subject: Introduction To Hosted Softswitch Service [print this page] Softswitch has substituted the traditional hardware based switchboards. It consists of all the features and functionalities of a traditional switch and much more. Not only does it bring down the cost of owning the equipment but it allows you to do a lot more than what people could have achieved with traditional platforms. Genband / Nextone is supposed to be one of such platforms which is known world over for its sophistication, reliability and robustness.
Even so, not many operators find it feasible to invest into such systems and therefore rely on partition services like vSwitch provided by a reliable service provider such as DTMF Networks MSC status company in Cyberjaya, Malaysia owned by a financially strong global telecom group.
Softswitches are being used predominantly by emerging telecommunication operators for the purpose of call routing, signaling, and management. The softswitch embodies both the switching logic and the switching fabric, where the former role is played by the Call Agent, the latter is accomplished in the form of a Media Gateway. The call agent is also referred to as the 'brain' of the softswitch as it controls all these switching functions.
The Media Gateway provides connectivity to different media streams to create an end-to-end data or voice call. In addition to this, it also has interfaces to connect with different networks like STM, PSTN, E1, etc.
A distinguishing characteristic of a softswitch device is its ability to handle retail versus wholesale services. Thereby, a Class 4 switch is primarily used to connect two operators, like in the case of long distance calls, where calls are routed from one operator to another with the help of a softswitch. A Class 5 switch on the other hand is used in a case where the switch is directly connected with the end user like switches used at telephone exchanges.
A next generation softswitch is capable of managing multiple media streams including voice, fax, data and video traffic. Not just this, but a next generation softswitch can also support signaling protocols for connectivity over TDM or VoIP. Earlier, VoIP had issues in meeting the stringent QoS requirements needed in real-time communication; therefore it could not drive universal acceptance. However, in the recent years, the VoIP technology has revived again and has turned into a cost efficient way of communication, while meeting the QoS standards important for carrier-grade communication.
One can go through the websites to find out more about reliable best next generation softswitch like Genband / Nextone Softswitch with advanced feature set. With the help of sophisticated programs it has the capability to break down information into packets containing payload and headers which contain routing instructions needed by the switch.
Another way to benefit from the advantages of Next Generaation switching is to opt for hosted softswitch service instead of owning the platform as this would reduce the financial burden on the operators.
Through hosted softswitch/switch partitions, logical partitions are created on the softswitch platform that allows different wholesale operators to manage and operate their own partition exclusively yet enjoying the functionality of the entire switch. They have their own signaling IP, access to their CDRs, and partition owners can define interconnecting customers or vendors without interference or knowledge of the other partition owners. Other elements required in the service provisioning including the power, bandwidth, support, redundancy, collocation, firewall, networking, physical security, space is also arranged by the partition service provider. This makes it easier for entrepreneurs to start business easily and much quicker. It also provides ease of management to the operators, reduces their overheads, enhances efficiency and also achieves optimal resource utilization. Moreover, the carrier has the opportunity to pay as it grows without burdening his finances right at the start.
Hence, these Hosted softswitches provide an entirely advanced Switching platform as a service.
