Solution

Huawei Softswitch + SHLR + MSAN solution

A proper startup for

network
transformation
Huaweis Softswitch + SHLR +
MSAN solution
By Xu Huangcheng

Huawei Technologies

Challenges and
opportunities for
operators
raditional operators are now
facing three main challenges:
Saturation in fixed-line and
wireless voice markets;
Continued erosion of TDM
service revenue by IP and VoIP telephony;
Lack of an effective strategy and sufficient
profit margins for broadband services.

The need for transformation

The prevalent trend in the telecom
market exhibits wireless technologies
replacing fixed-line telephony, voice services
giving way to non-voice services, and ICT
convergence superseding traditional business
services. The fixed network market has
undergone substantive, structural changes in
terms of increasingly demanding market
requirements, the impact of technological
progress and fresh challenges due to
increased competition.
Telecommunications is now focused on
the integration of multimedia information

and the convergence of IT and CT in

corporate applications. Furthermore, there
now exists a greater emphasis on mobility
and personalized and customized services.
Technological advancements have given rise
to low cost new technology, more rapid
deployment methods and an unprecedented
ease of market entry. IP and mobile
technologies are the fastest developing
applications and, compounded by polarized
competition, cheap mobile voice and VoIP
telephony and VoIP services are shattering
the tried and tested license + voice service
delivery pattern. Structural transformation
is therefore inevitable for network operators,
and this is in fact necessary to guarantee
survival in the marketplace.

The nature of transformation and

NGN
This of course raises the question of
defining clear goals relative to the nature of
this transformation. Some common viewpoints have been found after analyzing the
cases and strategic plans of todays leading
global operators, including BTs 21st
Century plan, Telstras Future Network Evolution and NTTs Resonant Communi-

Service & Management

ENIP

NMS

APP Server

3rd Party

Network Control
SHLR

Softswitch

Signaling GW

Resource Manager

Resource Manager

Router

Router

IP Core Network
SS7/TDM

Core Switching

PSTN
Metro Optical Backhaul

SS7/V5.2/TDM

Media GW
MSAN
XDSL / LAN / POTS

Edge Access

LAN
IAD
AP

IPTV

SIP Phone Internet POTS Softphone

Residential

Figure 1

AP

POTS

Softphone

Enterprise

Huawei Softswitch + SHLR + MSAN solution

Mobile Scenario

cation Network Architecture. It is the belief

of these companies that traditional operators
must shift perspective to become more
holistic and integrated information service
providers in order to reflect the fact that
networks are moving inexorably towards
convergence, broadband and network
intelligence.
Convergence can be defined as multiple
networks of services being combined into a
single network providing multiple services;
broadband refers to the evolution of
narrowband networks to broadband
networks; intelligence means the transition
of intelligent networks to network
intelligence. Traditional to NGN network
evolution occurs in two stages. Firstly, NGN
is used to reconstruct PSTN. Secondly,
corporate and home subscribers are provided
with converged Information Communication Technology (ICT) services.

Starting from Softswitch

+ SHLR + MSAN
Based on an understanding of future
network transformation, Huawei proposes
a solution utilizing Softswitch + SHLR +
MSAN, as shown in Figure 1.
There are four layers to this solution: the
service and management layer; the network
control layer; the core-switching layer; and
the edge access layer.
The service and management layer is an
open and integrated service platform that
provides service logic processing in terms of
creation, logic definition, programming
interfacing and management.
The network control layer consists of
softswitch and SHLR (Smart Home
Location Register). The softswitch comprises
of the networks service control center,
which provides control functionality, control
and command of media gateways and
access devices, signaling protocols
processing and CDR generation. The SHLR
in these terms encapsulates a user profile
center that acts as the central database
detailing every network subscriber, their
attributes and subscription ser vice
properties. Additionally, the SHLR can store
subscriber profiles in networks other
than NGN, such as PSTN or PLMN, as
well as storing logical and physical number

