What Is a Softswitch?
In Voice over Internet Protocols (VoIP) networks or Time-Division Multiplex (TDM) networks, a softswitch is a software-based switching solution used to make, maintain, route, and end either call or streaming sessions. A softswitch uses software on standard hardware to control calls or streaming, rather than dedicated switching hardware. For network infrastructure using all-IP and only VoIP calls, a softswitch can be virtualized and run on general-purpose hardware with Ethernet connections.
Key Facts About a Softswitch
Here are some facts about softswitches:
Only applies to Next Generation Network (NGN) architecture
Combines a call agent and call feature server for call control, routing, signaling
Uses an access gateway or media gateway for media streams
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