Submitted by: Adnan Khawaja

Softswitch has revolutionized the way telecommunications industry functioned. Converging a stream of services such as voice, fax, data and video, the technology has changed the dynamics of the industry. Read on to know how softswitch differs from conventional circuit switch technology.

Telecommunications industry has witnessed significant technical innovations in recent years. One development which can hardly be overlooked is the revolutionizing Softswitch Technology. The softswitch has started to replace traditional switches based on hardware. The technology enables connectivity between the Internet, wireless networks, cable networks and conventional telephony network, resulting in a converged network.

Softswitch: Defining The Term

Softswitch is an IP technology based next generation voice and multimedia switch. The term refers to an overarching idea of open gateways which interlink a wide array of media services, usually between sender and receiver, enabling widespread service creation. Designed to replace the Class 5 and Class 4 switches predicated on the circuit switching technologies, Softswitch is able to process the signaling for all types of packet protocols. Call Agent or Media Gateway Controller, a key component in the VoIP solution, is sometimes referred to as Softswitch. However, broad definition of Softswitch extends to the whole solution.

Softswitch vs. Traditional Circuit Switch

* Softswitch is a software-based switching platform. Circuit switches are hardware based.

* Softswitches also are based on open systems. Architecture of traditional circuit switches is quite different.

* Softswitch is implemented on general purpose servers. Conventional switches rely on dedicated facilities for inter-connection.

* Softswitch can deal with a range of applications including voice, fax, data and video. Hardware switch are designed primarily for voice communications.

Softswitch: Advantages Over Circuit Switching

* Seamless integration of dissimilar networks and components

* New revenue stream for service providers

* Lower cost of solution deployment and total ownership

* Flexibility in deployment and operation

* Enabling innovative telecommunication services

* Reliable communication process

* Unified messaging

Softswitch: Concept & Functions

VoIP softswitch works on the idea of entirely separating switching units from the core network infrastructure. A VoIP network combines circuit-switched (telephone) and packet-switched (computer) networks, with the softswitch acting as a junction between both the networks. Softswitch transfers multiple data requests from one network lending functionality to it.

A major function of a VoIP softswitch is to provide a proficient and robust mechanism for inter-communication between the circuit-switched and packet-switched networks. When linked to a packet-switched computer network, a VoIP softswitch facilitates requests such as video/voice conferencing, Internet browsing, interactive chatting and multimedia file sharing from both the networks.

Softswitch: Understanding Class 4

Class 4 Softswitch is one of the most highly scalable softswitch solutions available. It meets all carrier-grade requirements, suitable for small and large-scale configurations. Offering cutting edge performance, the solution is ideally suited to high peak loads and short call duration value-added services. C 4 SoftSwitch enables the delivery of secure, reliable VoIP traffic and services over multiple IP networks.

Softswitch technology is being used predominantly by emerging telecommunication operators for call routing, signaling and management. Class 4 softswitch is a powerful solution allowing clients to deliver carrier grade VoIP services.

About the Author: Author of this article is currently associated with Vswitch, one of the reputable softswitch vendors ensuring highly reliable and cost effective services to clients across the globe.Website:

vswitch.cc/

Source:

isnare.com

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