What is Signalling ? Amazon.com Widgets Sending control signals that start and stop a transmission or other operation.

The signals are the commands that request an operation to be performed. For example, in telephony, a control signal is sent to establish a call, and later one is sent to tear down (disconnect) the call. What are different type of signalling ? Following are different ways in which Signalling cane be categorized. In-band & Out-of-band In-band signaling: A signaling method in which network control and call setup signals are sent over the same path as the user's transmission. With in-band call setup signals occupying the communications pathway, transmission of the user message must wait until the call setup process is completed. Out-of-band signaling: A signaling method in which network control and call setup signals are sent over a separate digital channel, called a signaling link. This method allows for the transport of more data at higher speeds since setup signals and transmission of user messages can be sent simultaneously. Channel Associated Signaling(CAS) & Common Channel Signaling(CCS) Channel Associated Signaling(CAS) is same as In-Band signaling. Example of a CAS signaling is R2MF. R2 is a 1960s- and 1970s-era channel-associated-signalling signalling protocol used outside of the former Bell System to convey information along a telephone trunk between two telephone switches in order to establish a single telephone call along that trunk. R2 is the name given to two broad protocol groups: R2 line signalling and R2 register signalling. More details about R2 can be found at link below : http://www.answers.com/topic/r2-signalling CAS is not a preferred signaling mode due to disadvantages like Loop Disconnect, dedicated signaling resource for every circuit, Slow-Long post dialing delay, limited information transfer etc. Common Channel Signalling (CCS) is the transmission of signaling information (control information) on a separate channel to the data, and, more specifically, where that signalling channel controls multiple data channels. Its Out-of-Band Signaling which additional specification of Single signalling channel handling multiple voice channels (as Single channel each for Voice & Signalling will also be Out-of-Band Signalling) Advantages of CCS over CAS

CCS offers the following advantages over CAS: Faster call setup. No interference between signalling tones by network and frequency of human speech pattern. Greater trunking efficiency due to the quicker set up and clear down, thereby reducing traffic on the network. No security issues related to the use of in-band signalling with CAS. CCS allows the transfer of additional information along with the signalling traffic providing features such as caller ID. The most common CCS signalling methods in use today are ISDN and SS7, while common CAS signalling method is R2MF whose usage in telecom domain has gone down to almost Nil. Some differences between R2MF & SS7 based IVR Service node deployment are : 1.No SS7 hardware(card or signaling gateway) is required for R2MF based IVR Services. Simple Voice cards would be enough to integrate your IVR system. 2.R2MF can support advanced services like Conferencing, Call forwarding etc. 3.You cant provide multi-model services on R2MF. e.g. If you have deployed your IVR system on shortcode 12345, then only calls terminating on number 12345 can be routed to this IVR. R2MF based IVR wont be able to handle 12345xxx kind of service through which you could have given direct access to any service menu or level. Difference between ISDN PRI and SS7 PRI can be termed as subset of SS7. The difference between PRI and SS7 is the kind of signaling that occurs. SS7 is the signaling network for telcos. Like ISDN, inter-telco signaling is Out-of-Band. However, SS7 links carry only signaling. And signaling is not solely related to call passing. LNP (Line Number Portability) transactions occur on this kind of link. You may think of ISDN as an IGP and SS7 as an EGP. ISDN is for processing calls between the telco and the customer. SS7 is for processing signaling,generally between telcos. Differences can be summarized as below :

1. Both are similar in many ways, but SS7 is more powerful and core to the network. PRI is a subset of SS7. 2. Main difference between PRI & SS7 which telecom professionals or IVR Integrators/Developers would notice is that You cant route multiple shortcodes (i.e. IVR Service Code e.g. 123) to Single Trunkgroup.i.e. Trunkgroups/Circuits cant be overlapped between different shortcodes. While this is a facility offered in SS7. You can have shared trunkgroup/circuits between different shortcodes or service codes. So SS7 allows optimal utilization of resources. 3. ISDN PRI link must directly be connected to switch. It has no capability to route the call intelligently. Using SS7 every node in the network can be accessed. Nodes need not be connected directly, SS7 has got built in intelligence to redirect packets to the correct destination. 4. SS7 allows to access the telecom companies databases, like the subscriber data, and other configuration information. Now a days most of the call routing is based on database information about the customer and the destination number. ISDN is Call Signalling/Control protocol only and cant be used for querying databases.. An example for this would be, the credit limit approaching message that we hear when our credit limit is about to expire. Whenever a call is placed, subsriber information is looked up from the database the appropriate message is played or routed to the destination. 5. SS7 is used to interconnect the switches. Its not a consumer end protocol. Modern day switches convert SS7 to PRI before giving it to a vendor or a consumer. Interconnection protocol between HLR, VLR , MSC and various Mobile Networks core nodes is SS7 wheareas almost all Call Centres & Connect Centres run on ISDN.

