What is a Softswitch? All You Need To Know

Considering the world of telecommunications today, the demand for efficient, scalable, and cost-effective solutions has never been greater. Enter the softswitch—a revolutionary technology that has transformed the way voice and data communications are managed. But what exactly is a softswitch, and why is it so important? In this blog, we’ll explore the basics of softswitches, how they work, and their role in modern communication systems.

Making a phone call is something we do pretty much without thinking about it. You lift the receiver, dial, and the call is connected. But let’s pause for a second to consider what happens behind the scenes. 

In the past, the connection would have been made by an electromechanical exchange that relied on moving parts. In more recent years these have been supplanted by electronics known as a ‘switch’. This is similar to the router you have at home but on a larger scale and it makes the connection across the telephone network. In the case of the latest VoIP systems, this is more likely to be achieved using a ‘softswitch’ which is software on a computer that performs the switching task. 

Defining the Basics of a Softswitch

A softswitch, short for software switch, is a device or software platform that connects telephone calls from one phone line to another, entirely through software. Unlike traditional hardware-based switches, which rely on physical equipment to route calls, a softswitch operates virtually, making it a cornerstone of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.

Softswitches are primarily used to manage call routing, signaling, and communication between different networks, such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and IP-based networks. They are categorized into two main types: Class 4 softswitches (for transit calls between carriers) and Class 5 softswitches (for end-user services like voicemail and call forwarding).

How Does a Softswitch Work?

At its core, a softswitch acts as the brain of a VoIP network. It facilitates communication by handling the signaling and media streams between callers. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how it works:

1. Call Initiation: When a call is made, the softswitch receives the signaling information (e.g., SIP or H.323 protocols) from the caller’s device.
2. Call Routing: The softswitch analyzes the destination number and determines the most efficient path for the call, whether it’s over an IP network or through the PSTN.
3. Media Gateway Interaction: If the call needs to transition between IP and traditional networks, the softswitch communicates with a media gateway to convert the digital signals into the appropriate format.
4. Call Completion: Once the path is established, the softswitch ensures the call is connected and manages the ongoing communication until the call ends.

This entire process happens in milliseconds, ensuring seamless communication for users.

The Technology Behind Softswitching

Softswitches rely on a combination of advanced technologies to deliver their functionality:

• Protocols: Softswitches use standardized communication protocols like SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), H.323, and MGCP (Media Gateway Control Protocol) to manage call signaling and control.
• Media Gateways: These act as bridges between different types of networks, converting voice and data into the appropriate formats for transmission.
• Software-Based Architecture: Unlike traditional hardware switches, softswitches are built on software, making them highly flexible and scalable. They can be deployed on standard servers or in cloud environments.
• Intelligent Routing: Softswitches use algorithms to determine the most efficient call paths, reducing latency and improving call quality.

By leveraging these technologies, softswitches enable businesses and service providers to deliver reliable, high-quality communication services at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems.

Types of VoIP switch

VoIP switches come in two types. A class 4 switch is used by a VoIP wholesale carrier such as IDT Express in order to safely route voice traffic over long distances. When a call is made, the switch ensures that it reaches the intended recipient, taking the most efficient route to get there. 

A class 5 switch is used to provide services for the retail end user of the service. These also route calls but, in addition, they deliver features such as call forwarding, conference calls and voicemail. A class 5 switch is what you get if you opt for a hosted PBX system to handle your business voice traffic. 

You can, of course, have an on-site switch in the form of a more traditional PBX, or you can have your own softswitch running on an in-house server. It’s becoming increasingly popular to have the switch hosted in the cloud. 

Cloud switches

Having your switch located in the cloud gives you a number of advantages. Firstly it’s highly scalable, as your business grows or if you need to handle seasonal peaks in call traffic, you can easily increase the capacity without the need for additional hardware. 

It also means less hardware on site, so you reclaim some space but you also save on the power and maintenance costs of running your own system. There are major advantages in the number of features available too. Having a cloud-based switch gives you access to a whole range of calling and call management features. This can make your smaller business sound like a much larger one when people call. 