DEC 2005 ISSUE 20

46

Solution
Huawei Softswitch + SHLR + MSAN solution

maps. The SHLR, softswitch and service

platform are designed to enhance service
provision across the entire network (NGN,
PSTN, and PLMN).
The core-switching layer adopts packet
switching technology, and provides a highly
reliable, guaranteed large-bandwidth
integrated switching platform.
The edge access layer contains MSAN
(Multi-Service Access Network), an
integrated access gateway solution that
provides various kinds of access interfaces
including POTS, ISDN and xDSL.
Combining softswitch and SHLR in
terms of the solution as a whole brings
intelligence to the whole network. MSAN
is positioned as the access layer, thus

The broadband oriented network

MSAN introduces various broadband
access methods at the access layer and
increases the last mile bandwidth to meet
user broadband service requirements. At the
core-switching layer, the network is
constructed utilizing sufficient, guaranteed
core bandwidth to ensure high quality and
the ability to meet growing service needs.

The intelligence oriented

network
At the service layer, the existing separated
intelligent networks fixed, mobile and APP
server are replaced by one unified, intelli-

Traditional operators must shift perspective to become more holistic and

integrated information service providers.
enabling the provision of new broadband
services by broadening last mile bandwidth.
The features of convergence, broadband, and
intelligence are reflected in all four layers of
the network.

The convergence oriented

network
At the access layer, the existing multiple
access equipment traditional switch,
DSLAM and AN are replaced by one
MSAN, which embodies a unified access
platform and significantly decreases the
required number of access nodes. Diversified access service needs are met including
ADSL2+, VDSL, LAN, FTTH, WiMAX,
PBX, POTS and ISDN. At the core
switching layer, legacy PSTN, data and
Internet networks are replaced by a shared
IP network.
The service layer enables centralized
user profile storage and network call control,
which realizes the goals of service convergence and rapid service deployment.
Voice, mobility, multimedia and Internet converged services are readily expedited.

47

DEC 2005 ISSUE 20

gent service platform. The centralized subscriber data center and service-switching
center brings intelligence to the whole network and supports speedy and unified
service deployment.

A plethora of benefits
awaits
Initiating network transformation with
Softswitch + SHLR + MSAN offers users
a plethora of benefits:

The simplified network

architecture
Serving as independent call control nodes
in the traditional local network, the legacy
switch can be defined as an all-inclusive,
small capacity piece of equipment. In order
to actualize large-scale deployment, numerous offices are usually established in a small
area to build a layered network such as C1,
C2, C3 and so on. This can give rise to overcomplicated network dynamics, rendering
PSTN hard to maintain, update and expand.
Large capacity Softswitch + MSAN

denote the most practical and cost efficient

solution to solve this problem. The
softswitch contains a powerful processing
capability to support local subscribers, and
the different Media Gateways bundled with
this solution offer different capacities and
circumstantial adaptability. MSAN, which
can support thousands of subscribers,
possesses an internal switching function that
is suitable for relatively densely populated
areas or significant subscribers. If the bearer
network between softswitch and the MSAN
fails, MSAN subscribers can still communicate. The MSAN Outdoor Cabinet also
boasts an all-in-one design incorporating
power supply, MDF, battery and airconditioning system for outdoor application.
With this solution, one softswitch system
is capable of covering a very large area. Not
only is the structure of the network
simplified, but call failures are also greatly
reduced. The system as a whole offers
unequalled robustness and a dramatic
reduction in terms of total investment
expenditure in equipment, external lines and
maintenance. Plus, by adopting optical fiber
transmission, this solution can satisfy the
requirements of both today and the future.
As Figure 2 illustrates, the Softswitch +
MSAN solution reduces the number of host
switches from 10 to 1. All subscribers receive
centralized softswitch control that is accessed
through MSAN, and switch coverage is
extended from 3km to tens of kilometers.
Given that the MSAN receives centralized
control and monitoring from the softswitch,
this aspect of maintenance expenditure is
considerably lessened. Since the lower-level,
small capacity legacy switches are replaced
by an MSAN, the local network is unified. Therefore, call connection times are
shortened, call completion rates are increased, network safety and integrity is
enhanced, and the cost of upgrading and
overall maintenance reduced.

