1

SS7 PROTOCOL
(SIGNALING SYSTEM 7)

INDEX

1 Introduction 5
1.1 Introduction & Background 5
1.2 Background & Historical Perspectives 6
1.3 What is SS7? 7

2 Explanation of core technology

2.1 Signaling Points 9
2.2 Signaling Links 10
2.3 SS7 Protocol Architecture 11
2.3.1 Message Transfer Part (MTP) 12
2.3.2 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) 14
2.3.3 Transaction Capabilities & Application Part (TCAP) 15
2.3.4 ISDN User Part (ISUP) 16

3 Application and Enhancement if any

3.1 SS7 in Mobile network 17

4 Conclusion 19

5 References 20

1,2
 LIST OF FIGURES

Sr. No. Figure Title Page No.

1. In Band Signaling : CAS 7

2. Out of Band Signaling : CCS 7

3. SS7 Signaling Points 9

4. SS7 Signaling Links 11

5 SS7 Protocol Architecture 12

6. Signaling Units 13

7. SCCP Message Format 15

8. ISUP Message Format 16

2
 INTRODUCTION
1.1 An introduction and background

Before discussing on SS7, let’s have a brief look at the ISDN (Integrated services
digital network) since SS7 is a mechanism that provides the internal control and network
intelligence essential to an ISDN.

Principles of ISDN :-
1. Support of voice and non voice applications using a limited set of standardized facilities:-
This principle defines both the purpose of ISDN and the means of achieving it. The
ISDN will support a variety of services related to voice communication and nonvoice
communications.
2. Support for switched and non switched applications:-
ISDN will support both circuit switching and packet switching.
3. Reliance on 64-kbps connections :-
ISDN is intended to provide circuit-switched and packet-switched connections at 64
kbps. This is the fundamental building block of ISDN.
4. Intelligence in the network :-
An ISDN is expected to be able to provide sophisticated services beyond the simple setup
of a circuit-switched call. In addition, network management and maintenance capabilities
need to be more sophisticated than in the past. All of this is to be achieved by the use of
Signaling System Number 7 and by the use of intelligent switching nodes in the network.

Various ISDN channels :-

• B channel : 64 kbps
• D channel : 16 or 64 kbps
• H channel : 384(H0), 1536(H11), or 1920 (H12) kbps

The B channel is a user channel that can be used to carry digital data, PCM encoded digital
voice, or a mixture of lower-rate traffic, including digital data and digitized voice encoded at
a fraction of 64 kbps.
Three kinds of connections can be set up over a B channel:
• Circuit-switched : The user places a call and a circuit-switched connection is
established with another network user. Call establishment does not take place over the
B channel, but is done using common channel signaling i.e. SS7
• Packet-switched : The user is connected to a packet-switching node, and data are
exchanged with other users via X.25
• Semipermanent :This is connection to another user set up by prior arrangement and not
requiring a call establishment protocol.

The D channel serves two main purposes. First, it carries common channel signaling i.e SS7
information to control circuit-switched calls on associated B channels at the user interface.
Second the D channel may be used for packet-switching or low speed telemetry at times
when no signaling information is waiting.

H channel are provided for user information at higher bit rates. The user may use such a
channel as a high-speed trunk or subdivide the channel according to the user’s TDM
scheme.

3
 In the context of the ISDN the network internal signaling functions can be divided
into two major categories. First, to establish, maintain, and terminate user connections over
the IEN (inter exchange network), the signaling system must convey supervisory and status
information to the exchanges involved in the connections. This requires the transfer of
certain signaling messages over the CCSN (common channel signaling network) between
the set of signaling points associated with the local exchange terminations and any
intermediate network switches. Second, the signaling system must allow communication
between the various intelligent network nodes that function as repositories of network
information. In this category we include access to specialized databases for call accounting,
network diagnostics, and maintenance and the multitude of intelligent network features
offered by an ISDN. The accomplishment of these tasks requires the availability of a
signaling system which governs the transfer of signaling messages between the SPs and
STPs of CCSN.
Over the past decade several different gerneral-purpose signaling systems have been
developed by the CCITT and other standards organizations. The most important of these,
and the on of major relevance to the ISDN, is the set of procedures known as Signaling
System 7.
The advent of ISDN has accelerated the pace of development and deployment of
signaling systems to support an ever increasing set of “intelligent network” services on the
world wide digital network in which the same digital exchanges and digital transmission
paths are used for provision of all voice and non voice services. When viewed as an end-to-
end capability, signaling in ISDN has two distinct components: signaling between the user
and the network node to which the user is connected (access signaling), and signaling
between the network nodes (network signaling). The current set of protocol standards for
ISDN network signaling is known as the signaling system no. 7

