A PortalSwitch is a central device in a telecommunications network which connects telephone calls from one phone line to another, entirely by means of software running on a computer system. This work was formerly carried out by hardware, with physical switch boards to route the calls.

A PortalSwitch is typically used to control connections at the junction point between circuit and packet networks. A single device containing both the switching logic and the switching fabric can be used for this purpose;  however, modern technology has led to a preference for decomposing this device into a Call Agent and a Media Gateway.

The Call Agent takes care of functions including billing, call routing, signalling, call services and so on and is the ‘brains’ of the outfit. A Call Agent may control several different Media Gateways in geographically dispersed areas over a TCP/IP link.

The call agent will instruct the media gateway to connect media streams between these interfaces to connect the call – all transparently to the end-users.

The PortalSwitch generally resides in a building owned by the telephone company called a central office. The central office will have telephone trunks to carry calls to other offices owned by the telecommunication company and to other telecommunication companies (aka the Public Switched Telephone Network or PSTN)

PortalSwitch Clientele : Wholesale termination carriers