Netrake Expands nCite Features to Support Interconnection for Multiple Types of VoIP Networks, Including Cable and Wireless.

CHICAGO -- Netrake session controllers break down network borders for triple play services, enabling ubiquitous multimedia service delivery across multiple networks

Netrake, the premier provider of session controllers interconnecting global VoIP networks, today announced that it has added new multi-network capabilities to its nCite session controllers. These new capabilities allow Netrake's nCite session controllers to support interconnection between all types of IP carriers - not only telecom players such as regional Bell operating companies, interexchange carriers and competitive local exchange carriers but also cable and wireless services providers.

As the number of networks supporting VoIP grows, so will the number of partner agreements between carriers looking to expand their network footprints and offer new services. And as the number of carrier agreements grows, so will the need for seamless interconnection at the demarcation points between carrier networks. Interconnection between different network types is complex, as the protocols and functionality required to support these networks varies widely and security of each network is of utmost concern.

For instance, in order for a cable VoIP video customer to call a wireless VoIP customer using a PDA and then conference in a wireline VoIP customer working from home - when all parities are located in different service areas - a network element must be present in order to provide secure peering, translation of the various protocols, enforce QoS and security parameters, and note the real-time calling statistics necessary to support both billing and service level agreements (SLAs).

This network element is a session controller. Netrake is the first session controller vendor to recognize the industry's need to support multiple network types and offer a solution for carriers that streamlines the delivery of multimedia services across multiple network borders. This is critical for service providers that wish to deliver triple play - or voice, video and data - services to end customers for the lowest possible cost.

Netrake's nCite session controller serves as the missing link between networks by providing compliance with cable standards, such as support for PacketCable 1.2 CMSS signaling specification, as well as support for the SIP-specific changes required to comply with 3GPP wireless networks. The nCite provides multimedia support of voice, video and data delivered across a variety of networks; supports different dialing plans and dialing plan management; and provides enhanced management capabilities and debugging tools - just to mention a few of its features.

The Netrake nCite session controller is unique because it was designed from the ground up to support carrier-to-carrier VoIP peering and thus delivers a wide range of features to Tier 1 carriers and other leading service providers. For instance, nCite supports both signaling and media and delivers a long list of network data to carriers such as the number of packets transmitted per session, the number of packets lost, and measurement of network parameters such as jitter and delay, all of which will lead to solving potential quality issues.

In addition, nCite is the only session controller that allows carriers to actually view call set-up and delivery in real-time as well as collect in-depth session detail records about each call to facilitate billing - features that mimic the extensive TDM switch functionality available. nCite also offers the most advanced security for service providers and their customers today, with protection against security problems ranging from firewall traversal to denial of service attacks.

Put simply, using nCite, carriers do not have to rely on their service provider partners for SLA enforcement, billing or security of their own networks.

"As more and more service providers enter the VoIP market and deliver a wider range of services to both businesses and consumers, the promise of IP networks is finally bearing fruit," said Bruce Hill, President and CEO of Netrake. "Netrake is the first session controller vendor to recognize the needs of a changing VoIP market and quickly address those needs by making critical modifications to its session controller products to support a wide variety of IP service providers."

Service providers such as cable companies are looking to offer VoIP services to boost their average revenue per user (ARPU) and offer bundled services to customers. According to IDC, U.S. cable companies are expected to sign up 19.7 million customers for voice services by 2008, generating an additional $11.8 billion in revenue.

At SUPERCOMM in Booth #26029, Netrake will be demonstrating some of its new capabilities, such as the interoperability of its nCite session controller with SIP video phones and VoIP adapters as well as a live demo of the carrier-class nCite EMS which allows carriers to upgrade, debug, troubleshoot, and modify customer policies on the fly.

About NETRAKE

Netrake is the premier provider of session controllers delivering real-time control of voice and multimedia across IP networks for Tier 1 carriers and other leading service providers. Utilizing Netrake's unparalleled processing power and unique "deep packet inspection" capabilities, its nCite session controllers provide superior reliability, scalability, security and network management capabilities all in a single chassis. Netrake is Connecting the World's Voice(TM) by offering service providers a cost-effective method of interconnecting global VoIP networks. Netrake is a privately held company, headquartered in Plano, Texas. For more information, contact us at 1-800-254-6177 or visit www.netrake.com.