1.2 Background and Historical perspectives:-

To understand SS7 we must first understand something of the basic inefficiency of

previous signaling methods utilized in the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
Until relatively recently, all telephone connections were managed by a variety of techniques
centered on “in band” signaling. All telephone conversations require a bearer trunk to
transport them from origin to destination. In the early days of telephony, this was simply a
single wire dedicated to a customer. Switching meant connecting customers together via
intermediary pieces of wire. In addition to carrying the conversation or bearer “content,” all
telephone bearer trunks also carried the signaling information necessary to control the
telephone call concerned. This is known as “Channel Associated Signaling,” sometimes
abbreviated to CAS. As one might imagine, this is fundamentally inefficient, as it means
that even if the destination phone is unable to accept an incoming call, a complete bearer
channel is fully occupied, from the point of origin to the point of destination, in the attempt
to connect to it. Far better would be a way to signal to the destination phone without using
the valuable bearer circuit until absolutely necessary. Although this wouldn’t eliminate the
need for every customer to connect directly to the phone exchange, it would enable lines
between phone exchanges, a valuable resource, to be used more effectively and indeed not
to be used at all if the far end was found to be busy. This mode of signaling, where the
information is carried separately from the bearer channels is known as “Common Channel
Signaling,” or CCS. CCS can also result in the allocation of a single, dedicated resource to
signaling and allow it to be responsible for the control of large numbers of individual voice
circuits.

4
 Figure 1.1: In Band Signaling: CAS

Voice or Bearer Trunks, each with Associated Signaling

Figure 1.2: Out of Band Signaling: CCS

Dedicated, Separate, Out of Band Signaling Path

SS7 is simply a highly sophisticated and powerful form of CCS. Another important benefit
of CCS systems to consider is that they are essentially independent of switch and
transmission technology. This means that evolution of SS7 standards is independent of the
evolution of the underlying equipment. Standards can develop that are constant and can be
used across different networks, and new functionality can be added without reference to the
transmission equipment. Since its inception, SS7 has assumed a role of growing importance,
as most PSTNs have migrated from less efficient signaling methodologies towards a full
implementation of SS7, and the majority of international networks have followed suit.
Today, SS7 is responsible for routing calls across countries, between countries, and has a
central role in mobile networks.

1.3 What is SS7?

SS7 or Signaling System Number 7 is a set of protocols that describes a

means of communication between telephone switches in public telephone networks.
SS7 is a highly sophisticated and powerful form of Common Channel Signaling
(CCS). The use of out-of-band signaling procedures offers considerable benefits
over and above other signaling methodologies.

SS7 network :-
A typical SS7 network has signal switch points, signal transfer points and signal
control points. They are analogous to the end-node, router/switch and routing table database
in the Internet, respectively. For redundancy, a signal switch is typically connected to two
independent signal transfer points.
Signal switches originate, terminate or combine multiple calls onto a single pipe. The
switch signals other SS7 switches to set up, manage and release voice circuits required to
complete a call. A signal switch may also send a query message to the signal control point,
which acts as a centralized database for routing instructions, such as how to handle 800/888
calls. An alternate routing number may be used by the switch if the primary number is busy
or there is no answer.
Network traffic between signaling points is handled via a packet switch. The device
routes or switches incoming messages to an outgoing signaling link using routing
information within the multitiered SS7 message. Acting as a network hub, the packet switch
improves SS7 network utilization by eliminating the need for direct links between signaling
points.
5
1.3.2 Functions of SS7 :-

