What is Softswitch?

What is Softswitch?
The difference between Softswitch technology and other technologies is also the three basic elements of its core idea:
1) Open service generation interface.
The main way that Softswitch provides services is to cooperate with the "Application Server" through APIS to provide new integrated network services. At the same time, IN order to better balance the existing communication network, it can also use INAP and the existing scp in to provide traditional smart services.
2) Comprehensive device access capabilities.
Softswitch supports many protocols to control various access devices, protect user investment to the maximum extent, and give full play to the role of existing communication networks.
3) policy-based operation support system.

The Softswitch adopts a Policy-based implementation method that is completely different from the traditional OAM system to implement the functions of the operating support system, adjust and intervene network features in real time, intelligently and centrally according to certain policies to ensure the stability and reliability of the entire system.

As a brand new solution for integrating the group switching network with the traditional PSTN network, Softswitch combines the reliability of the PSTN with the flexibility of the data network, and is a new technical means for emerging operators to enter the voice market, it is also a way for traditional voice networks to evolve to grouped voice. At present, as the core component of the Next Generation Network NGN, Softswitch has been accepted and adopted by more and more carriers.

What is the main component of the softswitch architecture?

At present, it is widely believed that the softswitch system mainly consists of the following devices:
1) Softswitch Control Device: this is the core Control Device in the network, also known as Softswitch ). It provides call processing control, access protocol adaptation, business interfaces, interconnection, and application support system functions.
2) Service Platform (business Platform) is used to generate and provide new services, including SCP and application servers.
(3) Signaling Gateway) currently, it mainly refers to the No. 7 Signaling Gateway device. The traditional No. 7 signaling system is based on circuit switching. All applications are carried by MTP, and IP addresses are required for the softswitch system.
(4) Media Gateway) converts a Media stream. According to their location and the different processing media streams, they can be divided into: Relay Gateway Trunking Gateway), Access Gateway), Multimedia Gateway Multimedia Service Access Gateway), Wireless Gateway Wireless Access Gateway).
(5) IP Terminal) currently, it mainly refers to H.323 terminals and SIP terminals, such as ip pbx, IP Phone, and PC.
6) Other Supporting devices. Such as AAA servers, large-capacity distributed databases, and Policy Server, which provide necessary support for the operation of the softswitch system.
The technical definition of softswitch can be described as follows:

· It is a software entity that provides call control functions;

· It supports all existing telephone functions and new session-based multimedia services;

· It uses standard protocols such as SIP, H.323, MGCP, MEGACO/H.248, SIGTRAN, and various other data and ITU protocols );

· It provides interoperability between devices of different vendors