mohqueue", "mohdir", "/var/kamailio/MOH")
...

3.4. moh_maxcalls (integer)

   Defines the maximum number of calls that can be placed in queue. It is
   the sum of all calls in all queues. It must be in the range of 1 to
   5000. NOTE: it may be limited by the processing power of the server or
   the number of available rtpproxy ports.

   Default value is 50.

   Example 1.4. Set maximum calls to 200.
...
modparam ("mohqueue", "moh_maxcalls", 200)
...

4. Functions

   4.1. mohq_process ()
   4.2. mohq_send (queue_name)
   4.3. mohq_retrieve (queue_name, URI)
   4.4. mohq_count (queue_name, pvar)

4.1.  mohq_process ()

   Checks to see if the current SIP message involves a queue. If it does
   it will process the message and return a TRUE value.

   In order for mohqueue to detect changes in the call it is necessary
   that all messages involving the call be processed through this
   function. The easiest way is to accomplish this is to place it at the
   beginning of the main route of the script.

   mohqueue calls are identified by an RURI that matches a queue URI. Once
   a call is placed in queue it checks the To header field along with the
   RURI to find a match, except in the case of a CANCEL which matches only
   on the RURI.

   This function has no parameters and must be called from a request
   route.

   Return code:
     * TRUE=successful and call in queue
     * FALSE=failed, unrecognized URI or unable to place in queue

   Example 1.5. mohq_process usage:
...
request_route {
  # main route with limited processing
...
  # MOH queue?
  if (mohq_process ()) {
    xlog ("L_DBG", "Handled by mohqueue");
    exit;
  }
  # An error or not a MOH queue message; continue processing
...
}
...

4.2.  mohq_send (queue_name)

   Normally calls enter the queue with an initial INVITE message that 1)
   has a RURI that matches a queue URI and 2) is passed through
   mohq_process (), which is the preferred method.

   This function is used when you wish to send a call into a queue that
   does not match the queue URI.

   It has only one parameter, the name of the queue, and must be called
   from the request route with an initial INVITE message. The queue name
   can be passed as a literal or pseudo-variable.

   Return code:
     * TRUE=successful and call in queue
     * FALSE=failed, unable to place in queue

   Example 1.6. mohq_send usage:
...
  # call is initial INVITE and ready for queue?
  if (some test) {
    if (mohq_send ("main")) {
      xlog ("L_DBG", "Sent call to main mohqueue");
      exit;
    }
    # failed to enter queue!
    ...
  }
...

4.3.  mohq_retrieve (queue_name, URI)

   Retrieves the oldest call in a queue and redirects it to a URI.
   Although the function returns, the transfer of the call may not have
   completed since the new URI (operator) must answer the call.

   It has two parameters, the queue name and the URI to REFER the call to,
   both which can be passed as literals or pseudo-variables. It can be
   called from any route.

   Return code:
     * TRUE=successful, transfer started
     * FALSE=failed, parameters are incorrect or there are no calls in
       queue

   Example 1.7. mohq_retrieve usage:
...
#!define MOHQNAME "operators"
#!define CGROUP   "sip:operators@10.211.64.5"
...
  # redirect oldest call to operator call group
  if (mohq_retrieve (MOHQNAME, CGROUP)) {
      xlog ("L_DBG", "Retrieved call from mohqueue");
      exit;
  }
  # queue is empty or something went wrong
...

4.4.  mohq_count (queue_name, pvar)

   Finds the number of calls that are in a queue. It will not count calls
   that are in the process of entering or exiting the queue.

   The function has two parameters, the name of the queue and the
   pseudo-variable which receives the count. The queue name can be passed
   as a literal or a pseudo-variable. It can be called from any route.

   Return code:
     * TRUE=successful, pseudo-variable contains count
     * FALSE=failed, parameters are incorrect

   Example 1.8. mohq_count usage:
...
$var(mohq) = "operators";
...
  # more than 10 calls?
  mohq_count ("$var(mohq)", "$var(mohqcnt)");
  if ($var(mohqcnt) > 10) {
    xlog ("L_WARN", "$var(mohq) queue has $var(mohqcnt) calls!");
  }
...

5. Database Schema

   5.1. MOHQUEUES Table
   5.2. MOHQCALLS Table

   mohqueue uses two external database tables to manage the queues and
   provide status information to outside processes. Internally, it keeps a
   volatile database in memory of call status. If the module is restarted
   it loses the internal database and clears the external one.