Bringing intelligence to the

whole network
The SHLR operates in a similar manner
to the HLR in a mobile network and the
HSS in IMS. It functions as the central
database for all subscribers in the network
and stores the mapping between logical
numbers and physical numbers, as well as

Huawei Technologies

ITE

TS

Softswitch

ITE

TS

TS

IP Network
MSAN

LE

LE

Figure 2

LE

LE

LE

MSAN

Softswitch + MSAN solution reduces the number of host switches

recording subscriber attributes and subscription service properties.

This methodology delivers the following
benefits for operators. Quick and low-cost
network-wide coverage of IN services. All
calls in the network are controlled and
billed via the softswitch, which acts as the
service control center. All subscriber data is
stored and managed by the SHLR, the
subscriber data center. The development and
deployment of services are no longer limited
by physical lines, and numbers located in
the LEs are scattered over different geographical locations.
The solution can provide IN services such
as Colorful RBT, ONLY, PPS, WAC, new
intelligent phones, MVN (Multiple Virtual
Number) to all subscribers without
upgrading the LEs. Thus network
profitability is boosted. OPEX is also reduced by centralized management, maintenance and subscriber data authorization.

evolution to NGN. The use of MSAN in

the NGNs access network reduces CAPEX
and OPEX and allows future service
integration and deployment to take place.
MSAN is an integrated access device that
can access services such as POTS, DDN, FR,
ATM, and IP. Therefore, operators do not
have to build and maintain multiple service
networks. Huawei has fully considered the
trend of future service development in the
MSAN system design. It is designed with a
triple-bus structure ATM, TDM, and IP.
All access modes are supported, as is the
deployment of the ANY PLAY service.
Operators are not required to upgrade
MSAN to support new future services.
The MSAN provides high-density,
narrowband and broadband hybrid boards,
increasing port density, reducing cabinet
size; simplifying cabling and minimizing
cabling space. OAM is simplified, reducing
CAPEX and OPEX.

Investment protection

Enhancing service capabilities

Huaweis Softswitch + SHLR + MSAN

solution can consolidate all PSTN service
capabilities and facilitate development
without losing current subscribers. It
therefore supports service transformation in
a manner that is forward-looking, proactive
and reactive to the future direction of the
industry. The access network is a key component of the local network, requiring the
greatest portion of CAPEX, and it forms the
access and transfer platform for all service
networks including PSTN, ISDN, DDN,
FR, ATM, and IP. At the moment, voice
service is still the principal network service,
but with the rapid development of packet
services, packet traffic will ultimately exceed
TDM traffic levels.
The access network provides access to all
service and local telephone networks and
inherently possesses the capacity for

With MSANs broadband access

capability, the network control
center softswitch and the
SHLR data center provide
richer ser vices spanning
multimedia, third-party and
network management. Service provision takes place together with the ENIP, a comprehensive service platform.
The development cost of
softswitchs new services is
only 20% that of traditional
telecom networks, and the
development period is only
10% that of PSTN.
Services and capabilities
include:
Traditional PSTN/ISDN
basic services, supplementary

services and Centrex services. This covers

traditional phones as well as SIP and H.323
multimedia phones.
Multimedia Application Services,
including point-to-point video services,
video conferencing, IPTV, interaction
between multimedia phones and 3G
handsets, and various types of multimedia
integrated services.
Value-added services include new
intelligent phones, iCard integrated account
cards, IN public phones, colorful dial,
background and ring back tones (CRBT),
instant billing, remote handset address, caller
authentication, ONLY, VPN, FFPH (family
free phone), FPH, voice address books,
audio cards, voice SMS, voice mailbox,
advertisements, designated phone payments
and an IP card service.
Third-party open API. The softswitch
and the ENIP platform provide an open
API so a third party may develop customized and personalized services. The
softswitch can access the Application
Server through standard SIP protocol, and
traditional SCP through
INAP in order to provide traditional and
new value-added
services. The ENIP
benefits from flexible and versatile
network capability opening

