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

METASPHERE IMS

The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is central to many service providers' technology strategies. However, implementation of IMS remains a challenge: not only are standards still evolving, but vendors and service providers alike are taking many different approaches to the architecture.

MetaSwitch and parent company Data Connection have been deeply involved in development of the IMS architecture, and are widely recognized as experts in the real-world deployment of IMS and pre-IMS networks. We have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges in implementing IMS derived not just from our deployment of softswitch and applications solutions, but also through our development of key protocol components that are used by many major IMS vendors. This gives us an unparalleled understanding of the issues and potential solutions.

The diagram below shows how MetaSphere fits into the IMS network and is followed by the highest level overview of the key areas to address.

SIP control for all services. This is a fundamental part of any VoIP or IMS environment. The IMS infrastructure provides service brokering between applications, both those offered by MetaSphere and third-party applications. Service Providers need to decide where this service brokering will happen and ensure that both the service broker and the applications will integrate well together.
HSS integration is crucial for applications. There are a number of different options for how applications will store their data, where different networks are using combinations of the following.
- A single, central repository for all data from every application.
- A single, distributed repository.
- Multiple repositories including any central HSS for generic subscriber data and separate repositories for application-specific data.
In considering the correct option for any given Service Provider, there are many performance and deployment characteristics to consider. MetaSwitch and parent company Data�Connection's long history in directory technology, stretching back over 15 years, allows us to offer accurate and informed advice.
Media resources options for different applications. The IMS model allows for different media resource options, either shared, generic media resources or specialised new resources for particular applications. MetaSwitch can help with deploying the correct mix.