M2UA AND M2PA

Submitted by,
Srinivas Kommineni,
Gayathri Sarivisetti,
Vivek Nemarugommula.

Agenda

Introduction of SS7
M2UA
M2PA
Differences between M2UA and M2PA
Conclusion
References

SS7 Protocols

Common Channel Signaling System No. 7 (i.e., SS7 or

C7) is a global standard for telecommunications defined
by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T).

The standard defines the procedures and protocol by

which network elements in the public switched telephone
network (PSTN) exchange information over a digital
signaling network to effect wireless (cellular) and
wireline call setup, routing and control.

Standard SS7 Layer Summary

Message Transfer Part

The lowest level, MTP Level 1, is equivalent to the OSI

Physical Layer. MTP Level 1 defines the physical, electrical,
and functional characteristics of the digital signaling link.

MTP Level 2 ensures accurate end-to-end transmission of a

message across a signaling link. Level 2 implements flow
control, message sequence validation, and error checking.

MTP Level 3 provides message routing between signaling

points in the SS7 network. MTP Level 3 re-routes traffic
away from failed links and signaling points and controls
traffic when congestion occurs. MTP Level 3 is equivalent to
the OSI Network Layer.

SCCP & TCAP

Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP):SCCP is used

as the transport layer for TCAP-based services. SCCP
provides global title translation (GTT) capabilities above
MTP Level 3.
TCAP supports the exchange of non-circuit related data
between applications across the SS7 network using the SCCP
connectionless service.

SS7 Classic

The term SS7 classic differentiates between

SS7 over IP and narrowband 64-kilobit SS7.
SS7 classic is signaling for call delivery that
follows a separate physical path from the
bearer channel to set up calls.

Evolution to SS7 over IP

A Signaling Transport (sigtran) working group is

focusing on how the existing SS7 protocol might run
over IP.
The first step is converting elementssuch as
simple control transport protocol (SCTP) to run
directly over IP, thus replacing transmission control
protocol (TCP) and user datagram protocol (UDP) to
provide a reliable transport for signaling in the
telephony networks.

Uses of SS7 Network

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
efficient and secure worldwide telecommunications

Introduction (M2UA)

M2UA is a protocol for transporting SS7

MTP2-User signaling e.g., MTP3 messages
over IP using the services of the Stream
Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP).

The M2UA protocol is the layer between

SCTP and MTP3 that separates the physical
SS7 termination from the actual signaling
point within the network.

M2UA Overview
M2UA deployments consist of 2 entities, the
client and the server.
The server provides physical SS7 termination
and communicates with the client over an
SCTP association using IP.
The client houses the MTP3 and thus is the
point code addressable element within the
SS7 network.

M2UA in the SG to MGC Application

Architecture of M2UA

Common Message Header

M2UA Message Header

Applications

M2UA serves several purposes.

The first purpose is to provide a mechanism
for the transport of SS7 MTP2 user signaling
(e.g., MTP3 messages) over IP using SCTP.
The second purpose is to allow remote
placement of SS7 link terminations and back
haul SS7 traffic to a centralized point in the
network.

Services Provided by the M2UA

Adaptation Layer

The SS7 MTP3/MTP2(MTP2-User) interface is retained at

the termination point in the IP network, so that the M2UA
protocol layer is required to provide the equivalent set of
services to its users as provided by the MTP Level 2 to
MTP Level 3.
Support for MTP Level 2 / MTP Level 3 interface boundary
Support for communication between Layer Management
modules on SG and MGC
Support for management of active associations between SG
and MGC

Functions Provided by the M2UA

Layer

Mapping
Flow Control / Congestion
SCTP Stream Management
Seamless SS7 Network Management
Interworking
Active Association Control

Security

M2UA is designed to carry signaling messages for

telephony services. As such, M2UA MUST involve the
security needs of several parties: the end users of the
services; the network providers and the applications
involved.
As a transport protocol, M2UA has the following
security objectives:
* Availability of reliable and timely user data transport.
* Integrity of user data transport.
* Confidentiality of user data.

