CIRCUIT SWITCHING SIGNALING

SIGNALING SYSTEM 7
(SS7)

Overview

Signaling between exchanges:

Channel Associated Signaling (CAS)

Common Channel Signaling (CCS)

Overview
Channel Associated Signaling

The key feature that distinguishes Channel

Associated Signaling (CAS) from Common
Channel Signaling (CCS) that a dedicated fixed
signaling capacity is set aside for each and
every trunk in a fixed, pre-determined way.
CAS can be implemented using the following
related systems:

Bell Systems MF, R2, R1, and C5.

Single-frequency (SF) in-band and out-of-band
signaling
Robbed bit signaling
3

Overview
Channel Associated Signaling

Limitations of CAS:

Susceptibility to Fraud: CAS employing in-band

supervisory signaling is extremely susceptible to fraud
because the subscriber can generate these signals by
simply using a tone generator down a handset mouthpiece.
Limited Signaling Information: CAS is limited by the
amount of information that can be signaled using the voice
channel. Because only a small portion of the voice band is
used for signaling.
Inefficient Use of Resources: CAS systems are
inefficient because they require either continuous signaling
or, in the case of digital CAS, at regular intervals even
without new signals.
Signaling is limited: to call set-up and release phases
only. This means that signaling cannot take place during
the call connection phase.
4

Overview
Common Channel Signaling

CCS refers to the situation in which the signaling

capacity is provided in a common pool, with the
capacity being used as and when necessary.
The signaling channel can usually carry
signaling information for thousands of traffic
circuits.
CCS systems are packet-based, transferring
over 200 bytes in a single SS7 packet, as
opposed to a few bits allocated to act as
indicators in digital CAS. The signaling
information is transferred by means of
messages, which is a block of information that is
divided into fields that define a certain parameter
or further sub-field.

Overview
Common Channel Signaling

Circuit-related and non-circuit-related

Circuit-Related Signaling: refers to the original

functionality of signaling, which is to establish,
supervise, and release trunks. In other words, it is
used to set up, manage, and clear down basic
telephone service calls.
Non-Circuit-Related Signaling: refers to signaling
that is not related to the establishment, supervision,
and release of trunks. Due to the advent of
supplementary services and the need for database
communication in cellular networks and Intelligent
Networks.

Non-circuit-related signaling allows the transfer of information

that is not related to a particular circuit, typically for the
purpose of transmitting both the query and response to and
from telecommunication databases

Overview
Common Channel Signaling

There are three types of CCS signaling modes:

Associated
Quasi-associated
Non-associated

SS7 runs in associated or quasi-associated

mode, but not in non-associated mode.
Associated and quasi-associated signaling
modes ensure sequential delivery, while nonassociated does not. SS7 does not run in nonassociated mode because it does not have
procedures for reordering out-of-sequence
messages.
7

Overview
Common Channel Signaling

Associated signaling

both the signaling and the corresponding user traffic

take the same route through the network.
Associated mode requires every network switch to
have signaling links to every other interconnected
switch (this is known as a fully meshed network
design).

Overview
Common Channel Signaling

Quasi-associated signaling

In quasi-associated mode, signaling follows a different

route than the switched traffic to which it refers,
requiring the signaling to traverse at least one
intermediate node. Quasi-associated networks tend to
make better use of the signaling links.

Overview
Common Channel Signaling

Non-associated signaling

Because the path is not fixed at a given point in time

in non-associated mode, the signaling has many
possible routes through the network for a given call or
transaction. Therefore, the packets might arrive out of
sequence because different routes might have been
traversed.
SS7 does not run in non-associated mode because no
procedures exist for reordering out-of-sequence
messages. Associated and quasi-associated signaling
modes assure sequential delivery, while nonassociated signaling does not.

10

Overview
Common Channel Signaling

Limitations of CCS: CSS has the following

disadvantages in comparison to CAS:

CCS links can be a single point of failurea single

link can control thousands of voice circuits, so if a link
fails and no alternative routes are found, thousands of
calls could be lost.
There is no inherent testing of speech path by call setup signaling, so elaborate Continuity Test procedures
are required.