SS7 Introduction
SS7 is really a control protocol, used to provide instructions to the various elements within a telephony network. These instructions may be how to route a call through the network, what features a caller has subscribed to, or, in the case of number portability, which carrier will be used to handle the call. SS7 is a sophisticated telecommunications protocol that provides out-of-band signaling and a data interface between phone company switches for the express purpose of

reducing congestion in the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). For example, without SS7, a long distance call is routed through the network to the called party to make their phone ring or before a busy signal can be returned, thereby tying up circuits along the entire path. With SS7, once the call is dialed, the data interface sends a message to the end switch to ring the phone or to check if the called party is busy before the call is routed. If the call is answered, it is then immediately routed though the network, thereby not using the circuits while the phone is ringing or in busy and no-answer situations. SS7 Usage The SS7 network and protocol are used for:

basic call setup, management, and tear down wireless services such as personal communications services (PCS), wireless roaming, and mobile subscriber authentication local number portability (LNP) toll-free (800/888) and toll (900) wireline services enhanced call features such as call forwarding, calling party name/number display, and three-way calling efficient and secure worldwide telecommunications Intelligent Networks Data services like SMS & USSD

Signaling Links SS7 messages are exchanged between network elements over 56 or 64 kilobit per second (kbps) bi-directional channels called signaling links. Signaling occurs out-of-band on dedicated channels rather than in-band on voice channels. Compared to in-band signaling, out-of-band signaling provides:

faster call setup times (compared to in-band signaling using multi-frequency (MF)signaling tones) more efficient use of voice circuits support for Intelligent Network (IN) services which require signaling to network elements without voice trunks (e.g., database systems) improved control over fraudulent network usage

Concept of Point Codes

Each signaling point in the SS7 network is uniquely identified by a numeric point code.

Point codes are carried in signaling messages exchanged between signaling points to identify the source and destination of each message. Each signaling point uses a routing table to select the appropriate signaling path for each message. Signalling Points codes can be categorized as Local/National Point Codes or International Point Codes. Signalling Nodes which are connected on International Signalling Network is assigned International Point code. Normally, GMSC(Gateway Mobile Switching Centre) of a mobile network is given International Point Code which would be unique throughout globe. Whereas internal signaling nodes are given local/private signaling points and are not accessible outside mobile operators network. E.g. IVR System, SMSC etc. All types of signaling units carry an Origination Point Code (OPC) and a Destination Point Code (DPC). Point codes are unique identification numbers for signaling points. If traffic is transferred between two Siganlling Points say A & B , then A would be called OPC (Origination Point Code) and B would be referred as DPC (Destination Point Code) Point Code Formats Point code format are different in ANSI and CITTU network. Formats are as follows: NNNN (CITTU) - e.g., 2345 In case of CITTU or ITU-T, Point codes are indetified by a 14 bit unique identifier with in a network. Digits in a CITTU point code tell MTP Level 3 the following about a signaling point's location:

Zone Area/Network Signaling point ID

These point codes can further be categorized as Local or Private Point Codes and Global Points Codes. These can be termed as Private IP address and Public IP address if compared to TCP/IP world. NNN-NNN-NNN (ANSI) - e.g., 123-456-789 Digits in an ANSI point code tell MTP Level 3 the following about the location of a signaling point:

Network ID number Network Cluster number Network Member number

When the destination point code in a message indicates the receiving signaling point, the message is distributed to the appropriate user part (e.g., ISUP or SCCP) indicated by the service indicator in the SIO. Messages destined for other signaling points are transferred provided that the receiving signaling point has message transfer capabilities (like an STP).

