New Softswitch Modules From CommWorks Increase IP Telephony Options for Telecommunications Service Providers

Business Wire, Jan 28, 2002

Business Editors/Technology Writers

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 28, 2002

Softswitch Manages Interaction, Interoperability between H.323,

SIP and Megaco Networks, Boosting Interconnection

Opportunities for Carriers

CommWorks Corporation, a leader in building softswitch-based multi-service networks for many of the world's leading telecommunications service providers, today announced the availability of two new modules for its CommWorks(R) Softswitch that increase network interconnection options for carriers offering Internet Protocol (IP) telephony services.

The CommWorks 4010 Session Manager performs call control functions essential for the delivery of IP-based voice and data services by providing protocol mediation between the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and H.323, Megaco/H.248 and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) networks.

The CommWorks 4205 Protocol Mediator manages interaction between networks using SIP and H.323, enabling the interoperability of applications, end-user devices and services between IP telephony networks, allowing calls to be successfully connected and disconnected between the networks.

"Interworking and protocol mediation are key elements in the evolution of next-generation networks," said Houman Modarres, director, softswitch and IP telephony, CommWorks. "Consider, for example, a North American carrier that uses SIP in its network; but has an investment in a South American service provider that prefers Megaco; and a partnership with an Asian carrier with an H.323 network. The protocol mediator and session manager act as a language translator, making it possible to transport and terminate calls between all three networks."

CommWorks is among the world's leading providers of carrier-class IP telephony equipment and is number one in global market share for softswitches and IP telephony applications servers, according to Synergy Research Group, Inc. (Worldwide Voice over IP Equipment Market Share Report, November 2001).

The CommWorks 4010 Session Manager determines what protocol or language a media gateway speaks and then directs that traffic to the appropriate signaling element. If the ingress gateway is H.248/Megaco-based, the session manager routes the call accordingly. If the call originates from an H.323 or SIP-based gateway, it forwards the call to the appropriate H.323 gatekeeper or SIP proxy server. The call is then routed immediately to a like H.323 or SIP media gateway, regardless of whether it is a CommWorks media gateway or other third party gateway. This versatility allows service providers to benefit by deploying best-of-breed components from a variety of vendors; by easily supporting new and emerging access technologies; and by allowing them to bring new services to market faster.

The CommWorks 4205 Protocol Mediator supports interoperability of H.323-based and SIP-based networks, enabling devices, applications, and services between networks. The protocol mediator translates the call signaling and session description context only, leaving domain-contained messages such as registration unchanged. With simple updating of the routing database, calls can cross the different protocol domains while remaining transparent to the other. This design preserves the integrity and independence of each protocol network. Service providers benefit because they can deploy the protocol mediator without modifying the topology of existing infrastructures.

CommWorks first demonstrated its protocol mediation solution as a "proof of concept" at the Spring 2001 Voice on the Net show in Phoenix, Ariz.

Both the CommWorks 4010 Session Manager and the CommWorks 4205 Protocol Mediator are now in trials with service providers in North America and Asia. Both software modules are licensed, with pricing determined by the level of Busy Hour Call Attempts (BHCA) support required by each individual customer.

About CommWorks

CommWorks, a 3Com Company (NASDAQ: COMS), supplies network service providers around the world with access infrastructures and IP services platforms that open new business opportunities and help them establish unique positions in a competitive marketplace. With flexible multi-service hardware platforms and modular software components, the comprehensive CommWorks architecture makes it possible for service providers to integrate their existing infrastructures with innovative technologies to deliver an array of next-generation IP-based enhanced services to their customers. For further information, visit www.commworks.com

3Com and CommWorks are registered trademarks and the CommWorks logo is a trademark of 3Com Corporation.