What is softswitch?

[tombman]

I need information on softswitch? I know it's hardware device and it is use to connect telephone line in network but need to know how it works? Is there any software need to installed on a computer while connecting softswitch in a network. Any recommendations and suggestions are appreciated.

[Zachary]

A softswitch is a central device in a telecommunications network which is use to connect call from one end to another end. Softswitch is the concept of separating the network hardware from network software. In traditional circuit switched networks, hardware and software is not independent. This work was formerly carried out by hardware, with physical switchboards to route the calls.

[Big Fish]

Short for software switch, a softswitch is an API that is used to bridge a traditional PSTN and VoIP by linking PSTN to IP networks and it is used to bridge a PSTN and managing traffic that contains a mixture of voice, fax, data and video. IP technology is evolving to support integrated voice and data applications, putting softswitch technology at the forefront of the PSTN planning process.

[Wahib]

A softswitch is typically used to control connections at the junction point between circuit and packet networks. The Voipswitch Softswitch is state of the art software for Internet Telephony Providers. The Voipswitch is a “Ready to use solution” for broadband VoIP services, wholesale termination suppliers. A single device containing both the switching logic and the switching fabric can be used for this purpose; however, modern technology has led to a preference for decomposing this device into a Call Agent and a Media Gateway.