International Point Code Numbering International Signalling Point Codes (ISPCs) are 14-bit binary codes used to establish direct SS7 signalling links and interconnection with overseas networks. The 14 bits of the ISPC are commonly represented by three decimal numbers (e.g. 5-047-0): 1. the first decimal, with the range of 0 to 7, represents the three (3) most significant bits; It identifies world geographical zone 2. the second decimal string, with the range of 000 to 255 represents the following eight (8) bits; The sub-field of 8 bits identify a geographical area or network in a specific zone. 3. and the third decimal, with the range of 0 to 7, represents the three least significant bits. The sub-field of 3 bits (CBA) should identify a signalling point in a specific geographical area or network. The combination of the first and second sub-fields could be regarded as a signalling area/network code (SANC).

International Point Code Numbering

International Signalling Point Codes (ISPCs) are 14-bit binary codes used to establish direct SS7 signalling links and interconnection with overseas networks. The 14 bits of the ISPC are commonly represented by three decimal numbers (e.g. 5-047-0): 1. the first decimal, with the range of 0 to 7, represents the three (3) most significant bits; It identifies world geographical zone 2. the second decimal string, with the range of 000 to 255 represents the following eight (8) bits; The sub-field of 8 bits identify a geographical area or network in a specific zone. 3. and the third decimal, with the range of 0 to 7, represents the three least significant bits. The sub-field of 3 bits (CBA) should identify a signalling point in a specific geographical area or network. The combination of the first and second sub-fields could be regarded as a signalling area/network code (SANC). 14 bit Point code = <3 bits World Geographic Zone><8 bit Geographical Area or Network><3 bits Signalling Nodes identifier in a specific geographical area or network>

Following are rules for International Point Codes allocation as defined by CCITT : 1. Each country (or geographical area) should be assigned at least one signalling area/network code (SANC). 2. Two of the zone identifications, namely 0 and 1 codes, are reserved for future allocation. 3. The system of international signalling point codes (ISPC) will provide for 6 * 256 * 8 (12288) ISPCs. 4. If a country (or geographical area) should require more than 8 international signalling points, one or more additional signalling area/network code(s) (SANC) would be assigned to it. 5. The assignment of signalling area/network codes (SANC) is to be administered by the CCITT. The assignment of signalling point identifications in the sub-field (CBA) will be made by each country (or geographical area) and the CCITT Secretariat notified.

There are three kinds of signaling points in the SS7 network (Fig. 1):

SSP (Service Switching Point) STP (Signal Transfer Point) SCP (Service Control Point)

Service Switching Point(SSP) SSPs are switches that originate, terminate, or tandem calls. An SSP sends signaling messages to other SSPs to setup, manage, and release voice circuits required to complete a call. An SSP may also send a query message to a centralized database (an SCP) to determine how to route a call (e.g., a toll-free 1-800/888 call in North America). An SCP sends a response to the originating SSP containing the routing number(s) associated with the dialed number. An alternate routing number may be used by the SSP if the primary number is busy or the call is unanswered within a specified time. Actual call features vary from network to network and from service to service. Because signaling messages will either originate or terminate within them, SSPs are considered "end points" on a network.

To Summarize, the core function of an SSP is to process calls that originate, tandem, or terminate at a specific office. For any given call, the SSP may generate signaling messages to transfer call-related information to other SSPs, or may send a query to an SCP database for instructions on routing the call.

Signal Transfer Point(STP) Network traffic between signaling points may be routed via a packet switch called an STP. An STP routes each incoming message to an outgoing signaling link based on routing information contained in the SS7 message. Because it acts as a network hub, an STP provides improved utilization of the SS7 network by eliminating the need for direct links between signaling points. An STP may perform global title translation, a procedure by which the destination signaling point is determined from digits present in the signaling message (e.g., the dialed 800 number, calling card number, or mobile subscriber identification number). An STP can also act as a "firewall" to screen SS7 messages exchanged with other networks. An STP is a packet switch that acts as a hub to transfer messages to other STPs, SCP databases, or SSPs. Since an STP's core function is to route signals, the need for direct connections between end points on a network is eliminated. The STP routes messages by checking routing information attached to each signaling message and sending it (via the proper link) to the desired signaling point.

Service Control Point(SCP) SCP is signaling node with database facility & intelligence to control the signalling traffic.e.g. HLR & IN Node are SCPs.

SS7 Linksets
Group of Links between two Signalling Nodes is called Linkset.Concept of Linkset provides desired level of redundancy and load sharing between two signalling nodes.e.g. If any of sugnalling link goes down in a linkset , then all traffic can flow through other links present in that linkset.Similarly, traffic between two signalling links can be shared among all links in load sharing mode.

