Intelligent VoIP Gateways

NACT proposes that intelligent VoIP gateways perform all functions required for basic voice calls, and that they use SS7 signaling to minimize the number of messages passed between gateways. In this manner the complexity of software needed to coordinate what are ordinarily various single-function components is greatly minimized, which enhances VoIP network scalability and reliability.

An intelligent VoIP gateway performs all PSTN signaling inter-working, meaning it interfaces with any of the current PSTN signaling protocols, converts voice media with multiple vocoders available on a per-call basis, performs any voice prompting, voice recording, or digit collection needed, and even implements basic and some advanced applications such as automated operator, prepaid calling, etc.

Such intelligent gateways can be used as an element within any network configuration such as in point-to-point, point-to-multi-point, or multi-point-to-multi-point topologies and can serve as a media gateway, application server, softswitch (call control), or signaling gateway. The type of service the intelligent gateway performs depends on its configuration.

The NACT IPAX is an intelligent VoIP gateway that can stand alone and perform all of these functions. Plus, the hardware and software remain the same regardless of the functional configuration.