IM Service
Switching Function
IM Service
Switching Function
An IM-SSF (IMS Service Switching Function) is a network node within the IMS, defined by 3GPP (TS 23.218).
The IM-SSF is a protocol gateway through which operators can transparently provide IMS users access to existing IN (Intelligent Network) services. It provides an interface between the IMS domain and the CAMEL service environment (CSE) used in 2G mobile networks. By providing such cross-network access, operators can migrate subscribers to IMS without the need to have a full service portfolio available in the IMS domain. IMS originated calls/ sessions are anchored in the IMS network and the IM-SSF enables IN hosted services to be accessed by IMS subscribers.
The IM-SSF converts between ISC (the protocol used in the IMS network, between the S-CSCF and a SIP-AS) and CAP (the protocol used in the GSM network, between the MSC and the services layer).
The Rhino IM-SSF is a product built on top of Rhino. Rhino is an ideal platform to address the exacting requirements for such an in-network, multi-protocol scenario:
- Support for all standard features of the IM-SSF (Dh, Si, CAP, ISC)
- In addition to CAP, it also supports northbound the older INAP CS1 standard
- Stability, resilience, scalability and performance.
- N-way active symmetric, software fault tolerance architecture (a “call” or “session” does not fail when a cluster member fails)
- Single system image management regardless of cluster architecture
- On-line application upgrade, on-line application server upgrade
- Command line and web-based provisioning and management tools
- Alarms, statistics, tracing, per MSISDN tracing
- Fully Integrated Product Set
The Rhino IMS IM-SSF has been designed for easy integration with IMS infrastructure to allow systems vendors and integrators to quickly and cost-effectively benefit from the enhanced technical capabilities and commercial opportunities that JAIN SLEE and Rhino provide (For example, it can be used to provide additional connectivity to any network, directory or IT system. Additional call/ session control service logic can also be implemented on the platform if it is required). The Rhino IM-SSF can also be used with other Rhino products such as the Rhino IMS SCIM or the Rhino Application Servers.