Internet-based communications include more than email and messaging. Voice over IP (VoIP) calls will soon become as common as traditional circuit-switched voice calls. As a result, service providers require new lawful intercept solutions that can perform effectively in a distributed softswitch environment and meet the lawful intercept requirements. The SS8 Xcipio™ Softswitch Delivery Function (SSDF) is designed specifically to provide intercept capabilities for VoIP networks.

Real-time Packet Extraction

The Xcipio SSDF is a software application that enables service providers to deliver session-identifying VoIP call data and content information to law enforcement agencies over standard protocols and transmission media.

Xcipio Softswitch Delivery Function

The SSDF runs on standard Sun Microsystems servers and enables lawful intercept for VoIP communications in next-generation networks. Once lawful intercept is authorized by a court order, the Xcipio provisioning engine provisions the Xcipio platform with target identifying information. With an easy-to-use interface, the provisioning engine enables service providers to provision other network elements across the network.

The Xcipio SSDF supports dynamic IP addressing, enabling targeted voice packets to be extracted in real-time from network switches and aggregation routers. The Xcipio SSDF platform manages information processing, routing, replication, identification, encapsulation, and delivery to law enforcement in a standard format for secure access by authorized users.

Simplified Management

Compatible with most manufacturers’ softswitches, the SSDF’s call agent interface simplifies set-up and monitoring. In addition to supporting traditional passive monitoring approaches, the Xcipio SDDF can also interface directly with existing network routers. Direct interfaces eliminate the need for additional hardware which reduces cost and administration associated with provisioning intercept capabilities in next generation networks.

Service providers can deploy Xcipio SSDF cost-effectively, easily meet the specific needs of law enforcement agencies, and do it without disrupting existing IP service offerings. The proven Xcipio OA&M platform has been deployed in more than 50 countries. Xcipio implements a generic managed object server (GMOS), which is responsible for maintaining and administering the delivery function, configuration, and databases. It also protects intercept controls, intercepted call content and call-identifying information, consistent with service
providers’ security policies and practices.

Flexible Architecture

Designed for maximum flexibility, the Xcipio platform can be cost-effectively deployed by local or regional service providers, as well as scale to meet the needs of large domestic or global carriers.

Secure Platform and Access

A comprehensive range of security features ensures a secure platform and secure access for law enforcement users. Physical access to Xcipio is restricted to either network connectivity via the Ethernet card or a direct RS232 port. Industry-leading authentication, and security features safeguard data and content. Rule-based user privileges can be tailored to restrict system access to only necessary and appropriate users.

A Strong Industry Partner

As the leading provider of lawful intercept solutions, SS8 Networks works closely with service providers and network equipment manufacturers to deliver robust, high-availability intercept solutions. In addition, SS8 provides a vital liaison between equipment vendors, service providers and the law enforcement community, exchanging new ideas, supporting existing solutions, and ensuring that future solutions will continue to meet their needs.

Training and knowledge transfer are key elements of SS8 lawful intercept solutions. We provide extensive support to the system administrators, operators, and agents who maintain and use the Xcipio platform.

Key Features