META Architecture

Metaswitch products are the realization of a clear architectural vision for voice and multimedia networks, the Multimedia Enhanced Telephony Architecture (META).

META represents probably the most complete vision in the industry for the evolution of voice networks, measured in terms of three critical dimensions:

• Scalability – META offers the greatest degree of scalability both up and down, from the smallest entry-level integrated systems that address rural local exchange replacement to large, highly distributed systems supporting many millions of subscribers.
• Depth – META offers complete vertical coverage of the multimedia network protocol stack, from the Web portals that represent the uppermost layer of the application plane through session control and on down to media gateways and signaling gateways.
• Breadth – META offers the broadest range of voice applications, from PSTN replacement through consumer and business VoIP to voice messaging.

The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) defines the technical framework on which META is built. But META interprets the IMS specifications with an eye to interoperability with real-world devices and systems, and with a focus on exposing those open standard interfaces that add the most value to voice and telephony networks. With this pragmatic view, META delivers a unique combination of standards compliance and openness with ease of deployment, management and operation.