HUAWEI CSOFTX3000

Signaling Protocols Contents

Contents

1 Overview of Interfaces and Protocols ....................................................................................1-1

1.1 Interfaces and Protocols ................................................................................................................................1-2
1.2 Introduction to Interfaces ..............................................................................................................................1-3
1.2.1 A Interface............................................................................................................................................1-3
1.2.2 B Interface............................................................................................................................................1-4
1.2.3 C Interface............................................................................................................................................1-4
1.2.4 D Interface ...........................................................................................................................................1-4
1.2.5 zz Interface...........................................................................................................................................1-4
1.2.6 39/xx Interface .....................................................................................................................................1-4
1.2.7 Q Interface ...........................................................................................................................................1-5
1.2.8 T1 Interface..........................................................................................................................................1-5
1.2.9 ISUP Interface......................................................................................................................................1-5
1.2.10 Interface Between MSCe and SG ......................................................................................................1-5
1.3 CSOFTX3000 Signaling Protocols ...............................................................................................................1-5
1.3.1 SIP........................................................................................................................................................1-7
1.3.2 H.248....................................................................................................................................................1-7
1.3.3 SIGTRAN ............................................................................................................................................1-8

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Figures Signaling Protocols

Figures

Figure 1-1 Interfaces and protocols applied to the CSOFTX3000 .....................................................................1-2

Figure 1-2 SS7 in the CSOFTX3000..................................................................................................................1-6
Figure 1-3 SIP in the CSOFTX3000 ..................................................................................................................1-7

Figure 1-4 H.248 in the CSOFTX3000 ..............................................................................................................1-8

Figure 1-5 SIGTRAN protocol model................................................................................................................1-9
Figure 1-6 Interworking between the SS7 network and the IP network though SIGTRAN using M3UA .......1-10

Figure 1-7 Interworking between SS7 network and IP network though SIGTRAN using M2UA................... 1-11

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Signaling Protocols Tables

Tables

Table 1-1 Interfaces and protocols......................................................................................................................1-2

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1 Overview of Interfaces and Protocols

About This Chapter

The following table lists the contents of this chapter.

Section Describes

1.1 Interfaces and Protocols
1.2 Introduction to Interfaces
1.3 CSOFTX3000 Signaling
Protocols
Concepts of the air interfaces and protocols in the
communication system.
Interfaces and related protocols used by the
CSOFTX3000.
Common protocols used by the CSOFTX3000, including
SS7, SIP, H.248, and SIGTRAN.

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1.1 Interfaces and Protocols

The CDMA system adopts the distributed network structure. Its functions are distributed
among different physical entities. To accomplish a task, all devices must work together. All
devices and subsystems are interconnected through interfaces based on specific protocols.
In the communication system, the messages that are required to coordinate different entities
are called signaling. The signaling system instructs every part of a system to work and
coordinate together to accomplish tasks. Signaling messages are described in interface
protocols and specifications.
An interface refers to the connecting point between two adjacent network entities. A protocol
defines rules to be complied with for exchanging information on the connecting point.
Protocols are of the layer structure. The protocol of an interface is often described in the
application layer.
The CSOFTX3000 is applied in the core network (CN) of the CDMA circuit switched domain,
serving as the mobile switching center emulation (MSCe). Figure 1-1 shows external
interfaces and protocols applied to the CSOFTX3000.

Figure 1-1 Interfaces and protocols applied to the CSOFTX3000

T1
SCP
HLR

Q
MC C/D C/D

zz SIGTRAN
MSCe MSCe SG

BSC A ISUP
39/xx 39/xx

yy PSTN
MGW MGW

BSC: Base station controller SG: Signaling gateway HLR: Home location register
MGW: Media gateway PSTN: Public switched telephone network
SCP: Service control point SIGTRAN: Signaling transport MC: Message Center

Table 1-1 lists all interfaces of the CSOFTX3000 and its corresponding protocols.

Table 1-1 Interfaces and protocols

Entities Connected Interface Name Signaling and Protocol

MSCe/MGWBSC A BSAP
MSCeVLR B Internal protocol

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Entities Connected Interface Name Signaling and Protocol

MSCeHLR C MAP
VLRHLR D MAP
MSCeMGW 39/xx H.248
MSCeMSCe zz SIPI
MSCeMC Q MAP
MSCeSCP T1 WIN
MSCeSG SIGTRAN

1.2 Introduction to Interfaces

This section describes the following interfaces:
z A interface
z B interface
z C interface
z D interface
z zz interface
z 39/xx interface
z Q interface
z T1 interface
z ISUP interface
z Interface between MSCe and SG

1.2.1 A Interface
The A interface exists between the circuit switched domain of the CDMA network subsystem
(NSS) and the base station subsystem (BSS). In terms of entity, it is the interface between the
MSCe/MGW and BSC.
The A interface complies with the base station subsystem application part (BSAP) of signaling
system SS7. It includes voice channels and signaling channels. The A interface is used to
transmit the following messages:
z Mobile station (MS) management messages
z Base station (BS) management messages
z Mobility management messages
z Call processing messages

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1.2.2 B Interface
The B interface exists between MSCe and VLR. It adopts an internal protocol without a
specific signaling transmission mode. The B interface is used in the following cases:
z The MSCe obtains user messages from the VLR.
z The MSCe notifies the VLR to record location information when an MS updates its
location.
z The MSCe notifies the HLR to update data through VLR when an MS activates a
supplementary service or modifies the relevant data.

