DNS - Neustar, TSSG and GSMA Collaborate to Simplify IP Transit Routing

The Telecommunications Software & Systems Group (TSSG), one of Ireland's telecommunications software research center, has selected PathFinder, a GSMA (News - Alert)-managed service operated by Neustar, to manage complex IP transit routing scenarios that will transpire in an "all-IP" / IP Multimedia Systems (IMS) network environment.

"Neustar is honored to be working with Ireland's leading integration center on next generation communications technologies and the evolution to an all-IP network environment," said Steve Edwards, senior vice president, carrier services at Neustar, in a statement. 

Edwards said that the ability to seamlessly deliver services across network boundaries is critical within any advanced communications environment.

He said that the future is about convergence, interconnectivity and interoperability – and Neustar is pleased to work closely with TSSG and GSMA to make collective vision a reality. 

Officials with Neustar said that a critical element in any telephony network is the signaling and routing necessary to connect calls and provide services across network types.

One of the TSSG's highest-priority initiatives has been the development of an IMS network that will allow TSSG research partners and customers to simulate advanced IMS calls and services.

In an IMS network, operators require advanced signaling and routing capabilities to determine appropriate routing information, identify available IP interconnection points and gauge requirements for service-specific data and number portability.

Company officials said that TSSG has selected PathFinder to manage the routing and signaling of these calls.

According to company officials, PathFinder is a managed carrier ENUM registry service operated by Neustar on behalf of the GSMA.

The registry, company officials said, allows operators to share IP gateway information with their business partners, ensuring that the operators stay in full control of their published data.

PathFinder also provides a global number portability service, covering over 80% of the telephone numbers worldwide that can be ported.

"The growth in mobile broadband has continued to acelerate the adoption of advanced communication services by consumers around the world," said Shane Dempsey, test centre manager at the TSSG, in a statement.

Dempsey said that as the industry moves towards 'all-IP' networks, IMS and the GSMA's Rich Communication Suite (News - Alert) will create revenue opportunities by combining voice, video, content sharing and presence while delivering the service across network boundaries.

He said that interoperability would not be possible without the advanced signaling and routing solutions that a service like PathFinder delivers.

“We appreciate the continued support from our strategic partners at Neustar and the GSMA," said Dempsey.

"The potential for next generation services is enormous, but it will only be realized as operators discover ways to deliver the services to consumers regardless of their physical location, or network affiliation," said Adrian Dodd, senior director, managed services at the GSMA.

Dodd said that as next generation IP-based services proliferate, operators can utilize PathFinder to position new services behind the telephone number already used by subscribers.

He said that this is a necessary capability in an IMS network environment.