Mobile operators faced with the challenges of deploying compelling, revenue-generating services on multiple access technologies are considering the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture from the 3GPP. The IMS architecture utilizes Internet Protocol (IP) to standardize the deployment of applications and support interoperability.

Starent Network’s portfolio for IMS consists of the Session Control Manager and service convergence platform to enable converged voice, converged messaging, presence, and femtocell solutions. 

Starent Networks’ Session Control Manager serves as the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) plus Access Border Gateway, Interrogating Call Session Control Function (I-CSCF), and Serving Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF) on IMS-enabled networks. This robust network function operates on Starent’s ST-Series multimedia core platforms and can be integrated into other network functions to maximize interoperability with 3GPP, 3GPP2, and WiMAX networks.

The Starent service convergence platform operates as an IMS application server that enables converged voice, messaging, and presence services through a solution that bridges any device, core network and broadband access network. It enables service delivery from mobile or IP/IMS core networks to legacy mobiles or new SIP-enabled devices.

Operators looking to standardize their applications and services, interoperate their multiple networks, or manage Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) situations will require high session support, comprehensive security, high bandwidth, and enhanced accounting functions which are critical to the deployment of advanced applications.