As VoIP is becoming more and more popular amongst Tier 1 and Tier 2 carriers, legacy TDM gear is being replaced with NGN networks based on VoIP.

Why are Carriers making the transition to VoIP? Primary advantages of moving to VoIP are extensive cost savings and the rapid introduction of advanced features.

Cost savings are obtained by utilizing a single network that serves both data and voice traffic. VoIP gear is inherently more cost-effective as it based on open standards as compared to legacy TDM networks in which a single vendor usually provides all network parts.

The key components of a VoIP network consist of a Softswitch that administers the call control and the Media Gateway that manages the media and provides TDM to IP conversion, vocoding, announcement playbacks and many additional features.

It is common to categorize Media Gateways according to their capacity. Low capacity usually refers to few T1/E1 spans up a T3 capacity (672 ports). Medium capacity begins from T3 capacity, resulting in a few thousands of ports. High capacity commences from a few thousand ports and upwards.

Recently, low to medium density media gateways have become increasingly popular and have greater Carrier traction.

Contrary to the legacy TDM network that is based on large Central Offices containing PSTN switches which handle both the media and call control, VoIP allows the carrier to geographically separate call control from media handling. This in turn, allows Carriers to deploy low to medium density Media Gateways, in close proximity to subscribers. The call control logic is placed in a centralized location. This allows Carriers to “packetize” a larger part of their network and not just their core network. This enables Carriers to save additional dollars by eliminating their class 5 TDM backhaul network.

In order for deployment by Carriers to occur, these low to medium density Media Gateways must adhere to the following rigid requirements set by the Tier 1 and Tier 2 carriers:

• High availability of systems

• Support regulatory standards of the respective country

• Support of the call control protocol, PSTN protocols and interfaces which are used by each Carrier

• Provide robust security to keep the network from being vandalized

The Mediant™ 3000 was crafted in order to meet the above Carrier requirements. It has a scalable capacity of 480 to 2016 ports that is easily software upgradeable. The Mediant 3000 is a highly available platform supporting a wide variety of PSTN interfaces which include E1, T1, J1, OC3, STM1 and T3, allowing global deployment. In addition, common PSTN protocols are supported in order to provide connectivity to a wide range of PSTN switches and PBXs. The Mediant 3000 addresses Service Provider’s security concerns, offering state of the art security capabilities which include SRTP for media, IPSec for control and management and TLS for SIP. The Mediant 3000 offers unparalleled voice quality which is augmented by the new support for Wideband Vocoders that supply better than toll quality voice.

Supporting H.248, MGCP, TGCP and SIP control protocols, the Mediant 3000 can be deployed with a variety of Softswitches, offering investment protection and flexibility to carriers. An easy to use and intuitive Element Management System is provided along with the Mediant 3000 that allows for easy management of the Mediant 3000 boxes.

In conclusion the Carrier’s trend to deploy the low-mid density Media Gateways is likely to grow. This is due to cost savings and the deployment of Media Gateways being an integral step towards an all-IP NGN which is a strategic goal of many Tier 1 and 2 Carriers. The Mediant 3000 with its high availability and feature richness is in a clear position to gain from this trend.