Raptor 2.0 (Soft-switch Solution)
Raptor 2.0: Energize Your Communication
What is Raptor 2.0? Raptor 2.0:
Raptor 2.0 is a comprehensive soft switch solution with integrated billing, pre-paid rating, whole sale, retail, distributor management, call shop, intelligent routing, performance and financial reporting, real time system monitoring and VAS management system. It is a Telco-grade solution that provides N+1 redundant topology with 99.99% uptime guarantee.
Raptor 2.0 provides flexibility to respond quickly to opportunities or threats in your markets. It can fully support your business expansion to a virtually unlimited size, working independently or be integrated with as a subsystem in your network.
Raptor 2.0 core manages the flow of traffic in and out of the supporting elements in a cost effective and efficient manner. It inter-works with Network Services, Application Service, Operation Support System (OSS) and Billing System.
There are three (3) main components in the Raptor 2.0 architecture.
The network services support your needs for infrastructure when you grow your business.
Raptor 2.0 SIP Proxy
Comprehensive set of telephony features are provided for end-to-end users. A high level of compatibility allows the Raptor 2.0 SIP Proxy to connect with almost any existing IP network.
It supports multiple types of NAT Traversal. ENUM support ensures stability of the flow of VoIP traffic through the firewall and NAT device.
Raptor 2.0 eXpress Media Gateway
With Raptor 2.0 eXpress Media Gateway, direct connectivity to IP traffic for TDM network is enabled. It permits operators to move into the new world of IP-based services and to take advantage of lower costs of carrying VoIP while integrating with their legacy equipments.
Raptor 2.0 Media Server
It was developed to provide media processing capability for the network. Multiple support interfaces allow flexibility in offering the services. Different recording schemes diversify the services provided which increase the attractiveness of services and profitability.
Raptor 2.0 RTP Proxy
The RTP Proxy provides a bridge to exchange RTP packets between destinations. Used in conjunction with the Raptor 2.0 RTP Proxy, the packet headers are modified to provide maximum security and assign bandwidth dynamically.
Raptor 2.0 Recording Server
To ensure the quality and legitimacy of calls and information provided, two (2) different recording methods are included in the Raptor 2.0 Recording Server. They are IP Recording and TDM Recording. Raptor 2.0 multiple recording schemes allow operators to process recordings based on their needs.
Session Border Controller
To develop or deploy a full VoIP network, a qualified Session Border Controller (SBC) is needed to provide security services and connection behind a firewall. The SBC included in the Raptor 2.0 package is an industrial strength, carrier grade device that helps operators to secure their VoIP network generating more opportunities to offer revenue-generating services.
Application Services
ISR / ITSP Solution Package
Prepaid
Prepaid service has become more and more popular locally and internationally. Telecom service providers have invested significant effort into attracting and retaining customers. Many providers around the world have connected with CSS to develop successful businesses in the rapidly changing market by offering prepaid calling cards.
Postpaid
Support for Postpaid services is also provided to accommodate situations where it is required or advantageous to offer this type of service. The same services that are available for Prepaid are also available for Postpaid.
CallBack / FollowMe Services
These two kinds of services enable users to enjoy low-cost international calls with fixed lines or mobile phones outside their home countries. The mechanism behind the services is similar and they can be act as value-added service and marketing promotion features to attract new users.
Three kinds of CallBack service are available for users to request the service; they are Missed Call CallBack, Web CallBack and SMS CallBack. These services can increase the competitiveness of operators in the international market with cost reduction for international calls and keep their subscribers on their network when they travel.
For the FollowMe service, a Direct Inward Dialing (DID) number will be provided to their users. It can be used to divert calls to any phone number. Two (2) different forwarding solutions are provided:
Wholesale Service
Different routing options are provided in the Wholesale service package at commercially attractive prices. Together with Management Report, Billing and Vigilant System, telecom operators can control their business completely by referring to management and billing reports. Proactive fault management and event notifications help telecom operators minimize the impact of unexpected events.
