October 1999
|
Go
To Sidebars:
[Services News]
[Call Policy Markup Language Defined]
[Jeff Walker On Cable Modem Security] |
| Enhanced Services — Driving Internet Telephony BY
GREG GALITZINE
The market for enhanced services is huge. According to research performed by Nortel Networks in a report entitled, The Case
for Internet Telephony Service Providers, the existing telecommunications market has
annual service revenues of nearly $1 trillion (U.S. dollars). Granted, the same numbers
point to the fact that Voice-over-IP (VoIP) revenues make up but a $0.6 billion slice of
that pie. But that’s all changing.
IDC informs us that Internet telephony is growing by
220 percent annually, and in fact, European IP telephony market revenues will reach $3.9
billion by 2003. Probe Research believes that
the Global IP Voice/Fax Services market will reach upwards of $7 billion by 2004. The
potential of this market is staggering. But let’s remember one thing: It’s not
going to happen overnight. And, nobody is going to flip a switch someday and say,
“OK, there is no more PSTN. We’re all on IP now.” Obviously IP voice
networks are in their infancy, the PSTN is an established behemoth, and though we are
headed towards an IP-only world, that’s many, many years away. And the two networks
will have to coexist for quite some time.
So, when it comes to enhanced services creation, what is needed is a solution that
takes into account the fact that regardless of the access network (IP or circuit-switched)
developers must be able to create services rapidly and inexpensively.
DTI’s ESP
Digital Telecommunications, Inc. (DTI) believes they
have just what the doctor ordered. The company’s Extensible Service Policy
Architecture (ESP) draws on the full range of Internet, XML, and Web tools to deliver a
service creation and delivery environment for next-generation networks. The architecture
allows rapid service creation, which allows service providers to constantly evolve their
offerings, and differentiate themselves from the competition.
ESP also separates the creation of services from control of the network, so that
services can be created and deployed regardless of the switching elements that are found
in the transport network chosen by the provider. That means that whether the network
incorporates Class 4/5 switches, VoIP gateways, remote access concentrators, next
generation edge switches — whatever equipment you have — ESP will allow you to
create and deliver enhanced services. So, the responsibility of service creation shifts
from the switch vendor to the carrier. No longer will service providers have to wait six
months or longer for a minor enhancement to an existing service on a Class 5 switch.
ESP FEATURES
One of the key features of the ESP architecture is its combination of search engine
technology and new XML (extensible markup language)-based tools for storing knowledge
information along with the data to distribute call policy (i.e., applications and
services) to Web pages. ESP depends on open APIs to communicate with network elements
(switches, etc…) and an open XML language for defining particular services. The XML
language used here is Call Policy Markup Language (CPML, see sidebar),
which takes advantage of Web technologies to execute service logic calls in an
interpretive manner rather than from compiled code. Essentially, CPML allows ESP to search
among a loosely linked collection of data for the proper Web page corresponding to the
particular service logic, and then interpret (in real time) that logic to a switch
function.
In a typical scenario, when a call comes in to an ESP-based network, a switch converts
the call information (calling number, called number, time of call) into keywords in an
Internet-type search to locate the correct CPML page. That page houses the appropriate
service logic (written in CPML), which in turn is used to determine what switch functions
to apply to the call.
ESP ELEMENTS
The four primary elements of the ESP architecture are: Service Switching
Elements; a Service Agent; a Service Portal; and Service Logic Elements.
A service switching element is a physical switching element in the network that may be
a Class 4/5 switch, ATM switch, DSLAM, RAS, PBX, IAD, router, or any other device in the
switching fabric.
A service agent is a network-based software module adapted to the underlying service
switching element in order to mediate signaling and interpret control. It functions as a
proxy to underlying protocols such as, for example, MGCP. The service agent communicates
with a higher-level service portal for service logic.
A service portal is a Web site used to house, access, organize, and index service logic
elements. The service portal incorporates a number of functional elements including
directory servers, a firewall if open to the Internet, search engines, call policy
servers, application servers, a billing event manager, an SNMP agent, and a CPML
interpreter. The service portal continuously indexes the locations of service logic
elements, and upon query from a service-switching element, searches and interprets service
logic and associated data points into switch function.
