What is SBC in VoIP? An SBC route signaling and audio flows between participants during a VoIP call to deliver high-quality communication.
Session border controller (SBC) is a special solution that regulates and protects IP communication flows. It monitors communication sessions and is placed at network boundaries for this. They were initially designed to protect and control VoIP networks.
Since SBC is a handy solution, it has become used for IP video, text-based communication tools, and collaborative sessions. SBC solutions function through security methods, protocols, and session routing.
What is a Session Border Controller (SBC)?
A session border controller is a private firewall; its primary use case is VoIP. Software or hardware may manage communication requests at the network boundary. The situation specified as the network boundary is the point where the private network and the internet intersect.
While operating, SBC controls the system, filters calls, monitors bandwidth, and protects against malware. In short, all the events that occur in your network must pass through its control.
SBC acts as a firewall for your VoIP network. It ensures that searches are performed correctly. It is also checked whether the communication signals are transmitted securely to the destination. They are used with SIP networks for this.
A VoIP session is essentially a call. SBC steps in and examines the session initiation protocol. Thus, it manages data communication in real-time. SBC operates differently from standard firewalls. Allows the data packet and then deletes it.
What does SBC do?
An SBC takes on everything a firewall can do in VoIP standards. It is placed between the organization's and service provider's networks. It is configurable for multiple users. Configuration is different for each organization due to expectations.
1. Offers security for calls
Every SBC used for VoIP operates similarly. It turns into a gatekeeper like a firewall. It monitors all calls and sessions by stopping at the network boundary. It is responsible for executing sessions in addition to tracking each data packet.
Sessions controlled by SBC include data streams such as video conferences. It can work with systems that help it to keep out any type of unwanted traffic. Thus, it ensures that only authorized data are transferred.
2. Provides quality of service support
SBC contributes to session quality to ensure outgoing calls are not delayed. Data is transmitted without any interruptions. SBC can be configured to prioritize a specific portion of calls, and packet loss can be avoided.
When an emergency call is made to your VoIP network, it is given a higher priority than standard calls due to its high quality of service identification. This way, a possible blockage in the bandwidth can be easily prevented.
3. Offers connection continuity through protocols
In the case of VoIP connections, SBC can control connections between different service providers. Thus, it manages to ensure connection continuity. If the organization has SIP or PSTN-based systems, SBC can perform protocol translation.
SBC can offer IPv4 to IPv6 conversion support when performing protocol translation. Inter-device tunneling can be created through the network layer. It plays a critical role in peer-to-peer audio sharing. SBC is the most needed solution for connection continuity.
Why do you need an SBC for your VoIP solution?
If you need a VoIP voice solution in your organization, SBC is one of the essential elements you should include. However, SBC is not required for every organization. If SBC is something you need, it would be much more accurate to use it.
If your service provider already uses a border controller, it's best to use virtualized SBC. You get high security for your communication connections, avoiding hardware and configuration costs as much as possible.
Security is the most important reason for using SBC. As VoIP networks become more and more common, they are the target of various attacks. SBC is necessary as standard firewalls may fail to protect your communication protocols.
How does an SBC work?
The SBC is positioned at the exact boundary between the telephone system and the service provider's network. When people make VoIP calls from their devices, the data reaches SBC over the internet. SBC performs checks of data and forwards them to the public network.
The SBC can also act to transfer data between different providers. It transforms protocols so that different systems can communicate with each other. Thus, it manages to ensure connection continuity.
Calls are forwarded to the destination when session data approved by SBC reaches the public network. Even though SBC has a complex structure, it fulfills a significant need. It helps secure calls on your VoIP network.
What are the common features of an SBC?
SBC is used for signal translation and security in VoIP solutions. Performs checks on SBC data streams in the VoIP network. The function of the SBC is different for each organization because the needs are different. In general, an SBC should have specific features.
Securing the network: SBC monitors the network topology and protects real-time communications from fraud, attacks, and spoofing. It also prevents outside interference by providing encryption of communication.
Enabling trunking: SBC is used together with SIP to form the boundary of the trunk connection. It fulfills the tasks of ensuring the quality of service, offering flexibility, and performing intelligent routing.
Interconnecting protocols: SBC can translate protocols. In this way, it allows different networks to connect to each other seamlessly. SBC can translate variables between devices.
Session control: SBC performs session controls wherever possible. It can determine who will gain access to the network. It creates white, black, and gray lists to increase service quality.
SBC has a critical role in VoIP communications. As a result of technological advances, the use of SBC is increasing day by day. As the shift from traditional communication methods to VoIP continues, it will gain more popularity.