Independent Study EN495

Next Generation Network (NGN)

Name : T.A.T. Tilakaratne

Index No : 040388
Field : ENTC
Date of Sub : 04-10-2007
Table of contents

Introduction ________________________________________________ 2
Next Generation Network (NGN) ________________________________ 3
1.1 Introduction to NGN ____________________________________ 3
1.2 Overview ______________________________________________ 3
1.3 Edge Access Layer ______________________________________ 4
1.4 Core Switching Layer____________________________________ 5
1.5 Network Control Layer __________________________________ 6
Inter networking __________________________________________ 6
1.6 Service Management Layer _______________________________ 7
1.7 UMG 8900 _____________________________________________ 8
Service switching module(SSM): _____________________________ 8
User access module(UAM): _________________________________ 9
Card structure of the UMG8900 ______________________________ 9
1.7.1 Operation and maintenance subsystem ___________________ 11
1.7.2 Gateway control subsystem ____________________________ 11
1.7.3 TDM access and switching subsystem ____________________ 11
1.7.4 Packet processing subsystem ___________________________ 11
1.7.5 Service Resource Processing Subsystem __________________ 12
1.7.8 Signaling forwarding subsystem ________________________ 13
1.7.9 Clock subsystem ____________________________________ 14
1.7.10 Cascading subsystem ________________________________ 14
1.7.11 The UA5000_______________________________________ 15
1.8 SoftX3000 ____________________________________________ 16
1.8.1 The Structure of the SoftX3000 _________________________ 17
1.8.2 The layered message structures _________________________ 18
1.8.3 Data extracted from records on the NGN system____________ 19

T.A.T Tilakaratne 1
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
Introduction

NGN the Next Generation Network will be the future of all telecommunication
engineers. These switches which are categorized as Networks can integrate and
handle networks of different technologies. For example it can handle a land line
network, a data network, a VOIP network and even a CDMA network at once.
Even though this sounds out of our reach the systems have already worked their
way to our country. We as engineers about to pass out will have to work with
these technologies.
Since this area is not covered by our course and since the knowledge is going to
be vital I chose this topic to do my independent study for the semester.

Even though there wasn’t a way to physically reach an NGN I was able to find
some resource personal to clear my doubts. My own batch mates who were on
training at Huawei had the chance since its one of the major NGN manufacturers
and they happen to be supplying to Sri Lanka.

This report is written with the knowledge I gathered through an instruction

manual on how an NGN works and with the help of my friends.

The report first gives an over view of the general systems, then the sub parts are
recognized. After that some areas have been looked into with more technical
information.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 2
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
Next Generation Network (NGN)

1.1 Introduction to NGN

NGN is the next step in telecommunication technology. The telephone system started up
with direct connections to all users. With the expansion new switching techniques were
required. In theory normally we learn as
“Switching developed in 4 stages.
1. Manual switching
2. Mechanical switching
3. Semi Electronic Switching
4. Electronic Switching- Stored Program Control”
But the future is here today. Sri Lanka Telecom has taken the giant leap to bring the
newest technology in to their system in parallel with the developed and powerful nations
in the world. With this we can say there are five systems.
5. Packet switching using Routers

The new system can be called as an information transfer system rather than telephone
system. That is because it can function as a circuit switch, or a video interworking
gateway.

1.2 Overview

NGN is a service oriented network. It provides an independent service system by

splitting the service module from the call control, and the call control from the bearer.
That is the services provided to each subscriber are handled from a database at central
control where as in a normal system the services are defined from where it is connected.
Control is merely a place where some information in processed and send back some
instructions. The access point to the user equipment is merely a packet creation point. In
this way, it frees the service from the original network model.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 3
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
 NGN employs open and integrated network structure. With abundant service
models, NGN is able to provide a variety of services, such as voice, data and multimedia
services, or integrated services.

Like in the normal telephone system the entire system can be divided in to four areas.

 Edge access
 Core switching
 Network control
 Service management

1.3 Edge Access Layer

The edge access layer connects subscribers and terminals to the network through a
number of styles, and converts the format of information so that it can be sent over the
network.
Here are the components of the edge access layer.

 Integrated Access Device (IAD): It is a device used to access subscribers in the

NGN. It converts the format of the subscriber data such as audio, and video so that it can
be sent over the IP network. An IAD provides as many as 48 subscriber ports.

 Access Media Gateway (AMG): It provides subscribers with a diversity of service

access, such as analog subscriber access, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and
x Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL) access.

 Universal Media Gateway (UMG): It converts the media stream and signaling
between different formats. It can be used as an SG or AMG. It can connect many types of
devices, including PSTN exchange, private branch exchange (PBX), Network Access
Server (NAS), and base station controller (BSC). It does the protocol conversion in to a
type that can be handled by the softswitch and another gateway.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 4
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
  Signaling Gateway (SG): It connects the Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) network
with the IP network. It converts the signaling between the PSTN (SS7) and the IP
network (packet signaling). The conversion is from SS7 to Sigtran.