The primary function of SS7 is to provide call control, remote network management, and
maintenance capabilities for the inter- office telephone network. SS7 performs these
functions by exchanging control messages between SS7 telephone exchanges (signaling
points or SPs) and SS7 signaling transfer points (STPs).
The switching offices (SPs) handle the SS7 control network as well as the user circuit-
switched network. Basically, the SS7 control network tells the switching office which paths
to establish over the circuit-switched network. The STPs route SS7 control packets across
the signaling network. A switching office may or may not be an STP.

Some SS7 functions include:

1. Setting up, managing, and tearing down basic calls;
2. Enhanced call features, such as call forwarding, three-way calling, and caller
identification;
3. Local Number Portability (LNP);
4. Wireless services, such as Personal Communications Services (PCS), wireless roaming,
and mobile subscriber authentication.

EXPLANATION OF CORE TECHNOLOGY

In common with many signaling protocols, SS7 is made up of a layered architecture.
Each layer has a specific role and responsibility. The lowest 3 layers together form the
Message Transfer Part or MTP. This is responsible for the secure and reliable routing of
messages, the content of which is provided by other, higher layers. MTP uses signaling links
to route messages to the required destinations. Higher layers have different functions and are
implemented as required by the network. Call control (i.e. the establishment and
disconnection of calls) is handled by one of a series of Layer 4 Call Control Protocols, such
as ISUP or TUP. Other functions are built on top of another layer called SCCP.

SS7 establishes a framework by which data is exchanged between systems in the

network via dedicated signaling channels. These channels are known as Signaling Data
Links (SDLs) or simply as Links. Each SS7 system within the network acts as a Signaling
Point (SP), and communicates with other SPs via dedicated links. SPs can be classified
according to their precise function. Links connect SPs to their neighbors and form
communication paths or routes between them. Within a SS7 network, all SPs are identified
by a unique address. This address is called a Point Code (PC). All SS7 messages have a
point of origin and a destination and hence are assigned an Originating Point Code (OPC)
and a Destination Point Code (DPC). Links are responsible for the transportation of
messages, directed by higher-level software, to their destination.

2.1 Signaling Points :-

Each signaling point in the SS7 network is uniquely identified by a numeric point
code. Point codes are carried in signaling messages exchanged between signaling points to
identify the source and destination of each message. Each signaling point uses a routing
table to select the appropriate signaling path for each message.

6
There are three kinds of signaling points in the SS7 network
• SSP (Service Switching Point)
• STP (Signal Transfer Point)
• SCP (Service Control Point)

figure 2.1 SS7 Signaling Points

SSP –
The purpose of SSP is to provide end-user access to the internal network databases
containing the network intelligence or to feature nodes that are external to the ISDN.
SSPs are switches that originate, terminate, or tandem calls. An SSP sends signaling
messages to other SSPs to setup, manage, and release voice circuits required to complete a
call. An SSP may also send a query message to a centralized database (an SCP) to
determine how to route a call (e.g., a toll-free 1-800/888 call in North America). An SCP
sends a response to the originating SSP containing the routing number(s) associated with the
dialed number. An alternate routing number may be used by the SSP if the primary number
is busy or the call is unanswered within a specified time. Actual call features vary from
network to network and from service to service.