   On a reqular basis it checks the external table that defines the queues
   to see if the definition has changed. It makes this check under the
   following conditions: the queue has not been checked in the last 60
   seconds AND no call is currently in queue or transitioning in or out.
   The last condition prevents existing calls from being adversely
   affected by queue redefinitions.

5.1. MOHQUEUES Table

   This table controls the definition of the queue. The name is set by the
   db_qtable parameter. There is no internal function to modify the table
   so it must be configured externally. It contains the following fields:
     * id (integer): unique identifier that is created automatically. Do
       not attempt to change this value.
     * name (25-character string, required): the queue name. Duplicate
       names are not allowed.
     * uri (100-character string, required): the URI of the queue. It
       should not include any parameters or headers (e.g.
       "sip:user@host;maddr=239.255.255.1" or
       "sip:user@host?subject=project") although it will match any RURI
       that contains this URI even if the RURI has parameters or headers.
       Duplicates are not allowed.
     * mohdir (100-character string, optional): path to the directory
       where the audio files for the queue are stored. This path overrides
       the one provided by the mohdir parameter. If the directory is not
       accessible by the module the queue is not activated.
     * mohfile (100-character string, required): the base name of the
       audio file. See the section about audio files for more information
       about file names. If no files matching this name are found in the
       directory the queue is not activated.
     * debug (integer, required): enables debugging messages for the
       queue. If non-zero, it will send debugging messages to the log for
       conditions that involve the queue, whether or not Kamailio has
       logging enabled for debugging. If zero, it depends on Kamailio's
       log level.

5.2. MOHQCALLS Table

   This table contains the status of calls that are in queue, or
   transitioning in or out of a queue. The name is set by the db_ctable
   parameter. This table is read-only for external processes and its
   contents should not be modified. It contains the following fields:
     * id (integer): unique identifier that is created automatically.
     * mohq_id (integer, required): the id value of the queue.
     * call_status (integer, required): the status of the call.
       1=entering; 2=in queue (listening to MOH); 3=leaving
     * call_from (100-character string, required): the contents of the
       From header field.
     * call_id (100-character string, required): the contents of the
       Call-ID header field.
     * call_contact (100-character string, optional): the contents of the
       Contact header field, if it exists.
     * call_time (datetime, required): time the call entered the queue. If
       a retrieve fails this time is not changed.

6. Audio Files

   When rtpproxy negotiates to determine which media to use in the audio
   stream it uses the files in the MOH directory as defined by the
   MOHQUEUES table. The table defines the location of the files and the
   base name used to identify each. The actual stream type depends on the
   RTP payload number that is part of the name. The complete file name for
   each stream is composed of mohdir/mohfile.type. For example,
   /var/kamailio/MOH/HeWillCall.8 would be the file for payload type 8
   (PCMA/8000).

   The supported types and their order of preference are:
     * 9: G722/8000
     * 0: PCMU/8000
     * 8: PCMA/8000
     * 18: G729/8000
     * 3: GSM/8000
     * 4: G723/8000
     * 15: G728/8000
     * 5: DVI4/8000
     * 7: LPC/8000
     * 12: QCELP/8000
     * 13: CN/8000
     * 16: DVI4/11025
     * 6: DVI4/16000
     * 17: DVI4/22050
     * 10: L16/44100
     * 11: L16/44100
     * 14: MPA/90000

   See RTP Audio Video Profile for more information about RTP payload
   types.

7. RPC Commands

   7.1. mohqueue.debug
   7.2. mohqueue.drop_call

7.1.  mohqueue.debug

   Turns debugging on or off for a queue. The first parameter is the queue
   name and the second is a number indicating whether debugging should be
   turned off or on (0=off, <>0=on).

   Example 1.9. rpc.debug usage:
...
# enable debugging on the test queue
rpc.debug test 1
# disable debugging on the main queue
rpc.debug main 0
...

7.2.  mohqueue.drop_call

   Drops a call from a queue. The first parameter is the queue name and
   the second is the call ID. Using a call ID of "*" (asterisk) drops all
   calls from the queue.

   Example 1.10. rpc.drop_call usage:
...
# drop all calls from the test queue
rpc.drop_call test *
# drop a call from the main queue
rpc.drop_call main 3807f84e-f1a860fd-db1d09d4@192.168.137.82
...
