Knowing the Difference Between Class 4 Softswitch and Class 5 Softswitch Helps Service Providers Choose the Right VoIP Softswitch

Carriers and VoIP service providers need to know the exact softswitch that is useful for their line of business in order to choose the right one to start with.

The VoIP softswitch is at the core of VoIP business, seamlessly connecting network hardware with network software. The two main softswitches serving telecom are class 4 softswitch and class 5 softswitch.  What is the difference between these two and which one should a service provider opt for?



Class 4 softswitch
The main function of class 4 softswitch is to route huge volumes of long distance VoIP traffic between countries and exchanges using multiple IP networks. This class of VoIP switch incorporates a host of other features that bulk carriers find useful such as transcoding, protocol support, least call routing, security, call tracking, billing and reports among others.



Class 5 softswitch
Class 5 softswitch works at the retail level in order to facilitate connection between phones in a local or long distance network and could be part of the IP PBX environment. There are other features such as call forward/transfer/hold, caller ID, video conferencing, call record, logging, IVR, SIP authorization, PINless calling and other features for the end user. It is ideal for large business organizations and for retail service providers. Where class 4 can handle bulk calls, the number of calls class 5 can handle is limited. However, class 5 has quite a host of features for end users that are not found in class 4 because bulk carriers may not need it. Class 4 can route calls to and from class 5 but not class 5 does not have that capability. The former does not connect directly with end user who initiates calls whereas the latter does.



Which one to choose?
Class 4 VoIP softswitch is recommended for carries and bulk service providers. Class 5 works perfectly for end users such as larger businesses and retail service providers. However, the large bulk service provider is not limited to choosing only class 4; he can just as well opt for a hybrid or install VoIP solutions that include the best of both in order to widen scope of services and generate higher revenue.  This is becoming a preferred business model for bulk carriers who feel that there is no reason for them to not tap the retail market or directly reach out to large businesses.  Retail service providers will find it in their interest to stick to class 5 because it has everything they need while a large bulk service provider can opt for both.


Source: https://hodusoftsite.wordpress.com/2018/01/04/knowing-the-difference-between-class-4-softswitch-and-class-5-softswitch-helps-service-providers-choose-the-right-voip-softswitch/

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

How to Choose a HIPAA-Compliant IP PBX That Prioritizes Patient Data Security in Healthcare?

Workforce Optimization: HoduSoft's Solutions for Maximizing BPO Agent Productivity

Demystifying STIR/SHAKEN in PBX: Your Key to a Fraud-Free Phone System