STP -
The STP exists solely to route SS7 messages to the appropriate destination. It does
not offer termination services and it does not typically deploy a user part. It uses the
capabilities of MTP to ensure that messages reach the correct destination. It refers to a
database or routing table to determine the correct destination for a particular message. STPs
are usually deployed in pairs, as they are linked to ensure redundancy. A device connecting
to a STP will connect to both in the pair to achieve routing resilience.
One key advantage of STP functionality is that it enables a SP to signal to other SPs
without being directly connected to them. This capability means that either dedicated STPs
are deployed at the heart of a SS7 network, or STP-like functionality is implemented in
trunk exchange types. In this case, the SP connecting to a device with STP connectivity may
be able to specify to which distant (or non-adjacent) SP it wishes to direct traffic. Special
kinds of link sets are used to connect to STPs to take advantage of these routing
possibilities.
Network traffic between signaling points may be routed via a packet switch called an
STP. An STP routes each incoming message to an outgoing signaling link based on routing
information contained in the SS7 message. Because it acts as a network hub, an STP
provides improved utilization of the SS7 network by eliminating the need for direct links
between signaling points. An STP can also act as a "firewall" to screen SS7 messages
exchanged with other networks.

7
SCP -
The Service Control Point or SCP acts as a service node within the SS7 network and
allows services to be deployed in one location that can be accessed via special signaling
messages by all switches within the network. This concept is known as the “Intelligent
Network” or “IN”. SCP is the repository of the network databases. It includes information
such as subscriber records, directories, billing data, and conversion tables between real and
virtual addresses.

2.2 Signaling links –

Signaling links are logically organized by link type ("A" through "F") according to
their use in the SS7 signaling network. Signaling link is a data link that connects signaling
points. Nodes that are directly connected are said to be adjacent to each other. Several
signaling links in parallel are used between a pair of adjacent nodes. Collectively these links
are known as link sets.

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.

figure 2.2 SS7 Signaling Links

B Link: A "B" (bridge) link connects an STP to another STP. Typically, a quad of "B" links
interconnect peer (or primary) STPs (e.g., the STPs from one network to the STPs
of another network). 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.
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 that SCPs may also be
deployed in pairs to improve reliability; unlike STPs, however, mated SCPs are not
interconnected by signaling links.
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.
E Link: An "E" (extended) link connects an SSP to an alternate STP. "E" links provide an
alternate signaling path if an SSP' s "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.
8
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.

2.3 SS7 Protocol Architecture –

SS7 architecture consists of four levels. The lowest three levels of the SS7
architecture referred to as the message transfer part (MTP), provide reliable but
connectionless service for routing messages through the SS7 network
The lower part of level 4 contains the signaling connection control part (SCCP),
which provides additional networking features on an optional basis. It offers a connection-
oriented transmission service for signaling messages with flow control and sequence control
on top of the relaying service provided by the MTP, and an enhanced addressing capability.
The SCCP and MTP together are referred to as the network service part (NSP).
The ISDN user part (ISUP) supplies the basic ISDN call control functions for the
establishment, operation, and clearing of connection of the IEN (inter exchange network).
The ISUP may interact with either the SCCP or the MTP, depending on the level of service
required for the transport of its signaling messages.
The transaction capabilities (TC) part provides services in support of various
applications such as access to network databases. It is divided into two parts.

1) Intermediate service part (ISP)

2) Transactions capabilities application part (TCAP)
Operations, maintenance and administration part (OMAP) which supports the
system management application process.

figure 2.3 SS7 protocol architecure

2.3.1 Message Transfer Part –

MTP is in turn divided into 3 distinct functional layers that perform specific tasks.
Overall, it is concerned with the safe routing of messages and the management of SS7 links.

9
MTP Layer 1 (Signaling Data Link Level) –

It represents the physical layer. That is, the layer that is responsible for the connection
of SS7 Signaling Points into the transmission network over which they communicate with
each other. Primarily, this involves the conversion of messaging into electrical signal and
the maintenance of the physical links through which these pass. In this way, it is analogous
to the Layer 1 of ISDN or other, perhaps more familiar, protocols.

MTP Layer 2 (Signaling Link Level) –

It is designed to provide reliable transfer of signaling information between SPs. In

this role, it examines transmitted data to check for errors and to correct them when they are
discovered, if possible. With potentially large amounts of information being transmitted,
MTP Layer 2 must also monitor message flow control, sorting messages based on queues
and buffers.
All SS7 messages are transmitted across SS7 signaling links. Flow control is of vital
importance as the bandwidth available in a signaling link is usually either 64,000 bits per
second or 56,000 bits per second. Link monitoring is therefore essential to the smooth
operation of a SS7 system.
MTP Layer 2 is also responsible for the assembly of outgoing messages into packets
known as signaling units, of which there are three types.

