Can You Find Me Now?
By Christopher Reese
We’ve all read about the really cool stuff that can be done with the IP-enabled voice networks and IMS network architecture. Convergence is a beautiful concept. Bringing it to a reality has presented some challenges though.
How do you create convergence in a world of separate networks…and technologies for that matter?
If the “the Big Boys” struggle to converge their legacy wireline, wireless, video and web services when they control all of the pieces, how does a competitor dealing with multiple network providers to provide a similar suite of services do it? After all, there are all sorts of issues when sharing customer data across multiple parties and networks, not the least of which are maintaining CPNI compliance and protecting information from potential competitors. Furthermore, how do you enable direct, IP-based interconnection between multiple carriers while keeping up with number portability? SPID-based routing may work for domestic voice, but what about other ‘advanced services’ like video calls?
NeuStar claims to have the answer today, and it is called SIP-IX.
More than simply an ENUM database, SIP-IX receives data from the NPAC database to track subscribers as they change carriers, provides support for LNP routing query access via SS7 TCAP or SIP/ENUM, and stores routing information for various IMS services such as location and presence as well as video calling. Additionally, through NeuStar’s technology partnerships, there’s even a very powerful least cost routing, rating, and clearinghouse engine that is sort of like the cherry on top.
Another very nice feature is the ease of integrating SIP-IX into a carrier’s network and back office. SIP-IX is provisioned using the carrier’s existing NPAC SOA interfaces. This means negligible operational impact to deploy SIP-IX. In other words, most carriers are already doing everything necessary to support the SIP-IX routing database; they just aren’t enjoying the benefits………yet.
More than “brochure-ware”, NeuStar has just completed a successful carrier field trial that included PAETEC and 3 other U.S. carriers.
“We’re excited about the control and options SIP-IX gives our existing network. The technology brings efficiencies in network management, reduces costs, provides disaster recovery options, and ultimately allows us to serve our next generation customers better than ever before,” says Todd Lechtenberg, vice president of Network Planning for PAETEC.
Tim Cody, senior director of product management for neustar explains the vision behind the product: “SIP-IX was designed as a neutral point for all types of communication providers to exchange routing information and control who sees that information to facilitate services over IP interoperability. In order to maintain neutrality, it was also critical for SIP-IX to enforce the rules but not to create the rules. SIP-IX is a social network for communication providers to share routing information for almost any service over IP in order to allow communication between networks and increase adoption to drive revenues. For example, when end users were able to SMS (text message) anyone regardless of wireless provider, adoption of SMS increased 35 times.”
Some ILECs have also embraced SIP-IX because of its ability to provide rules-based routing between different types of networks. One very large carrier has begun using SIP-IX to enable MMS traffic to its wireline customers – a feature once available only to wireless subscribers.
As end-users embrace having features and services follow them rather than a specific device, the need for carriers to have a single, neutral, trusted repository for that data becomes more and more important.
“Neustar has been managing proprietary carrier data for over a decade. That’s what I believe makes us the ideal partner,” comments Michael Misheff, vice president of NeuStar’s Converged Addressing Group.
“Furthermore, Carriers are looking for a true solution versus single components. SIP-IX provides that solution in addition to solving more difficult issues such as defined inter-carrier settlement and the ability to “acquire” bulk transport minutes,” Misheff adds.
Time and the marketplace will tell if NeuStar has a winner with their SIP-IX product. It certainly looks like the company has put together a well thought out package. IP
Christopher Reese is President of Christopher Reese & Associates, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in technology strategy, vendor assessment, and project management for both enterprise and carriers. He can be reached at chris.reese@cra-llc.us.