Few quick points to note about linkset are : 1. There can be maximum 16 links in a Linkset between two Signalling Nodes 2. There can be a single linkset between two signalling nodes.Though One signalling node can have multiple linksets from different adjusent signalling nodes.i.e. Signalling Node A can have linksets from Node B and Node C (or many more) but would have only single linkset between A and B as well as between A and C. Point 1. & 2. above pose limitation of maximum 16 links between two Signalling Nodes which might not suffice ever increasing current or future requirements. e.g. 16 links between a MSC and HLR might not be able to handle increasing subscriber's signalling traffic beyond a certain limit.

Faced with this problem , following are some solutions which a Mobile Network operator has adopted : 1. They use concept of Nat0 (pronounced NAT zero) and Nat1 (pronounced NAT One) to increase available links to 32 from 16. I would cover this concept in my upcoming tutorial section on MTP3. 2. They migrate to HSL(High Speed Links) which allows 2 Mbps data transfer on a single link 3. They upgrade to Soft Switch and substitute SIGTRAN conectivity for SS7 connectivity to lower cost and increase capacity

Classification of Links
Links can further classified as below based on type on nodes they are connecting and connection topology : A Links(Access Links) An A link is used to connect an SSP or SCP to STPs throughout the network. B Links(Bridge Links) This type of link interconnects STPs throughout a network C Links(Cross Links) C links used to connect a mated pair of STPs. D Links(Diagonal Links) D links used to connect one STP from Primary STP pair to Another STP in Secondary STP pair.There is little difference between functionality of B and D link , so these are sometimes called as B/D links.

E Links(Extended Links) An E link is used to provide an SSP with a link to an alternate STP. F Links(Fully Associated Links) An F link is used to provide a direct connection between signaling endpoints. An F link can potentially be used to connect SSP to SSP,SCP to SCP or SSP to SCP. However, F links are not normally used in networks that employ STPs.

SS7 Protocol Layers

The SS7 protocol at signaling points is divided into several parts spread across seven "layers." These layers are collectively known as the SS7 protocol stack. The SS7 protocol stack was modeled after the seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. It can be loosely mapped to the OSI model. However it differs from OSI model is that User applications can be present starting from 4th layer onwards(i.e. SCCP , ISUP or TUP Layer). Its unlike other implementation of OSI models(e.g. TCP/IP) where user applications mostly link with highest layer i.e. Application Layer. You would hardly come across any application which directly operates at Presentation or Session layer. Its reason , I have used term "loosely mapped". Following Digram show mapping between both models : Dividing the protocol stack into layers and assigning specific responsibilities to specific parts is a main advantage in that changes can be quickly implemented. If a change in technology occurs, only one part of the stack will likely be affected. In this way, it is easier to capitalize on new technology.

SS7 - Message Transfer Part Layers

The Message Transfer Part (MTP) is divided into three levels:

MTP Level 1
MTP Level 1 defines the physical, electrical, and functional characteristics of the digital signaling link. Physical interfaces defined include E-1 (2048 kb/s; 32 64 kb/s channels), DS-1 (1544 kb/s; 24 64 kp/s channels), V.35 (64 kb/s), DS-0 (64 kb/s), and DS-0A (56

kb/s). Physical, defines the physical interface (bearer channel, HDLC framing)

Difference between E1 and Link(or SS7 Link)

Above Diagram shows E1 Framing. Most of new users are confused between difference between E1 and Link. An "E1" is a physical connection between two Signalling Nodes which has 32 channels of 64kps each(making it total 2 Mbps line). All of these Channels either carry Data (Call Control Information for Calls or Data payload like SMS,USSD etc.) or Voice. Channels which Carry data are called Links. For example,There can be 4 E1s between MSC and an IVR service node but single Link on First E1. Following are some quick points about E1 : a. E1 carrys both VOICE Channels(called Trunks) and Signalling b. Each E1 can have maximum 30 Voice trunks c. Signalling Channel for Call Control can be shared between E1s. Each Signalling Channel can handle upto 1024 Voice Trunks

d. Each E1 can theoratically carry maximum 30 Signalling Links though practically maximum of 16 links can be carried over(as SLS field is of 4 bits, covered in detail in coming sections) e. Default timeslot(or channel) which carry Call Control Information is 16th Timeslot. f. Timeslot 0 on an E1 is reserved for Framing/Synchronization E1 Cable Layout Following diagram shows cable layout of an E1 table. Two wires are used for Rx and two are used for Tx