The global market for broadband access is continuously growing. Independent market researchers say that by 2007 there will be approximately 250 million broadband lines worldwide. Broadband access, offered via DSL or cable infrastructure, enables a large number of Voice over Broadband (VoB) services, some of which are offered by providers that are new to the telecommunications field. . Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are becoming Internet Telephony Service Providers (ITSPs) by bundling voice services with their data services, targeting residential and small office/home office (SOHO) customers ). Independent market reports project that from 20 million VoB lines in 2005, we will see more than 90 million VoB lines in 2008.
A typical VoB network includes the following elements:
o Telephone adapters to connect residential and SOHO users
o Softswitch and Application Server for call control, signaling and network services
o Media Server for playing tones and announcements, as well as for enhanced services such as conferencing
o Trunk gateways for interconnection to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
o Session Border Controllers (SBC) for interconnection with other VoIP networks
AudioCodes’ wide range of Media Gateways and Media Servers is best suited for implementing a powerful, reliable and scalable VoB network. With a comprehensive product line, over a decade of experience, and a massive install base, AudioCodes is the ideal provider for the media server and gateway needs of any service provider deploying a VoB network. At the heart of the VoB network are AudioCodes’ MediaPackTM MP-20x telephone adapters.
MP-20x Telephone Adapters
A member of the MediaPackTM series of analog VoIP gateways, the MP-20x series of telephone adapters is a state-of-the-art, cost-effective product that allows ordinary analog telephones or fax machines to be connected to the core of a VoB network. The MP-20x series typically connects to an existing broadband Internet device (cable or DSL modem) and establishes a communication path to the service provider’s network through its IP Uplink connection. The following figure describes 2 typical configurations in the residence and in the SOHO facilities.
The MP-20x series provides up to 2 VoIP ports to connect up to 2 POTS lines or fax machines. By supporting a rich set of subscriber calling features such as caller ID, call forwarding, and call waiting, the MP-20x series maintains a consistent user experience when migrating to VoIP services. In addition, the MP-20x series serves as a router, supporting PC or LAN hub/switch connectivity, and includes NAT (Network Address Translation), DHCP and PPPoE functions necessary for simultaneous use of telephone and Internet.
Utilizing AudioCodes VoIPerfectTM core architecture and benefiting from its experience in providing IP telephony solutions, the MP-20x series combines superior voice quality and state-of-the-art end-user features such as T.38 Fax Relay and G. 168-2004. Echo cancellation supported. Low bit rate (LBR) vocoders can be used simultaneously on both telephony ports to save valuable bandwidth. The “Voice over Data” prioritization algorithm prevents voice quality degradation even during large data transfers.
Advantages of implementing a Telephone Adapter
The MP-20x allows the residential user to experience the same phone service as before. The user can keep their POTS phone, which eliminates the need to learn new information about the interface and usability of an IP phone, allowing continued use of the phone service by applying the standard dial pad and flash link. Residential users who have a wireless phone can continue to use it seamlessly throughout the house. An additional advantage is that a fax machine with a separate number assignment can be connected.
With internal router and firewall support, the MP-20x can be deployed in a configuration that connects the home PC of residential users on the downstream side of the phone adapter, further simplifying installation and configuration . This reduces “help calls” to the service provider and allows the home user to have a smoother migration to VoIP.
Taking advantage of the routing capabilities of the MP-20x, voice quality is ensured thanks to the prioritization of voice packets over data bursts, further enhancing the “VoIP Experience”.
A future version of the MP-20x will support a mix of 1 FXS and 1 FXO interfaces. This allows fallback to the PSTN in cases of degraded network quality, allows incoming calls from the PSTN to the same phone, and enables routing of 911 calls through the PSTN to normal PSAP.
Softswitch/application server
The MP-20x series is designed for full interoperability with leading SIP Softswitches and Application Servers for deployment in various network environments. Over the years, AudioCodes has invested significant effort to comply with leading and evolving VoIP standards. Support for Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), which is commonly found in voice over broadband (VoB) networks, ensures seamless integration and rapid deployment.
media server
Media servers provide enhanced voice services such as network tones and announcements, conferencing and interactive voice response (IVR) capabilities, and messaging. Interoperable with leading software switches and application servers, IPmediaTM media servers are controlled to provide seamless network operation.
Trunk gateways
Media Gateways provide a scalable means for interconnection with the PSTN consisting of a wide range of interface signaling (CAS, ISDN, IUA, SS7, M2UA, M3UA). With controlled use of MGCP, Megaco/H.248 and SIP, which are interoperable with leading Softswitches, MediantTM Media Gateways enable VoB operators to provide their customers with calling capabilities to and from other PSTN networks.
Session Border Controllers (SBCs)
Session Border Controllers (SBCs) allow VoB networks to interact with other VoIP networks, including clearinghouses, facilitating cheaper interconnection and lowering long distance charges.
