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session border controller in a VoIP network, when done right, takes care of security, interoperability, NAT traversal, codecs and protocols. However, it is not as straightforward as plugging in something and expecting it to work right off the bat. You need proper asterisk SBC software implementation done by experts to overcome issues.
Common issuesrnA cursory examination of online forums shows up issues faced by people. Some common issues:
“Trunk is registered but it is not possible to make call via trunk when asterisk pbx goes through trunk and SBC.”
“Is it possible to use Asterisk in AWS EC2 to work as SBC for direct routing for Microsoft Teams?”
There are dozens more similar queries that show problems people face, especially when considering shortcuts. Some are looking for cheaper solutions like FreeSBC to work with existing Asterisk based VoIP platform. Freemiums give a measure of functionality but if you want more you pay and even FreeSBC must be paid for if you want advanced features. If you are considering going the tortuous then it is better to think again and opt for perfect asterisk SBC solution development and implementation done right the first time by experts. You will not face issues like connectivity or undiscovered loopholes or loss of functionality.
A broader look is necessaryrnNot so long ago VoIP meant only voice over IP. Today, you must have a broader perspective: rnVoIP has become a generic term to cover all sorts of media including data, voice, text, multimedia and video. Such media could drive up SIP message rates and present a load that was not anticipated. The current need is for session border controller to scale signaling and media independently of one another for seamless operations.
SBC implementation requires that you also consider GSM and LTE as well as emerging 5G technology with the latter poised to place a greater burden on the network. Your SBC needs to be capable of handling these diverse sources and to carry out complex filtering and transformation operations besides address translation and bandwidth policing. Even a decade ago SBCs had to be able to handle 10000 concurrent calls and capacity to support 10000 media streams with 20 ms packetization interval. A decade later the requirements have risen substantially as regards security and media handling capability. You need a session border controller solution developer with a deeper understanding of what is required and ability to deliver customized solution to fit your VoIP operations, providing appropriate quality of service. Many enterprises today depend solely on VoIP for all their UC needs and that makes a super performing SBC all the more crucial for flawless communications.
Customization and configuration for different use casesrnEven within SBCs there are different types based on the function the session border controller is expected to perform. For instance: rnSBCs may carry out peering between wholesale and retail service provider. rnAccess type SBC to facilitate user access in environments that use contact center software, UC and IP PBX, typically seen in enterprises connecting to VoIP service providers.rnReal-time fraud protection SBC function to inspect traffic, possibly linked to real time fraud protection service provider. rnVirtual network function on uCPE at the edge of service provider network for intrusion protection. rnCpaaS SIP trunking functionality to integrate SIP trunking providers with different CpaaS platforms and to carry out load balancing.rnTo permit access to Software as a Service, applicable for remote users, work from home scenarios and for SIP/TLS and SRTP bypass. rnSoftware as a service trunking to resolve interoperability issues, manage traffic and route SIP trunk connectivity to SaaSS platforms.
You can have SBCs function as distributed media proxies and distributed signaling controllers. You could pick hardware based SBCs with specific functionality but would find yourself in a fix if the scenario calls for SBCs with multiple functionalities involving a combination of two or more of the above. Your solution is custom SBC software development and implementation by experts to fit your use case scenario.
The recent ongoing Huawei brouhaha over 5G technologies brings to the fore the East-West divide and the options you have between established brands like Ericcson, Lucent, Nortel, Siemens and Alcatel on the one hand and emerging challengers on the other. Established names with their high overheads are likely to charge astronomical prices for SBC solutions whereas emerging challengers wishing to get customers are likely to offer personalized customization, excellent development and far better customer support. Ecosmob, for instance, is one such VoIP technology company offering asterisk SBC solution development with customization and AI implementations. You may find their SBC development far more affordable and functionality may even exceed that of established brands. It is a good idea to consider what you are getting for your money, especially in a critical area like the session border controller.