Tackling the twin service provider mantras of new revenue growth and reduced operations expenditure, Telco Systems and Tekelec this week at SUPERCOMM announced solutions to aid carrier migration to packet without the need for total legacy replacement.
Telco Systems introduced the Access60 HDI high-density integrated access device (IAD) at the show, which delivers VoIP, IP Centrex and IP data services over existing TDM circuit-switched T1 or Ethernet network infrastructures.
The Access60 HDI can be deployed as a TDM device and can be upgraded to support enterprise VoIP services with a remote software download. Sitting between the enterprise and carrier networks, it supports interfaces for combining multiple T1s into one high-bandwidth pipe over which IP voice and data can be combined. It also supports frame relay over T1, and an Ethernet uplink for IP backbones — modules that can be added as needed.
"This single-box solution breaks down the barriers of voice or data-only and TDM or IP-only networks, and opens up new revenue streams," says Irit Gillath, Telco Systems' vice president of IP product line management. "It provides RBOCs, CLECs, ISPs, ILECs and IXCs a seamless migration path from TDM-based services to IP while using their existing legacy telephony infrastructure."
It can combine TDM and packetized-voice with data traffic onto T1 or Ethernet circuits, and can provide VoIP connectivity to an existing legacy PBX. It also supports connectivity between multiple Access60 HDIs for branch office connectivity.
Meanwhile, Tekelec took the wraps off its SIP-SS7 Gateway. The product gives voice over packet networks access to legacy services in the TDM infrastructure, such as calling name, toll free calling and local number portability.
The gateway doesn’t require operators to upgrade existing network elements, such as service control points, to offer circuit-switched intelligent network (IN) features in a SIP-based packet environment, allowing providers to leverage past investments while migrating to VoIP at their own pace, says Robby Benedyk, applications product manager for applications marketing at Tekelec.
The gateway supports transaction management for IN and SIP domains. It acts as a SIP redirect server to the SIP domain and a service switching point to the IN domain. It interfaces to softswitches, SIP servers and softphones, with multiprotocol support and protocol conversion.
“This adds right onto the SS7 network and adds more intelligence to the applications server,” explains Benedyk. “This offers a bridge to going SIP without having to put IP on every legacy database, so it’s really a catalyst for operators to deploy IP services.
“The carriers need this service and have asked for it in their RFPs,” he adds. “It’s hard to migrate without service transparency.”
