Sonus Networks, Inc., a supplier of service provider IP-voice infrastructure solutions, has announced that XO Communications (News - Alert) has upgraded its network security by deploying Sonus’ field-proven Network Border Switch (NBS).
To differentiate this solution from traditional peering and security products such as Session Border Controllers (SBCs), Sonus’ NBS is designed to be a purpose-built IP-based solution that combines session control, PSTN
gateway services and security into a single, high performance, highly scalable, carrier-class solution.
The power of the NBS to protect IP-voice networks was recently validated by CT Labs (News - Alert), a full service testing and analysis lab. The lab concluded a battery of tests to prove that the NBS is capable of standing up to extreme denial of service attacks.
"XO is committed to providing its business customers with premium voice service, and in today's environment, that requires defending the network against a variety of security threats," said Randy Nicklas, chief technology officer, XO Communications, in a Wednesday statement.
"In addition, more and more network operators are investing in their IP
networks. With the NBS, we're able to peer directly with other networks via IP. The transcoding capabilities of the NBS have enabled us to broaden our service offerings and to drive even greater efficiency throughout our network."
Designed to improve connectivity between disparate IP networks, the Sonus NBS also allows operators to gain protection, control and visibility over those accessing their networks.
XO Communications carries more than 15 billion minutes of IP voice traffic in 2006. The network also carries approximately 1.6 billion minutes of IP voice traffic every month. With such a large IP voice deployment, scalability and reliability were two of the driving factors for migrating to the NBS.
"Like the entire Sonus product portfolio, the NBS stands out in the industry for its ability to scale while maintaining the highest levels of performance and reliability," said Hassan Ahmed, president, chairman and CEO, Sonus Networks (News - Alert) in Wednesday’s statement.
"We understand that security is a top concern for today's network operators, and we are committed to helping our customers protect the integrity of their networks, even under the most demanding environments."
Sonus in August unveiled the latest version of its NBS platform, available on both the GSX (News - Alert)™ 9000 and GSX™ 4000 platforms. The new version offers new features that support direct media, Denial of Service (DoS
) protection for access networks and consumers VoIP deployments.
This version also offers advanced encryption support for call set-up, and additional Secure Real Time Protocol (RTP
) to protect call content. The upgrade to the platform also includes new features for advanced management and Operational System Support (OSS) functionality.
Network security is a critical issue for all companies as they must take great pains to ensure that their propriety information is protected, while also protecting that of their customers.
XO Communications recognized the value that Sonus could provide with its Network Border Switch. As common as disparate networks are within corporations, the ability of the Sonus NBS to work within those structures ensures that any organization’s network can be adequately protected from threats.
Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMC (News - Alert) and has also written for eastbiz.com. To see more of her articles, please visit Susan J. Campbell’s columnist page.
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) | X |
A PSTN number is a dialed call which is switched or connected via a CO switching system called a Class 5 End office or in SS7....more |
Internet Protocol (IP) | X |
IP stands for Internet Protocol, a data-networking protocol developed throughout the 1980s. It is the established standard protocol for transmitting and receiving data
in packets over the Internet. I...more |
Real Time Transport Protocol (RTP) | X |
Real-time Control Protocol is used in VoIP signaling and RTP is used to send and receive the voice. However, RTCP/RTP are used with other protocols. Voice is generally encapsulated in UDP without re...more |
Denial of service (DoS) | X |
Denial of Service begins with a hacker who sends TCP-Transmission Control Protocol SYN-Synchronize message from a friendly site or "spoofed" with internal IP-Internet protocol Address. If target site ...more |