Service logic elements include CPML pages, IP and SS7 resident databases, a
configuration directory, and other Internet-based information that might be used in call
processing. The CPML repository and other call processing information can be co-located
with the service portal or at any desirable Web site.
SERVICES
Some of the enhanced services that could be implemented using the ESP architecture include
diverse call handling, routing, and control. For example, a user can direct all calls
coming to a particular number before or after certain hours to voice mail, except for
those coming from a specific caller. Those calls could be directed to a designated cell
phone or an alternate location. Routing patterns could be referenced to a Web-based
schedule or personal calendar so that a user remains always in contact, regardless of
physical location. Parents can control the calls that can come in to a child’s
personal line by denying access from unrecognized numbers. Likewise parents can block
certain numbers from their child’s outgoing phone calls.
The possibilities are endless, hampered only by a developer’s or user’s
imagination. And since the language spoken by ESP is CPML, a relative of HTML, the immense
field of Internet programmers can serve the expanding enhanced services market for voice.
CONCLUSION
As the Internet telephony market matures, the bulk of the growth and the revenues will
come from enhanced services. One of the key elements needed to ensure robust growth is a
reliable, scalable service creation environment. DTI’s ESP architecture is currently
in beta testing and should be available in broader release by Q4. If the testing goes
according to plan, then ESP might be just what developers are looking for as they seek to
create an untold wealth of services to drive this market.
[return to top]
|
| SERVICES NEWS
Linx Launches Web-Based Unified Communications Portal
Linx Communications announced the availability of its Web-based unified
communications platform called LinxWeb. LinxWeb is a personal Web portal that offers a
unified platform for streamlining and managing a person's daily communications including
phone calls, messages, pages, and faxes. LinxWeb offers an intuitive, Web-based interface
for viewing messages, managing communications, and initiating real-time call
connection/routing, which saves busy mobile professionals time and money while helping to
improve their workday productivity.
No. 540, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
Conversa Releases Messenger 2.1.1
Conversa has released an enhanced version of its voice-driven unified
messaging software, Conversa Messenger, featuring new fax and e-mail forwarding
capabilities. Conversa Messenger 2.1.1 offers one-stop retrieval of users' e-mail, voice
mail, and faxes, as well as voice-activated access to all contacts and messages remotely
via phone or from the PC. The product is speaker-independent and therefore requires no
training to recognize a particular user's voice.
No. 541, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
LANSource Signs Media Fair Into VFN
LANSource Technologies announced that Media Fair has signed an agreement to
join their global Internet fax network provided by LANSource's newest product, FAXport VFN
(Virtual Fax Networking). Media Fair will offer LANSource's VFN to its customers on both
sides of the Pacific Ocean. By joining LANSource's global fax network, Media Fair has the
ability to acts as an off-ramp and on-ramp for other members of the network, enabling
their revenue capabilities to be maximized, as well as offering the best possible rates
and services to their customers.
No. 542, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
Clarent Supplies High Speed Access With IP Telephony
Clarent announced that HSAC will be implementing Clarent's IP telephony technology in a
number of HSAC's service areas. The service is currently being tested in three HSAC
locations. During the trial, HSAC will offer phone-to-phone prepaid service over its IP
telephony network using Clarent gateways and the Clarent Command Center. HSAC's plan is to
offer conventional IP telephony services today, and they are also evaluating plans to
offer cable telephony services.
No. 543, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
Centigram, Boston Communications Ink Deal For Prepaid Solution
Centigram Communications announced that it has reached an agreement to
integrate and distribute Boston Communications Group's prepaid system as a jointly branded
product, to international markets. By integrating the Boston Communications Group's
prepaid system with its Series 6 platform, Centigram will be able to quickly bring its
prepaid solution to market. This announcement will also enable Centigram to focus its
technical and engineering resources on the company's core messaging product family, and on
IP messaging and unified communications products.
No. 544, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
Franklin's FNet Intros Message One
Franklin Telecom announced that FNet, its service subsidiary, is introducing
Message One (MSG1), a unified messaging service that allows FNet subscribers access to a
full array of advanced voice and fax features with the Internet. A subscriber to MSG1 will
receive two telephone numbers: One for voice and one for fax. Customers may use these
numbers as their primary numbers; if they want to maintain an established number, they may
simply forward calls to the MSG1 numbers to have complete access to the expanded features.
