MetaSwitch:Carrier-class softswitch and applications solutions

MetaSwitch delivered the best combination of native IP capabilities, residential and business-class features, and scalability. John Stadter, President, ComSpanUSA

INTEGRATED SOFTSWITCH

The VP2510 supports up to 15,000 subscribers in a 7U chassis.

The VP3510 supports up to 70,000 subscribers in a 12U chassis.

MetaSwitch's easy-to-deploy Integrated Softswitches offer a complete solution for Class 4/5 switching over time-division-multiplexed (TDM) and packet-based networks.

MetaSwitch offers two Integrated Softswitch models offering low-to-medium and medium-to-high scalability.

The entry-level VP2510 supports up to 15,000 subscribers in a 7U chassis.
The flagship VP3510 supports up to 70,000 subscribers in a 12U chassis.

Both carrier-class systems incorporate call agent, feature server, media gateway, media server and signaling gateway functionality in a single chassis for a true "softswitch" solution without the hassle of deploying, integrating and managing multiple boxes from different vendors.

CARRIER-CLASS HARDWARE PLATFORM

The VP2510 and VP3510 share a common hardware architecture, with fully redundant, hot-swappable CPUs, fans, disks and alarm cards. Both systems also integrate a packet-switched multi-gigabit backplane with dual redundant controllers. This handles maximum traffic loads with plenty of bandwidth to spare, and supports Ethernet uplink aggregation for simple deployment of highly scalable VoIP networks.

The high capacity processor cards deliver sufficient processing power for over 250,000 busy hour call attempts (BHCA).

The chassis can be populated with a combination of signaling or media gateway cards (6 slots per VP2510; 16 per VP3510) to scale from 16xT1 to 42xDS3 interfaces per chassis. The PB-series media gateway cards incorporate TDM, ATM and IP interfaces along with the latest generation of field-programmable on-board DSPs. As a result, transcoding and echo cancellation can be supported on every call up to the maximum system capacity - without compromising scalability.

BROAD RANGE OF CLASS 4/5 FEATURES

The MetaSwitch integrated softswitch excels both as a replacement for traditional Class 4/5 switching systems and in "green field" deployments, with

support for a wide variety of access and trunking protocols, including MGCP, SIP, H.248, BLES (VoATM), SS7, MF, ISDN-PRI and GR-303, allowing least-cost routing over both TDM and packet networks
a complete set of subscriber services such as call waiting, distinctive ringing, teen-line, off-premise extension, automatic callback, reminder call, find me follow me, �
business group (Centrex) functions including short-code dialing, multiple appearance directory numbers, group pick-up, �
an open IMS-compliant SIP interface to external application servers for enhanced IP-based services such as pre-pay, calling card, voicemail, �
all the key legacy and regulatory requirements including operator services, E911, Lawful Interception (CALEA), Local Number Portability (LNP), Equal Access, �
flexible configuration tables permitting effectively unlimited permutations of both signaling and trunk routes for multiple rate centers, LATAs and NPA/NXXs on a single call agent.

MetaView, a powerful but easy-to-use Network Management System, and CommPortal complete the solution with open management interfaces for service provider technicians, customer service reps and even subscribers themselves.

A FUTURE-PROOF PLATFORM

A VP-Series MetaSwitch is an ideal solution for carriers envisaging growth, but wanting to start small. To grow the system, simply install additional media gateway cards, up to the maximum capacity of the chassis. When that point is reached, additional chassis can be deployed as a single "virtual switch" supporting more than 500,000 subscribers.

Similarly, a carrier might start with a VP2510 or VP3510 Integrated Softswitch to serve a specific geographic region, and later decide to expand coverage to a larger area - requiring a distributed softswitch architecture. MetaSwitch supports this migration with upgrade tools that automatically transfer the switch configuration to a MetaSwitch CA9000 Series Call Agent and convert the existing Integrated Softswitch to a Media Gateway.