11

Overview
Common Channel Signaling

Pre-SS7 system

CCITT R1 (regional 1)
C6 (CCITT Signaling System No. 6), also called SS6,
was the first system to employ Common Channel
Signaling (CCS).
AT&T developed SS7/C7 in 1975, and the
International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative
Committee (CCITT) adopted it in 1980 as a worldwide
standard.

12

Signaling System 7 (SS7)

SS7/C7 is the protocol suite that is employed

globally, across telecommunications networks,
to provide signaling.
It is a packet-switched network, as well as a
service platform. Being a signaling protocol, it
provides the mechanisms to allow the
telecommunication network elements to
exchange control information.
SS7/C7 is the key enabler of the public switched
telephone network (PSTN), the integrated
services digital network (ISDN), intelligent
networks (INs), and public land mobile networks
(PLMNs).

13

Signaling System 7 (SS7)

Each time a cellular phone is powered up,

SS7/C7-based transactions identify,
authenticate, and register the subscriber.
SS7/C7 network tracks the cellular subscriber to
allow call delivery, as well as to allow a call that
is already in progress to remain connected, even
when the subscriber is mobile.
SS7/C7 is possibly the most important element
from a quality of service (QoS) perspective, as
perceived by the subscriber.

14

Signaling System 7 (SS7)

SS7 based services:

Telephone-marketing numbers such as toll-free and

free-phone
Tele-voting (mass calling)
Single Directory Number
Supplementary services
Calling name (CNAM)
Local number portability (LNP)
Cellular network mobility management and roaming

Short Message Service (SMS)

Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS) Ringtone, logo, and
cellular game delivery
15

Signaling System 7 (SS7)

SS7/C7 is invested with Internet and other datacentric technologies to:

Internet Call Waiting

Internet Calling Name Services
Click-to-Dial Applications
Web-Browser-Based Telecommunication Services
WLAN "Hotspot" Billing
Location-Based Games

16

SS7 Network Architecture

The worldwide signaling network has two

functionally independent levels:

International
National

SS7 network nodes are called signaling points

(SPs).
Each SP is addressed by an integer called a
point code (PC).

The international network uses a 14-bit PC.

The national networks also use a 14-bit PC except
North America and China, which use an incompatible
24-bit PC.
17

SS7 Network Architecture

Node type: There are three different types of SP

Signal Transfer Point

Service Switching Point

Service Control Point

18

SS7 Network Architecture

19

SS7 Network Architecture

Signaling transfer point (STP)

A Signal Transfer Point (STP) is responsible for the

transfer of SS7 messages between other SS7 nodes,
acting somewhat like a router in an IP network.
An STP is neither the ultimate source nor the
destination for most signaling messages.
An STP can exist in one of two forms:

Standalone STP: deployed in "mated" pairs for the purposes

of redundancy. Under normal operation, the mated pair shares
the load. If one of the STPs fails or isolation occurs because of
signaling link failure, the other STP takes the full load until the
problem with its mate has been rectified.
Integrated STP (SP with STP): combine the functionality of
an SSP and an STP. They are both the source and destination
for MTP user traffic. They also can transfer incoming
20
messages to other nodes.

10

SS7 Network Architecture

Service Switching Point

A Service Switching Point (SSP) is a voice switch that

incorporates SS7 functionality.
An SSP can originate and terminate messages, but it
cannot transfer them. If a message is received with a
point code that does not match the point code of the
receiving SSP, the message is discarded.

21

SS7 Network Architecture

Service Control Point

A Service Control Point (SCP) acts as an interface

between telecommunications databases and the SS7
network.
Telephone companies and other telecommunication
service providers employ a number of databases that
can be queried for service data for the provision of
services.