The customer will be billed for all domestic calls at 9 cents per minute. The enhanced
services are free.
No. 545, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
Hypercom Launches e-Telephony Store
Hypercom has launched an Internet storefront that lets service providers
offer low-cost telecom services on the World Wide Web. With no capital investment,
providers can use the e-Telephony Store to launch, support, and manage calling card, long
distance, and international calling services. Internet Service Providers and other network
operators can create online customer service and channel development arms with virtually
no investment, and newcomers can create Web-based telephony businesses in minutes.
No. 546, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
MainStreet Networks Launches Premise Gateway System
MainStreet Networks announced that the company plans to partner with local
utility companies to bring a host of new community-oriented application to households and
businesses, bundled with traditional energy services and delivered via the Internet. The
new Internet applications and local online services will be bundled, branded, and
delivered through municipally-owned utility companies and electric cooperatives
nationwide. The services, designed to keep local energy companies connected to their
customers, allow utilities to build customer loyalty while adding new revenue streams.
No. 547, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
Compatible Systems Intros IntraPort VPN Access Servers
Compatible Systems has announced that it has shipped a new software release
for its IntraPort Family of VPN Access Servers. Version 5.0 of the IntraPort operating
software features a firmware-based integrated Service Level Agreement (SLA) monitor, along
with enhanced RADIUS accounting capabilities, an Enterprise MIB for greater SNMP
functionality, and Split DNS mode to allow simultaneous internal and external server
lookups through an IPSec tunnel.
No. 548, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
TELUS Launches Internet Call Director Service
InfoInterActive announced that TELUS has launched the Internet call waiting service,
Internet Call Director, provincewide to most of Alberta, Canada. The technology was
developed by InfoInterActive and is used across North America. With Internet Call
Director, users see the caller ID for incoming calls while they are on the Internet, and
can choose one of four option. They can send the call directly to call answer voice mail,
play a message to tell the caller they'll call back, request that the caller call them
back, or answer the call. If they choose to answer the call, they are automatically
disconnected from the Internet, so the voice call can take place on that line. No special
computer equipment is required, and one software program provides the service.
No. 549, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
pc-plus Intros IDA.wap
pc-plus Computing has released IDA.wap (Internet Directory Access with
Wireless Application Protocol), which allows WAP-enabled mobile phones or devices to
instantly access nationwide telephone directories. Mobile carriers who purchase the new
pc-plus solution can offer their customers directory assistance service without the
assistance of an operator. Mobile customers access the telephone directory databases and
conduct directory searches using the keypad and display on their cellular phone. The
resulting telephone number can be dialed with one keystroke.
No. 550, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
Bell Atlantic, Cybertel Link To Complete Internet Calls
A recently signed contract between Bell Atlantic and Cybertel Communications
allows Cybertel to terminate its voice-over-IP (VoIP) calls on Bell Atlantic's local
network. The agreement gives Cybertel access to the East Coast markets at a relatively low
cost. The contract specifically allows Cybertel to deliver IP calls from anywhere in the
world to Bell Atlantic's network in the following markets: Baltimore, Boston, New York
City, northern New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
No. 551, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
Nuance Announces Telecom Initiative, Nuance for Networks
Nuance has announced a broad initiative to help telecom carriers deliver voice-driven
enhanced network services around the globe. A wide cross section of carriers, service
providers, and Nuance deployment partners have chosen Nuance's speech recognition software
for their enhanced service and customer care applications. Nuance has also unveiled Nuance
for Networks, a suite of carrier-grade products and services that will speed the
development and deployment of voice-driven enhanced network services applications, such as
voice-activated dialing, personal assistants, unified messaging, and directory assistance.
No. 552, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
Fujitsu and GDC Enable Fiber Network
To advance communications, safety, and efficiency for offshore oil and gas
production platforms, the Gulf of Mexico's fiber-optic communications system is using GDC
APEX multiservice switches from General DataComm Industries and SONET equipment from
Fujitsu Business Communication Systems. The SONET ring runs from Houston to New Orleans on
land, and continues offshore to production platforms throughout the Gulf.