Threats
* Blind Denial of Service Attacks
* Flooding
* Masquerade
* Improper Monopolization of Services

When the network in which M2UA runs in involves

more than one party, it MAY NOT be reasonable to
expect that all parties have implemented security in a
sufficient manner. In such a case, it is recommended that
IPSEC is used to ensure confidentiality of user payload.

M2PA-Message Transport protocol

peer-to-peer adaptation layer

M2PA is the peer-to-peer equivalent of M2UA.

M2PA allows communication between SS7 systems
over IP rather than T-1 or E-1 TDM links.
An M2PA link may be used in place of an MTP2
link, removing the need for dedicated and expensive
SS7 hardware.
The M2PA protocol is the layer between SCTP and
MTP Level 3.
M2PA provides a means for peer MTP3 layers in
SGs to communicate directly, it extends the reach of
SS7 over the IP network.

M2PA allows the classical SS7 link to be

replaced by SS7 over IP while maintaining
the SS7 link topology.

Role of M2PA in Evolution to SS7

over IP

Purpose of M2PA

Provides a mechanism for the transport of

SS7 MTP2 user signaling (e.g., MTP3
messages) over IP using SCTP.
Enables seamless operation between MTP2
user peers in the SS7 and IP space.

M2PA Symmetrical Peer-to-Peer

Architecture

M2PA Symmetrical Peer-to-Peer

Architecture

MTP3 is adapted to the SCTP layer using

M2PA.
All primitives between MTP3 and MTP2 are
supported by M2PA.

Architecture of M2PA in a Signaling

Gateway

M2PA in IP Signaling Gateway

Architecture of M2PA in a Signaling

Gateway

SG is an IPSP that is equipped with both traditional SS7 and

IP network connections.
Architecture is applicable for an SG to SG connection, used
to bridge SS7 network islands.
SG and the IPSP communicate through an IP link using the
M2PA protocol. Messages sent from the SEP to the IPSP (and
vice versa) are routed by the SG.
MTP3 is present on each SG to provide routing and
management of the MTP2/M2PA links. Because of the
presence of MTP3, each SG would require its own SS7 point
code.
M2PA has no knowledge of the upper SS7 layer.

M2PA in IP Signaling Gateway

The IPSP's MTP3 uses its underlying M2PA

as a replacement for MTP2.
Communication between the two layers
MTP3/M2PA is defined by the same
primitives as in SS7 MTP3/MTP2.
M2PA uses the SCTP association as an SS7
link. The M2PA/SCTP/IP stack can be used in
place of an MTP2/MTP1 stack.

Functions Provided by M2PA

MTP2 Functionality: M2PA provides MTP2 functionality that

is not provided by SCTP; thus, together M2PA and SCTP
provide functionality similar to that of MTP2.
SCTP provides reliable, sequenced delivery of messages.
M2PA functionality includes:
Data retrieval to support the MTP3 changeover procedure.
Reporting of link status changes to MTP3.
Processor outage procedure.
Link alignment procedure.

SCTP Association Management

SCTP allows a user-specified number of streams to be opened

during initialization.
Responsibility of M2PA to ensure proper management of the
streams.
M2PA uses two streams in each direction for each association.
- Stream 0 is designated for Link Status messages.
- Stream 1 is designated for User Data messages, as well as
Link Status messages that must remain in sequence with the
User Data messages.
Separating results in M2PA to prioritize the messages in a
manner similar to MTP2.

M2PA Association State Transition

Diagram

Description of M2PA Association

states

IDLE: State of the association during power

up initialization
ASSOCIATING: M2PA is attempting to
establish an SCTP association.
ESTABLISHED: SCTP association is
established.

