#call components

A lot has been written about the features and benefits of VoIP services. So, in this blog, we would concentrate on understanding the architecture and components of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. We would consider the major components along with their individual functional characteristics.

The 4 major VoIP components include:

Signaling Gateway Controller

Media Gateway

Media Server

Application Server

SIGNALING GATEWAY CONTROLLER

The signaling gateway controller (SGC) is a known as ‘called agent’ due to its call control function and is popularly referred to as a ‘Media Gateway Controller’ because of media gateway control function included in the system. The SGC entity is the heart of VoIP platform and performs multiple roles out of which connecting the PSTN world with the IP world is its main function. Some of the main characteristics of SGC component are:

Supporting signaling system 7 (SS7) protocol stack

Supporting voice call control protocols such as H.323 or SIP

Supporting media control protocols such as Megaco (H.248) or MGCP

Generating detail call records

Providing bandwidth management control using admission control mechanisms

Supporting bandwidth policing mechanisms

Allocating media connections

MEDIA GATEWAY

The transmission of voice packets is performed by the media gateway by using RTP transmission protocol. The media gateway performs extra functions such as packetization when it’s used in a converged IP/PSTN network. It requires using IP trunks on one side and TDM trunks from the other. Some functions of the media gateway can be listed as below:

Supporting MEGACO or MGCP

Transmitting voice data using RTP

Supporting E1/T1 Trunks

Supporting various compression algorithms

Managing digital signal processing (DSP) resources

MEDIA SERVER

The role of media server comes into the picture when additional features such as video conferencing or voicemail is needed. It also assists when announcements or special tones need to be transmitted. Media server performs the following functions:

Voice activated dialing

Voicemail function

Transmitting customized call progress tones or special service announcements

Transmitting voicemail to email

Supporting Interactive Voice Response (IVR)

APPLICATION SERVER

Application Server takes the responsibility to provide value-added services to the IP network. The server provisions both – customer specific and global services. Moreover, session specifications and call characteristics are also influenced by the application server. Below are its main functions:

Offering basic services like call forwarding, call waiting, call transfer, etc.

Supporting private dialing plans

Generating call detail records (CDR)

Free Phone service

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IT managers usually face the fiscal pressure of reducing costs while improving operational efficiency. One of the major costs involves repairing and replacing system hardware components. Strategies that help in extending legacy hardware life cycles are gaining popularity. They allow organizations to continue using the hardware for a longer duration and thereby minimize the cost of IT.  While it’s difficult to maintain a balance between legacy and contemporary hardware, this complex environment invites major challenges, this complex environment is important to maximize the value of data center systems.

All of these strategies that aim at extending hardware life cycles focus on having alternative hardware maintenance plans. A major problem here is relying too much on the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). They undoubtedly offer best-of-the-class experience; however depending solely on the OEMs would leave the hardware uncovered once the end-of-service-life date arrives. Moreover, the extended warranties are way too expensive. A better solution would be to hire the services of third party providers. Let’s see how…

Reduced Costs

Cash is often a huge concern and bottom line for IT managers while aligning operations and business priorities. Getting Dell, HP, EMC support from third party IT Managed Service providers seems to be more budget-friendly.

Simplified Approach

While concerning with OEMs for managing extended warranties of the hardware of your data centers is difficult. It leaves the IT managers confused with many points of contact and complexity that eventually increases the gap. A third-party provider possess the capability to handle multiple device types at a time ensuring that the IT managers focus on their core tasks rather than communicating with many points of contact at the OEMs.

Flexibility

OEMs have their support models. However, they concentrate more on their business’ core competency – selling hardware. Maintenance is the secondary goal and they often have rigid maintenance plans while they strive to excel in their primary goals i.e. the operational sales. IT managed service providers promote support activities as their core competency and therefore can adapt easily to different client demands. IT managers can be more comfortable working with these third-party providers.

Value Addition

A third-party IT maintenance provider offers reliable plans at the best market value. A partnership with them also gives IT managers the access to refurbished parts, making component purchasing decisions, migrating data, and help them move hardware between facilities.