Power utilities implementing modern smart grid networks face a number of challenges, mainly due to lack of interoperability of the converged communications infrastructure with the company’s existing protocols.

To help utilities address these challenges, REDCOM (News - Alert), a provider of advanced IP communications solutions, has come up with a drop-in Voice over IP (VoIP) Smart Grid softswitch.

REDCOM’s SLICE 2100 softswitch solution helps utilities “future-proof their networks to interoperate today and tomorrow with a wide range of protocols and interfaces, positioning them for long-term evolution.”

At the core of SLICE 2100 is TRANSip IP technology suite, based on the industry-standard Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). TRANSip consists of four functional core elements—a Call Controller, Media Gateway (News - Alert), Media Gateway Controller and Legacy Support—integrated in a single platform offering compatibility with IP, TDM, radio and wireless communications.

In addition to helping utilities future-proof their smart grid networks, REDCOM’s SLICE 2100 offers conferencing capabilities that allow networks to set up conferencing with multiple participants simultaneously. The solution supports several conferencing styles such as “progressive” (participants added one at a time), “meet-me” (participants meet at a valid number at a specified time), and “preset” (conference controller initiates the event, adding participants as they answer).

REDCOM will exhibit its Smart Grid softswitch solution at UTC TELECOM 2013, May 15-17 in Booth 732, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX.

Earlier this year, REDCOM showcased some of the latest media gateway and VoIP switch solutions at the 2013 Pacific Telecommunications Council (News - Alert) (PTC) conference in Hawaii.

In addition to the next-generation SLICE 2100 softwitch solutions, REDCOM showcased SLICE 2100 Micro featuring an integrated media gateway, media gateway controller. The company also showcased HDX, a powerful softswitch and SIP call manager that retains complete Class 4/5 capabilities in a single platform. 

HDX can operate as both a softswitch and an international gateway.