 Trunk Media Gateway (TMG): It resides between the circuit switched (CS)
network and the IP network. It converts format between pulse code modulation (PCM)
signal flow and IP media flow.

 SIP Phone: It is a multimedia device working in the Session Initiation Protocol.

 H.323 Phone: It is a multimedia device working in the H.323 protocol.

1.4 Core Switching Layer

In a normal traditional network that we have been talking about up to now

switching is the purpose of its sole existence. It switches the calls in to correct trunk
groups using the information gathered during call setup and keeps a rigid control over the
time slots and trunk groups. That is since the data itself carries no identification. To get to
its destination it depends entirely upon the information exchanged at call setup and the
stick to that order.
But the NGN takes a very different approach. The data itself has a mind of its
own. It knows where it is going where it came from and what it is. This allows the system
to step out of the main switching function and let a network of Routers and Switches get
the data where it has to go.
The core switching layer works in the packet switching technology, and is
composed of devices distributed in the backbone network and the MAN, such as routers
and layer 3 switches. It provides subscribers with a common and integrated platform of
data transport.
The switch only works to let the packets know where they should be going. By
removing the switch and giving the responsibility to a packet based network it ensures a
higher reliability, Quality of Service (QoS) and a large capacity since multiple paths can
be provided without a limitation.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 5
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
1.5 Network Control Layer
This is where entire high level control is done. The other equipments function
under the instructions of the Core control layer. The instrument that is responsible for this
is the Softswitch. Under the Huawei system the instrument is SoftX3000.

It provides the following functions and features:

 Call control
 Media gateway access control
 Resource allocation
 Protocol processing
 Routing
 Authentication
 Charging
 Application Programming Interfaces (API)
The softswitch provides basic voice services, mobile services, and multimedia services.
It’s mainly targeted to achieve primary real-time call control and connection control
functions.

Inter networking
Using AMG, TMG, and SG, the NGN can inter work with the following types of
networks:
 PSTN
 Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN)
 3rd Generation (3G)
 IN
 Internet
The interworking enables NGN to inherit all services from the original networks.

The switch itself does not handle traffic. It is just a signal processing devise connected
with a database which gives the information necessary for the decision making.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 6
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
1.6 Service Management Layer

The service management layer provides value added services and operation support.
Here are the components of the service management layer.

 iOSS (integrated operation support system): It includes two parts: a network

management system (NMS) which manages the NGN components centrally, and an
integrated charging system.

 Policy Server: It manages the policies of the subscribers, such as access control
list (ACL), bandwidth, traffic, and QoS. This is achieved through grouping the users
according to their facilities.

 Application Server: It produces and manages logics of value added services and
intelligent network (IN) services. The application server is the result of the separation of
service from call control. It helps develop supplementary services.

 Location Server: It manages the routes between softswitches; indicates the reach
ability of the destinations of calls. Manages the routing table. It ensures the efficiency and
simplifies the routing.

 Media Resource Server (MRS): It provides service tone playing, conference

service, interactive voice response (IVR), recorded announcement and advanced tone
service.

 Service Control Point (SCP): It is used to store subscriber data and service logics.
The switch based on the call event queries the service database and the subscriber
database. It then sends proper call control instructions to the SSP on the next action.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 7
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
1.7 UMG 8900

The Universal Media Gateway is one of the main equipment in the Access subsystem of
the NGN. In the current implementation of the system in the country this is the main
access system that is being used since it has multiple functions. It is the most economical
solution when the telecom network is part PSTN and part NGN.
Some of the main features of the UMG
 It supports interworking between different networks
 It provides conversion function between different formats of traffic
 Function as a Trunk gateway (TG) and as an Access gateway (AG)
 Has an embedded signaling gateway (SG).

UMG8900 can be divided into two parts according to its functionality. This helps to
understand the system better.

Service switching module(SSM):

It processes the formats of various types of traffic flow. It functions as a TG connecting
the PSTN system with the NGN. This is what gives a subscriber in the NGN the chance
to call one in PSTN or any other network even though they work in different ways. In the
absence of a connection with the switch it can act as a switch in NGN. This gives it the
stand alone capability and intern more reliability.
Service switching module (SSM) consists of 4 parts
 Main control frame – Management and maintenance functions of the device
and supports service access and process simultaneously.
 Service frame – Process services requested by user
 Central switching frame – Handles Multi-frame cascading function
 Extended control frame - When the device is at maximum capacity. The
extended frame does not support access and process functions of user services,
but provides connection management and control function.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 8
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
User access module(UAM):
This is the access point currently provided by Huawie for the users that are in the NGN.
The instrument can be at the UMG itself or function as a RSU from a distant place. It
provides integrated access function for both narrowband and broadband users.
It can even function as an AG if an IP connection is provided.

