SS7

SS7 Essentials
Aniruddha Tewari
Roamware Proprietary and Confidential
Copyright Roamware Inc. 2004. All Rights Reserved.
Pre-requisites
Awareness of the following telecom terminologies and

concepts
LNP, ISDN, PSTN, E1/T1 links, toll free/premium numbers,
OSI model, TCP/IP, CIC, checksum and octet
Contents
Introduction to SS7
Fundamental uses
Types of Signalling
SS7 Network Signaling Components
SS7 Messaging
SS7 protocol MTP 1
Contents
SS7 protocol MTP Layer 2
Signalling Units
FISU
LSSU
MSU
Structure
Flow control
Error Detection
Link Alignment
MTP Layer 3
Link sets
SIF
SIO
Contents
SCCP
Global Title
Structure of the Global Title
Global Title Translation
Routing Structure
Global Title Analysis
Global Title Modification
Exercises
References
Introduction
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).
Signalling communication between different network
elements to achieve some purpose (most common and
oldest purpose setting up a phone call)
Signalling provides the ability to transfer information inside
networks, between different networks, and more
importantly between the customers that use the network
services for which we charge.
Signaling: exchange of messages among network entities to
enable (provide service) to connection/call
Introduction
A signalling protocol defines a standard set of information

elements and a method of transport in order to enable
components of a network to interoperate.
Signaling System 7 (SS7) is a system that transports the
information required to set up and manage telephone calls
by converting signaling information to digital packets.
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.
Fundamental uses
The SS7 network and protocol are used for:
basic call setup, management, and tear down
wireless services such as personal communications
services (PCS) and mobile subscriber authentication
local number portability (LNP)
toll-free (800/888) and toll (900) wireline services
enhanced call features such as call forwarding, calling
party name/number display, and three-way calling
efficient and secure worldwide telecommunications
Types of Signalling
SS7 messages are exchanged between network elements

over 56 or 64 kilobit per second (kbps) bi-directional
channels called signaling links.
There are two types of signalling, Channel Associated
Signalling (CAS) (aka In-band signaling), where the
signalling information is carried down the same physical
channel as the voice or data.
In-band signaling means that both the control signaling and
voice/data functions occupy the same physical circuit or
channel.
Since voice trunks must be idle during the time call control
signaling is taking place, in-band signaling becomes
extremely inefficient for advanced calling services.
Types of Signalling
Common Channel Signalling (CCS) (aka out-of-band signaling)
concentrates the signalling information in a single dedicated
channel, such that all of the signalling information for many voice
channels in a telephony system can be conveyed over a single
channel dedicated to signalling.
Signalling System Number 7 (SS7, C7, No 7) is an example of a
common channel signalling system, defined for use in public
switched networks where large numbers of circuits are switched
between subscribers.
SS7 is a global standard used throughout the world within
networks and on international interconnects.
10
Signaling Points
A signaling point is a node in the SS7 network.

Each signaling point is uniquely identified by a numeric
point code. Point codes are explained in detail later.
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.
11
SS7 Network Signaling Components
Abbreviation
Name
SSP
Signal Switching Point

- or Service Switching Point
STP
Signal Transfer Point
SCP
Signal Control Point

- or Service Control Point
Symbol
12
SS7 Elements
SS7 Signaling Points
13
SS7 Elements - SSP
There are three kinds of signaling points in the SS7 network

Service Switching Point (SSP)
The Service Switching Point is a switch in the telephone
network. The SSP provides signaling for the routing of voice
service to other signaling points throughout the network.
They generally originate, terminate or switch 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 tollfree 1-800/888 call in North America).
14
SS7 Elements SSP - Typical Function
The SSP uses the calling party information (dialed digits) to determine how
to route the call. It looks up the dialed digits in the SSP routing table to find
the corresponding trunk circuit and terminating exchange.
The SSP then sends an SS7 message out to the adjacent exchange
requesting a circuit connection on the trunk which was specified in the
routing table.
The adjacent exchange sends an acknowledgement back, giving

permission to use that trunk.
Using the calling party information contained in the setup info, the
adjacent exchange determines how to connect to the final
destination. This might require several trunks to be set up between
several different exchanges.
SSP manages all of these connections until the destination is
reached.
15
SS7 Elements - SCP
Service Control Point (SCP)

The Service Control Point provides interfaces to various
information databases (such as 800 number routing,
subscriber services, calling card validation).
It provide database and data processing functions within
the network, such as billing, maintenance, and subscriber
control and number translation.
16
SS7 Elements - STP