22

11

Signaling Links and Linksets

Signaling links and linksets

SPs are connected to each other by signaling links

over which signaling takes place.
The bandwidth of a signaling link is normally 64
kilobits per second (kbps).
To provide more bandwidth and/or for redundancy, up
to 16 links between two SPs can be used. A group of
links between two SP is called a linkset.

23

Route and Routeset

Route and Routeset

SS7 routes are statically provisioned at each SP.

There are no mechanisms for route discovery.
A route is defined as a pre-provisioned path between
source and destination for a particular relation.
All the pre-provisioned routes to a particular SP
destination are called the routeset.

24

12

Example
Signaling a POTS Call
4. STP X forwards IAM
3. STP W forwards IAM SSP B
2. SSP A formulates
Initial Address
Message (IAM),
forwards to STP W
1. caller goes
offhook, dials
callee. SSP A
decides to route
call via SSP B.
Assigns idle
trunk A-B

to STP X

X
A

B
25

Example
Signaling a POTS Call
5. B determines it serves callee, creates
address completion message
(ACM[A,B,trunk]), rings callee phone, sends
ringing sound on trunk to A
6. ACM routed to Z to Y to A

7. SSP A receives ACM,

connects subscriber
line to allocated A-B
trunk (caller hears
ringing)
A

X
B
26

13

Example
Signaling a POTS Call
8. Callee goes off hook, B
creates, sends answer
message to A
(ANM[A,B,trunk])
9. ANM routed to A

10. SSP A receives

ANM, checks caller is
connected in both
directions to trunk.
Call is connected!

X
B
27

Link Types

28

14

A Link

An "A" (access) link connects a signaling end

point (e.g., an SCP or SSP) to an STP. Only
messages originating from or destined to the
signaling end point are transmitted on an "A"
link.

29

C Link

A "C" (cross) link connects STPs performing

identical functions into a mated pair. A "C" link is
used only when an STP has no other route
available to a destination signaling point due to
link failure(s).
Note: SCPs may also be deployed in pairs to improve reliability;
unlike STPs however, mated SCPs are not interconnected by
signaling links.

30

15

B Link

A "B" (bridge) link connects one STP to another.

Typically, a quad of "B" links interconnect peer
(or primary) STPs (e.g., the STPs from one
network to the STPs of another network).

31

D Link

A "D" (diagonal) link connects a secondary (e.g.,

local or regional) STP pair to a primary (e.g.,
inter-network gateway) STP pair in a quad-link
configuration. Secondary STPs within the same
network are connected via a quad of "D" links.

The distinction between a "B" link and a "D" link

is rather arbitrary. For this reason, such links
may be referred to as "B/D" links.

32

16

E Link

An "E" (extended) link connects an SSP to an

alternate STP. "E" links provide an alternate
signaling path if an SSPs "home" STP cannot
be reached via an "A" link. "E" links are not
usually provisioned unless the benefit of a
marginally higher degree of reliability justifies the
added expense.

33

F Link

An "F" (fully associated) link connects two

signaling end points (i.e., SSPs and SCPs). "F
links are not usually used in networks with STPs.
In networks without STPs, "F" links directly
connect signaling points.

34

17

SS7 Protocol Overview

The number of possible

protocol stack
combinations is growing.
The main protocols are:

Message Transfer Parts

(MTP 1, 2, and 3)
Signaling Connection
Control Part (SCCP)
Transaction Capabilities
Application Part (TCAP)
Telephony User Part (TUP)
ISDN User Part (ISUP)
35

SS7 Protocol Overview

36

18

SS7 Protocol Overview

The SS7 physical layer is called MTP level 1 (MTP1)

The data link layer is called MTP level 2 (MTP2),
The network layer is called MTP level 3 (MTP3).
Collectively they are called the Message Transfer
Part (MTP).
The MTP transfers the signaling message, in the correct
sequence, without loss or duplication.
The MTP provides reliable transfer and delivery of
signaling messages.

37

MTP2

MTP2 ensures reliable transfer of signaling messages.