Fixed Network Package
IP Centrex
Centrex is a set of specialized business solutions (primarily, but not exclusively, for voice service) where the equipment providing the call control and service logic functions is owned and operated by the service provider and hence is located on the service provider's premises. Since Centrex frees the customer from the costs and responsibilities of major equipment ownership, Centrex can be thought of as an outsourcing solution.
IP Centrex refers to a number of IP telephony solutions where Centrex service is offered to a customer who transmits its voice calls to the network as packetized streams across a broadband access facility.
Raptor 2.0 Platform is able to provide complete IP Centrex facility to end users across multiple client sites.
Network Voicemail
Each users can be provided with their personalized voice mail service, with simultaneous message handling, calling party ID storage, message forwarding to another voicemail account, SMS and email notification for new voicemail, message retrieval via Internet and flexible policy making ability for the operator to customize the service in various packages etc.
Conference Bridge
Audio, video and web conferencing systems, conference phones, and hosted conference call services and any other form of teleconferencing facility are supported.
Virtual Contact Centre
There is no need to buy, maintain or manage a contact centre system. Clients can focus on their business and manage their agents and leave the contact centre to the Virtual Contact Centre.
The on-demand Victual Contact Centre services require only a personal computer and broadband Internet service for the client. The entire call centre management solution is provided.
Mobile Network Package
The Raptor 2.0 support non-facilities based MVNO implementation for different models including:
Service Node based MVNOService Node based implementation requires the call to physically go through the Raptor 2.0 platform for the AAA functions. The offers the MVNO provider the highest level of control of the three implementation methods, such as selecting provider for international routes, setting up their own number manipulation. By contrast, this method requires a larger number of trunk groups connecting to hosting MNP.
This method also has a difficulty intercepting GPRS and SMS usage, as GPRS and SMS traffic will not route through the service node. Instead, GPRS and SMS usage can only be reported offline when the subscriber uses the service, unless special setup is made at the SMSC and GGSN/SGSN.
This business model requires the least initial investment for the smaller system but higher operation cost for the local loop rental.
Intelligent Network
Intelligent network (CAMEL) provides an MVNO operator a effective way to monitor their subscribers. Different versions of CAMEL are capable to monitor usage in the following area. Currently most of the MNP operators are running on CAMEL 1, which allows MVNO taking control on the voice channels.
This implementation approach does have a higher initial investment, but lower operation cost.
Interconnection with MVNE via TCP Socket Message
Because of the high investment cost and the benefit of using CAMEL for the MVNO connection, some of the xSP invented a MVNE concept which share the investment cost by aggregating traffic from different MVNO operators.
A MVNO operator can connect to a MVNE via low cost TCP links and control of all subscribers’ activities, such as authorizing send/receive SMS, GRPS, VoIP or Audio. While, they are not require to have any local loop connecting to the hosted MNP operator.
This implementation approach offer both a low initial investment, and low operation cost.
Operation Support Service (OSS)
These are optional services related to the operations of the Raptor 2.0. They are also value-added services to provide full support for your service management.
Calling Card Management (CCM)
CCM is used to provide inventory management and logistics for Prepaid calling cards. It allows operators to keep track of the assignment of calling cards and to monitor the stock level assigned to distributors and resellers of calling cards.
Raptor 2.0 Reporting System
The Raptor 2.0 Reporting System provides a series of reports to assist network planning, performance monitoring and business operations.
Other reports include alerts (generated by Raptor 2.0 Vigilant System), account, area code, profit / cost and ASR. Many of our reports provide not only data, but also graphs for easy interpretation.
Unused Minutes Reporting for prepaid services is of interest to the operators. This helps the operators to measure the effectiveness of rate changes and new tariff plans in an attempt to fine tune and understand their impact on the bottom line.
Raptor 2.0 Vigilant System
The Raptor 2.0 Vigilant Alert is implemented as a separate application. It is designed to monitor all components of the Raptor 2.0 and it performs automatic and proactive health and threshold checking of selected system objects. When an element is identified outside the expected operating limits, Vigilant sends alerts via email, SMS or calls. Areas monitored include hardware, software applications; call quality and user account activities. All events are recorded in a system log.
