Ingate Launches SIP Trunking Software Module

SIP trunking is a service offered by Internet Telephony Service Providers (ITSPs) which permits businesses to adopt Voice-over-IP (VoIP) using the same connection as the Internet connection and remain in touch with others who rely on the PSTN. Also, the local IP-PBX can be connected to the service provider’s PSTN gateways over the Internet. SIP trunks can offer significant cost-savings for enterprises, as they eliminate the need to purchase local PSTN gateways, costly ISDN BRIs (Basic Rate Interfaces) or PRIs (Primary Rate Interfaces).

Ingate’s SIP Trunking software module is a flexible solution that works with SIP-based IP PBXs and has been extensively tested with the following IP-PBX systems:

• 3Com
• Asterisk
• Avaya
• Cisco Call Manager
• Mitel
• Pingtel
• SER
• ShoreTel
• Sphere Communications

“Ingate’s new software module is in response to the increasing market demand for SIP trunking solutions,” said Olle Westerberg, Chief Executive Officer, Ingate Systems. “More service providers than ever before are offering SIP trunks. We’re seeing the need for an easy to use SIP-trunking solution that gives enterprises the ability to connect to a SIP trunk. That’s the need Ingate is addressing with this product.”

NAT/Firewall Traversal

The SIP Trunking software module, working in conjunction with Ingate Firewall® and Ingate SIParator® products, solves the Network Address Translation (NAT) traversal issues that are faced by businesses using a SIP trunk. Together, they control both incoming and outgoing communications and route the communication to the intended users. All voice traffic (as well as data traffic) must traverse the enterprise firewall/NAT. However, SIP traffic cannot traverse traditional enterprise firewalls and NAT devices. As a result, the firewall/NAT device blocks all SIP traffic, which includes VoIP. Ingate resolves this issue, enabling enterprises to utilize SIP trunks.

Advanced Routing Capabilities

Ingate SIP Trunking provides advanced routing capabilities that enable enterprises to connect to SIP trunks. Frequently, the SIP traffic coming from the PBX to be routed to the ITSP (and vice versa) is neither written in the format that the other expects nor contains the correct routing information to get it to its intended destination. Ingate’s SIP Trunking software module can overcome these issues, and provide a seamless connection to and from the provider.

Eliminating international calling costs, Ingate SIP Trunking can direct international calls to national, or local, PSTN lines within the country being called. Businesses can use multiple service providers by establishing least cost routing rules, and switch between them depending on which offers the best possible rates. Long distance calls cost the same as a local call, reducing expenses for businesses as well as their customers, partners, etc. trying to reach, for example, the corporate sales force.

Ingate SIP Trunking can handle authentication at the service provider to validate the enterprise. It also provides the flexibility to interoperate with carrier-specific requirements like numbering plans.

ENUM support

Ingate SIP Trunking supports ENUM. This feature can automatically look up phone numbers to determine if they match a known SIP address, allowing the call to be completed over the Internet (instead of transferring it out to the PSTN). Since no traffic is placed on the PSTN, ENUM provides an additional means of cost-savings for businesses that communicate with other firms using SIP.

Security Over The Public Internet

Ingate SIP Trunking works with Ingate Firewalls and SIParators to leverage all the security benefits available with SIP communications. Ingate’s enterprise-class Firewalls secure data and SIP traffic, while SIParators secure SIP media while leaving the traditional firewall in place (working in parallel to the SIParator) to secure data traffic.

Both products feature Ingate’s full SIP proxy technology, which allows for advanced filtering, verification, authentication and routing, as well as dynamic control of the opening and closing of media ports. They also encrypt the SIP signaling using Transport Layer Security (TLS) and media (voice, video, etc.) using Secure RTP (SRTP). With encryption, sessions are kept private with no chance of eavesdropping.

Ingate SIP Trunking module is available now for all Ingate Firewalls and SIParators.

About Ingate® Systems

Ingate® Systems develops firewall technology and products that enable SIP-based live communication for the enterprise while maintaining control and security at the network edge. Ingate has a long history of developing next-generation firewall technology that solves the NAT/firewall traversal issue inherent in SIP communications. In addition to an extensive line of Ingate Firewalls®, the company also produces the award-winning Ingate SIParator®, a device that connects to an existing network firewall to seamlessly enable SIP communications. Ingate products currently protect the networks of retail companies, financial institutions, industrial firms, government agencies and small-to-large enterprises throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Ingate Systems AB is headquartered in Sweden with offices in Stockholm and Linköping. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ingate Systems Inc., is located in Hollis, New Hampshire, with a U.S. technology center in Frisco, Texas. For more information on Ingate Systems, visit www.ingate.com.

For more information, please contact:

Olle Westerberg, CEO
Ingate Systems
+ 46 8 600 77 54, + 46 733 583 100
SIP and email: olle@ingate.com

Hillary Call, Public Relations Manager
Ingate Systems
(917) 414-9262
SIP and email: hillary@ingate.com