Must Know the Key Differences Between Class 4 & Class 5 Softswitch?

Posted by Danial on October 7th, 2019

The term Softswitch is the grouping of the words software and switchboard. VoIP Softswitch is the backbone of the VoIP system. It connects calls with one line then onto the next, crosswise over telecom system, or Internet connection. Basically, it empowers IP-to-IP calls. VoIP Softswitch solutions are software-based, conversely with customary phone calls routed by hardware. Along these lines, VoIP Softswitch abolishes the requirement for any type of hardware. Most VoIP Softswitch has a lot of functionalities, which make them considerably increasingly and user friendly.

The fundamental objective of VoIP Softswitch is to deal with VoIP calls. However, you also get a lot more highlights, such as call recording, monitoring, voice message to email, call lining, etc. You can make audio or video calls, conference calls, texting, online faxing, and numerous other advanced features at a low cost.

Types of VoIP Softswitch Solutions

VoIP Softswitch solutions are subdivided into two types: 

• Class 4 Softswitch and 
• Class 5 Softswitch

Each of them has their unique functionalities and features. That is the reason you should know the purpose of each VoIP Softswitch and how they vary from one another to better understand which one meets your business necessities. Let’s explore them one by one. 

Class 4 Softswitch

The main feature of Class 4 Softswitch Solution is to route a huge volume of calls over long distances at a very low cost. These calls can be carrier to carrier, between carriers, or local office exchanges. Class 4 Softswitch generally used in VoIP models, as it efficiently routes VoIP traffic between carriers for long-distance. It can transmit large volumes of voice traffic over different exchanges otherwise known as LATAs. That’s the reason why it is also called a wholesale solution. To better understand, let’s give an example of a call based on class 4 Softswitch. When you are calling from a U.S. city such as Chicago to any of these Canadian cities such as Montreal, Quebec the call is made through class 4 Softswitch. 

Among the most significant features of class 4 Softswitch are listed below:

• Protocol conversion
• Transcoding
• callback
• Call routing
• Billing
• Authentication
• Reports
• And more

Class 5 Softswitch 

Class 5 Softswitch is a well-built platform with lots of modern features. Through Class 5 Softswitch, retail VoIP specialists can provide incredibly rich quality IP services to big business and residential office clients with IP enabled devices like landline phones and adaptors! This type of VoIP Softswitch routes calls to the right IP address, SIP address or DID number. They are utilized for both restricted and long-distance telephony. The class 5 Softswitch gives extra services to end-users and corporate customers, for example, IP PBX features, calling cards, DID numbers, etc. 

Top differences between class 4 and class 5 Softswitch solutions

Without a doubt, both Class 4 and Class 5 Softswitch solutions are finished VoIP solutions with a wide scope of VoIP features. However, they significantly vary from one another. So, let’s highlight its principle contrasts:

Main goal:

Both routes call, yet there are unobtrusive differences. Class 5 Softswitch gets calls from end-users and routes them between end-users. Class 4 Softswitch receives calls from suppliers and routes them between carriers. 

Highlights:

Class 5 Softswitch accompanied by a wide range of features, for example, dial tone, IVR, and other calling features. Class 4 Softswitch is an easier solution enabling lengthy distance call routing.

Service type:

Class 5 Softswitch is a retail solution. It is a phone exchange, regardless of whether at the local telephone organization's office or VoIP affiliate supplier serving the end-users. Class 4 Softswitch is an extensive solution. It is a vital office exchange interconnecting local exchange carrier offices for a long-separation call.

Key Characteristics

The most significant characteristics and features of Class 4 Softswitch are listed below:

• Support different protocols
• Support protocol conversion
• Protocol Transcoding
• Allow multiple concurrent calls         
• Flexible UI (user interface)
• CDR
• Different call routing rules such as Least Cost Routing, Intelligent call routing, etc.
• Invoicing and Billing 

Class 5 Softswitch characteristics include the following: 

• Call authentication
• Call routing
• IVR
• Callback
• Analog-to-digital conversion
• Support for different Codecs
• Media transcoding
• Call transfer
• Call holding
• Call forking
• 3-way conferencing
• Call recording
• Voicemail 
• Call detail reports
• Billing

Capabilities:

Class 4 Softswitch can handle as many calls and Class 5 Softswitch can transfer a small number of calls.