Card structure of the UMG8900

1. System Management Boards 2. Signaling Gateway Board

OMU - Operation Maintenance unit
MPU - Main control unit
CMF - Connection management unit front
NET - Packet switch Net board
CLK - Clock board
CMB - Connection management unit back
PPB - Protocol processing unit
SPF - Signaling process board
3. TDM Interface Process
TNU - TDM switch Net Unit
TCLU - TDM Convergence & link unit
E32 - 32×E1
S2L - 2×STM-1 optical

5. Voice Process Board

4. IP Interface Process Board VPU - Voice Process
E8T - 8×FE Unit
E1G - 1×GE SRU- - Signal Resource
unit
HRB – High Speed Routing Board Cascading Board
FLU - Front Link Unit

BLU – Back Link Unit

T.A.T Tilakaratne 9
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
UMG8900 hardware system can be divided into the following subsystems according to
their function.
1. Operation and maintenance subsystem
2. Gateway control subsystem
3. TDM access and switching subsystem
4. Packet processing subsystem
5. Service resource processing subsystem
6. Subscriber access subsystem
7. Signaling forwarding subsystem
8. Clock subsystem
9. Cascading subsystem.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 10
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
1.7.1 Operation and maintenance subsystem
Control of the UMG is handled by the OMU and MPU it also does maintenance
functions. The instructions to each card originate from here. If the link to the SoftSwitch
fails internal switching is also handled from this section. The terminal access is through
here for maintenance tasks.

1.7.2 Gateway control subsystem

The messages received from the SoftSwitch that concern control of the gateway are
received through this section. The Protocol processing unit handles H.248 and MGCP
standard protocols. In a layered architecture higher level connections have to be
managed. This is achieved from the CMU which is after the PPU.

1.7.3 TDM access and switching subsystem

The access point for PSTN users is through this section. They can connect through the
S2L connection that can connect two STM 1 lines or through the E’1 interface. The voice
coming from the TDM system goes in to a switching network which is controlled by the
OMU or MPU. The signals are split in to signaling and voice.
The access of the RSU equipment that is of the MA5000 is also through the E32 card.

1.7.4 Packet processing subsystem

Picketing of data that goes in to the IP network and vise versa is done in this section. The
types of packets handled are
 Voice, video, data
 Signaling
Since there are no other UMG in the country only signaling going to the SoftSwitch is
going through this path. Processing of the packets, packet creation, and switching them to
their path is done from the NET Packet switch Net board under the control of the OMU.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 11
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
1.7.5 Service Resource Processing Subsystem
This subsystem performs media stream format conversion and adaptation adapts
according to the user. The user can be using SS7, R2 or an internal protocol for signaling.
The system has to adapt accordingly and send the replies in the same format.
Format conversion is required since systems work in different ways. They have to be
brought to a common format and also the reverse conversion has to be done.

Main functions handled are

1) Voice transcoding
2) Echo cancellation
3) Announcement play
4) Digit collection
5) Multi-party conference
Voice transcoding is done to reduce the amount of data transfer in the IP side. It also
helps in error handling. VPU is responsible for voice transcoding.
There are many transcoding methods that can be used a chart is given in the Appendix.

SRU is engaged in announcement playing, DTMF generation and detection, digit

collection, audio mixing (conference) and FSK. It handles the Register Signaling part of
R2 signaling. The DTMF generation and digit collection is done in handling R2.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 12
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
1.7.8 Signaling forwarding subsystem
This subsystem includes some of the components that were included in other subsystems
but also work in signal processing.

According to the present implementation three kinds of signaling enter the UMG from
the E32 interface
 R2
 SS7
 V5.2 (an internal protocol used for signaling with the MA5000)

R2
The Line signaling is directly received from the CMU and sent to the PPU. Register
signaling after being recognized at the TNU is sent to the SRU. The information collected
is sent in a data packet form to the CMU and then to the PPU. Here the signals are
converted in to H.248 and sent to the SoftSwitch. The return path is also the same.

SS7 & V5.2

The signaling is separated at the TNU and forwarded to the SPF. Protocol conversion
from SS7 to Sigtran occurs here. After that the Sigtran messages are sent along the IP

T.A.T Tilakaratne 13
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
network to the soft switch. The replies come through the same path and commands to the
UMG come through the PPU.

1.7.9 Clock subsystem

Provides the clock signal to the system. For accuracy this can be taken from a satellite.

1.7.10 Cascading subsystem

This connects the central switching frame with the other frames. The connection
management is its main function.

Subscriber Access paths to the UMG

The UMG provides the subscribers with a diversity of service access. The UAM handles
the access of directly connected subscribers. There are two methods of connection.

