Dongguan Andu Electronic Co., Ltd. , https://www.autoido.com
The softswitch system is still widely used in many environments, and I've been exploring how it can be leveraged most effectively within private networks. I'm sharing my findings here, hoping they might be helpful to others. While VoIP technology once gained popularity in the market, it has gradually lost momentum, leading to renewed interest in softswitch technology within the telecommunications sector. Major domestic operators are now focusing on next-generation network (NGN) trials, with softswitch at the core. Although there's a lot of enthusiasm and high expectations for NGN, the current market and technical landscape remain challenging.
From a technical standpoint, softswitch systems face several critical issues—such as multi-protocol support and conversion, interoperability between different vendors using the same protocol, and quality of service (QoS) challenges on the public IP network. These problems are major roadblocks. On the market side, the initial phase of NGN development is primarily focused on voice services, which don't offer a strong enough value proposition to attract users. Since traditional switch infrastructures are already in place, operators are unlikely to replace them with softswitches. While softswitch platforms can support more advanced applications, their market potential remains uncertain because these features aren't essential for everyday consumers.
If NGN is truly market-driven, its success will depend more on meeting real user needs than on technological capabilities. This is a crucial question that requires careful consideration. When we encountered difficulties on the public network, did we ever think about applying softswitch technology in a private network?
Private IP networks offer a controlled environment where QoS can be improved if needed. Moreover, they avoid complex protocol interoperability and standardization issues. At the application level, softswitch vendors can tailor software to meet specific needs of enterprises, government agencies, or other functional units, rather than trying to compete in a difficult consumer market.
Some may argue that softswitch systems have limited applications in private networks. However, this is not entirely true. For example, China is currently building a public safety network that uses a softswitch-based command center. This is an important application area that highlights the potential of softswitch technology in specialized environments.
Since the 9/11 attacks in the U.S., the importance of urban public safety has become more evident. How to efficiently use limited resources, establish an effective emergency response mechanism, improve the government’s ability to handle crises, and provide faster emergency services to citizens have become key concerns for city managers. According to reports, China plans to invest 27 billion yuan in joint command centers over the next few years—a significant opportunity.
So what role can softswitch systems play in this scenario? Currently, China’s urban emergency systems are organized into independent departments such as police, fire, and medical services. While these systems are technically advanced and have achieved good results, disaster events often require coordination across multiple sectors. The existing fragmented approach is no longer sufficient, prompting the need for a unified command structure.
However, even with these linkage mechanisms, the current command network built on traditional switches is still limited. It only connects existing call centers but cannot manage the entire agent network, resulting in a disjointed, inefficient system. Emergency command requires speed and efficiency, and a rigid, multi-layered structure hinders that.
Emergencies are unpredictable and often involve multiple disciplines and regions. Future command networks must be flexible, allowing decision-makers to adjust organizational structures dynamically based on the situation. This is similar to setting up a temporary command center. Technically, softswitch platforms enable dynamic grouping of agents, allowing for real-time adjustments based on the type and stage of an incident.
Under a softswitch platform, any node can act as part of the command center. Because IP-based seats are not geographically restricted, agents can be grouped flexibly. For example, a seat from the first-level command center, along with one from 119 and another from 110, can be grouped together. The first-level seat can act as a squad leader, enabling centralized control and monitoring while switching between different alarm modes as needed.
Although implementing a softswitch-based command center requires some technical improvements, it is achievable. Once operational, it could bring significant changes to emergency management and public safety, something traditional switch platforms cannot deliver. Therefore, the application of softswitch technology in private networks holds great promise and potential for future growth.