M2PA Link State Control

M2PA link moves from one state to another in
response to various events. The events that
may result in a change of state include:
- MTP3 primitive requests
- Receipt of messages from the peer M2PA
- Expiration of timers
- SCTP notifications

M2PA Applications

M2PA Applications

M2PA used in SS7 offloading applications

Communication between node SEP1 and SEP2 is done via two
SGs. Both SEP1 and SEP2 are connected to two different
Signaling Gateways via SS7 interface. These Signaling Gateways
are connected to each other via SIGTRAN (M2Pa + SCTP) and
acts as STP Nodes. Signaling messages from SEP1 and SEP2 are
passed via these two Signaling Gateways. This application can be
termed as SS7 offload.

M2PA used in IP based signaling points

In this case Signaling Points are connected to each other using IP
network. These IP based signaling points (IPSP) uses M2PA links
instead of MTP2 links. These IP bases signaling points can also
connect to signaling points in SS7 network, via M2PA based
Signaling Gateway.

Services provided by M2PA

M2PA receives the primitives sent from

MTP3 to its lower layer.
M2PA processes these primitives or maps
them to appropriate primitives at the
M2PA/SCTP interface.
Also M2PA sends primitives to MTP3 similar
to those used in the MTP3/MTP2 interface.

Types of messages

Message Signal Units (MSUs)

Link Status Signal Units (LSSUs)
Fill-In Signal Units (FISUs)

Types of messages (contd..)

MSUs originate at a higher level than MTP2, and are destined for a peer
at another node. M2PA passes these messages from MTP3 to SCTP as
data for transport across a link. These are called User Data messages in
M2PA.
LSSUs allow peer MTP2 layers to exchange status information.
Analogous messages are needed for M2PA. The Link Status message
serves this purpose.
FISUs are transmitted continuously when no other signal units are waiting
to be sent. FISUs also carry acknowledgement of messages. Since an IP
network is a shared resource, it would be undesirable to have a message
type that is sent continuously as is the case with FISUs. Furthermore,
SCTP does not require its upper layer to continuously transmit messages.
Therefore, M2PA does not provide a protocol data unit like the FISU. The
M2PA User Data message is used to carry acknowledgement of messages.
If M2PA needs to acknowledge a message, and it has no MTP3 message
of its own to send, an empty User Data message can be sent.

M2PA Procedures

Messages passed between MTP3 and M2PA are the same as those passed
between MTP3 and MTP2.
M2PA interprets messages from MTP3 and sends the appropriate message to
SCTP. Likewise, messages from SCTP are used to generate a meaningful
message to MTP3.
LINK Initialization Alignment
An example of the message flow used to bring an SS7 link in service is shown
The purposes of the alignment procedure are:

(1) To provide a handshaking procedure so that both endpoints are prepared

to send SS7 traffic, and to prevent traffic from being sent before the other
end is ready.

(2) To verify that the SCTP association is suitable for use as an SS7 link.

Link Initialization - Alignment

Link Initialization

If SCTP fails to establish the association, and M2PA has received a Start Request
from its MTP3, then M2PA SHALL report to MTP3 that the link is out of service.
The Link Status Out of Service message replaces the SIOS message of MTP2
After the association is established, M2PA SHALL send a Link Status Out of
Service message to its peer. Prior to the beginning of alignment, M2PA MAY send
additional Link Status Out of Service messages.
M2PA MAY send additional Link Status Alignment until it receives Link Status
Alignment, Link Status Proving Normal, or Link Status Proving Emergency from
the peer.
If proving is performed, then during the proving period (i.e., after M2PA starts the
proving period timer T4), M2PA SHALL send Link Status Proving messages to its
peer at an interval defined by the protocol parameter Proving_Interval
The Link Status Ready message is used to verify that both ends have completed
proving. When M2PA starts timer T1, it SHALL send a Link Status Ready
message to its peer in the case where MTP2 would send a FISU after proving is
complete.

Link Initialization - Proving

Message Transmission and Reception

Link Initialization In Service

Messages are transmitted using the Data Request primitive from MTP3 to M2PA.

