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The softswitch system is still widely used, so I've been studying how it can be most effectively utilized within private networks. I'm sharing my insights here, hoping they will be helpful to others. While VoIP technology once gained popularity in the market, it has since seen a decline. In the telecommunications industry, softswitch technology has become a major topic of discussion. Currently, major domestic operators are conducting next-generation network (NGN) trials with softswitch at the core. Although there's a lot of enthusiasm and high expectations for NGN, we must also acknowledge the current unsatisfactory market and technical environment.
From a technical perspective, challenges such as multi-protocol support and conversion, interoperability issues between different vendors using the same protocol, and ensuring quality of service (QoS) on the IP public network remain significant headaches. From a market demand standpoint, the initial phase of NGN development focuses mainly on voice services, which doesn't offer a strong competitive advantage to users. Given that the existing market structure is already in place, operators are unlikely to replace traditional switches with softswitch systems.
Although softswitch platforms can support a wider range of applications, their market potential remains uncertain because these features aren't essential to consumers. If NGN is truly market-oriented, its success will depend more on meeting real market needs rather than just technological strengths. This is a critical question that needs careful consideration. When we faced various challenges on the public network, did we ever think about applying softswitch technology in a private network?
Private IP networks are highly controllable and manageable. If QoS is not satisfactory on such a network, we can at least attempt to improve it. Moreover, on a private network, we don’t have to deal with complex protocol interoperability or standardization issues. At the application level, softswitch vendors can tailor software solutions to meet specific enterprise, government, or organizational needs, rather than targeting a difficult consumer market.
Some may argue that softswitch systems struggle to find practical applications in private networks. However, China’s ongoing efforts to build a public safety network provide a clear example. This network uses a command center based on the softswitch platform, not just a call center. The importance of urban public safety has grown significantly since the 9/11 attacks in the U.S. How to efficiently use limited resources, establish an emergency response mechanism, enhance the government’s ability to handle crises, and provide faster emergency assistance to citizens has become a key issue for city managers.
According to some reports, China plans to invest 27 billion yuan in the construction of joint command centers in cities over the next few years. This represents a huge opportunity. So, what role can the softswitch system play in this context?
Currently, China's urban rescue system is organized into independent functional departments, such as public security, fire services, and medical emergency units. These systems are well-established, especially in large and medium-sized cities, where advanced technical standards have led to effective results. However, due to the unpredictable nature of disasters, handling emergencies often requires coordination across multiple departments. Traditional departmental structures are no longer sufficient for modern disaster management, leading to the concept of inter-departmental coordination and the establishment of integrated command mechanisms in many cities.
Despite these efforts, the existing command network—built on traditional switch platforms—still falls short. It only organizes existing call centers but fails to manage the entire network of agents, resulting in a fragmented system rather than a unified command center. This leads to inefficiencies and confusion in management, which is not ideal for emergency situations that require speed and efficiency.
Emergencies are often unexpected and span multiple areas, requiring flexible and dynamic command structures. Decision-makers should not be constrained by rigid hierarchical frameworks. Instead, the organizational structure should adapt dynamically as events unfold, much like forming a temporary command center. Technically, this means agents on the network can be flexibly defined and reorganized based on different scenarios and stages of an incident, enabling a true network command system.
This is where the softswitch platform excels. Unlike traditional switch systems, it allows any node on the IP network to act as part of a unified command center. Seats can be grouped dynamically, for example, combining a seat from the first-level command center, a 119 emergency unit, and a 110 police unit under one group. The first-level command seat can serve as the team leader, allowing centralized control and flexible switching between different alarm modes to meet varying needs.
While building a network command center using softswitch technology requires some technical improvements, it is not an insurmountable challenge. Once implemented, it can bring transformative changes in emergency response and public safety, something traditional switch platforms cannot achieve. Therefore, the application of softswitch technology in private networks holds great potential and offers a promising future.