All call irregularities can be monitored based on account, area code, interval, minimum number of calls and balance thresholds.
Each account may have three (3) configurable levels of balance thresholds. An SMS message or email is triggered when any threshold is exceeded.
Management Console
A web-based management console is provided to help operators manage their service offerings. The high accessibility of the console and user-friendly interface allow operators to keep track of all their services and system operation.
Deployment
Existing soft-switches can be costly to deploy. The Raptor 2.0 was developed to cater to operators who have an objective to deploy soft-switches that will not require a large up-front investment. The Raptor 2.0 distributed architecture, functional modularity and scalability permit an operator to deploy a soft-switch in a more cost effective manner, when and as the need to handle more traffic grows.
The use of open standards and an IP-based distributed architecture allow telecom operators to maintain the operation of their legacy equipments as part of the CSS solution. Retirement of the legacy equipments can be deferred until the economics justify the action.
Conclusion
In the current environment, deploying a soft-switch solution is a real requirement for operators who expect to profit from the benefits of an IP network and the trend towards higher volumes of IP traffic.
Raptor 2.0 provides a platform upon which to easily and cost effectively grow the traffic handling capacity of an operator. It also provides a facility to quickly launch services as the demand in the market is identified. It can help the operators to rapidly respond to new revenue opportunities.
What is Raptor 2.0? Raptor 2.0:
- is an IP based soft switch solution
- provides comprehensive features for handling voice
- provides whole sale traffic and retail channel management system
- provides advanced access, IVR and ACD functions
- comes with complete billing and rating solution
- can be implemented as an On-demand / Software as a Service (SaaS) model
- can be deployed in the Cloud
Raptor 2.0 is a comprehensive soft switch solution with integrated billing, pre-paid rating, whole sale, retail, distributor management, call shop, intelligent routing, performance and financial reporting, real time system monitoring and VAS management system. It is a Telco-grade solution that provides N+1 redundant topology with 99.99% uptime guarantee.
Raptor 2.0 provides flexibility to respond quickly to opportunities or threats in your markets. It can fully support your business expansion to a virtually unlimited size, working independently or be integrated with as a subsystem in your network.
Raptor 2.0 core manages the flow of traffic in and out of the supporting elements in a cost effective and efficient manner. It inter-works with Network Services, Application Service, Operation Support System (OSS) and Billing System.
There are three (3) main components in the Raptor 2.0 architecture.
- Raptor 2.0 Core Platform:
- It can provide support for advanced application services and interconnects with different network services.
- The core platform with built-in redundancy and resilience can fulfill the requirements of telecom operators.
- The Raptor 2.0 Core Platform can support up to 64,000 simultaneous calls on a single node environment and can be cascaded to achieve higher density.
- Network Services:
- It is a collection of different network support subsystems.
- It can provide the base functionality for the NGN network.
- The Network Services includes the following components:
- Raptor 2.0 SIP Proxy
- Raptor 2.0 eXpress Media Gateway
- Raptor 2.0 RTP Proxy
- Raptor 2.0 Media Server
- Raptor 2.0 Recording Server
- Application Services:
- It can provide the functional logistics for different revenue generating applications.
- Raptor 2.0 currently supports four (4) categories of applications, which include:
- ISR/ITSP Solution Package
- Fixed Network Package
- Mobile Network Package
- Fixed / Mobile Convergence Package
The network services support your needs for infrastructure when you grow your business.
Raptor 2.0 SIP Proxy
Comprehensive set of telephony features are provided for end-to-end users. A high level of compatibility allows the Raptor 2.0 SIP Proxy to connect with almost any existing IP network.
It supports multiple types of NAT Traversal. ENUM support ensures stability of the flow of VoIP traffic through the firewall and NAT device.
Raptor 2.0 eXpress Media Gateway
With Raptor 2.0 eXpress Media Gateway, direct connectivity to IP traffic for TDM network is enabled. It permits operators to move into the new world of IP-based services and to take advantage of lower costs of carrying VoIP while integrating with their legacy equipments.