It encapsulates signaling messages into variable-length
SS7 packets.
SS7 packets are called signal units (SUs).
MTP2 provides signaling link error monitoring, error
correction by retransmission, and flow control.
The MTP2 protocol is specific to narrowband links
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).

38

19

MTP3

MTP3 performs two functions:

Signaling Message Handling (SMH) Delivers incoming

messages to their intended User Part and routes outgoing
messages toward their destination. MTP3 uses the PC to identify
the correct node for message delivery. Each message has both
an Origination Point Code (OPC) and a DPC. The OPC is
inserted into messages at the MTP3 level to identify the SP that
originated the message. The DPC is inserted to identify the
address of the destination SP. Routing tables within an SS7 node
are used to route messages.
Signaling Network Management (SNM): Monitors linksets and
routesets, providing status to network nodes so that traffic can be
rerouted when necessary. SNM also provides procedures to take
corrective action when failures occur, providing a self-healing
mechanism for the SS7 network.

39

40

20

TUP and ISUP

TUP and ISUP sit on top of MTP to provide circuitrelated signaling to set up, maintain, and tear down calls.
Both TUP and ISUP are used to perform interswitch call
signaling.
ISUP also has inherent support for supplementary
services, such as automatic callback.

41

SCCP

SCCP provides a more flexible means of routing and

provides mechanisms to transfer data over the SS7
network.
Such additional features are used to support noncircuitrelated signaling, which is mostly used to interact with
databases (SCPs). It is also used to connect the
radiorelated components in cellular networks and for
inter-SSP communication supporting CLASS services.
For example, in cellular networks, SCCP transfers
queries and responses between the Visitor Location
Register (VLR) and Home Location Register (HLR)
databases.

42

21

TCAP

TCAP allows applications (called subsystems) to

communicate with each other (over the SS7
network) using agreed-upon data elements.
These data elements are called components.
Components can be viewed as instructions sent
between applications.
TCAP also provides transaction management,
allowing multiple messages to be associated
with a particular communications exchange,
known as a transaction.

43

Protocol Standards

44

22

MTP Level 2 (Data Link Layer)

The DATA-link level provides a reliable transfer

of signaling messages between two directly
connected signaling points over one individual
signaling data link.
The link-level functions include:

Delimiting of frames.
Alignment of frames.
Error detection.(Basic & PCR)
Error correction by retransmission.
Initial alignment of data link.
Error monitoring and reporting.
Link-flow control.
45

MTP Level 2

46

23

MTP Level 2 Frame Format

Level 3 user information

MSU (Message Signal Unit)

F

CK

SIF

SIO

LI

Network:
National
International

LSSU (Link Status Signal Unit)

F

CK

SF

LI

Control

CK

LI

Control

LSB

User part:
ISUP
SCCP
Signalling
network
management

FISU (Fill-In Signal Unit)

F

Control

F
MSB

47

Format of Message Signal Unit (MSU)

F

CK

SIF

S
P
A
R
E

SIO

F
B
I
LI
FSN I BSN
B
B

Direction of transmission
Format of Link Status Signal Unit (LSSU)
F

CK

S
P
A
R
E

SF

LI

F
B
I FSN I BSN
B
B

Format of Fill-in Signal Unit (FISU)

F

CK

S
P
A
R
E

F
B
I
LI
FSN I BSN
B
B

F Flag (8)
CK Checksum (16)
LI Length Indicator (6)
FSN Forward Sequence Number (7)
BSN Backward Sequence Number (7)

SIF Signaling Information Field (8n, n>2)

SIO Service Information Octet (8)
FIB Forward Indicator Bit (1)
BIB Backward Indicator Bit (1)
SF Status Field (8 or 16)

48

24

MTP Level 2 Frames

MSU (Message Signal Unit):
Contains actual SS7 signalling messages
The received frame is MSU if LI > 2
(LI = number of octets)
LSSU (Link Status Signal Unit):
Contains signalling messages for MTP level 2
(signalling link) supervision
The received frame is LSSU if LI = 1 or 2
FISU (Fill-In Signal Unit):
Can be used to monitor quality of signalling link
at receiving end
The received frame is FISU if LI = 0
49

