Voice over IP

Zhone is leading the transition from POTS 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

MALC MSAP 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 force by inexpensively delivering phone services. As video and data services migrate to IP, voice is also following suit. Service providers need an access system capable of supporting VoIP standards, interoperating with leading Softswitch vendors, and delivering the same levels of quality and reliability as lifeline POTS.

VoIP migration depends on the plans of the service provider. It may be in stages, beginning with converting access to IP and fiber, therefore needing a voice gateway function for POTS as transport. It may mean softswitch implementation while still using the Class 5 switch for POTS services. Or, the service provider decides to build a complete VoIP service. Regardless of which plan a service provider decides, access must be capable of supporting the application efficiently.

Solution: MALC

MALC is the ideal access platform for every voice need, whether legacy POTS or VoIP. MALC can function as a voice gateway when transitioning from TDM to packet voice, act as a remote access VoIP gateway to a softswitch, and support end-to-end VoIP delivery in conjunction with a Softswitch. In addition, MALC supports MGCP, SIP and H.248 VoIP protocols enabling service providers to choose their preferred implementation method for VoIP. Emergency Standalone (ESA) provides reliability for Emergency services over the VoIP network.

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.

MALC Features

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.
Multiple softswitch protocol support: MGCP, SIP and H.248 full VoIP functionality with call routing.
Call Agent for VoIP: 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.
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.
Emergency Standalone (ESA): Enables voice calls when the connection to the class 5 or Softswitch has been cut or disabled.

Zhone Value Proposition and Benefits

MALC enables VoIP migration over Gigabit Ethernet and fiber as a voice gateway, providing better operational efficiency for integrated voice, video and data services. Using the same line cards and software for POTS or VoIP reduces CapEx by less hardware requirements in access. Support for MGCP, SIP and H.248 offers service providers more flexibility than other access platforms available today. And coupled with this is the wide range of soft switch vendors and systems MALC is interoperable with. And finally, Zhone builds in the reliability expected for all voice service with RPR redundancy and features such as Emergency Standalone (ESA).