IP Tandem / Long Distance

Overview

The benefits of migrating core TDM voice switching infrastructure to IP have been well understood for some years. Sharing a common, high capacity IP transport network between voice and data offers major savings in operational costs, and provides a highly cost-effective solution for overhauling voice networks based on ageing TDM tandem switches. Furthermore, an IP-based voice backbone drives further efficiencies as access networks and local exchanges migrate to IP, bringing the promise of end-to-end VoIP one step closer to fruition.

The economic realities of tandem and long distance networks demand highly efficient solutions in every sense of the term. High density, high capacity and the lowest possible power consumption per channel are key factors in building successful business cases for transforming core TDM voice networks to IP, and Metaswitch solutions are state-of-the-art in these areas.

Metaswitch also understands that squeezing the cost of long distance calls, sometimes by minute fractions of a penny, can make a big difference to the bottom line. With the capacity to store data for millions of routes, and the means to update those routes in near real time, Metaswitch provides the essential tools for managing and optimizing long distance costs.

Features And Benefits

• Capacity to handle as many 112,000 concurrent calls in a 19" rack helps minimize the real estate costs of tandem and long distance switching.
• Average power consumption of only 60mW per call leg minimizes costs of power and HVAC, and offers massive savings by comparison with legacy TDM tandem switches.
• Exceptionally flexible approach to ANI screening tables maximizes ease of long distance service configuration.
• Built-in support for authorization codes and long distance account codes creates additional opportunities for revenue-generating services such as calling cards.
• Support for off-board SIP application servers opens up the long distance voice network to external applications such as pre-pay and least cost routing, enabling carriers to develop their own service differentiators quickly and easily.
• Native support for SIP trunks, enabling service providers to take advantage of lower cost interconnections with VoIP backbone and peering providers.
• Wide range of options for generating Call Detail Records, both inbound and outbound, maximizes compatibility with existing billing systems and facilitates detection of unauthorized network usage.

Solution Elements

The Metaswitch solution for IP Tandem / Long Distance is based on the following elements:

• MetaSphere, configured with Tandem Calling Features, Session Control and Gateway Control
• One or more Universal Media Gateways, which may be MG2510 or MG3510 systems, and which provide TDM trunk connectivity
• MetaView, configured with Service Assurance Server.

For a standalone tandem switch replacement solution, the MetaSphere software may be deployed directly on a Universal Media Gateway. However, the benefits of an IP-based core voice network are more often realized with a distributed configuration, where the MetaSphere software is deployed centrally on its own servers in conjunction with Universal Media Gateways spread across multiple locations.

The IP Tandem / Long Distance solution can co-exist with MetaSphere Local Calling Features, sharing the same server hardware and Universal Media Gateways to provide a next-generation solution for hybrid Class 4 / 5 switching.