Efficient Softswitching
Reduce core network OPEX by up to 50% while moving towards all-IP.
1. Executive summary
Telecom operators are facing considerable and growing competition for their key
service, voice telephony. Competition comes not only from other operators but also
from an ever-growing number of low-cost virtual operators and, most recently, from
free Internet Service Providers. To address this threat, operators must drastically
reduce service delivery costs. Telecom quality softswitching provides the means to
do this. It enables a fully secure and user-transparent migration of today’s network to
an ultra-efficient, IP-based next-generation network. This offers huge OPEX
reductions whilst also building the foundation for IP Multimedia Subsystem controlled
all-IP networks.
The centralized network control and distributed switching inherent in softswitch
network design offer big savings in operation and maintenance (O&M) and transport
costs. Further OPEX savings result from the closure of many of the existing switch
sites, saving rental, power and staff costs. A number of case studies have been
undertaken to evaluate how softswitch technology can be used to reduce core
network OPEX. These studies, together with the past operational experience gained
from commercial softswitch operations, indicate that core network OPEX can be
reduced by up to 50%.
For many operators efficient softswitching is the first step towards an all-IP vision. It
enables a smooth migration of signaling and service traffic from a classic circuitswitched
network to a multi-service IP network. Superior price/performance of IP
based equipment and networks combined with improved scalability of softswitch
nodes delivers much higher capacity per unit of investment.
2. Introduction
All IP – From Hype to Reality
After many years of promises and hype, IP voice services and solutions are
beginning to make significant inroads among operators, enterprises and consumers.
IP networks can now offer tel