VoIP technology has changed the way telecommunications industry functioned. Voice signals are converted into digital IP packets which are sent over the Internet to the destination. Call Agent, Media Gateway and Billing System are integral part of the VoIP system.

The telecommunications industry has moved miles in the last decade. Introduction of VoIP technology was a significant development in the industry which altered industry dynamics a lot. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a method of converting voice signals into digital IP packets and sending it via the Internet to the destination. The technology has become popular as it is a cost effective method of communication.

Softswitch is in the center of VoIP mechanism. A centrally located device within a telephone network, it is supported by a specialized software. The device links calls from one telephone line to the other. Before the device came into being, physical switches were used for call routing. The softswitch separates the hardware and software of a circuit switched network. The device handles IP-to-IP phone calls. A softswitch is used to control connections at the junction point between circuit and packet networks. A single device containing the switching fabric as well as the switching logic can be used for the purpose.

Modern technology has decomposed the device into a Call Agent and a Media Gateway. Functions like billing, call routing, signaling, call services are enabled by the call agent. Media Gateway links various types of digital media streams together to create an end-to-end path for the data. The system has interfaces to link to PSTN networks as well as ATM and IP networks.

The Billing System of VoIP services is integrated within the service. From service creation and classification to internal provisioning, an integrated VoIP system does the needful. Current VoIP billing systems are designed for Class 4 or Class 5 services, including hosted PBXs. Custom turnkey solutions are available which integrate into the existing telephony infrastructure. A robust billing system has adequate authentication and rating capabilities, providing service providers with efficient fraud management capabilities. It is designed to provide flexible solutions to the complexities of the VoIP switching world.

The system provides detailed analysis, reporting and bill generation capabilities. It can flawlessly handle millions of CDR’s, support complex business requirements and payment mechanism. It must also seamlessly integrate with most accounting applications. It keeps track of customers, rating, billing, prices, services, provisioning, customer care and technical support. Equipped with advanced automated capability, the billing software provides reliable data in an array of customizable forms.

Essential features of an efficient VoIP billing software are Cross Browser Compatibility & Web 2.0 Application, Standard and Advanced VoIP Billing Functionality, Call Legs Selection, Real-time Monitoring and Alerts, Multiple Authentication Methods, Carrier Grade Reliability, Modular Architecture, Elaborate Reporting, Virtual Server Partitioning, High Call Capacity and Interoperability with a range of switching platforms. So, before you finalize your software, just make sure that it is compatible.

The system must satisfy the basic requirements of VoIP service providers who want their VoIP billing system to be compatible enough when it comes to scalability, reliability and safety. The customers must benefit from the compatibility and flexibility of the VoIP system as much the providers. A robust VoIP system ensures that requirements are met at both the ends.