Raptor 2.0 Media Server
It was developed to provide media processing capability for the network. Multiple support interfaces allow flexibility in offering the services. Different recording schemes diversify the services provided which increase the attractiveness of services and profitability.
Raptor 2.0 RTP Proxy
The RTP Proxy provides a bridge to exchange RTP packets between destinations. Used in conjunction with the Raptor 2.0 RTP Proxy, the packet headers are modified to provide maximum security and assign bandwidth dynamically.
Raptor 2.0 Recording Server
To ensure the quality and legitimacy of calls and information provided, two (2) different recording methods are included in the Raptor 2.0 Recording Server. They are IP Recording and TDM Recording. Raptor 2.0 multiple recording schemes allow operators to process recordings based on their needs.
Session Border Controller
To develop or deploy a full VoIP network, a qualified Session Border Controller (SBC) is needed to provide security services and connection behind a firewall. The SBC included in the Raptor 2.0 package is an industrial strength, carrier grade device that helps operators to secure their VoIP network generating more opportunities to offer revenue-generating services.
Application Services
ISR / ITSP Solution Package
Prepaid
Prepaid service has become more and more popular locally and internationally. Telecom service providers have invested significant effort into attracting and retaining customers. Many providers around the world have connected with CSS to develop successful businesses in the rapidly changing market by offering prepaid calling cards.
Postpaid
Support for Postpaid services is also provided to accommodate situations where it is required or advantageous to offer this type of service. The same services that are available for Prepaid are also available for Postpaid.
CallBack / FollowMe Services
These two kinds of services enable users to enjoy low-cost international calls with fixed lines or mobile phones outside their home countries. The mechanism behind the services is similar and they can be act as value-added service and marketing promotion features to attract new users.
Three kinds of CallBack service are available for users to request the service; they are Missed Call CallBack, Web CallBack and SMS CallBack. These services can increase the competitiveness of operators in the international market with cost reduction for international calls and keep their subscribers on their network when they travel.
For the FollowMe service, a Direct Inward Dialing (DID) number will be provided to their users. It can be used to divert calls to any phone number. Two (2) different forwarding solutions are provided:
- Direct Number Implementation
- Single Number / Multiple Numbers Implementation
Wholesale Service
Different routing options are provided in the Wholesale service package at commercially attractive prices. Together with Management Report, Billing and Vigilant System, telecom operators can control their business completely by referring to management and billing reports. Proactive fault management and event notifications help telecom operators minimize the impact of unexpected events.
Fixed Network Package
IP Centrex
Centrex is a set of specialized business solutions (primarily, but not exclusively, for voice service) where the equipment providing the call control and service logic functions is owned and operated by the service provider and hence is located on the service provider's premises. Since Centrex frees the customer from the costs and responsibilities of major equipment ownership, Centrex can be thought of as an outsourcing solution.
IP Centrex refers to a number of IP telephony solutions where Centrex service is offered to a customer who transmits its voice calls to the network as packetized streams across a broadband access facility.
Raptor 2.0 Platform is able to provide complete IP Centrex facility to end users across multiple client sites.
Network Voicemail
Each users can be provided with their personalized voice mail service, with simultaneous message handling, calling party ID storage, message forwarding to another voicemail account, SMS and email notification for new voicemail, message retrieval via Internet and flexible policy making ability for the operator to customize the service in various packages etc.
Conference Bridge
Audio, video and web conferencing systems, conference phones, and hosted conference call services and any other form of teleconferencing facility are supported.
Virtual Contact Centre
There is no need to buy, maintain or manage a contact centre system. Clients can focus on their business and manage their agents and leave the contact centre to the Virtual Contact Centre.
The on-demand Victual Contact Centre services require only a personal computer and broadband Internet service for the client. The entire call centre management solution is provided.
Mobile Network Package
The Raptor 2.0 support non-facilities based MVNO implementation for different models including:
- Service Node base implementation
- Intelligent Network (CAMEL)
- Interconnection with MVNE via TCP Socket Message.