The message is passed from MTP3 of the source to MTP3 of the destination.

Link Status Indication

If SCTP sends a Communication Lost primitive to M2PA,

M2PA notifies MTP3 that the link is out of service. MTP3
responds in its usual way.

Processor Outage

The Link Status Processor Outage message replaces the SIPO message of MTP2.
M2PA SHALL send a Link Status Processor Outage message to its peer at the
beginning of a processor outage condition where MTP2 would send SIPO. M2PA
MAY send additional Link Status Processor Outage messages as long as that
condition persists.
M2PA sends a Link Status message to its peer. The peer M2PA notifies MTP3 of
the outage. MTP3 can then follow the processor outage procedures.
When the local processor outage condition ends, M2PA SHALL send a Link
Status Processor Recovered message to its peer on the User Data stream. This
message is used to signal the end of the processor outage condition, instead of an
MSU or FISU, as is used in MTP2.
Upon receiving the Link Status Processor Recovered message, the M2PA in RPO
SHALL respond with a Link Status Ready message on the User Data stream.
When M2PA experiences a local processor outage, it MAY put the link out of
service by sending a Link Status Out of Service message, if this is allowed by the
applicable MTP2 standard

Processor Outage

Flow control

M2PA SHALL send a Link Status Busy message to its peer at the beginning of a
receive congestion condition.
M2PA MAY send additional Link Status Busy messages as long as that condition
persists. When the condition ends, M2PA SHALL send a Link Status Busy Ended
message to its peer
When the peer M2PA receives the first Link Status Busy message, it SHALL start the
Remote Congestion timer T6 if there are messages in the retransmission buffer
awaiting acknowledgement (i.e., T7 is running). M2PA SHALL stop the T7 timer if it
is running. Additional Link Status Busy messages received while T6 is running do not
cause T6 to be reset and do not cause T7 to be started. While T6 is running, T7
SHALL NOT be started.
When the peer M2PA receives the Link Status Busy Ended message and T6 has not
expired, it SHALL stop T6 (if T6 is running) and start T7 (if there are messages
awaiting acknowledgement in the retransmission buffer).
The peer M2PA SHOULD continue receiving and acknowledging messages while the
other end is busy, but MUST NOT send User Data messages after receiving Link
Status Busy and before receiving Link Status Busy Ended.

Flow Control

Level 2 Flow Control- Congestion Ceases

Level 2 Flow Control-Timer T6 Expires

MTP3 Signaling Link Congestion

M2PA SHALL detect transmit congestion in its buffers according to the

requirements for signaling link transmit congestion in MTP3

M2PA notifies MTP3 of congestion onset and abatement. The notification

includes the congestion level, if there are levels of congestion defined.

Link Deactivation

MTP3 can request that a link be taken out of service.

M2PA SHALL send a Link Status Out of Service message to its peer at the beginning of a
condition where MTP2 would send SIOS. M2PA MAY send additional Link Status Out of
Service messages as long as that condition persists.

Link Changeover

The objective of the changeover is to ensure that signaling traffic carried by the
unavailable signaling link is diverted to the alternative signaling links as quickly
as possible while avoiding message loss, duplication, or mis-sequencing.
MTP3 performs a changeover because the link went out of service. MTP3 selects
a different link to retransmit the unacknowledged and unsent messages.
MTP2's Forward and Backward Sequence Numbers are only seven bits long.
Hence, it is necessary for MTP3 to accommodate the larger sequence numbers.
This is done through the use of the Extended Changeover Order (XCO) and
Extended Changeover Acknowledgement (XCA) messages instead of the
Changeover Order (COO) and Changeover Acknowledgement (COA) messages.
If M2PA receives a Retrieval Request and FSNC request from MTP3, M2PA
SHALL retrieve from its buffers and deliver to MTP3
BSNT - Backward Sequence Number to be Transmitted
FSNC - Forward Sequence Number of last message accepted by remote level 2
For emergency changeover, MTP3 retrieves only the unsent messages for
transmission on the alternate links. If M2PA receives a Retrieval Request and
FSNC request with no FSNC value, or with an invalid FSNC, then M2PA SHALL
retrieve from its buffers and deliver to MTP3.