No. 553, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
InfoCreator Presents New Internet Service
InfoCreator is now offering customers its new WAP (Wireless Application
Protocol) Service, together with its WAP Generator software. The WAP Generator anticipates
the arrival of new GSM mobile phones that will feature Web browsers and larger displays
suitable for handling text information. Subscribers to InfoCreator's WAP Service will be
able to read new items, and obtain advice and technical information. By purchasing a WAP
Generator, they will also be able to publish their own information, which will be
available to other subscribers.
No. 554, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
Integral Access Announces PurePacket
Integral Access has announced a packet access network platform from which
competitive carriers can deliver multiple services on a single network infrastructure,
from customer premise to network core. PurePacket allows carriers to deploy up to 10 Mbps
of fully flexible access bandwidth for integrated voice and data services to individual
end users through existing copper and leased facilities. The PurePacket family of
integrated access products offers a single, scalable infrastructure for the delivery of
multiple services, including circuit voice, tiered data services, and IP telephony.
No. 555, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
NeTrue, 3Com Integrate Enhanced IP Telephony Solutions
NeTrue Communications and 3Com have announced that they are teaming to
integrate their enhanced IP telephony solutions. This integrated solution will enable the
new class of IP telephony services providers, VoIP clearinghouses, and IP-based carriers
to deliver a suite of enhanced IP telephony services to their customers. The two companies
will integrate 3Com's Total Control multiservice access platform with NeTrue's IPT
BackOffice, and IP-based Operation Support System.
No. 556, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
Williams Opens Network Control Center
Williams Communications has opened its new Network Control Center focused on
providing network management services to Williams' wholesale customers. The Network
Control Center in St. Louis provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for
customers currently building their own networks, such as interexchange carriers, local
exchange carriers, and ISPs, all of whom need to ensure end-to-end quality and
reliability. For these customers, outsourcing network management and control services
becomes an alternative to building their own monitoring centers, which can be costly and
time-consuming.
No. 557, www.itmag.com/freeinfo
[return to top]
|
| Jeff Walker
On Cable Modem Security GG: Much has been made
of the lack of security features inherent in cable modems. Is there really a security flaw
or has the problem generally been resolved?
JW: There are security issues, but Motorola addresses them in the
design of its cable modem systems. It is key to make sure that any cable modem system that
is deployed meets the unique requirements of a public data service, as opposed to the less
stringent security requirements of a private local-area network (LAN) like you would find
in most office environments.
GG: I understand that some cable service providers provide static
IP addresses to their end users, causing some concern. How does this affect security? Do
Motorola systems use DHCP to generate dynamic IP addresses?
JW: Static IP addresses cause concern because when a
“hacker” is trying to gain access to a user’s system, one of the key
elements is how much time the hacker has to determine the subscriber’s IP address and
find a way in. If a user has a static IP address, then the hacker has more time to break
into the PC once its IP address is determined.
Motorola systems act as a DHCP relay agent that relays IP address requests between the
subscriber’s PC and a DHCP server that dynamically assigns IP addresses. The dynamic
assignment of IP addresses makes it more difficult for a hacker because a user’s IP
address can change frequently.
GG: How does Motorola prevent other users from seeing someone
else’s files, printers, etc...?
JW: Motorola’s systems are designed to support public data
services with features that prevent a subscriber’s files, printers, and other
information from being seen by other users on the cable modem network. For example, a PC
that has “file-sharing” enabled will broadcast the names of its files and
printers out to the entire network, which is appropriate in a private network but not in a
public network. Motorola cable modem systems terminate these broadcasts and will not allow
them to be seen by other users on the network. This termination is performed in the modem
with filters, and also in the cable company’s “head-end” equipment.
GG: What is IP spoofing? How does it relate to the question of
cable modem security?
JW: IP spoofing is using an IP source address not assigned to your PC. This can be done
by accident, or can be done maliciously by a “hacker” trying to impersonate or
intercept network traffic from another user. Motorola’s cable modem systems prevent
IP spoofing by tracking which IP addresses are assigned to which cable modems and only
allowing those IP addresses to be used by the user of the cable modem they are assigned
to. If anyone else tries to use a particular IP address, Motorola systems block the
unauthorized user.
GG: What is ARP spoofing? How does it relate to the question of
cable modem security?
JW: ARP spoofing is related to IP spoofing in that a PC responds to an
ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) request using an IP address not assigned to it. This
most often happens when users mistakenly manually configure the wrong IP address in their
networking software.
A malicious programmer can easily program his or her system to respond to any ARP
request and give its own MAC (unique hardware-based identification) address. All PCs on
the broadcast LAN will then automatically forward ALL of their information packets to the
malicious attacker’s MAC address. Motorola’s systems prevent any propagation of
or access to ARP broadcasts by other users.
GG: Do any other broadband technologies share similar security
concerns?
JW: Any system that relies on a “layer 2” bridge
architecture as the communication method for the device that terminates users’
traffic at the “head-end” or “Central Office” will suffer from these
security problems. This includes ADSL systems, which implement a bridge at the central
office to connect ADSL modem users to an Internet router. If a layer 2 bridge is used,
users’ files will be visible and ARP spoofing is possible. Motorola’s systems do
not use this type of architecture, they employ more secure router architecture. Router
architecture prevents the broadcasting of ARP requests and user file information.
GG: Any other comments regarding cable modems and security? Do
users have a reason to be overly concerned when selecting cable as their access path of
choice?
JW: Users need to understand that virtually any system can be entered
by a hacker, whether it is on a dial-up connection, ADSL, ISDN, T1, or cable modem. It is
always prudent to implement some type of firewall capability like most corporations do.
Motorola cable modems use filters to provide some of this protection, and Motorola’s
security features prevent some of the most common security attacks, but we always
recommend users download the latest security updates to their software and consider
installing firewall protection.
GG: Please describe the difference between bridging and routing
architectures, explaining the benefits of one over the other, and Motorola’s
approach.
JW: There are two principal mechanisms for connecting broadcast LANs
like Ethernet together: bridging and routing. Bridging involves associating an individual
layer 2 Ethernet MAC (unique hardware ID) address with a particular port on the bridge. A
bridge learns which MAC address is on which port by looking at the source MAC of an
incoming packet. The bridge then looks at the packet’s destination MAC address to
determine to which port to forward it to. Broadcast and multicast packets are
automatically forwarded to ALL ports by a bridge.
A subnet is a portion of an address associated with a particular segment of a broadcast
LAN. IP addressing is based on the separate address numbers for subnets and hosts. For IP
addressing purposes, all LANs bridged together are considered part of the same Logical IP
Subnet (LIS). Hosts on all bridged LANs have the same IP subnet number.
A router has different “interfaces,” each with its own logical IP subnet
address. A router automatically discards an incoming packet’s Ethernet layer 2 MAC
information, and looks only at the destination IP address. It then forwards the packet to
the interface that either is the destination IP subnet, or the best next hop toward that
subnet. Routers never forward MAC broadcasts or multicasts and avoid “broadcast
storms.” Routers use the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) to determine the MAC
addresses for all IP hosts on their interfaces. Hosts on different routed LANs always have
distinct IP subnet numbers.
Motorola’s cable modem systems employ a router approach, along with several
additional security features that prevent common security problems. Employing router
architecture prevents automatic MAC layer broadcasts. And an ARP proxy feature also
insures that ARP broadcasts are not sent out, because the Motorola system terminates the
ARP broadcast and responds directly to the host with the required information.
Motorola’s DHCP authority feature also insures that IP addresses are only used by the
cable modem they are assigned to.
[return to top]
|
| CALL POLICY
MARKUP LANGUAGE DEFINED The following definition of CPML was
take direclty from DTI's Web site.
CPML stands for Call Policy Markup Language. It is an open language used to simply
describe call processing. CPML is an extension of XML (Extensible Markup Language) that is
standards-based meta-language from which other languages are derived. CPML was developed
by DTI to migrate the operations of the telecommunications network, including its
features, functions, and enhanced services, out of the world of proprietary operating
systems, structured databases, and complex programs or APIs. CPML opens the
telecommunications network to basic IP tools that bring order to its complexity and
empower carriers, and ultimately customers, to control, customize, and extend the
functionality and usefulness of the telecommunications network. Like its cousin HTML, CPML
is used to create Web Pages. However, unlike HTML pages that are used to present visual
content, CPML pages are designed to be used by a network switching element to present the
appropriate service logic (switch action) for a particular customer, or group of
customers.
[return to top] |
|
Internet Telephony Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
CUSTOMER 
Cloud Computing Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
IoT EVOLUTION MAGAZINE
