What is VoIP Softswitch and How does Softswitch work?
What is VoIP Softswitch and How does Softswitch work?
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What is VoIP Softswitch and How does Softswitch work?
In current market, most telephone networks are made up of various combinations of telephone switches and hardware.
One of these elements is the softswitch, which also serves as a VoIP service…
Most telephone networks are made up of various combinations of telephone switches and hardware.
One of these elements is the softswitch, which also acts as a VoIP server, allowing the telecommunications network to provide management of voice, fax, data and video traffic, as well as call routing.
VoIP softswitches can be subdivided into Type 4 and Type 5 softswitches.
Softswitches are part of the evolution of call switching
Evolution of call switching:
Switchboard operator:
In the first days of telephony, human operators routed calls manually. These operators route calls by plugging the caller’s line into the receiver’s line.
Strogg switch:
This early form of electromechanical switch was the first automatic switchboard. Electromechanical switches use electromagnetic energy to open and close their switches.
Crossbar switch:
This is another form of electromechanical switch. It connects several inputs and outputs in a grid of 10 horizontal paths and 10 or 20 vertical paths, which are connected at intersections.
Stored Program Control (SPC) simulation:
Located in the system’s memory, this telephone switching system provides advanced calling capabilities. A centralized SPC uses one processor to manage 10-100 calls per second. Distributed SPC is more reliable and widely used.
Digital switch:
Digital switches carry the telephone company’s digital signals over the backbone of its network.
These switches receive converted analog signals from users and route them to a wide area network (WAN).
They connect two or more digital circuits.
VoIP softswitch:
The advent of VoIP technology brought softswitches, which route VoIP calls and traffic between carriers.
VoIP softswitches implement services such as call center services, IP PBX functions, calling card platforms, and various types of authorizations.
Softswitch technology
The call agent in the softswitch coordinates with the gateway, which in turn interfaces with the various networks.
For example, media gateways interact with IP (Internet Protocol) servers, ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) networks, PBXs (Private Branch Exchanges), IADs (Integrated Access Devices), cellular networks, and (in some cases) satellite phones.
These networks serve different functions. IP servers transmit data like VoIP and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) trunks on the Internet.
ATM networks carry voice, data, and video in cells, not packets. Cellular networks retrieve voice and data wirelessly.
Softswitches do not interface directly with end users because switching occurs at a central location.
For example, a softswitch may be located near a VoIP service provider’s server. Separate networks rely on softswitches for coordination. (More on this later).
A VoIP softswitch coordinates with other VoIP or PSTN softswitches.
When an Internet user needs a VoIP softswitch to make a call, the softswitch starts searching its database for the recipient’s IP address.
If the address is not in the database, the softswitch forwards the request to other softswitches until the recipient’s IP address is found. Then, the call is transferred to PSTN.
How does a softswitch work?
One of the main components of a softswitch is the call agent. Keep in mind that the term “call agent” in this context does not refer to a human customer service/support agent.
Rather, it is a technology that controls routing and signaling. Call agents manage functions such as call routing, transfer, and diversion.
Types of Softswitches
There are different grades of softswitches, and each grade provides certain applications.
The first three categories (category 1, 2, 3) are for large-scale applications.
Level 1 softswitches are international gateways, while level 2 and 3 softswitches connect cities and, in some cases, states.
Class 4 and Class 5 softswitches are the most commonly used in telecommunications companies, especially VoIP service providers.
A Level 4 softswitch can route traffic between two destinations.
Large companies use these switches to deliver VoIP traffic and services across multiple networks.
Together, Level 4 and Level 5 softswitches enable VoIP providers to route international calls. Hybrid versions of Level 4 and Level 5 softswitches are also available.
Use Cases
Softswitches play a central role in some telecom solutions. Below are some use cases for VoIP softswitches.
- GSM terminals (for example, systems to filter spam and junk calls).
- SIM management software
- VoIP retail services (for example, billing, routing, unconditional forwarding).
- Prerecorded Interactive Voice Responses ( IVRs)
- Other VoIP applications (eg, conference server, virtual attendant)
Advantages
Softswitches have the following advantages.
Easy to expand:
Compared with traditional switches, softswitches are relatively easy to expand or shrink according to the size of the network.
A VoIP softswitch can grow with the enterprise, and the enterprise can upgrade its softswitch through downloading.
They are multifunctional:
A VoIP softswitch can perform a variety of functions, including routing, reporting, billing, and monitoring.
Enterprises can integrate softswitches with other software to further simplify operations.
Accurate billing:
VoIP softswitches enable providers to customize call rates and generate precise invoices for each of their customers.
Thus, softswitches free up time and resources that enterprises can use for their core business.
Cost effective:
Unlike traditional switches, softswitches require no additional hardware.
Implementing and upgrading software takes place in a virtual space.
