session border controller (SBC)
A session border controller (SBC) is a device or application that
governs the manner in which calls, also called sessions, are initiated, conducted and terminated in
a VoIP (Voice
over Internet Protocol) network. An SBC can be placed in the communication path between any two
parties engaged in a VoIP session. A common location for a stand-alone SBC is a connection point,
called a border, between a private local area network (LAN) and the Internet.
An SBC can exist as a single, independent hardware unit
containing all of the resources necessary for call signaling
and call
control. Alternatively, the signaling and control functions can be divided between the
communicating systems.
An SBC can facilitate VoIP sessions between phone sets or proprietary networks that
use different signaling protocols. In
addition, an SBC can include call filtering, bandwidth use
management, firewalls and
anti-malware
programs to minimize abuse and enhance security. An SBC can act as a router and
conceal the internal topology of a
private network from the external environment. However, regulations demand that SBCs allow
interception and monitoring of communications for law enforcement purposes. Emergency calls are
given top priority so they can be completed under all network traffic conditions.
This was last updated in July 2007
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