 The unit can be on site and connected by a network cable through the network
 It can be at a remote location and connected using a number of E’1 links
depending on the traffic.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 14
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
1.7.11 The UA5000 which is the distant unit does not have a stand alone function.

Figure 7-3: UA5000

PWX- Power
TSS – Test (operates the test relay)
PV8 – Transmission control card
This supports 8 E’1 each with the UMG. The time slots for communication and the V5.2
protocol are handled from this card.
RSP – Bus network control card
A32 – sub card that handle 32 subscribers.
ASL – Coin box connection card has line reversal and meter pulsing capability.
DSL – ISDN connection card
APMA – Broad band service connection card
ADMA – Subscriber interface card for broadband.

An IP network connection is needed to give the broadband service. Then it will be

directly controlled by the SoftSwitch without going through the UMG. The second frame
is an expansion frame which connects with the PV8 using the RSP. From the 31 time
slots in the E’1, one is used to send control messages using the V5.2 protocol. The
identity of the subscriber that is initiating a call, ring signal from the UMG to the
UA5000 and also the commands to the test card are sent through this.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 15
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
1.8 SoftX3000

The SoftX3000 is a softswitch of large capacity and high performance. It is used in the
central equipment room and has no subscriber cable interface. It performs call control and
connection management of voice, data and multimedia services based on the IP network.
.
The SoftX3000 take many roles. On the way of the development and integration of the
traditional PSTN to NGN, it can be used as an
 End office (C5 office)
 Tandem exchange (C4 office)
 Gateway office
 Gate Keeper
End office (C5 office) performs all PSTN services and provides more than thirty new
services. Since it can handle many signaling and protocols the conversion can be done
without any changes to other exchanges.

It can be used as a Tandem Exchange (C4 office) when combined with a TG and a SG. In
this way the trunks can be sent over the IP network allowing flexible network planning.

A Gateway office is a modern concept where high level controlling of calls can be
performed. With the development of the communication systems in order to keep a tight
control over the system without letting it be miss used functions like black and white
listing of callers, call authentication, call interception, mass storage of bills are necessary.

The Gate Keeper performs authentication of SIP and H.323 phones which are,
multimedia devices connecting directly to the IP network.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 16
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
1.8.1 The Structure of the SoftX3000

The SoftSwitch is a protocol processing unit the components of the SoftSwitch are
performing subsection of this over role function.
The back frame comprises of interfaces to connect with the IP network and with the
internal service units.
The connections that physically connect to the interface boards logically connect to the
service boards. The service boards process the protocols of the messages received and
send back the replies.
SMUI - Is the main control board of a frame.
SIUI - SIUI board is the back board of SMUI. It provides the Ethernet interface.
IFMI - The IFMI is used to receive and transmit IP packets.
BFII – It is the Back interface board of the IFMI.
HSCI - provides board hot swap.
FCCU - FCCU implements call control, processes protocols, generate and stores bills in
its bill pool.
CDBI - database of the equipment, stores call location, gateway resources management,
outgoing trunk circuit selection.
BSGI - Process the IP packets after the IFMI level-1 dispatch. It implements the
following protocols: UDP, SCTP, M2UA, M3UAV5UA, IUA, MGCP, and H.248.
MSGI - MSGI processes the following protocols: UDP, TCP, H.323, and SIP.
MRCA - Processes the audio signals in real time. It collects and generates DTMF
signals, plays and records audio clips and provides multi-party conference function.
MRIA - MRIA is the back board of the MRCA.
ALUI - It indicates the system status and reports the alarm information
UPWR - The power boards, including front and back boards.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 17
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
The message is processed layer by layer as it travels through the cards. Error handling,
connection management, rearranging the mixed up messages in their logical order and
finally handing over the data part to the FCCU is done.

1.8.2 The layered message structures

 Layer two is handled by BFII

 Layer three is handled by IFMI
 From layer four up to five is handled by BSGI & MSGI.
 Layer six and seven is handled by FCCU.

T.A.T Tilakaratne 18
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering
1.8.3 Data extracted from records on the NGN system

The capabilities of the SoftX3000

For each service processing module (FCCU):

 A maximum busy hour call attempt (BHCA) of 400 k
 9,000 time division multiplexing (TDM) trunks or equivalent 50,000 subscribers

At the full configuration, the SoftX3000 supports:

 40 service processing modules
 BHCA of 16,000k
 360,000 TDM trunks or equivalent 2,000,000 subscribers

The SoftX3000 also has achieved high integration. At the full configuration, only 5
cabinets are needed install all the components.

Transcoding systems used by the Voice Processing unit of the UMG8900

CODEC TYPE RATE（kbit/s） PACKAGE

TIME（ms）

G.711 64 5、10、20、30

G.723.1 5.3/3 30

G.729/ G.729A 8 10

G.726 16/24/32/40

G.728 16

T.A.T Tilakaratne 19
Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering