Voice over IP

Zhone is leading the transition from TDM to VoIP

“Newroads selected MALC for access and MetaSwitch for our softswitch to deliver VoIP using MGCP. VoIP requires close cooperation and partnership between the access and softswitch vendor, and Zhone has not only performed interoperability but has implemented the software enhancements necessary to support the features unique to MetaSwitch as well.”

—Conley Bone, Director of Operations, Newroads Telecom

• Related Products
• MXK Datasheet
• ONT Datasheet
• MALC Datasheet
• Case Studies
• Newroads Adopts VoIP for its CLEC Services (PDF)
• More Information
• Emergency Standalone (ESA)

Application

Voice over IP (VoIP) is fast becoming a competitive advantage for carriers as they implement it to deliver carrier-class phone services that leverage the favorable cost curve of Ethernet. Service providers need an access system capable of supporting VoIP standards, interoperating with leading Softswitch vendors, and delivering the carrier-class quality and reliability expected by wireline subscribers for lifeline POTS.

VoIP migration depends on the plans of the service provider. It may be in stages, or all at once. Carriers need the flexibility to selectively introduce a packet-based infrastructure, a new switching architecture and the deployment of fiber in their networks. Tailored solutions may provide IP-based, feature-rich phone sets and TDM PBX equipment with Gigabit Ethernet access for businesses in an office park and copper-based POTS services with pulse dial to the farm house a mile down the road. Alternatively, a carrier may look to deploy a new development with fiber and a rich array of triple play services. Regardless of the approach, a carrier's access equipment today must be both carrier-class and cost-efficient.

Solutions: MXK and MALC

The wide range of voice services supported by Zhone's MSAP platforms give carriers the flexibility to anticipate their end customer requirements as well as their own infrastructure migration. To gradually introduce a softswitch architecture to a network historically deployed using DLCs with TDM interfaces, the MALC can be installed in RTs and central offices with TDM-based voice interfaces for POTS subscribers. As Gigabit Ethernet and other packet-based transport networks are deployed and a softswitch commissioned, subscribers can be cut over to the softswitch on a slotcard-by-slotcard basis. Where the transport network is upgraded even as the traditional TDM switch remains, the MALC can be configured as a Voice Gateway to allow for packet-based transport of voice services with TDM interfaces to the switch over V5.2 or GR-303. Voice Gateway functions support the wide range of CLASS features and Emergency Standalone (ESA) functionality critical to carrier-class deployments. And of course, both the MALC and MXK offer VoIP services and support a wide range of softswitches across the key VoIP protocols of MGCP, H.248 and SIP.

MALCs unique ability to convert voice traffic on a port-by-port, service-by-service basis allows service providers full flexibility in managing the transition of their network from TDM to a pure packet access network.

Interoperability testing and certification has been conducted with leading softswitch vendors from around the world. Zhone maintains the most comprehensive list of softswitch interoperability certification of any access vendor.

MXK and MALC Features

• Multiple softswitch protocol support: MGCP, SIP and H.248 full VoIP functionality with call routing on both the MXK and the MALC.
• ZMS Management System: ZMS management: ZMS is a standards-based, carrier-class element management solution that provides management support for Zhone multi-service networks. Zhone's ZMS is a full-featured management system including a full FCAPS implementation, including Fault, Configuration, Administration, Performance and Security.
• Call Agent for VoIP: MALC includes a call agent for MGCP/H.248 with locally generated dialtone.
• Universal voice line cards: MALC uses the same voice line cards used for POTS or VoIP with provisioning performed in software rather than special line cards by service.
• Packet Voice Gateway: VoIP Voice gateway function for Gigabit Ethernet transport, providing standard GR303 or V5.2 interfaces to the Class 5 switch from a MALC OLT and MALC BLC.
• Emergency Standalone (ESA): MALC enables voice calls when the connection to the class 5 or Softswitch has been cut or disabled.
• OPX Cabinets: Zhone offers a full line of fully equipped and installation ready outside plant cabinet solutions for residential broadband and voice services.

Zhone Value Proposition and Benefits

MXK enables VoIP migration over fiber as a voice gateway, providing better operational efficiency for integrated voice, video and data services. Capable of supporting a large number of ONTs per Chassis, MXK reduces CapEx by less hardware requirements in access. Support for MGCP, SIP and H.248, as well as countless softswitch vendors, on the MXK and the MALC offers service providers more flexibility than other access platforms available today.