|
Open Packet Telephony - OPT
Multimedia services in a data network, integrated with present networks, in a layered arrangement. This is the concept of open-packet telephony, translated into the Vectura line, introduced by Trópico.
OPT proposes a three-layered structure of open and standardized interfaces, to ensure interoperability of the infrastructure and access layer, the call-control layer and the service layer.
In the infrastructure and carrier layer is the equipment that provides network capillarity, such as the subscriber access units. Also included are the media gateways and the entire data-network infrastructure, such as the ATM switches and IP routers.
The call-control layer is responsible for establishing, supervising and releasing calls traveling through the IP or ATM network. It is the most strategic portion of convergent network architecture and the ideal point for access to new services and interoperation with the legacy provided by other networks. The element in the Vectura line network that performs the functions of this layer is the Vectura Softswitch, which is the most advanced feature in convergent-network call control.
Finally, the service layer controls services offered to the users connected to the network. This layer is comprised by servers where all the intelligence for the provision of services resides, as well as databases relating to the users. Services can be provided according to the intelligent network's model, for interoperation with this legacy, according to the H.323 multimedia networks or according to Open Packet Telephony's own model.
Following the OPT model, servers use the session initiation protocol (SIP) and a standardized application program interface (API). For the provision of services, elements of the transport layer, called media servers, provide the processing of the media such as the reproduction and recording of messages, text-to-speech conversion and speech recognition. All this means that the addition of new services is extremely simplified, only by adding applications to the network servers.
The open architecture of OPT provides the operator with independence from suppliers, an usual standard from the data world. Network intelligence resides in a structure based on the modular interoperability of systems, enabling gradual development of the installed plant and more focused investments. The result is a suitable infrastructure for the technological development demanded by the world of telecommunications.
|