Delivering the promise of VoIP now

Feb 14, 2002 12:00 PM

NewSouth Communications, a broadband integrated communications provider, is creating the foundation for a pure-packet network--while realizing substantial network savings. By deploying a softswitch solution, NewSouth has been able to streamline and simplify its network architecture and reduce the number of voice trunks by as much as 80 percent (based on NewSouth’s calculations). The softswitch provides long-distance service to NewSouth's customers in a nine-state coverage area.

The packet tandem solution allows carriers like NewSouth to migrate seamlessly to a converged voice and data network architecture by integrating next-generation call control and switching with existing voice network resources. NewSouth is able to grow network capacity incrementally without the wholesale changes, expense and overprovisioning typical of traditional circuit-switched networks. The deployment couples the softswitch with media gateways serving as trunking gateways to deliver the functionality of a Class 4 tandem or toll switch in a packet network. A signaling gateway, already deployed in the network, provides SS7 over IP signaling connectivity, linking the softswitch with the public network (see figure).

NewSouth has 13 5E switches in its network with "home-running trunks" between the switches to handle local calls. The company handed off calls to long-distance carriers where it did not have trunks between switches, creating a mesh network architecture. When handing off calls, NewSouth incurred costly fees, including interconnection charges. The costs were further escalated by the requirement to add more switches and trunks for network expansion. The growth resulted in further expenses related to network re-engineering and traffic management re-evaluation.

With the softswitch, NewSouth is better able to control costs while maximizing its network and resources. The company relies on its data network to carry voice traffic. Instead of adding expensive switches and trunks, NewSouth is adding media gateways under the control of the softswitch--a much more economical alternative.

Now, NewSouth can upgrade its existing data network gear to carry voice trunks, using a packet network, for maximum efficiency. The packet network is definitely a lower-cost infrastructure, and it lays the foundation for offering enhanced multimedia services in the future.

The carrier continually evaluates packet-telephony solutions to enable it to build a more robust voice and data network. Its current softswitch solution, from Tekelec, offers the intelligence and reliability of the circuit-switched network with the speed and economy of the packet network. It simplifies the network and reduces the number of required voice trunks substantially. The company is able to leverage its existing voice infrastructure and fully utilize resources as it actively builds and expand its packet-based, next-generation network."

Like many companies, NewSouth increasingly is approaching technology expansion from a business case perspective, with the goal of decreased costs and increased revenues, rather than from purely a technology perspective as in the past. Management knew the softswitch would be a cost-saver but was surprised by the substantial decrease in voice trunks realized.

The potential for savings using the lower-cost IP technology, rather than the traditional TDM (time division multiplex) network, to provide long-distance services is significant. NewSouth expects the investment to pay for itself in a very short period-one to two months-instead of years. The company was able to easily justify the cost based on trunk savings alone-without including the total cost of ownership in the equation. The company also is realizing savings because it can retain more traffic in its own network-rather than handing it off to long-distance carriers.

NewSouth’s softswitch conforms to an advanced intelligent network model, which is important because NewSouth is able to centralize databases in the network and achieve service transparency. It is the brains of the networks.

Companies will continue to reap benefits of softswitches, adding IP-Centrex solutions to deliver more services and drive future revenues.

Robert Leithman is Chief Technology Officer of NewSouth Communications.

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