MTP Level 2
Error Control
SP

SP

Normal, No-error

51

25

MTP Level 2

Length indicator

LI = 0 indicates a FISU.
LI = 1 or 2 indicates an LSSU.
LI > 2 indicates a MSU

52

MTP Level 3 (Network Layer)

26

Level 4
User Parts

Signalling Network Functions

Signalling Message Handling
Message
Distribution

Message
Discrimination

Level 2 MTP

Message
Routing

Signalling Network Management

Signalling
Traffic
Management
Signalling
Route
Management

Testing & Maintenance

Signalling
Link
Management

Signalling Message Flow

Indications and Control

54

MTP Level 3
LSSU

55

27

MTP Level 3
Aligning and Proving

8.2 Sec-Normal Alignment

0.5 Sec-Emergency Alignment

56

MTP Level 3
SIO

In message signal units (MSUs), the service information octet

(SIO) is used to perform message distribution. This octet is divided
into a four-bit service indicator (SI) and a four-bit subservice field.
This subservice field is further divided into a two-bit networkindicator code and two bits that are spare if the indicator code is 00
or 01, or are available for national use if the indicator code is 10 or
11.

57

28

MTP Level 3
Signaling Network Functions
D C B A

D C B A

Sub-service field (4 bits)

Service indicator (4 bits)

Direction of transmission

Sub-service field = Network Indicator

(Bits A & B are spare)
Bit D

Bit C Network Indicator

International Network

Not used

National network

Reserved for national use

58

MTP Level 3
Signaling Network Functions
D

Network Indicator (National /International Signaling Network)

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1

0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1

0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1

Signaling network management messages

Signaling network testing and maintenance messages
Spare
SCCP
Telephone user part
ISDN User Part
Data User Part (call and circuit-related messages)
Data User Part (facility registration and cancellation messages)
Reserved for MTP Testing User Part
Broadband ISDN User Part
Satellite ISDN User Part

Spare
59

29

MTP Level 3
Routing Labels

SIF (2-272 bytes)

CIC (12 bits)

SLS (4 bits)

SLS Signaling Link Selection

OPC Originating Point Code
DPC Destination Point Code
CIC - Circuit Identification code

OPC (14 bits)

DPC (14 bits)

Direction of transmission
60

MTP Level 3
Routing Labels
SS7 signalling messages contain MTP level 3 routing information in
the form of a routing label:
MSB

LSB

International (and most national)

signalling networks (ITU-T):

SIO octet
DPC
DPC
OPC
OPC

14-bit Destination Point Code (DPC)

14-bit Originating Point Code (OPC)
4-bit Signalling Link Selection (SLS)

OPC
SLS

North American national signalling

network (ANSI):

Signalling message
payload

24-bit DPC and OPC, 5-bit SLS code

Format for international SPC:

Zone
3 bits

Area/Network
8 bits

SP
3 bits

For examples, see:

www.numberingplans.com

61

30

MTP Level 3
Heading Codes-Network Management

63

MTP Level 3
Example of Changeover of an MSU Containing
Changeover Message

64

31

SS7 Application Layer

ISUP (ISDN User Part)

The ISDN User Part is the Signaling System No. 7 protocol which
provides the signaling functions required to support basic bearer
services and supplementary services for voice and non-voice
applications in an integrated services digital network. The ISDN
User Part is also suited for application in dedicated telephone
and circuit switched data networks and in analogue and mixed
analogue/digital networks.