1.2.3 C Interface
The C interface exists between the MSCe and HLR. It complies with the mobile application
part (MAP) of the SS7. The C interface is used in the following cases:
z The HLR sends routing information to the MSCe when an MS is called.
z The short message service (SMS) is implemented.

1.2.4 D Interface
The D interface exists between VLR and HLR. It complies with the MAP of the SS7. The D
interface is used to transmit the following messages:
z Authentication data
z Location update messages
z User data indexed during call connection
z Data of supplementary services
z VLR recovery messages

1.2.5 zz Interface
The zz interface exists between two MSCes. It complies with the SIP with encapsulated ISUP
(SIPI).
The zz interface provides the inter-office call control function for the narrowband
circuit-switched domain services that are independent of the user plane bearer technology and
the control plane transmission technology.

1.2.6 39/xx Interface

The 39/xx interface exists between an MGW and a media resource function processor
(MRFP). It complies with the Megaco/H.248. The 39/xx interface is used in the following
cases:
z The MSCe controls dynamic and static resources of the transmission modes (IP/TDM) in
the MGW during call processing, including terminal attributes, terminal connectivity,
and media streams.
z The MSCe maintains and manages the status of the MGW.

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1.2.7 Q Interface
The Q interface exists between the MSCe and the MC. It complies with the MAP of the SS7
to support the short message service.

1.2.8 T1 Interface
The T1 interface exists between the MSCe and the SCP. It complies with the WIN of the SS7
to support the intelligent network service.

1.2.9 ISUP Interface

When the CSOFTX3000 serves as a gateway office, it provides the interface between the
PSTN and other mobile network devices. It also controls the incoming calls and outgoing
calls through ISUP or TUP of the SS7.

1.2.10 Interface Between MSCe and SG

This interface is used to transmit circuit switched signaling messages over the IP network.
This interface complies with the signaling transport (SIGTRAN) stack.

1.3 CSOFTX3000 Signaling Protocols

Protocols used in the CSOFTX3000 include the following:
z SS7 (including ISUP, MAP, and BSAP)
z Session initiation protocol (SIP)
z H.248
z SIGTRAN
To facilitate understanding, CSOFTX3000 protocols can be divided into:
z Application protocols
z Transmission protocols
Application protocols exist in the highest layer in the protocol stack. These protocols are used
to exchange information between the communication entities. They use services provided by
the lower protocols.
Protocols that exist below the application protocol layer are called transmission protocols.
These protocols provide the message transmission service for the application protocols.
SS7
The CSOFTX3000 uses the following application protocols of the SS7 for more than one
interface:
z MAP for the C/D interface
z BSAP for the A interface
The SS7 is classified into the following two parts in terms of function:
z User part
z Message transfer part (MTP). Figure 1-2 shows the SS7 in the CSOFTX3000.

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Figure 1-2 SS7 in the CSOFTX3000

B M
TUP/ S A User part
ISUP A P
P

TCAP

SCCP Message
transfer
part

MTP3 M3UA
M2UA

SCTP
MTP2
IP

MTP1
MAC

TDM-based IP-based

Message Transfer Part

The MTP is responsible for transmitting signaling message for its users. The CSOFTX3000
provides the following two modes to transmit the SS7 messages:
z Transmit messages on the narrowband TDM transmission network. The CSOFTX3000
with a built-in SG provides the TDM interface for interworking with the signaling
equipment of the circuit switched network.
z Transmit messages through the M3UA protocol of the SIGTRAN on the broadband IP
network. The CSOFTX3000 interworks with the circuit switched network through a
stand-alone SG.

User Part
The user part is a functional entity that uses the message transfer function of the MTP. It is
located in an upper layer of the SS7 to implement services and applications. The user part
consists of more than one separate user protocol. The protocols used in the CSOFTX3000
include the following:
z TUP
z ISUP
z MAP
z BSAP

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1.3.1 SIP
The CSOFTX3000 supports the SIP and SIP with encapsulated ISUP (SIPI).
The SIP is applied to the zz interface for interworking between CSOFTX3000s.
The SIP is a control protocol in the adaptation layer, which is used to establish, modify, or
terminate multimedia session. It is the core protocol in the IETF multimedia data and control
system. It features easy extension and implementation and is applicable to multimedia session
based on the Internet.
The SIPI is the extension of the SIP. It provides the mechanism for carrying the IUSP
signaling messages through the SIP messages.
Transmission of the SIP messages is based on the UDP layer. Figure 1-3 shows the SIP in the
CSOFTX3000.

