Softswitches

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GENBAND C20 Converged Softswitch

The C20 anchors GENBAND’s Class 5 network transformation solution. In addition to providing core session control for pre-IMS installations, the C20 offers considerable investment protection for operators converting to IMS. (11/1/2011)

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Huawei SoftX3000

Acknowledging that major operators are more likely to move directly to IMS on TDM-to-PSTN renewal projects, Huawei has recently focused development of the SoftX3000 on providing the product’s install base with a smooth migration to IMS. (11/1/2011)

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Iskratel SI3000 Call Server

By offering full support for IMS standards and a software-based NGN-to-IMS migration, Iskratel’s SI3000 Call Server provides operators in ETSI regions a solid and comprehensive TDM-to-IP replacement with exceptional interoperability credentials. (11/1/2011)

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Italtel Softswitch (i-SSW)

Italtel has done a thorough job of positioning the i-SSW, though a steady course of product development and application support, as a solid platform for assisting operators in competing more effectively with Internet-based service offerings. (11/1/2011)

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Metaswitch Call Feature Server

Recent enhancements to the Metaswitch CFS have increased the softswitch’s deployment flexibility and scale. The company, however, still needs to put the finishing touches on deconstructing the platform into discrete components. (11/14/2011)

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Nokia Siemens Networks hiQ 8000

With NSN promoting a “direct-to-IMS” migration path for most PSTN replacement opportunities, the hiQ 8000 is often deployed as the MGCF component in an IMS environment. (11/1/2011)

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Sonus Networks Sonus Softswitch

Though Sonus reports increases in opportunities to replace Class 5 circuit switches, the company’s reach in the PSTN renewal space could be hampered by the lack of a native core IMS session control solution. (11/1/2011)

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Top

• Current Analysis Perspective
• Product Strengths & Weaknesses
• Product Point and Counterpoint
• Product Buying Criteria
• Product Metrics

Softswitch Buying Criteria

• Call and Signaling Control Protocol Support
  • The type of signaling protocols supported for softswitch functional entities such as Media Gateway Control and Signaling Gateway.
• Platform Reliability and Performance
  • The ability of the system to handle sufficient subscriber connections as well as maintain a high level of quality of service.
• Market Traction
  • Key customer wins, deployments of strategic importance, and overall market acceptance of the solution.
• Applications and Features Support
  • Services that will replace and improve current IN services (e.g., provisioning systems) with open APIs such as JAIN and Parlay.
• IMS Features and Strategies
  • Describes vendor's IMS component strategy, including plans to reuse and migrate existing functionality to the IMS framework.

Softswitch Product Metrics

• Solution Architecture, Functional Entities
  • Media Gateway Controller
  • Call Agent
  • Routing
  • Accounting
  • Signaling Gateway
  • SIP Proxy Server
  • Application Server
  • Media Gateway
  • Media Server
  • Web-based Customer Care
• Supported Protocols
  • Media Gateway Control/Call Agent
  • Access Gateway Signaling
  • Signaling Gateway
  • Applications Server/Service Control
  • Inter-working
  • Call Routing
  • AAA (Call Accounting)
  • Transport Layer
• Routing Support
  • Policy-based Routing
  • Time-based Routing
  • Voice VPN
  • Assisted Calls
  • Priority-based Alternate Routing
  • Forced Rerouting
  • Multi-national Routing
  • Localization Support
  • AIN Services
  • Feature Group D
• Feature Support
  • CODEC Selection per Call
  • Deployment Types
  • Voice Mail (SMDI, SS7, SIP)
  • Centrex/Centrex IP
  • Conferencing
  • Announcement Capacity
  • Service Creation
  • Accounting Support
  • CALEA Support
• Performance/Capacity
  • BHCA
  • Calls per Second
  • Max Simultaneous Sessions
  • Max SS7 links per SG
  • MGC to MG Ratio
• Approvals/Compliance
  • North American
  • ETSI
  • Other
• Management
  • Northbound Interfaces
  • Remote Interface Support
  • Fault Management
  • Performance Management
  • Operator Security Hierarchy
  • Troubleshooting Capabilities
• Physical/Environmental
  • Dimensions for Each Platform
  • Server Brand/Type
  • Operating System
  • Power Requirements
• Reliability Features
• Hardware Redundancy
• Software Redundancy
• Database Redundancy
• Maximum Distance for Server Mirroring
• SS7 Link Redundancy
• IMS Features
  • Softswitch Evolution
  • Call Session Control Function
  • Home Subscriber Server
  • Media Gateway Control Function
  • Media Server Function Control
  • Application Servers
  • QoS Mechanism
  • Wireline Deployments