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Solution
Huawei Softswitch + SHLR + MSAN solution

models, providing openings to CORBA,

Web Services (SOAP) and RMI. ENIP
supported features include standard Parlay
interface; expanding Parlay with operators
and customizing API. This allows a third
party to manage the service release based on
workflows, and provides a universal Portal
for subscribers to query and subscribe to
third-party services, for example, SP and CP
management, subscriber service orders, and
bill settlement.
Integrated Information and Communication Technology. The convergence of
communication and information technogies underpins network transformation,
which will ultimately bring huge benefits to
fixed-line operators. Convergence occurs in
all aspects of carrier-class services, ICT
devices, software and IT services, outsourcing included. In the network layer, the
Softswitch + SHLR + MSAN open network structure provide a basis for ICT. The
network can provide broadband access and

NGN

IMS

User Profile DB

Further network
development
Proposed by 3GPP and widely accepted
by international institutions, IMS research
into the wireless and fixed-line fields is
helping steer the advent of network
evolution. The features and benefits of IMS
include an open service environment,
mobility, flexible service deployment and
unified home service settings. IMS facilitates
a seamless convergence of fixed-line and
wireless networks, and provides ICT
services. It is designed to allow all services

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DEC 2005 ISSUE 20

HSS

BGCF

AGCF

MGCF

PGCF

Resource
Manager

Softswitch

Resource
Manager

PDF

IP Core
MSAN
AGW

PDF
IP Core

MSAN
MGW

Figure 3

SGW

AGW

MGW

SGW

Flawless evolution capabilities to IMS with minimum network impact

to share the same core network, subscriber

database, background billing system and
service development platform. Subscriber
data management and roaming capacities are
subsequently enhanced.
IMS is the future of fixed-line and wireless

IMS is the future of fixed-line and wireless

networks, and the IMS-based fixed-line/
wireless converged network is generally
regarded as the best solution.
interconnectivity, IP Centrex, UC, Web800
services for corporate subscribers and, for
personal subscribers, IPTV and digital home
services.

CSCF
SHLR
Softswitch

networks, and the IMS-based fixed-line/

wireless converged network is generally
regarded as the best solution. Nevertheless,
the mobile-oriented IMS still requires
conclusive research with respect to access
models, service provision and fixed-line
network subscriber migration. There is still
a long way to go before IMS standards are
complete, and consequently before the first
commercial IMS network is deployed. Equally,
sufficient maturity of the entire telecommunications industry is a tangent yet inextricable aspect of the transformation process.
The softswitch and IMS are regarded as
the two stages of NGN development. The
softswitch has present applications, solving
high OPEX and inadequate service capability issues in legacy PSTN networks.
Conversely, IMS application will occur in

the future: the system is set to provide IP

multimedia services and shoulder the
convergence capability of fixed-line and
wireless networks. The softswitch-based
network shares the same network topology
as IMS, including Access, IP Bearer,
Session&Call Control. The evolution from
softswitch to IMS is therefore smoothly
handled and realized.
Huaweis Softswitch + SHLR + MSAN
solution offers flawless evolution capabilities
to IMS with minimum network impact.
Figure 3 is an illustration of the evolution
process.
The softswitch can be upgraded to
provide the IMS AGCF/MGCF function
without adding any hardware. This approach
requires SHLR to provide the IMS HSS
function. The IMS is intended as an NGN
subsystem that can act as an SIP based
multimedia system and provide new valueadded services for all network subscribers.
Existing POTS users must still access the NGN
via MSAN and can enjoy traditional PSTN/
ISDN services provided by AGCF/MGCF.
AGCF/MGCF will share the same HSS user
database with other IMS components.

Summary
As fixed-line operators are evolving from
traditional network operators to integrated
information service providers, a sustainable
network is required to support convergence,
broadband and intelligence. Huawei
"Softswitch + SHLR + MSAN" is the best
choice to initiate this transformation and
guide future network direction.