C3 Gateway Controller

GENBAND's C3^TM Gateway Controller is a multi-application softswitch and media server/media gateway control platform that enables a new level of reliability, flexibility, and scalability for network operators. Deployed worldwide and operating with GENBAND’s G9, G6, and G2 IP gateways, the C3 allows operators to cap-and-grow or replace their TDM switches or provide scalable VoIP in greenfield applications.

Wireless and Wireline Network Convergence – The C3 provides service convergence and feature transparency across a wide range of wireless and wireline, TDM and IP, and core and access networks. Solutions supported by the C3 include Class 4/IP Trunking including IP Tandem, International Transit, Long Distance Bypass, and PSTN gateway for IMS; Subscriber services; Wireless solutions including Inter-MSC Trunking and Gateway MSC; and IP Transcoding / Media Adaptation.

Open Architecture and Standard Interfaces – Unlike proprietary platforms, the C3 provides open, standard access and trunking interfaces for signaling, management, and line equipment/CPE, including SIP, SIP-I, SIP-T, H.323, H.248, MGCP, PRI, SIGTRAN, CAS/R2, SS7/C7, BICC, IS-41, AIN/IN, V5.2, and GR-303. This allows it to be an efficient, standards-based element that provides signaling interworking, call control and features, supporting distributed or centralized architectures to generate cost savings and new revenue from VoIP-based service offerings.

Extensive Feature Set – The C3 enables robust services for the most demanding environments. Class 4/IP Trunking features include comprehensive routing, translations, screening, database interface (toll free, prepaid, etc.), and protocol interworking. An extensive set of subscriber features are also provided including an integrated SBC with per session firewall, NAT learning, and dynamic ACL; Lawful Intercept; Number Portability; audio bridging/conferencing; and emergency services.

Transcoding/MRF – Working in conjunction with GENBAND’s G9 Converged Gateway, the C3 is a media resource controller that enables direct IP to IP transcoding between disparate networks. Its extensive wireless and wireline codec support and SIP interfaces enable it to be an efficient centralized transcoding control platform for all networks, physically separating control from the media processing elements so that transcoding resources can be efficiently sized and scaled according to network needs.

Integrated Features for Simplicity and Cost Reduction – The C3 integrates media gateway and media server control, service logic, billing, regulatory, signaling, service creation, and element management within a common, scalable software and hardware environment, thereby reducing the need to deploy costly additional platforms. Its protocol-independent signaling and media control functions manage the interconnections between TDM and packet protocols, independent of incoming and outgoing facilities and signaling types.

High Capacity Platform Architecture – Network-proven worldwide, the C3 supports millions of Busy Hour Call Attempts (BHCA). The highly-scalable C3 operates in small to large configurations. Operators can grow capacity as needed by simply adding pairs of C3 nodes to a deployed system, provisioning call processing and signaling across the complete C3 system for cost-effective network deployments.

IMS Compatibility – A flexible platform for standalone pre-IMS networks, the C3 can also operate in parallel with an IMS core or TISPAN networks to maximize investment protection. The C3 provides standard interfaces to IMS cores for media processing control as the Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF) and Media Resource Function Controller (MRFC).

Integrated CDR Collection – An easy-to-use, integrated CDR and IPDR collector is provided by the C3, allowing call detail records to be generated in both standard and user-definable formats.

Flexible Service Creation – The service creation environment available in the C3 can be used by operators for advanced service development. The platform also uses open interfaces to support off-board application servers and SCP systems via both AIN and SIP to enable other revenue-generating network services.

Carrier-Grade Platform – The C3 software is deployed in high-availability distributed clusters using one or more pairs of standard, carrier-grade servers. The C3 supports fully-redundant network deployments as well as geographic redundancy via its distributed software architecture.

Integrated GenView™ Network Management – The C3 has an integrated GenView Element Management System that enables remote and centralized OAM&P control of multiple C3 nodes and gateways via web-based terminals. It includes a suite of standard-based interfaces to support FCAPS functions.