{"id":4350,"date":"2025-07-21T04:11:37","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T04:11:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.revesoft.com\/blog\/?p=4350"},"modified":"2025-09-05T10:33:56","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T10:33:56","slug":"what-is-a-softswitch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.revesoft.com\/blog\/softswitch\/what-is-a-softswitch\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Softswitch? Working, Types, Benefits & Use Cases"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today, VoIP is the most revolutionary communication technology that enables us to make and receive calls over the Internet. But who\u2019s the powerhouse behind the revolutionizing VoIP technology? It\u2019s the <\/span>Softswitch<\/span><\/i>! From managing the call setup, finding the best call routing path, and connecting the call within or across networks, a Softswitch ensures that VoIP calls are crystal-clear and uninterrupted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this blog, I\u2019ll walk you through the different aspects of a softswitch \u2013 what is a softswitch, how does a softswitch work, class 4 vs class 5 softswitch, along with some real-world use cases. I\u2019ll also introduce you to our powerful softswitch products, i.e., REVE Session Border Controller (Class 4 Softswitch)\u00a0 and iTel Switch (Class 5 Softswitch).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Softswitch?<\/h2>\n

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Softswitch is short for Software Switch, which is a core component used in telecom networks for call control and signaling as well as processing media streams. In layman\u2019s terms, we can define softswitch as a software application that manages the connection between phone calls placed over the internet, i.e., VoIP calls. Acting as a bridge, a softswitch directs and controls the flow of voice, data, and multimedia sessions across IP networks. <\/span><\/p>\n

How is a Softswitch Different from a Traditional Switch?<\/h3>\n

The primary role of any switch is to facilitate communication, but what makes the modern-day softswitch more versatile? It\u2019s their software-based nature. I will explain this with the help of 3 key aspects as mentioned below:<\/span><\/p>\n

Hardware vs Software<\/span><\/h4>\n

A traditional switch is a dedicated hardware system that makes use of circuit switching to connect calls physically. This is why traditional switches are also called hardware-based switches or circuit-based switches. These switches require manual configuration for their work. On the contrary, a software-based switch makes use of digital signals to route calls digitally or over IP networks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rigidity Vs Flexibility<\/span><\/h4>\n

The conventional circuit switches get obsolete with time and need additional hardware for working in line within the modern communication landscape. On the other hand, softswitches are quite flexible and offer a wide range of features such as call recording, voicemail, conferencing, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Expensive vs Cost-effective<\/span><\/h4>\n

Traditional switches are expensive to maintain and upgrade, whereas softswitches run on standard infrastructure, making them a cost-effective and easier-to-maintain and upgrade option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How Does a Softswitch Work?<\/h2>\n

To understand the workings of a softswitch, let\u2019s consider an example. Your phone rings, and you pick up the call and start your conversation with the other person on the call by saying Hello. From this very moment, the role of a softswitch comes in, and there are several key functions performed by a softswitch. These functions are:<\/span><\/p>\n

Call Routing<\/span><\/h3>\n

The softswitch makes sure that each call reaches its intended destination following the most optimal route or path. To identify an optimal path, a softswitch considers various factors like network congestion and quality, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Protocol Conversion<\/span><\/h3>\n

To ensure seamless communication across diverse networks, softswitches convert voice signals from analog to digital and manage protocol conversion that governs the respective communication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Call Management<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are 3 key processes handled by Softswitches \u2013 Call Setup, Teardown, and Authentication. By overseeing these processes, softswitches ensure quality and security during the communication sessions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Softswitch System Architecture<\/h2>\n

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The above image represents a typical setup of a softswitch system. Now, I will take you through the different components of a softswitch, one by one:<\/span><\/p>\n

Media Gateway Controller: The Brain of the Softswitch<\/span><\/h3>\n

MGC or Media Gateway Controller is responsible for call control and signaling intelligence. From managing call setup, routing, features, and billing, along with interactions with other networks, all this is handled by MGC. Furthermore, this key component makes use of protocols like SIP or H.323 to communicate with other softswitches and gateways.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Media Gateway<\/span><\/h3>\n

It is responsible for the physical media conversion and transmission of voice and data traffic. Media Gateways take instructions from Media Gateway Controllers, i.e., MGC, and send call status updates.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Signaling Gateway<\/span><\/h3>\n

SGB or signaling gateway bridges different networks by acting as a translator for signaling protocols. It makes use of various signaling protocols to connect the softswitch with external networks. Furthermore, it is responsible for converting signaling messages between different protocols to maintain interoperability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of VoIP Softswitch<\/h2>\n

VoIP softswitches are categorized into 5 main types, with each softswitch performing a different functionality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Class 1 Softswitches are implemented in <\/span>international gateways<\/span><\/a>, i.e., handle high volumes of long-distance calls across different countries and continents. They are designed for wholesale carriers, managing large-scale traffic between various telecom providers. Class 2 softswitches focus on regional traffic, i.e., handling traffic between local carriers. Class 3 Softswitches are often used by ISPs to connect with larger carrier networks or the PSTN.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now comes the most widely deployed softswitches, i.e., Class 4 and Class 5 Softswitches. Let\u2019s understand what these are. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Class 4 Switch?<\/h3>\n

Class 4 switches are used for handling long-distance or wholesale VoIP traffic. You can imagine it as a highway for large volumes of call traffic that efficiently optimizes geographically distant connections. The main perspective behind using Class 4 Softswitches is cost-effective routing and traffic management. Key features offered by Class 4 softswitches are:<\/span><\/p>\n