Software Switch

What Does Software Switch Mean?

A software switch is an Internet Protocol (IP) application programming interface (API), which bridges software and hardware systems. The device was developed by the International Softswitch Consortium (ISC), which was formed in May 1999.

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This term is also known as softswitch.

Techopedia Explains Software Switch

Softswitch solutions are based on open IP standards, which reduce costs associated with traditional hardware replacement solutions. Examples of software switches include call agents, call servers and media gateway controllers.

Softswitch routes IP data communications such as voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and device traffic such as audio, video, voice and fax. This routing is done through the following functions:

  • Media gateway and/or native IP endpoint control
  • Call process selection
  • Network call routing based on signaling and data
  • Call control transfers to other network elements
  • Management support, e.g., billing and provisioning
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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…