Mar 12, 2015

Softswitch Technology – Understanding Key Terminology

Softswitch Technology has made visible impact on the way telecommunication industry functioned. However, many of us, unfamiliar with the basic terms that refer to this technology, find it hard to comprehend it. Read on to get hold of key Softswitch technology terms.

Softswitch Technology is the buzzword today in VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) circles. The technology has changed the way industry functions for ever, replacing traditional switches based on hardware with software based Softswitches. This has brought down the cost of communication considerably and, at the same time, enabled converged services which were hitherto even unthinkable.

These key terms would help you understand Softswitch Technology better:

VoIP Softswitch

VoIP Softswitch performs the critical function of routing calls across different networks. It predominantly deals with calls from packet-based networks to circuit based networks like the PTSN. It also ensures that the service provider's network is secured. Several VoIP softswitches offer Network Address Translation and Port Address Translation together with firewall capabilities. VoIP softswitches can be customized to the specific needs of the customers. Internet Telephony

Internet Telephony technology integrates telephone services into computer networks. Analog voice signals converted into digital signals, are transmitted, and reconverted. VoIP is a common Internet telephony service. Computer networks are used to send voice signals and the information is transferred across the Internet in data packets. Internet telephony can also provide voice mail as well as other telephone services.

Conference Bridge

This is a new feature to softswitch technology, allowing the users to conduct conference calls. A VoIP softswitch conference bridge provides several advantages over conventional conference bridge service. Easy conference-call management is facilitated through the VoIP softswitch's web interface. A moderator can invite participants via email or an automated dialler, and prompt the conference bridge's IVR system announce the names as people join a conference call.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is incorporated into softswitch technology to enable communication services such as Internet conferencing, telephony, events notification and instant messaging. The Protocol enables a full array of call routing capabilities to maximize performance in both small and large packet voice networks. Communication services can be delivered at really low initial and operating costs.

Class 4, Class 5

The class number becomes larger as the softswitch technology gets more advanced. Class 5 softswitch is more advanced than Class 4 softswitch. Broadly speaking, Class 4 softswitches work as the gateways, which interconnect traffic and route high volumes. Class 5 softswitches are PSTN to IP conversion endpoint. However, boundaries in the technology are getting muddier and several features of Class 4 are being dumped into Class 5.

Packet Switching

Packet Switching refers to protocols in which data is transmitted – regardless of content, type, or structure – into packets. Each data packet is then transmitted individually and it could even follow different routes to its destination. Once all the data packets reach the destination, they are recompiled into the original.

Circuit Switching

This technology enables two network nodes to establish a dedicated circuit. A limited number of dedicated connections of constant bit rate and constant delay are set up between nodes during the communication session. The method provides for non-stop transfer without requiring packets, making the best use of available bandwidth.

Rapidly advancing Softswitch communications technology has made things possible which were just unthinkable a few years ago. Converging a spectrum of services such as voice, fax, data and video, Softswitch technology has changed industry dynamics.

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