Interconnecting Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions and legacy fixed or mobile circuit-switched networks: the SMC-SS7 and SMC–3G platforms

Although direct Voice over IP peering is becoming increasingly used by service providers to interconnect their networks, TDM interconnection using the SS7 ISUP protocol is still mandatory in most business models and required by some national regulatory bodies. It is estimated that this type of interconnection will continue to be used for at least the next five years.

This is especially true in the area of Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC), where SIP networks must be interconnected to mobile networks. Mobile network operators traditionally use circuit-switched technologies for their telephony services, and will continue to do so even when deploying their 3G infrastructures. So, in the case of video telephony services on mobile 3G phones, for example, SS7 to SIP video gateways are required for the simultaneous reception and emission of voice and video during calls.

The SMC-SS7 is the interconnecting platform between Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions and legacy fixed or mobile circuit-switched networks using SS7 ISUP protocols. SMC-3G adds the extra capacity to interconnect video over IP to circuit switched mobile 3G-324M terminals.

Terminating voice and 3G-324M video telephony calls: a unique feature of the SMC-SS7 platform and its new SMC-3G add-on.

Mobile operators are enabling an increasing number of mobile subscribers to enjoy high-bandwidth Internet and email on their mobile phone through deployment of 3G infrastructures in their network. These services have been particularly successful with business users.

For the consumer mass-market, mobile operators have been using 3G video telephony services to attract subscribers. These services use the 3G-324M protocol, a standard designed for one-to-one video telephony using 64 kbit/s circuit-switched networks. With 3G-324M compliant mobile phones now widely available, mobile video telephony is becoming a reality.

The next step is to increase video telephony usage through the interconnection of 3G-324M circuit-switched mobile networks to SIP packet-based networks, enabling video telephony services between fixed and mobile terminals. The SMC-SS7 platform and its SMC-3G additional software module are pioneering this interconnection by acting as a circuit-to-packet gateway that enables mass market fixed-mobile one-to-one video telephony and interactive video telephony services.

From Netcentrex to Comverse: leading the way in SS7 to SIP interconnect

Netcentrex, a market leader in IP-based communication solutions, and a subsidiary of Comverse since 2006, launched its first SS7 interconnect product in 2001. Constant technical developments have made the SMC-SS7 platform into a comprehensive SS7 telephony interconnect solution with the following features:

• Configurable ISUP interface
• SIP and H.323 Voice over IP interface
• Fully-associated and quasi-associated signaling modes
• Fully distributed, standards compliant architecture
• Carrier-Grade platform
• Easy network integration
• Supports AudioCodes Media and Signaling Gateways
• New SMC-3G add-on
• 3G-324M to SIP interconnect
• Combined Voice & Video gateway
• Smooth upgrade path from ISDN to SS7 ISUP
• Runs on cost-effective hardware platforms

Fully interoperable with AudioCodes’ solutions, the combination of the SMC-SS7 platform with the media and signaling gateways gives operators a head-start in delivery of fixed-mobile communications. They benefit from faster time-to-market, due to pre-integration of the solutions, and from the added value brought by the new communication services in terms of revenue generation and subscriber growth.

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ITS Telecom – Boosting All Businesses

ITS Telecom, an Israeli high-tech company with 14 years of experience and comprehensive business communications solutions, is a major player in its field.

With a global network of distributors in 45 countries, the company enjoys long-term relations with different partners, including AudioCodes, for which it is an OEM partner and a master distributor in Israel.

Integration, Flexibility, Excellence

Together with VoIP gateways, ITS Telecom's products close the circle of business communication options available today. This union enables businesses to expand their offerings by providing a four-pronged connection: VoIP, cellular, fixed line and PBX. Suited to commonly used interfaces – ISDN PRI, BRI and analog – ITS Telecom's products also fit all communication capacities and budgets. Offering instant integration with existing technologies, these technologies represent a virtually ‘plug and play’ solution.

The CGW-PX (see diagram below) is an AudioCodes OEM that with ITS Telecom's cellular gateway yields an integrated solution for cellular, PSTN and VoIP. Comprised of a high performance ISDN PRI CGW-P (see below) and an AudioCodes VoIP gateway, the CGW-PX is perfect for clients demanding a packaged, tested and approved solution.






CGW-PX: ITS Telecom converged connectivity solution

The CGW-P, a high performance ISDN PRI, is suited for corporations and carriers with heavy communication traffic. This product supports up to 30 simultaneous cellular channels and is flexible enough to support different cellular carriers, and varied technologies such as CDMA, GSM or UMTS . Supporting four SIMs for each channel, the CGW-P enables a total of 128 SIMs to provide valuable communication applications and savings on call costs.

The CGW-I is an ISDN BRI that reduces costs for those companies with an ISDN PBX that require only two or more simultaneous channels.

The CGW-D, an analog FXO/FXS, connects to the trunk or operates as an extension. Incorporating such useful features as call through and call back, this product is ideal for organizations with a low cellular call capacity and with highly connectivity demands.

The analog CGW-T (FXO) is compatible with the analog trunk interface of the PBX. An entry level gateway, the CGW-T perfectly meets the needs of small companies or enterprises with a low cellular call capacity.

Customers Win

For years, ITS Telecom cellular gateways have been integrated with AudioCodes VoIP gateways, and have successfully passed repeated tests and checks. ITS Telecom’s status as a master distributor and OEM partner of AudioCodes make it a vendor of choice for those seeking to incorporate VoIP with cellular gateways.

More ITS Telecom Offerings

In addition to its firm footing in the area of converged connectivity, ITS Telecom supplies a wide range of cellular gateways compatible with different interfaces, cellular networks and customers.

Regarding service and operations, the company’s access control door phones and remote video monitoring contribute to customers’ efficiency, profitability and safety.

Likewise, ITS Telecom control and monitoring products – voicemail and automated attendant, call recording, and promotion-on-hold – enhance clients’ productivity and general business functions.

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