Softswitch

Softswitch, a resounding term in telephony solutions, is the concept of connecting two lines or feeds together entirely through the use of software. A softswitch can also refer to the actual device that is situated in a telephone network that processes data transmissions. The word "Softswitch" is hardly ever used anymore but refers to the same device as a Media Gateway Controller or an Access Gateway Control Function (AGCF). A softswitch is used to replace the old method of connecting telephone lines manually that required large staffs and expensive switchboards. Because softswitch has revolutionized telecommunications globally, we hardly ever think about the actual technology that allows us to speak to each other on a daily basis. In this article, we will examine the softswitch and its many applications.

What is Softswitch

A softswitch is a device that is generally used by telephone companies to connect two or more callers togethers. Softswitches are made up of software and processors that keep track of both lines and makes sure that the connection is not lost. Some companies have better softswitches than others in order to maximize the potential for their network but the core aspect of the softswitch does not change. The end-user does not physically interact with the softswitch at all as it is completely managed by the telephone company and is usually located at their main office.

How Does It Work

A softswitch sits at a telecommunication company's main office and retrieves information from both lines through the use of several identifiers, including circuit and packet networks. Some softswitches can even retrieve information wirelessly, as is the case with cell phones and other mobile devices. Softswitches are highly malleable and can adjust to work with almost any telecommunications system. Softswitches are also small and convenient as they replace what used to be large, expensive switchboards and crowded rooms of staff members. As technology has advanced, softswitches have been broken into two sections: the Call Agent and the Media Gateway.

Call Agent

The Call Agent serves as the brains and central processing unit of any softswitch. The Call Agent processes payments, forwards calls, presents the busy signal when a connection can not be made, and various call services such as voicemail and conference calling. The Call Agent manages the Media Gateway or Media Gateways that actually handle the physical connection. Without the Call Agent, the Media Gateway would just be a system of wires and ports that don't actually do anything.

Media Gateway

The Media Gateway is the actual, physical connection that makes up your call. Media Gateways can be spread out over a large area to increase a network's call capacity. The Media Gateway is made up of cables, ports, satellites, towers, and various devices that physically connect the call. Generally, your telephone communicates with one part of a Media Gateway and the signal is then carried to the other parts through either cables or wireless broadcasting.

Popular Softswitch Applications

Aside from standard telephone calls, softswitches serve as an essential part of several commonplace applications. These applications generally involve telecommunications but are presented in a variety of modern communication methods. The following are several examples of these applications.

VoIP Softswitch

VoIP services are quickly growing in popularity around the world due to their efficiency, affordability, and availability. While VoIP technology is revolutionary, it is still dependent on softswitch features. The difference, however, is that VoIP softswitches are connected through the Internet to retrieve IP addresses and the data that those IP addresses represent. Your computer converts your voice into data and the network's softswitch manages the transfer. This is all done without the user ever knowing the difference.

PBX Systems

Softswitch technology is very important for PBX systems that manage large numbers of office telephones. PBX systems are used to connect dozens or even hundreds of telephones within an office to each other as well as the outside world. Without softswitch technology, however, none of this would be possible. PBX systems generally either connect to a softswitch or have their own built directly into the system.

Modems

To understand softswitches better, think of your Internet modem. Your Internet modem retrieves information from your computer and forwards it through the Internet to another computer or server. At the same time, your modem retrieves information from the other computer or server and sends it to your computer. This is exactly what a softswitch does. Your computer is like a telephone that sends information to the modem (softswitch) which then forwards your data across the Internet (network). Without your modem, there would be no Internet!