Service Node based MVNOService Node based implementation requires the call to physically go through the Raptor 2.0 platform for the AAA functions. The offers the MVNO provider the highest level of control of the three implementation methods, such as selecting provider for international routes, setting up their own number manipulation. By contrast, this method requires a larger number of trunk groups connecting to hosting MNP.
This method also has a difficulty intercepting GPRS and SMS usage, as GPRS and SMS traffic will not route through the service node. Instead, GPRS and SMS usage can only be reported offline when the subscriber uses the service, unless special setup is made at the SMSC and GGSN/SGSN.
This business model requires the least initial investment for the smaller system but higher operation cost for the local loop rental.
Intelligent Network
Intelligent network (CAMEL) provides an MVNO operator a effective way to monitor their subscribers. Different versions of CAMEL are capable to monitor usage in the following area. Currently most of the MNP operators are running on CAMEL 1, which allows MVNO taking control on the voice channels.
This implementation approach does have a higher initial investment, but lower operation cost.
Interconnection with MVNE via TCP Socket Message
Because of the high investment cost and the benefit of using CAMEL for the MVNO connection, some of the xSP invented a MVNE concept which share the investment cost by aggregating traffic from different MVNO operators.
A MVNO operator can connect to a MVNE via low cost TCP links and control of all subscribers’ activities, such as authorizing send/receive SMS, GRPS, VoIP or Audio. While, they are not require to have any local loop connecting to the hosted MNP operator.
This implementation approach offer both a low initial investment, and low operation cost.
Operation Support Service (OSS)
These are optional services related to the operations of the Raptor 2.0. They are also value-added services to provide full support for your service management.
Calling Card Management (CCM)
CCM is used to provide inventory management and logistics for Prepaid calling cards. It allows operators to keep track of the assignment of calling cards and to monitor the stock level assigned to distributors and resellers of calling cards.
Raptor 2.0 Reporting System
The Raptor 2.0 Reporting System provides a series of reports to assist network planning, performance monitoring and business operations.
Other reports include alerts (generated by Raptor 2.0 Vigilant System), account, area code, profit / cost and ASR. Many of our reports provide not only data, but also graphs for easy interpretation.
Unused Minutes Reporting for prepaid services is of interest to the operators. This helps the operators to measure the effectiveness of rate changes and new tariff plans in an attempt to fine tune and understand their impact on the bottom line.
Raptor 2.0 Vigilant System
The Raptor 2.0 Vigilant Alert is implemented as a separate application. It is designed to monitor all components of the Raptor 2.0 and it performs automatic and proactive health and threshold checking of selected system objects. When an element is identified outside the expected operating limits, Vigilant sends alerts via email, SMS or calls. Areas monitored include hardware, software applications; call quality and user account activities. All events are recorded in a system log.
All call irregularities can be monitored based on account, area code, interval, minimum number of calls and balance thresholds.
Each account may have three (3) configurable levels of balance thresholds. An SMS message or email is triggered when any threshold is exceeded.
Management Console
A web-based management console is provided to help operators manage their service offerings. The high accessibility of the console and user-friendly interface allow operators to keep track of all their services and system operation.
Deployment
Existing soft-switches can be costly to deploy. The Raptor 2.0 was developed to cater to operators who have an objective to deploy soft-switches that will not require a large up-front investment. The Raptor 2.0 distributed architecture, functional modularity and scalability permit an operator to deploy a soft-switch in a more cost effective manner, when and as the need to handle more traffic grows.
The use of open standards and an IP-based distributed architecture allow telecom operators to maintain the operation of their legacy equipments as part of the CSS solution. Retirement of the legacy equipments can be deferred until the economics justify the action.
Conclusion
In the current environment, deploying a soft-switch solution is a real requirement for operators who expect to profit from the benefits of an IP network and the trend towards higher volumes of IP traffic.
Raptor 2.0 provides a platform upon which to easily and cost effectively grow the traffic handling capacity of an operator. It also provides a facility to quickly launch services as the demand in the market is identified. It can help the operators to rapidly respond to new revenue opportunities.
