softswitch
3 ResultsDictionary
softswitch
(1) (Soft-Switch) A software backbone that switched between more than 50 e-mail messaging protocols using X.400 as the common denominator. It ran on IBM mainframes and a Data General...
Dictionary
Definition: softswitch
(1) (Soft-Switch) A software backbone that switched between more than 50 e-mail messaging protocols using X.400 as the common denominator. It ran on IBM mainframes and a Data General minicomputer. In 1995, the Pennsylvania company became a division of Lotus.
(2) A programmable network switch that can process the signaling for all types of packet protocols. Also known as a "media gateway controller," "call agent" or "call server," such devices are used by carriers that support converged communications services by integrating SS7 telephone signaling with packet networks. Using network processors at its core, softswitches can support IP, DSL, ATM and frame relay in the same unit.
It Should Be Able To...
According to the International Softswitch Consortium, a softswitch should be able to (1) control connection services for a media gateway and/or native IP endpoints, (2) select processes that can be applied to a call, (3) provide routing for a call within the network based on signaling and customer database information, (4) transfer control of the call to another network element, and (5) interface to and support management functions such as provisioning, fault, billing, etc.
Software Makes It Flexible
The switching technology in a softswitch is in software (hence its name) rather than in the hardware as with traditional switching center technology. This software programmability allows it to support existing and future IP telephony protocols (H.323, SIP, MEGACO, etc.). See IP telephony. See also Soft-Switch.
Softswitch Infrastructure
This diagram shows how the softswitch fits into the integrated SS7 and IP world. The programmability of a softswitch provides the flexibility for supporting future protocols. (Illustration assistance courtesy of GNP Computers and Pulver.com.)
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Revenue from softswitch architecture in Asia/Pacific, excluding Japan, will grow by 36% in 2007, to $1.5 bln. It will keep growing strongly, to hit $3.6 bln in 2011, Gartner says.
Additional Results
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Open Source Softswitch Adds Skype
Here's an interesting teaser for you Skype aficionados. Later this month, the new release of FreeSWITCH, the first open source softswitch, will enable carriers and enterprise to integrate Skype...
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An Open Source Class-Five Switch
Open source projects have revolutionized operating systems, web servers, web browsers, and so why not carrier switches? The FreeSwitch open source project released its Release Candidate 1 (RC1)...
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iSkoot mobile VoIP to be integrated with carrier-class Cisco gateway, softswitch
Mobile VoIP solutions provider iSkoot says that they have successfully completed iSkoot interoperability and integration testing with the Cisco AS5000 Series Universal Gateway and the Cisco PGW...
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Asia-Pacific softswitch architecture grew 36% in 2007
Revenue from softswitch architecture in Asia/Pacific, excluding Japan, will grow by 36% in 2007, to $1.5 bln. It will keep growing strongly, to hit $3.6 bln in 2011, Gartner says.
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