1. Message Signal Units (MSUs) are the packets that carry the actual SS7 messages
from a higher layer in the stack.
2. Link Status Signal Units (LSSUs) are used to transmit information about the links
themselves.
3. Fill In Signaling Unit (FISU) This final category carries no specific information itself,
but is used as packing, as one of the features of a SS7 link is that it is never idle.

FISUs are transmitted continuously across the link when there are no other messages
to transmit. Gaps in transmission would be detected as errors, so it is essential that this
background noise be maintained. Each message consists of an ordered sequence of bytes,
separated by delineating flags or identifiers. A typical message can be broken down into key
components.

Figure 4.1.1 illustrates the structure of the 3 principal Layer 2 messages. Finally, it should
be noted that MTP Layer 2 does not actually take any actions itself—it works under the
direction of MTP Layer 3.

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 figure 2.4 SS7 Signaling Units

MTP Layer 3 (Signaling Network Level) –

It has two basic functions. Message routing, which relates to the sending of received
messages to appropriate destinations, either above or below it in the stack; and Network
Management which concerns the control of traffic routing, the links which bear the traffic,
and dealing with errors. Each of the layers that sit above MTP Layer 3 can be considered as
its users. They rely upon MTP Layer 3 for the safe delivery of messages they send to it and
for the safe reception and onward routing of messages that are bound for them. Since there
are several layers that can sit above MTP Layer 3 (SCCP, ISUP, TUP, etc), there must be
some way of indicating which layer should receive a particular message. Message
Discrimination, as it is known, is an important function of MTP Layer 3 and data carried in
the MSU message allows this to take place.Each message type is divided into a number of
sub fields that contain information that is important in message routing and ensuring
transmission integrity, as well as the actual data that is sent from end to end itself. MSUs
have a sub field known as the Service Information Octet (or SIO) that allows message
discrimination to take place. Each of the possible protocols that run at Layer 4 (SCCP,
ISUP, TUP, DUP) has been allocated a particular value. MTP Layer 3 inspects the value and
then ensures that the data part of the message is passed to the correct receiving layer.

Routing of messages to the appropriate external destination is equally important. The

Signaling Information Field (or SIF) contains information that allows routing to take place.
MTP L 3 will complete this field by adding to it the OPC of the SP that generates the
message and the DPC of the SP for which it is bound. Another important part of the SIF
field is the Signaling Link Selection value (SLS). This establishes the correct link (out of
those available) down which the message should be transmitted. As we have seen, links are
grouped into link sets and part of MTP L3’s task is to balance the distribution of messages
that are transmitted between two points across the number of links that are available in a
particular link set.

SS7 signaling links are able to carry information about many thousands of bearer
circuits, so load balancing or “load sharing” is essential to the efficient operation of the
11
network. If all of the information were to pass down a single link, the damage caused by
failure of that link could be catastrophic. By distributing messages down available links in a
link set, MTP L3 is able to lessen the chances of a total breakdown in message transmission
and attempts to avoid congestion on a single link. MTP L3 is also able to perform corrective
actions in the event of link failure.

2.3.2 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)–

The SCCP provides enhanced functions to support the transfer of circuit-related and
non-circuit-related signaling information. MTP only uses point codes routing to determine
the destination of messages. SCCP however, uses a number of more discriminatory
addressing methods to ensure that data reaches its destination. SCCP uses two principal
modes of data transfer: connection-oriented, in which a session must be initiated before data
transfer can begin and connectionless, in which data transfer can take place without prior
negotiation. These modes of transfer can be described as classes and there are 4 possible
classes:
• Class 0: Connectionless – data is transferred without a fixed connection or session
• Class 1: Connectionless – data is transferred without a fixed connection or session, but
in sequence.
• Class 2 : Connection oriented – a session is initiated prior to the transfer of data
• Class 3: Connection oriented – a session is initiated prior to the transfer of data, the data
is transferred in sequence

