SBC migration is often perceived as complex and risky—but it doesn’t have to be. For communication service providers (CSPs), the key lies in developing a structured, step-by-step approach that minimises disruption while preparing the network for long-term scalability, performance, and security.
With Perimeta’s future uncertain and many legacy session border controllers falling behind modern requirements, a successful migration is not just about replacing equipment; it’s an opportunity to modernise your voice infrastructure and unlock strategic value.
Here are five best practices to support a risk-free, future-ready SBC migration.
Assess Your Current SBC Environment
Begin by auditing your current SBC infrastructure. This includes cataloguing supported services—such as VoLTE, IMS, SIP trunking—and reviewing integration points, capacity thresholds, security configurations, and compliance gaps.
Mapping the current environment helps you identify what must be preserved, enhanced, or redesigned. It forms the foundation for a smooth migration with minimal disruption to live services.
Define Deployment and Performance Requirements
Not all SBCs offer the same capabilities. Outline your operational and technical needs in detail:
- Expected session and signalling capacity
- Supported protocols (e.g., SIP, Diameter)
- Geo-redundancy and latency expectations
- High availability and failover designs
- Security policies and regulatory mandates
- Disaster recovery and management tooling
Documenting these requirements helps you choose a solution that aligns with both current network loads and future growth, without overprovisioning or sacrificing performance.
Select the Right Deployment Model
The deployment model—cloud, on-premises, virtualised, or hybrid—should reflect your network strategy, regulatory environment, and operational preferences.
- Cloud: Ideal for scalable, cost-effective expansion with minimal infrastructure overhead.
- Virtualised: Best suited for CSPs leveraging private data centres or NFV environments.
- On-premises: Recommended for ultra-low latency, full control, or compliance-driven use cases.
- Hybrid: Combines the best of both worlds for flexibility and phased migrations.
Platforms like BorderNet SBC support all models, enabling CSPs to evolve their architecture over time without needing another overhaul.
Test Interoperability and Run a Pilot
Before deploying at scale, test the new SBC in a lab or staging environment. Validate interoperability with key systems such as PBXs, PSTN gateways, Microsoft Teams, and IMS cores.
Pilot rollouts help detect configuration or compatibility issues early. They also give technical teams the chance to review stability, performance, and policy enforcement under real-world conditions—before committing to full cutover.
Optimise Post-Migration Performance
Migration success doesn’t stop at cutover. Post-migration, use monitoring tools and analytics to track voice service KPIs, detect anomalies, and ensure security compliance.
Key activities include:
- Monitoring call quality, jitter, and packet loss
- Enabling fraud detection and SIP anomaly alerts
- Applying QoS and traffic shaping policies
- Conducting regular audits for security and performance
This phase is where the long-term benefits are realised: increased visibility, better service delivery, and more agile, future-proof operations.
Plan Ahead to Maximise Long-Term Value
SBC migration is more than a technical switch—it’s a strategic investment in your network’s future. By assessing your current environment, defining clear requirements, and validating deployments through pilots, you can reduce risk and position your voice infrastructure for growth and innovation. Discuss Your Migration Needs with Our Team, Get in Touch with an Advisor.
