mediation switch

A mediation switch is a switching computer that connects different network technologies with each other; for example, the telephone network with the IP network or with a Next Generation Network( NGN).

The main function of a mediation switch is to mediate between voice signals transmitted in time division multiplex(TDM) and Internet telephony( VoIP). In doing so, the mediation switch must mediate from services using the IP protocol to other IP-based services, from IP-based services to time division multiplex (TDM), from TDM to TDM, and from TDM to IP services. The mediation switch translates telephone numbers from the long-distance telephone network( PSTN) into IP addresses for the IP network and vice versa, since the computers in the IP network can only be reached via these addresses.

In voice switching, a mediation switch can unbundle the voice channels of a Class 5 switch to support carriers' geographic network expansion, and enable service providers and carriers to move traffic from costly digital switches directly to the Internet, perform peer management, and bundle voice and data services for enterprise customers. Because the platforms can be deployed across traditional voice networks and next-generation networks, incumbent carriers with their existing investments have a clear migration path to convergence networks, while market entry is facilitated for new Internet service providers(ISPs), competitive local exchange carriers(CLECs), and integrated communications service providers.