“With this solution, we are evolving the mobile core network towards the IMS/MMD architecture,” said Ashraf Dahod, CEO of Starent Networks. “As a result, mobile operators will enhance their subscribers’ experience and be able to deliver voice, data, and multimedia over IP.”

The introduction of the Session Control Manager represents the first multi-access solution with integrated SIP/IMS features, high performance, and unparalleled reliability. By integrating the Session Control Manager into an intelligent mobile gateway, the system acts as the critical first hop for SIP/IMS applications, enabling end-to-end security, policy control, enhanced charging, and mobility.

“Integrating key IMS functions into existing networks elements is a logical approach to deploying services now while preparing mobile networks for a migration to a full IMS architecture," said Robert W. Johnson, Sr. Analyst, Telcom/Datacom with Venture Development Corporation (VDC). “With significant deployments in the mobile packet core network, Starent Networks is well positioned to deliver appropriate SIP and IMS functions to the mobile wireless market.”

In order to showcase its Session Control Manager, Starent participated in the Global MultiService Forum’s global multi-vendor interoperability IP Multimedia System (IMS) trials, also known as GMI 2006. During the two-week event, Starent’s Session Control Manager successfully participated in testing key interfaces, protocols, and procedures defined in MSF Release 3 Architecture, as well as 3GPP/3GPP2 IMS/MMD.

The Session Control Manager simultaneously supports IETF SIP software clients and IMS/MMD software clients, allowing operators to add the solution as a standard SIP Proxy. An operator can deploy a mix of SIP-based and IMS-based applications, such as Voice over IP (VoIP), Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC), mobile TV, Instant Messaging Presence Service (IMPS), and Voice Call Continuity applications while evolving their IMS core.

The Session Control Manager is combined with Starent’s market-leading, multi-access intelligent mobile gateway, allowing operators to deploy access-independent connectivity and global roaming to a multitude of technologies, such as CDMA 1X/1xEVDO, UMTS/W-CDMA, WiFi, WiMAX, and others.

Source: Starent