Although an individual signaling point can be identified by its point code, there may exist
several components within the system to which different kinds of messages could be
directed. MTP lacks the capability to distinguish between these, but SCCP can perform
discrimination to ensure that messages reach their correct destination.
SCCP supports another extremely important means of routing data: Global Title
Translation (GTT). A Global Title is a form of message used when the SCCP is unable to
produce a PC and SSN to route data effectively. Instead, it produces a Global Title message,
which contains the data it has received and an indication of the kind of data it requires. The
SCCP concerned does not actually know where to find the required information, but it does
know of a place that will be able to locate it. The SCCP system sends this global title
message to a destination that is pre-configured in its own routing table as being able to
provide an answer to the query.

SCCP Message Format

The Service Indicator of the Service Information Octet (SIO) is coded 3 (binary 0011)
for SCCP. SCCP messages are contained within the Signaling Information Field (SIF) of an
MSU. The SIF contains the routing label followed by the SCCP message contents. The
SCCP message is comprised of a one-octet message type field that defines the contents of
the remainder of the message

12
 figure 2.5 SCCP Message Format

Each SCCP message contains a mandatory fixed part (mandatory fixed-length

parameters), mandatory variable part (mandatory variable-length parameters), and an
optional part that may contain fixed-length and variable-length fields. Each optional part
parameter is identified by a one-octet parameter code followed by a length indicator ("octets
to follow") field. Optional parameters may occur in any order. If optional parameters are
included, the end of the optional parameters is indicated by an octet containing all zeros.

2.3.3 Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) -

TCAP is primarily designed to be used for the querying and retrieval of information from
databases. It formats data that can be presented using SCCP transport to a number of
different databases. It can request that operations be carried out and await the result.

It can also control the flow of information to the operation and the presentation of results
to one or other of the higher layers that utilize TCAP’s services. TCAP initiates queries and
receives responses. In order to ensure that responses and queries can be correlated and
sorted into the correct order, a numeric value is inserted into each query. The responding SP
simply copies this number into its response so that the two can be cross-referenced.

There are two kinds of operations that are supported by TCAP. “Dialogues” take place
between TCAP and one of the higher layers that use its services. Within a given dialogue,
many operations may be active. Each operation may yield a result known as a component.
Components can be stored by TCAP until such time as it is notified by a dialogue handling
indicator that it is appropriate to dispatch them as a single TCAP message. When TCAP
receives a message, it unbundles all of the separate components and sends them individually
to the appropriate higher layer. Since multiple dialogues can take place at any one time, each
separate dialogue is given an individual identity that is conserved in the components. A
TCAP transaction occurs when all stored components relating to a dialogue are presented to
SCCP for routing to the relevant TCAP.
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2.3.4 ISDN User Part (ISUP) –

The ISDN User Part (ISUP) defines the protocol and procedures used to set-up,
manage, and release trunk circuits that carry voice and data calls over the public switched
telephone network (PSTN). ISUP is used for both ISDN and non-ISDN calls. Calls that
originate and terminate at the same switch do not use ISUP signaling.

ISUP Message Format

ISUP information is carried in the Signaling Information Field (SIF) of an MSU. The
SIF contains the routing label followed by a 14-bit (ANSI) or 12-bit (ITU) circuit
identification code (CIC). The CIC indicates the trunk circuit reserved by the originating
switch to carry the call. The CIC is followed by the message type field (e.g. IAM, ACM,
ANM, REL, RLC) that defines the contents of the remainder of the message

figure 2.6 ISUP message format

Each ISUP message contains a mandatory fixed part containing mandatory fixed-
length parameters. Sometimes the mandatory fixed part is comprised only of the message
type field. The mandatory fixed part may be followed by the mandatory variable part
and/or the optional part. The mandatory variable part contains mandatory variable-length
parameters. The optional part contains optional parameters, which are identified by a one-
octet parameter code followed by a length indicator ("octets to follow") field. Optional
parameters may occur in any order. If optional parameters are included, the end of the
optional parameters is indicated by an octet containing all zeros.

