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
Once you opt for VoIP phone services, it is important to decide on a reliable VoIP service provider who can assist you with business-specific requirements and provide cost-effective services to your business. The Net Activity team is well-versed and well-equipped to serve your organization with a functional VoIP system. Please visit http://www.netactivity.us/services/voip-business-phone-services to know the details or contact Harry Bhatia at 888-545-5346.
