Newport Networks Newsletter
April 2006 Issue

In this Issue:

SIP security and the IMS Core

Emergency Call Handling in VoIP Networks

Lawful Intercept in VoIP Networks

Press Announcements

Newport Becomes First SBC Vendor to Comply with UK VoIP Interconnect Standards

Newport Networks Receives INTERNET TELEPHONY® magazine's Product of the Year Award for 2005

As the Next Generation of IP powered multimedia networks emerges, the expectations placed on them in terms of features and capabilities is increasing. The advent of IMS offers the consumer the prospect of any service over any network, and underlying all of this we expect the networks to deliver PSTN equivalence in terms of service, security and reliability.

In this issue we look at the security and regulatory requirements of next generation networks.


SIP Security and the IMS Core

Much has been written about the security of SIP-based networks and security of Voice over IP in general, but ultimately good security is a complete architecture, not a single product or protocol. The advent of Fixed/Mobile Convergence and IMS has created some widely accepted standards and has equally highlighted architectural differences in the converging networks. Whilst the overall objective of providing a flexible, secure network and secure services is common, the implementation details differ from network to network.

In a data-centric network we would expect to see servers ringed by Firewalls and Intrusion Detection and Prevention systems, so why would we build a media-centric network any other way?

Emergency Call Handling in VoIP Networks

Emergency Call Handling (ECH) is an essential feature of today's public telephone networks, and if Voice over IP based PSTN replacement is to become a reality, the new technology will have to deliver reliable handling of emergency calls. The needs of ECH have been extended as a result of recent national emergencies, such as floods and terrorist atrocities. These have focused Governments' attention on the need to secure the lines of communication for key workers and facilities, as well as support for emergency calls.

SIP is now the accepted technology for next generation IP based PSTN and mobile networks, underpinned by standards bodies such as ETSI TISPAN, PacketCable, 3GPP and 3GPP2.

Lawful Intercept in VoIP Networks

Lawful Interception (LI) is a requirement placed upon service providers to provide legally sanctioned official access to private communications. With the existing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Lawful Intercept is performed by applying a physical 'tap' on the telephone line of the target in response to a warrant from a Law Enforcement Agency (LEA). However, Voice over IP (VoIP) technology has enabled the mobility of the end-user, so it is no longer possible to guarantee the interception of calls based on tapping a physical line.

Whilst the detailed requirements for Lawful Intercept may differ from one jurisdiction to another, the general requirements are the same. The LI system must provide transparent interception of specified traffic only and the subject must not be aware of the intercept. The service provided to other users must not be affected during interception.

Forthcoming Events

VON Europe - May 15 to 18

VON Europe will be taking place at Stockholm International Fairs. Visit Newport Networks at booth 108 and find out how we are helping to shape the next generation of multimedia networks.

Now in its 9th successful year, VON Europe is the definitive event for Europe's IP communications industry. With all the major players from fixed, wireless and broadband service providers taking part.

Take advantage of one of these offers:

  • $200 (or €162) discount off the full conference pricing
  • FREE Exhibit Hall pass

Pre-register online before the 14th May using the priority code NEWPORTVIP

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