65

ISUP
Message
Address Complete
Answer
Blocking
Blocking acknowledgement
Call progress
Circuit group blocking
Circuit group blocking acknowledgement
Circuit group query
Circuit group query response
Circuit group reset
Circuit group reset acknowledgement
Circuit group unblocking
Circuit group unblocking acknowledgement
Charge information (National specific)
Confusion

Hex Code
06
09
13
15
2C
18
1A
2A
2B
17
29
19
1B
31
2F

Binary Code
00000110
00001001
00010011
00010101
00101100
00011000
00011010
00101010
00101011
00010111
00101001
00011001
00011011
00110001
00101111

66

32

ISUP
Message
Connect
Continuity
Continuity check request
Facility
Facility accepted
Facility reject
Facility request
Forward transfer
Identification request
Identification response
Information
Information request
Initial address
Loop back acknowledgement
Network resource management

Hex Code
07
05
11
33
20
21
1F
08
36
37
04
03
01
24
32

Binary Code
00000111
00000101
00010001
00110011
00100000
00100001
00011111
00001000
00110110
00110111
00000100
00000011
00000001
00100100
00110010

Hex Code
30
28
0C
10
12
0E
38
2
0D
14
16
2E
35
34
2D

Binary Code
00110000
00101000
00001100
00010000
00010010
00001110
00111000
00000010
00001101
00010100
00010110
00101110
00110101
00110100
00101101

67

ISUP
Message
Overload
Pass-along
Release
Release complete
Reset Circuit
Resume
Segmentation
Subsequent address
Suspend
Unblocking
Unblocking acknowledgement
Unequipped CIC
User part available
User part test
User to User information

68

33

ISUP
ISUP is a signalling application protocol that is used for establishing
and releasing circuit-switched connections (calls).
Only for signalling between exchanges (ISUP can never be
used between an exchange and a stand-alone database)
Not only for ISDN (=> ISUP is generally used in the PSTN)
Structure of ISUP message:
SIO (one octet)
Routing label (four octets)
CIC (two octets)
Message type (one octet)
Mandatory fixed part
Mandatory variable part
Optional part

Must always be included in ISUP message

E.g., IAM message
E.g., contains called (user B) number in
IAM message

69

MTP Routing Label and Circuit Identification Code

Message Type
Mandatory Parameter A

Mandatory
Fixed Part

Mandatory Parameter F
Pointer to Parameter M
Pointer to Parameter P
Pointer to Optional Part
Length Indicator of M
Parameter M

Mandatory
Variable Part

Length Indicator of P
Parameter P
Parameter name X
Length Indicator of X
Optional Parameter X
Optional Part
Parameter name Z
Length Indicator Z
Optional Parameter Z
End of Optional Part

70

34

Format of IAM Message

71

ISUP
Address Complete Message (ACM). Sent in the

Subsequent Address Message (SAM). Sent in the

backward direction to indicate that all the required

forward direction to convey additional called-party

address signals have been received.

number information.

Answer Message (ANM). Sent in the backward

Release Message (REL). Sent to indicate that the

direction to indicate that the call has been answered

circuit is being released.

and that metering or measurement of call duration can

start.

Release Complete Message (RLC). Sent in response

to a release message to indicate that the circuit has

Call Progress Message (CPG). Sent in either direction

been released and brought into the idle condition.

during the setup or active phase of the call, indicating

that an event has occurred which is of significance and
which should be relayed to the originating or
terminating access.

Charge Information Message (CIM). Sent for

accounting and/or charging purposes.
Confusion Message (CFN). Sent in response to any
message the exchange does not recognize.

Initial Address Message (IAM). Sent in the forward

direction to initiate seizure of an outgoing circuit and
to transmit the number and other information related

Circuit Group Blocking Message (CGB). Sent to

cause an engaged condition for a group of circuits for
subsequent outgoing calls.

72

to the routing and handling of the call.

