With the growing popularity of IP-based Communications, Session Border Controller have become an integral requirement. Initially, SBCs were mainly available in hardware form which along with a set of benefits had disadvantages such as hardware setup and maintenance cost. However, software-based SBCs are modern-day solutions that are easy to install and maintain while requiring minimum investment. These are also known as Virtual Session Border Controllers.
The main role of SBCs is to secure VoIP networks from malicious attacks and frauds but they also perform several other important functions. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the major roles performed by a Session Border Controller in Telephony:
Keeps the Network Safe and Secure
Now, we know that SIP i.e. session initiation protocol opens and closes the port dynamically every time a call is started and terminated. If one uses a firewall to protect the system, which simply works by closing the port, then it directly breaks the call. Here a session border controller works smartly by opening the port when a session starts and closing it as soon as the session is over. Thus, it leaves no room for attackers to snoop inside as the port is not open permanently.
ACL i.e. Access Control Lists are implemented by SBCs to define the type of traffic that is allowed to pass through the network. Besides this, a session border controller also does the job of inspecting the packets that are moving in and out and detecting abnormal behavioral patterns to spot signs of fraud. Various types of encryption techniques are applied to provide protection against malicious attacks.
Also, SBCs efficiently forward the incoming SIP messages to the right IP addresses and replace the private IP addresses of the outgoing SIP messages. This is called Topology Hiding which is quite useful to keep the network safe from attackers.
Ensures Reliability
Most of the SBCs are able to mitigate Multi-Vendor incompatibilities i.e. normalizing data between different dialects of SIP to ensure communication between VoIP carriers and endpoints. It has the capability to transcode different types of codecs and protocols which are part of VoIP traffic. In simple words, through interoperability, an SBC makes sure that your phone systems work well with your service provider’s system. Why Communication Service Providers Need a Session Border Controller?
Provides Quality of Service
A session border controller has the capability to analyze the incoming traffic and route it in a way to ensure maximum data transfer speed and voice quality while keeping the cost minimal. Some advanced routing techniques used by SBCs include least-cost routing and percentage-based routing. By enforcing Rate Limit Policy, SBCs limit the amount of traffic that can pass through. SBCs also perform load balancing across SIP trunks to maintain the quality of conversations happening on different ports.
Conclusion
IT organizations often need to tackle various challenges In terms of security, service quality, and interoperability. However, with a session border controller in place, such issues can be easily managed.