Softswitch technologies involve switches that bridge networks together to allow for communication. Media gateway controller, gatekeeper and call agent are all alternative names for a soft switch. Understanding how to operate a softswitch network requires that you have some type of education in information technology (IT).

The amount of education and training you need depends on your level of involvement with the technology. There are several ways to gain education in the field, including the following options:

1. Take advantage of educational tools that allow you to train several employees at once.

2. Find places that host softswitch voice over Internet protocol (softswitch VoIP) classes or training.

3. Consider getting a degree in IT.

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Utilize alternative educational programs to learn softswitch technology

Purchasing CDs is one of the least expensive options for softswitch technology education and training. Not only can you learn from them, you can also train several employees without spending additional funds on education. Another alternative method that can cost less than other types of training programs is participating in online seminars.

I recommend: TeraCom Training Institute sells a VoIP training course on DVD. It offers three different versions to choose from. TRA offers an online course to help you understand softswitch systems. If you prefer not to use the online feature, you can purchase a CD of its courses.

Look for seminars, conferences or classes to learn about a telecom softswitch

Occasionally a softswitch manufacturer will host training on its products. More often than not, manufacturers will take part in international conferences or events on softswitch technologies. Whether you want to attend a training program or you want to send an employee to one, keep in mind that you need to add the travel expenses to the cost.

I recommend: TONEX provides training and seminars on a variety of IT topics, including VoIP softswitch. It has locations in California, Oregon, Washington and Texas. TrainingCity is another provider of softswitch technology education and training. It offers hands-on labs at locations throughout the US and Canada.

Focus an IT degree in softswitch systems

A degree can open doors that other types of training can't. For some people, it can be helpful to read a detailed description of the types of IT degrees available. Once you know what type you want, look for a college or university that offers the degree. For people who want to take advantage of distance learning, look for colleges or universities that offer online degrees. Before you pay tuition, make sure the school is accredited.

I recommend: eLearners.com provides an overview of what to expect from an IT degree. It also offers a breakdown of the concentrations within the IT technology field. Ellis University offers a B.S. in Information Technology. You can take its classes online.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Technology changes on a yearly basis. Even after you receive education on softswitch technologies, you'll want to look for ways to continue your education in order to stay competitive in the field.

Softswitch systems replace the traditional circuit switch with a softswitch, which combines generic hardware with open-standard hardware. The networks that use softswitch technology belong to a group known as next generation networks (NGNs). Softswitch technologies separate the call processing from the physical switching handled by media gateways (MGs), which allows a common software platform to handle multiple functions.

The flexibility and scalability of softswitch networks allows vendors to specialize in one area. The roll-out strategy indicates a slow progression from time division multiplexing (TDM) technology to softswitch technology in the US, but international leaders offer the technology worldwide. With a softswitch network you can:

1. Offer your clients a carrier-grade softswitch VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol.

2. Use softswitch technology providers to create custom solutions for your business.

3. Connect to an SIP softswitch to take advantage of softswitch technology without installing your own system.

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Deliver carrier-grade VoIP service with a VoIP softswitch

A softswitch manufacturer specializing in softswitch VoIP helps integrate the new technology seamlessly. Some manufacturers offer a scalable option and the ability to cross multiple Internet protocol (IP) networks. Look for companies that offer comprehensive VoIP conversion.

I recommend: Squire Technologies offers the SVI_C4 Class 4 Softswitch with deployment options for carrier and enterprise markets. The powerful signaling engine comes with optional add-ons to meet your business needs. VoipSwitch Inc., an application developer, provides a quick tour of their softswitch solutions. Their program merges SIP registrar, SIP proxy, SMS gateway and supported protocol.

Trust the experts to create your soft switch solution

Global leaders in softswitch technology offer an all-in-one solution, including software, hardware and installation. Most softswitch technology providers work with multiple business models to create the solutions to move your business into new technology.

I recommend: IPsmarx Softswitch Solution provides a turnkey solution built to your specific needs to business owners. Customize the softswitch options, allow for scalability and get ongoing support from the company. Software systems from Aricent target Class 4 and 5 replacement markets for mobile and fixed networks. The company provides softswitch solutions for voice, video and data.

Route your network through a session initiation protocol (SIP) soft switch

Some companies don't want to install a softswitch system in their own network. Whether it is the upfront cost or the slow progression to softswitch technology, you may prefer to route your telecom functions through an SIP softswitch provider.

I recommend: Download or watch a flash presentation of the services available from PortaSIP, which provides routing services for small and large packet voice networks. 8x8, Inc. offers Packet8 Virtual Trunking, which allows you to use your current system with an integrated access device (IAD) to connect you to their SIP softswitch.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Softswitch technology provides a less expensive way to improve quality and functionality. Factor the savings into your calculations when you determine whether your company will benefit from the technology.

Softswitch technology refers to 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. This programmable network switch is a software-based solution that is implemented on computers and servers. Softswitch technology offers business owners new services and revenue stream options, and it's very flexible in its deployment and in its operation. Unified messaging means easy integration into your network. Plus, softswitch technology costs less than a traditional circuit switch. Consider these key terms as you study softswitch technology.

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Softswitch

Softswitch is a software based voice and multimedia switch. It replaces the old switches based on circuit switching technology. Other terms used with softswitch are 'Call Agent' or 'Media Gateway Controller' because they are key components in VOIP technology. However, the term softswitch is used with both VOIP and networking.

I recommend: Read over the definition of softswitch on the ZDNet website. The website details the capabilities of softswitch technology and the features that make it so flexible, and a great feature for business owners.

VOIP softswitch

A VOIP softswitch's main responsibility is to route calls across different networks. There are however, many responsibilities for VOIP softswitches.

I recommend: Read about VOIP softswitch solutions at WVoIP.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) incorporated into softswitch technology allows IP telephony service providers to offer the ultimate package of communication services at low costs.

I recommend: PortaOne uses Session Initiation Protocol to help provide the full spectrum of call routing features and to maximize performance in voice networks both large and small. The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) page on the Columbia University website defines the role of SIP in softswitch technology.

Class 4, Class 5

As the 'generations' of softswitch technology get older, the class number becomes larger. Class 5 softswitch is more advanced than Class 4.

I recommend: View the features of Class 4 softswitch and Class 5 softswitch on the Topex website.

Internet telephony, VOIP, VOI

Internet telephony contact is made via the Internet. Internet telephony includes voice, fax and video phone calls. It's also referred to as voice over internet protocol (VOIP) and voice over Internet (VOI).

I recommend: Read in depth information about Internet telephony at Wisegeek.

Conference bridge

Conference bridge is a new feature to softswitch technology, allowing you to conduct conference calls using your softswitch. A conference bridge of a VOIP softswitch has the same options you would find through a traditional conference bridge service.

I recommend: Read about the conference bridge and softswitch technology at Dialexia.