Figure 1-3 SIP in the CSOFTX3000

SIP Applicaiton
protocol

UDP Transmission
protocols

IP

M AC

1.3.2 H.248
H.248 and Megaco are the outcome of ITU and IETF. ITU-T calls this protocol H.248,
whereas IETF calls it Megaco. This manual adopts H.248 as the protocol name. H.248 is used
in the detached gateway architecture. It helps the MGC to control the MGW.
The H.248 layer is based on the SCTP, as shown in Figure 1-4.

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Figure 1-4 H.248 in the CSOFTX3000

H.248 Application
protocol

SCTP Transmission
protocols

IP

MAC

1.3.3 SIGTRAN
Functions of SIGTRAN
The signaling transport (SIGTRAN) protocol stack is interworking standards established by
Internet Engineering Task Force (IEFT) for interworking between the signaling system SS7
and IP. It supports the transmission of the traditional switched circuit network (SCN)
signaling messages through the IP network, that is,
z It supports inter-layer primitives defined in the SCN signaling protocol model.
z It ensures that the current SCN signaling messages are used without being modified.
z It satisfies the special transmission requirements by adding functions based on the IP
transmission protocols.
The SIGTRAN protocol stack is classified into the following types in terms of function:
z General signaling transmission protocol
SS7 signaling messages can be transmitted efficiently and reliably on the IP network
through this protocol. The currently used protocol is the stream control transmission
protocol (SCTP) established by IETF.
z SS7 adaptation protocol
This protocol serves the current signaling protocols on the SCN, including:
SS7 MTP2-User Adaptation Layer (M2UA)
SS7 MTP3-User Adaptation Layer (M3UA)
ISDN Q.921-User Adaptation Layer (IUA)
V5.2-User Adaptation Layer (V5UA)
Figure 1-5 shows the SIGTRAN protocol stack.

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Figure 1-5 SIGTRAN protocol model

M3UA M2UA IUA SUA M2PA V5UA

SCTP

IP

M3UA: SS7 MTP3-user adaptation M2UA: SS7 MTP2-user adaptation

IUA: ISDN Q.921-user adaptation M2PA: MTP2 user peer-to-peer adaptation
V5UA: V5 user adaptation SUA: SCCP user adaptation
SCTP: Stream control transmission protocol IP: Internet protocol

Related Terms
This section describes the terms involved in SIGTRAN.
z Media Gateway
When media stream flows from the SCN to the packet-based network, the media
gateway (MGW) terminates the media stream. It then packs the media data that is not
based on the packet and sends it to the packet-based network.
When media stream flows from the packet-based network to the SCN, the MGW
implements the reverse function.
z Media Gateway Controller
The medial gateway controller (MGC) is responsible for the registration and
management of resources on the MGW. For signaling transmission, the MGC terminates
and initiates the SCN signaling messages.
The CSOFTX3000 has the functions of the MGC.
z Signaling Gateway
The signaling gateway (SG) is a signaling agent at the edge of the IP network. It is
responsible for sending or receiving the SCN internal signaling messages. The SG in the
gateway between the SS7 network and the IP network provides the following functions
for SS7 signaling messages:
Transfer
Translation
Termination.
The functions of the SG are also available in the MGW.

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Applications of SIGTRAN
The SIGTRAN protocol can be used for interfaces between the following entities:
z SG and MGC
z SG and SG
z SG and IP SCP/HLR
z MGW and MGC
z MGC and MGC
To realize interworking between the SS7 network and the IP network, the SG must terminate
the SS7 link and send signaling messages to the MGC for processing through SIGTRAN. The
MGW is only responsible for terminating inter-office trunks. It follows instructions of the
MGC to control the trunks.
The following layers can be used as adaptation layers when signaling points in the SS7
network access the MGC through the SG:
z M3UA, as shown in Figure 1-6.
z M2UA, as shown in Figure 1-7.

Figure 1-6 Interworking between the SS7 network and the IP network though SIGTRAN using
M3UA

SS7 IP
SP SG MGC

ISUP NIF ISUP

MTP3 MTP3 M3UA M3UA

MTP2 MTP2 SCTP SCTP

MTP1 MTP1 IP IP

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Figure 1-7 Interworking between SS7 network and IP network though SIGTRAN using M2UA

No.7 IP
SP SG MGC

ISUP ISUP

MTP3 NIF MTP3

M2UA M2UA
MTP2 MTP2
SCTP SCTP

MTP1 MTP1 IP IP

In the CSOFTX3000, the SIGTRAN protocol is used for the interface between the SG and
CSOFTX3000. It transmits narrowband SCN signaling messages such as ISUP and MAP of
the SS7 through the IP network. The transmission proceeds as follows:
z SCN signaling messages are accessed through the SG, whereas media stream such as
trunk channels is accessed through the media gateway.
z The SG packs inter-layer primitives of the narrowband signaling messages and sends
them to the CSOFTX3000.
z The CSOFTX3000 processes the signaling messages and controls the connections of the
MGW through H.248.

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