VoIP peering provider XConnect Global Networks has announced successful interoperability testing and integration of sentitO Networks’ Proxy7 Signaling Gateway (News - Alert) with the XConnect (News - Alert) network and ENUM registry. Subsequently, sentitO, a provider of voice gateways and signaling solutions, has certified XConnect as a sentitO Open Network Xchange (ONX) Partner.

This means service providers using sentitO’s Proxy7 Signaling Gateway to bridge between the PSTN and IP networks can substantially reduce their termination costs to the millions of active VoIP numbers in the XConnect ENUM registry. Conversely, service providers that subscribe to XConnect’s peering services can use the Proxy7 Signaling Gateway to bridge between the PSTN and VoIP traffic. XConnect’s peering service is now used by more than 300 service providers worldwide. In addition to the substantial cost savings, benefits of VoIP peering include increased service reach, improved signal quality and enhanced security.

According to a press release, the Proxy7 Signaling Gateway can seamlessly identify, via a query of the XConnect Registry, which calls can be terminated directly to VoIP service providers. The gateway bridges the gap between VoIP networks and the PSTN with combined SIP Proxy Server and SS7/C7 Signaling, enabling VoIP Providers to cost-effectively terminate SIP-based voice traffic onto the PSTN. TheProxy7 Signaling Gateway is part of sentitO’s ONX product portfolio, which also includes the IVG1200 Intelligent Voice Gateway and PreVision Network Manager.

“Today’s service providers are interested in reducing their termination costs and improving their margins by identifying wholesale traffic that is destined for VoIP networks and sending it directly to the service provider that owns the number,” said Eli Katz, XConnect CEO, in the press release. “We’re very pleased to partner with VoIP equipment leaders like sentitO as the VoIP Peering (News - Alert) market evolves.”

“We’re committed to provide service providers with the most innovative and cost-effective technology solutions to grow their businesses with new IP applications,” said Shaun Donnelly, vice president of sales and marketing, sentitO Networks. “ENUM implementation and peering solutions are key areas of focus for sentitO and our work with XConnect is further testament to that commitment.”

XConnect last made news on TMCnet in September when it announced that Acme Packet’s Net-Net session border controllers had been certified XConnect Ready. The certification means service providers deploying the SBCs can connect directly to the XConnect Peering Federations, including the XConnect Alliance, thus enabling them to bypass the PSTN and avoid costly interconnection fees.

The XConnect Alliance and Federations are carrier-neutral peering services that deliver complete interoperability, ENUM directory management and identity resolution in a secure environment. They provide for the interconnection of XConnect Members, which include voice over broadband providers, application service providers and VoIP carriers.

XConnect also made news in September when it announced that it had acquired IPeerX, a leading VoIP peering company owned by Pulver.com Enterprises, and e164.info, a Germany-based Carrier ENUM Exchange. These two acquisitions not only added hundreds of new VoIP service providers to the Alliance, it significantly increased the size of XConnect’s ENUM registry, which in turn enables XConnect to take on even more VoIP service providers (which in turn adds value to the both the company and the service). As VoIP peering goes, the more service providers and users you have connecting to your peering network, the more valuable the network and the more everyone stands to gain.

For more information about XConnect Global Networks, visit www.xconnect.net.

For more information about sentitO Networks visit www.sentitO.com.

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Patrick Barnard is Associate Editor for TMCnet and a columnist covering the telecom industry. To see more of his articles, please visit Patrick Barnard’s columnist page.