You can, of course, also connect to a cloud switch from anywhere. This means that branch offices, home workers and mobile staff can access their office phone from anywhere, taking advantage of all the features we’ve talked about, but also remaining accessible on their office number when they are out and about. 

There are additional benefits in planning for business continuity. If you need to relocate to other premises then provided that you have an internet connection, you will still be able to access your phone system and all of its features and you won’t even need to change your number. 

Benefits of Using a Softswitch

Softswitches have become a game-changer in the telecommunications industry, offering a wide range of advantages over traditional systems. Whether you’re a service provider or a business looking to streamline communication, here are some key benefits of using a softswitch:

1. Cost Efficiency:
   • Softswitches eliminate the need for expensive hardware, reducing capital expenditure.
   • They leverage existing IP networks, cutting down on long-distance call costs.
   • Maintenance costs are lower since software updates and upgrades are easier to implement compared to hardware replacements.
2. Scalability:
   • Softswitches can easily scale to accommodate growing call volumes or additional users.
   • Adding new lines or features doesn’t require physical infrastructure changes, making it ideal for businesses with fluctuating demands.
3. Flexibility:
   • Softswitches support a wide range of communication protocols, making them compatible with various networks and devices.
   • They can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments, offering flexibility to suit different business needs.
4. Advanced Features:
   • Softswitches enable advanced features like voicemail, call forwarding, conferencing, and interactive voice response (IVR) systems.
   • They support integration with other communication tools, such as CRM systems, for enhanced functionality.
5. Improved Call Quality:
   • With intelligent routing and efficient use of bandwidth, softswitches ensure high-quality voice and data transmission.

Softswitch vs. Traditional Hardware Switches: A Comparative Analysis

While traditional hardware switches have been the backbone of telecommunications for decades, softswitches offer a modern, software-driven alternative. Here’s a comparison of the two:

Aspect	Softswitch	Traditional Hardware Switch
Cost	Lower upfront and operational costs	High upfront costs for hardware and maintenance
Scalability	Easily scalable with software updates	Limited by physical hardware capacity
Flexibility	Supports multiple protocols and networks	Limited to specific protocols and networks
Deployment	Can be deployed on servers or in the cloud	Requires physical installation
Maintenance	Software-based, easier to update and maintain	Hardware-based, requires physical repairs
Features	Supports advanced VoIP features and integrations	Limited to basic call routing
Call Quality	High-quality voice and data transmission	Dependent on hardware and network conditions

Applications of Softswitches: VoIP, Call Routing, and Beyond

Softswitches are versatile tools that power a wide range of applications in the telecommunications industry. Here are some of the most common uses:

1. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP):
   • Softswitches are the backbone of VoIP systems, enabling voice and video calls over the internet.
   • They ensure seamless communication between IP-based devices and traditional phone networks.
2. Call Routing:
   • Softswitches intelligently route calls to their destinations, whether locally or internationally.
   • They optimize call paths to reduce latency and improve call quality.
3. Unified Communications:
   • Softswitches integrate voice, video, messaging, and other communication tools into a single platform.
   • This is particularly useful for businesses looking to streamline their communication systems.
4. Call Centers:
   • Softswitches power call center operations by managing call distribution, IVR systems, and call recording.
   • They enable features like call queuing, agent monitoring, and real-time analytics.
5. Wholesale Carrier Services:
   • Class 4 softswitches are used by carriers to route large volumes of calls between networks.
   • They ensure efficient and cost-effective transit of voice traffic.
6. Residential and Business VoIP Services:
   • Class 5 softswitches provide end-user services like voicemail, call forwarding, and conferencing.
   • They are widely used by service providers to offer VoIP solutions to homes and businesses.
7. Disaster Recovery and Redundancy:
   • Softswitches can be configured for failover and redundancy, ensuring uninterrupted communication during network outages.

By leveraging the power of softswitches, businesses and service providers can enhance their communication capabilities, reduce costs, and stay ahead in the competitive telecommunications landscape.