35

ISUP

Basic ISUP signalling messages:

Call setup:
IAM (Initial address message)
ACM (Address complete message)

From LE A to LE B
From LE B to LE A

ANM (Answer message)

Call release:
REL (Release message)
RLC (Release complete message)

Direction depends
on releasing party
(user A or user B)
73

ISUP

Difference between SLS and CIC

The four-bit signalling link selection (SLS) field in the routing

label defines the signalling link which is used for transfer of the
signalling information.
The 16-bit circuit identification code (CIC) contained in the ISUP
message defines the TDM time slot or circuit with which the ISUP
message is associated.
Signalling link
STP
Exchange

Exchange
Circuit
74

36

ISUP

Signaling using IAM message

STP
STP
SL 4
SL 7
SPC = 22

SPC = 82
Circuit
14
Exchange

Circuit
20

Exchange

Outgoing message:
OPC = 82 CIC = 14
DPC = 22 SLS = 4

SPC = 60

Exchange

Processing in (transit) exchange(s):

Received IAM message contains B-number.
Exchange performs number analysis (not part of 75
ISUP) and selects new DPC (60) and CIC (20).

ISUP

Setup a call using ISUP

User A

Setup

LE A

Transit exchange

LE B

User B

IAM
IAM

DSS1
signalling
assumed

Alert

Setup
Number analysis

Alert
ACM

ACM
Connect

ANM

ANM

Connect
Charging of call starts now

76

37

Example: Call Setup

User A

LE A

Off hook

TE

LE B

Dial tone

Local exchange detects setup

request and returns dial tone

B number

Local exchange:

User B

analyzes B number
determines that call

should be routed via

transit exchange (TE)

77

Example: Call Setup

User A

LE A

TE

LE B

User B

Initial address message (IAM)

ISUP message IAM is sent to transit exchange (TE).

TE analyzes B number and determines that call should
be routed to local exchange of user B (LE B).
IAM message is sent to LE B.
There now exists a circuit-switched path (the path is
cut through) between user A and LE B.

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38

Example: Call Setup

User A

LE A

Ringback
tone

TE

Address complete
message (ACM)

LE B

User B

Ringing signal

or
Ringing signal is sent to user B (=> user B is alerted).
Ringback tone (or busy tone) is sent to user A.
(Ringback/busy tone is generated locally at LE A or is
sent from LE B through circuit switched path.)

79

Example: Call Setup

User A

LE A

TE

LE B

User B
User B answers

Charging
starts now

Answer message (ANM)

Conversation over this pipe

User B answers, connection is cut through at LE B.
Charging of the call starts when ISUP message ANM is
received at LE A (the normal case).
The 64 kbit/s bi-directional circuit switched connection
is now established.
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39

Example: Call Setup

In each exchange, the B number is analyzed at call setup
(after the IAM message containing the number has been
received) and a routing program (not part of ISUP)
selects the next exchange to which the call is routed.
00

358

1234567

International number

1234567

National number

1234567

User number

Prefix
Country code
Area code

358

or mobile network code, e.g. 40

81

Example: Call Setup

Max. 15 digits
00

358

1234567

Prefix
Country code
(1-3 digits)

Subscriber number
National destination code (1-3 digits)
Area code, e.g. 9
Mobile network code, e.g. 40

For examples, see:

www.numberingplans.com

MSISDN number
82

40

Example: Call Release

User A

LE A

TE

LE B

User B

Conversation over this pipe

On hook
Charging
stops

Release message (REL)

Release complete message (RLC)

The circuits between exchanges are released one by one.

(The generation of hanging circuits should be avoided,
since these are blocked from further use.)
83

SS7 Signaling ISUP Message

Flow between Exchanges
User part
ISUP

User part
ISUP

Speech circuits
User
message

User
message

Message
Transfer part

Message
Transfer part

MTP
component

Signalling data link

User
information

Address

MTP
component

84

User message

41

Example
tel

LS

TS

TS

LS

tel

Off hook
DT
Dialling
1st digit

Seizure

Dialling
last digit

A5, A1
Sequence
IAM
A3

RBT

ACM

IAM
ACM

Ringing

B6
Off hook

Conversation

Answer

ANM

ANM
85

Metering pulse

Signaling Connection Control

Part (SCCP)

SCCP is required when signalling information is carried

between exchanges and databases in the network.
An important task of SCCP is global title translation
(GTT):
STP with GTT capability

Exchange

STP

Database

1. Exchange knows the global title (e.g. 0800 number or IMSI

number in a mobile network) but does not know the DPC of

the database related to this global title.
2. SCCP performs global title translation in the STP (0800 or
IMSI number => DPC) and the SCCP message can now be
routed to the database.

