Call switching is a long-standing practice in the telecommunications industry that connects the caller to the intended recipient. Previously, phone administrators had to physically shift the phone line from one circuit to the next to connect a call between a caller and a recipient. If you look at a typical VoIP architecture today, you will notice that an automated process using a Class 4 and Class 5 Softswitch is replacing manual call routing. 

Open Source Class 5 Softswitch is a software switch that communicates with end users or consumers that connects to VoIP networks. Corporate clients and small businesses use it to handle long-distance and local telephony services. Because it is an open-source platform, it now supports IP PBX, contact centers, and calling card platforms.

In this article, we will discuss all the definitions and benefits of Class 5 Softswitch.

What Is Class 5 Softswitch?

A Class 5 Softswitch is a SIP Softswitch that acts as a controller, providing a single interface for multiple IP networks. It transfers end-to-end VoIP interactions. This software enables VoIP service providers to provide uninterrupted services for an incredibly low initial investment, further lowering operating costs. 

A VoIP Class 5 Softswitch is popular among VoIP providers, cell phone carriers, and PSTN carriers to connect phones (and other devices). Switches are classified into five types, numbered one through five. The number has nothing to do with the switch's quality or newness but instead with its location. Class 5 Softswitch is also the hardware that enables many VoIP call features.

VoIP providers use a specialized class 5 Softswitch known as an "IP switch," a "VoIP class five switch," or some variation thereof. VoIP Class 5 Softswitch software uses the SIP protocol. When you make an IP call, you connect to your provider's Softswitch via the internet. The call is routed to the correct IP address, SIP address, or DID number by Softswitch.

Class 5 Softswitch supports multiple features, including auto-attendant, call forwarding, call routes, call transfer, and call waiting. Additional features include caller ID, conference calling, enhanced voicemail, in-network calls, music, ring/hunt groups, UCC, and virtual numbers.

Features Of Class 5 Softswitch

Class 5 Softswitch services provide subscribers with basic dial-tone, calling features, and additional digital and data services via the local loop. Characteristics of a Softswitch Class 5 include:

  • Call authentication
  • IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
  • Callback
  • Billing and Routing
  • Analog-to-digital conversion
  • Social Media usability
  • Support for Codec, Media transcoding
  • Call transfer
  • Call forking
  • Call holding

Benefits Of Class 5 Softswitch

Class 5 Softswitch development is the most commonly used switch for routing calls across networks. Widely popular routing types include least-cost routing, loss-less routing, time-based routing, and so on. Here are some of the significant benefits of Class 5 Softswitch:

  • Within small areas, Class 5 Softswitch transfers call to Class 4 Softswitch for long-distance routing through retail VoIP service providers.
  • Class 5 Softswitch is primarily common in retail solutions.
  • Class 5 Softswitches are popular for interacting with VoIP service providers and end users.
  • Class 5 routes call to an end user's IP address, SIP address, or DID number.
  • The Class 5 Softswitch measures minutes and can automatically bill customers.

Wrapping Up

Although numerous other VoIP communication solutions are available, Class 5 Softswitch solutions have become the most in-demand solution. VoIP Class 5 Softswitch is a powerful platform with many intriguing modern features. A retail VoIP service provider can use this software to provide affluent quality IP services to enterprise and residential office customers with IP-enabled devices such as landline phones and adaptors.