Softswitch Network Application Management seeks more comprehensive solutions

The Application Management of Softswitch networks is looking for more comprehensive solutions. Now they all have their own computers and learn about Softswitch networks. Most of the current solutions are in the experimental stage. IP-based bearer networks should be the trend of the times.

Application Based on Softswitch Network

With the continuous development of communication network technology and the formulation and supplement of various Softswitch standards, many manufacturers have launched Softswitch solutions, and operators are actively conducting relevant experiments. At present, many domestic and foreign telecom equipment manufacturers, such as Siemens, Alcatel, Ericsson, Nortel, and ZTE, are actively developing new switch transition platforms, and propose solutions for Softswitch in the Next Generation Network. This section briefly introduces the application of softswitch in VoIP, which is a VoIP network structure based on Softswitch technology.

It can be seen that its function is very similar to the exchange/long-distance network between the current circuit exchange transmission system, C4 switch is replaced by the combination of the softswitch system and a group of relay gateways. The relay gateway itself is controlled by the Softswitch technology using the master/called protocol, this protocol is a MGCP/IPDC protocol related to a specified time slot of a circuit switch with a specified source/destination RTP/UDP/IP stream.

As a part of call processing, the Softswitch technology identifies the most likely egress gateway to end the call and uses this information to command the relay gateway to execute the specified function, that is, the Softswitch technology can complete each call by selecting a minimum-cost route, so that the selected egress gateway is closest to the target phone. Therefore, the call operation function of the original circuit switching network is completed.

The Access Gateway can terminate the PRI of ISDN or the CAS signaling from the enterprise PBX. This Access Gateway can be controlled by Softswitch in multiple ways based on the group Telephone Protocol. For a gateway based on the H.323 protocol, Softswitch can act like an H.323 gateway;

If the Access Gateway tunnel PRIQ.931) or CAS signaling is returned to the softswitch, the softswitch can also use protocols like MGCP/IPDC to better control the Access Gateway. This also demonstrates the capability of the Softswitch technology to process access gateways.

The Softswitch technology is connected to the cable network through the SIP Protocol to support the enterprise's IPPBX and IP Phone. It can also access SCP through the TCP/IP protocol or through the TCP/SCCP protocol to access the SS7 network, making seamless interconnection possible.

Main issues that need to be paid attention to in Next Generation Networks Based on Softswitch networks

Although the next-generation network based on Softswitch is a complete network solution that can be applied in various communication fields, most of the current solutions are in the experimental stage due to its new technology, large-scale applications have not yet been formed, and many problems still need to be concerned, such as QOS, gateway, security, service provision methods, and organic integration with existing networks.

◆ QOS Problems

QOS is a very important issue for any network. Basically, Softswitch itself does not solve the QOS problem, but relies on its bearer network to ensure service quality. The bearer network can be either ATM or IP address. For an ATM bearer network, it has a strong QOS mechanism.

However, for the IP bearer network, how can we solve the QOS problem. The Next Generation Network Based on Softswitch is a very critical issue, because from the current Device Development Situation of manufacturers and the general trend of network development, IP-based bearer networks should be the trend of the times.

◆ Management of Softswitch networks

According to the current implementation of softswitch, most of the requests use SNMP as the Network Management Protocol of the softswitch system. However, the SNMP network management system has some limitations, it is impossible to comprehensively manage the changes in different business needs. Because SNMP uses UDP-based bearer mode, it cannot ensure reliable transmission of network management information.

At the same time, the next generation network based on Softswitch provides real-time services, and the network management system must have certain QOS management capabilities. However, at present, the softswitch-based network management system has poor processing capabilities. Further Improvement and improvement are required to meet the service quality requirements of users.

◆ The protocols involved in softswitch still need to be improved

Each network interface of the softswitch network uses an open protocol for communication. However, at present, the interface standardization is not complete, both in the formulation of the Protocol and the development of various manufacturers, and most of the protocols are still in the expansion and improvement phase. Therefore, it may take some time before the final open network.

To sum up, although Softswitch has great development potential, it is still in its infancy. The communication system with Softswitch as the core will provide service openness and meet the development trend of the three-in-one network. It will provide voice, data, video, and multimedia integrated services, it meets the development goals of personalized communication, mobile communication, and information retrieval anytime and anywhere.