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42

Signaling Connection Control

Part (SCCP)

Global title translation (GTT) is usually done in an STP.

Advantage: Advanced routing functionality (= GTT)
needed only in a few STPs with large packet handling
capacity, instead of many exchanges.
Exchange

Exchange

Database

Database

STP

Exchange

Exchange

Exchange

Exchange
87

SCCP
Example: SCCP Usage in Mobile Call

Mobile switching center (MSC) needs to contact the

home location register (HLR) of a mobile user identified
by his/her International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
number.
SCCP/GTT functionality
STP
SCCP
MSC located in Espoo
SPC = 82

Outgoing message:
OPC = 82 DPC = 32
SCCP: IMSI global title

SPC = 32

SCCP
HLR located in Oslo
SPC = 99

Processing in STP:
Received message is given to SCCP for GTT.
SCCP finds the DPC of the HLR: DPC = 99

88

43

SCCP

SCCP services are divided into 2 groups:

Connection-oriented services
Connectionless services

89

SCCP

SCCP connectionless services:

Class 0: Basic Connectionless Class.

Class 1:Class 1: Sequenced Connectionless Class.

Data are transported independently of each other and may therefore be

delivered out of sequence. This corresponds to a pure connectionless network
service.

In protocol class 1 the features of class 0 are complemented by a sequence

control. By use of the signaling link selection field, the same link is selected for
all messages in one call. This secures sequence control and is identical to the
standard service provided by the MTP to the user parts.

The connectionless protocol classes 0 and 1 provide functions

necessary to transfer one network service data unit (NSDU). The
maximum length of an NSDU is restricted to 32 octets in the
international network and 256 octets in the national network.
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44

SCCP

Class 2: Basic Connection-oriented Class.

In protocol class 2, bi-directional transfer of NSDUs is done by

setting up a temporary or permanent signaling connection. This
corresponds to a simple connection-oriented network service.

Class 3: Flow Control Connection-oriented Class.

In protocol class 3, the features of protocol class 2 are

complemented by the inclusion of flow control, with its associated
capability of expedited data transfer. Moreover, an additional
capability of detecting message loss and mis-sequencing is
included. In such circumstances, the signaling connection is reset
and a corresponding notification is given by the SCCP to the
higher layers.
91

SCCP
Connection-oriented Data Transfer

Data is being transferred only after a Virtual signaling

connection is made Between the Source Node to the
destination Node
Example: BSC to MSC connectivity for MAP messages

92

45

SCCP
Connectionless Data Transfer

No Virtual Signaling connection is made the

UDT messages contains the actual data.

93

SCCP
Format of SCCP Message

94

46

Format of a CgPA and CdPA in the SCCP.

Transaction Capabilities
Allocation Part (TCAP)

The overall objective of the ITU-T specified transaction

capabilities application part (TCAP) is to provide means
for the transfer of information between nodes
(exchanges and/or service centers), and to provide
generic services to applications (distributed over the
exchanges and service centers)

97

47

Transaction Capabilities
Allocation Part (TCAP)

Relation between INAP, OMAP, GSM, MAP, TCAP and the ISO OSI model

98

TCAP Sub-layers

Component sub-layer deals with components that are

the application protocol data units (APDU) which convey
remote operations and their responses.

Transaction sub-layer deals with the exchange of

messages containing components and, optionally, a
dialogue portion between two TC users.

TCAP is normally used to make a session with the DATA BSE

entities Like HLR, VLR, SCP, etc. thru which the MAP/INAP can
speak to the DB

99

48

Intelligent Network (INAP)

Architecture

100

Mobile Application (MAP)

101

49