Link Changeover

Security Issues

M2PA is designed to carry signaling messages

for telephony services. As such, M2PA MUST
involve the security needs of several parties:
- the end users of the services
- the network providers
- the applications involved

M2PA Protocol Extensions

This protocol may be extended through IANA

(Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) in
three ways:
- through definition of additional message classes,
- through definition of additional message types, and
- through definition of additional message
parameters.

Differences between M2PA and M2UA

M2PA: IPSP processes MTP3/MTP2 primitives.

M2UA: MGC transports MTP3/MTP2 primitives between the SG's MTP2
and the MGC's MTP3 (via the NIF) for processing.
M2PA: SG-IPSP connection is an SS7 link.
M2UA: SG-MGC connection is not an SS7 link. It is an extension of
MTP to a remote entity.
M2PA: SG is an SS7 node with a point code.
M2UA: SG is not an SS7 node and has no point code.
M2PA: SG can have upper SS7 layers, e.g., SCCP.
M2UA: SG does not have upper SS7 layers since it has no MTP3.
M2PA: relies on MTP3 for management procedures.
M2UA: uses M2UA management procedures.

M2PA and M2UA similarities

Both transport MTP3 messages.

Both present an MTP2 upper interface to
MTP3.

Specification Issues

In M2PA/SCTP, there is no mechanism for

immediately stopping acknowledgement of incoming
messages.
No Link Status Out of Service message
- If M2PA keeps an association up when the link is out of service, there should be a Link Status
Out of Service message. M2PA could then inform its peer that it is in the Out of Service state.

M2PA draft does not give clear advice on when to

abort an association because of poor association
performance.

Benefits of SS7oIP

reduced infrastructure costs.

enhanced efficiency.
new opportunities to deploy revenuegenerating applications and services.

Conclusions

The goal of SS7 is to provide a signaling network, and performance

characteristics to facilitate communication between carrier grade
network elements in circuit switched and mobile networks.
The purpose is to provide a mechanism for the transport of SS7
MTP2 user signaling (e.g., MTP3 messages) over IP using SCTP.
M2PA provides MTP2 functionality that is not provided by SCTP;
thus, together M2PA and SCTP provide functionality similar to that
of MTP2.
M2PA interprets messages from MTP3 and sends the appropriate
message to SCTP. Likewise, messages from SCTP are used to
generate a meaningful message to MTP3.

Questions
1. Differences between M2UA and M2PA?
- Refer slide # 57.
2. What functions does M2PA support?
a.) seamless operation of MTP3 protocol peers over an IP
network connection.
b.) The MTP2/MTP3 interface boundary, management of SCTP
transport associations, and traffic instead of MTP2 Links.
c.) Asynchronous reporting of status changes to management.
3. Services Provided by the M2UA Adaptation Layer ?
- Refer slide # 17.

References

http://www.hssworld.com/voip/stacks/sigtran/Sigtran_M2PA/overview.ht
m#m2pa
http://www.protocols.com/pbook/sigtran.htm
http://www.commsdesign.com/design_corner/showArticle.jhtml?
articleID=16502464
http://www.analogzone.com/nett0105.pdf
http://www.zytrax.com/tech/ss7/sigtran_intro.html
http://www.faqs.org/ftp/rfc/pdf/rfc4165.txt.pdf
http://quimby.gnus.org/internet-drafts/draft-george-sigtran-m2pa-interop00.txt
http://community.roxen.com/developers/idocs/rfc/rfc4165.html
http://www.pt.com/tutorials/iptelephony/tutorial_voip_mtp.html

http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3331.txt

http://www.ulticom.com/html/products/sigtran/m2ua.asp