Configuring Partitions and Search Spaces in Unity Connection
Partitions and Search Spaces serve a similar function in Cisco Unity Connection as they do in CUCM. Partitions are logical groupings of devices with similar reachability, and a Search Space is an ordered list of partitions.
Extensions must be unique within a Partition, but in a Search Space they do not need to be. So you can have overlapping extensions in a Search Space, like 0 (zero).
In Figure 7-4 the Partitions are organized at the top indicating three locations. Below the Partitions are the Search Spaces that contain an ordered list of Partitions for reachability. The Executives_SS Search Space can access NewYork_PT, Chicago_PT, and LosAngeles_PT, making it possible to do things like send a companywide broadcast message and perform directory searches. The Employees_SS for each location have access to only their own location, and the Marketing_SS Search Space has access to both NewYork_PT and LosAngeles_PT because there are Marketing teams in both locations.
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Figure 7-4. Partition and Calling Search Space Relationships
When you are designing your dial plan, it is a good idea to logically separate the areas if possible so that features and functions, like Handlers and Directories, are sectioned from one another, increasing flexibility and lessening the chance for system conflict by overlapping numbers.
To configure a Partition, follow these steps:
- Using a web browser, open https://10.0.1.21/cuadmin, and enter the Application username and password.
- Choose Dial Plan > Partitions. Click the Add New button.
- Enter NewYork_PT in the Name field, and click the Save button.
- The page refreshes, and you can now enter New York Employees in the Description field; click the Save button.
To configure a Search Space, follow these steps:
- Using a web browser, open https://10.0.1.21/cuadmin, and enter the Application username and password.
- Choose Dial Plan > Search Spaces. Click the Add New button.
- Enter Executives_SS in the Name field, and click the Save button.
- The page refreshes, and you can now enter New York Employees in the Description field; click the Save button.
- Move the Partitions from the Unassigned Partitions field up to the Assigned Partitions field by selecting the Partition you want to move and then using the up arrow between the fields. You can then rearrange the order of the Partitions in the Assigned Partitions field using the arrows on the side of the field. (See Figure 7-5.)
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Figure 7-5. Rearrange the Partitions by Using the Arrows