2.3.5 Operation, Maintenance, and Administration Part (OMAP) –

OMAP defines messages and protocol designed to assist administrators of the SS7
network. OMAP includes messages that use both the MTP and SCCP for routing

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 APPLICATIONS

SS7 in Mobile Networks

Although much of the technology in mobile networks uses specific radio interfaces,
the signaling used across the fixed communications part is often based upon SS7. For
example, the Mobile Application Part (MAP) defines operations and procedures for the
control and presentation of subscriber information to ensure that roaming and messaging
services can take place. MAP uses TCAP, SCCP and MTP as transport layers. The call
control signaling is typically carried out using an ISUP derivative—this is important because
there are points of interconnection between the mobile network and the fixed network. GSM
MAP has been specified by ETSI (ETS GSM 09.02) and is widely deployed around the
world. One of the principal reasons for its success has been the innovation that separates the
mobile handset from a smart card that uniquely identifies the subscriber and their
subscription profile: the SIM card. The SIM card contains the International Mobile
Subscriber Identity, a value that can be transmitted by the handset and used for
authentication in any GSM network. This requirement to authorize and register users,
particularly as they move between radio reception points, means that a GSM network
requires sophisticated databases to hold all of the subscriber data. Global Title Translation
has an important role to play in this process, because networks need to locate information
outside of their own database infrastructure. IS41 is the standard used in the US. This is
specified by ANSI. The architecture of a GSM mobile network is illustrated in the following
figure. The architecture is divided into 3 planes: the Network Subsystem, the Base Station
Sub System and the Mobile Station. The Network Substation contains the Mobile Switching
Center and associated databases. This is essentially similar to any other kind of SS7
signaling point, in that it controls the switching and routing of calls between mobile
subscribers, and between mobile subscribers and fixed networks. It utilizes databases such
as the Home Location Register (HLR) and Visitor Location Register (VLR) to monitor the
presence of subscribers in the network it controls and to maintain data regarding their
location. The MAP protocol defines interfaces between the MSC and other components of
the architecture. These interfaces, identified by an alphabetical notation, ensure that the
MSC is able to maintain all relevant information in real time, as subscribers move between
base station cells and into other networks. The Network Subsystem uses a dedicated
protocol known as the “A” Interface (GSM ETS 08.08) to communicate with the Base
Station Subsystem. Here, the Base Station Controller communicates with and directs the
Base Station Transceivers that are the point of contact with the mobile terminals. The
Mobile Station is composed of the combination of a mobile handset and a SIM card. Other
interfaces include the “B” Interface, between the MSC and the VLR; the “C” interface,
between the MSC and the VLR, the “D” interface, between the VLR and HLR; the “E”
interface between MSCs; the “F” interface between the MSC and the EIR (Equipment
Identification Register) the “G” interface between VLRs; and the “H” interface between
MSCs and SMS Service Gateways.

15
 CONCLUSION

Signaling System Number 7 is a set of specification of services and protocols for use
in the internal control and network intelligence of digital network. It is based on the use of
common-channel signaling and is designed specifically for ISDN.
SS7 establishes a framework by which data is exchanged between systems in the
network via dedicated signaling channels. The signaling link underpins the complete SS7
architecture. It enables communication to take place between entities within the network,
permits the exchange of information and is essential for the effectiveness of the security
features that make the network so resilient.
The SS7 network has emerged as a common, low-delay, highly secure, and reliable
infrastructure designed to support voice transport and services over the circuit-switched
network.

REFRENCES

Books :
• Integrated Architectures Services Protocol Digital Standards Networks
---Hermann J. Helgert
• ISDN and Broadband ISDN with Frame Relay and ATM
---William Stallings
URLs
• www.comsoc.org/livepubs/surveys/public/4q98issue/reprint4q.html
• http://computer.org/proceeding/iscc/7852/78520109abs.html

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