Signal Transfer Point (STP)
The Signal Transfer Point is the heart of the SS7 network, providing for
the efficient transport of SS7 messages that control signaling and
access database services in an SS7 network.
The STP does not originate or terminate SS7 message packets (except
those related to network management, explained later).
Signalling Transfer Points (STP) act as SS7 routers and give alternate
paths to destinations when one possible route to a destination fails.
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 be designed as an integrated node that provides SCP
database services, such as Number Portability or Calling Name
Delivery.
STPs are ALWAYS provided in mated pair.
17
SS7: Telephone Signaling Network

The reason for the pairing of STPs/SCPs is redundancy and/or
load sharing. If one of the pair should be lost for any reason its
partner STP/SCP will handle the load.
Note: redundancy in SS7 elements
18
SS7 Elements
Classic SS7 Architecture

19
SS7 Messaging
In the SS7 network, network addressing and call information

are wrapped into data packets that are structured according
to the established SS7 protocol.
STPs receive these message packets, examine them, and
based on the addressing and other information contained
there, direct them to a destination in the network.
The SS7 protocol is based on the Open Systems Interconnect
(OSI) model and includes these four sub-protocols:
Message Transfer Part (MTP Levels 1, 2, and 3), Signal
Connection Control Part (SCCP), ISDN User Part (ISUP) and
Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP).
20
SS7 Messaging
Only MTP levels 1, 2 and 3 and SCCP functions are normally

processed by the STP. Although an STP can interpret and
route TCAP and ISUP messages, it does not originate
messages of that type.
21
Example: signaling a 800 call

800 number: logical phone number
translation to physical phone number needed, e.g., 1800-CALL_ATT translates to 162-962-1943
3. SCP M performs
lookup, sends reply
to A
M
2. STP W forwards
request to M
1. Caller dials 800
number, A
recognizes 800
number,
formulates
translation query,
send to STP W
Y
A
A
22
Example: signaling a 800 call
4. A begins signaling
to set up call to
number associated
with 800 number
X
A
A
23
The SS7 protocol
SS7 is defined as a number of independent blocks of

functionality, each implementing a specific function and
having a defined interface.
24
The SS7 Vs OSI Layers Another View
25
Message Transfer Part (MTP)
The Message Transfer Part (MTP) consists of three levels (levels 1

to 3 of SS7). Its purpose is to reliably transfer messages on
behalf of the User Parts across the SS7 network.
The MTP maintains this service despite failures in the network.
Layer 1 defines the physical interface.
In Europe, SS7 is generally carried on a timeslot in a 2.048Mbps
E1 trunk, generally timeslot 16 (but not necessarily).
In North America, SS7 may be carried on a 1.544Mbps T1
timeslot.
The SS7 messages are constructed similar to HDLC frames (each
message being delimited by flag bytes or octets, and containing
a Cyclic Redundancy Check, CRC).
26
MTP Layer 1
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 SS7 digital signaling link, and is
responsible for converting digital data into a bit stream for
transmission over the network.
27
MTP layer 2
The next level, MTP Level 2, ensures that messages are
transmitted accurately end-to-end across a signaling link.
This level performs handshaking with the network, ensuring
that there is reliable exchange of information between two
signaling points by error control, flow control, message sequence
validation and other link control activities.
When an error occurs on a signaling link, the message (or set of
messages) is retransmitted. MTP Level 2 is equivalent to the OSI
Data Link Layer.
28
Singalling Units
An SS7 message is called a signal unit (SU).
There are three kinds of signal units:

Fill-In Signal Units (FISUs)
Link Status Signal Units (LSSUs) and
Message Signal Units (MSUs)
29
Singnalling Units - FISU

FISUs are transmitted continuously on a signaling link in both
directions unless other signal units (MSUs or LSSUs) are
present.
FISUs carry basic Level 2 information only (i.e.,
acknowledgment of signal unit receipt by a remote signaling
point).
A CRC checksum is calculated for each FISU thus signaling link
quality is checked continuously by both signaling points at
either end of the link.
FISUs are sent only at predefined timer intervals (e.g., once
every 150 milliseconds).
The individual fields are described in subsequent slides.
30
Singnalling Units - LSSU

The LSSU is used only to bring a link into service or to take it out of
service and during error situations (e.g overload), to exchange
status information between two SSPs or STPs.
Link Status Signal Units (LSSUs) carry one or two octets (8-bit
bytes) of link status information between signaling points at either
end of a link. The link status is used to control link alignment and
to indicate the status of a signaling point to the remote signaling
point.
Before an SS7 link is able to convey information from the higher
layers, the layer 2 entities at each end of the link follow a
handshaking procedure known as the proving period, lasting for
0.5 to 8.2 seconds (depending on the availability of routes served
by the link in question).
During this time, Link Status Signal Units (LSSU) are exchanged
between the layer 2 parts of the protocol, enabling both ends to
monitor the number of received errors during this time.
31
Singnalling Units - LSSU
If less than a pre-set threshold, the link enters the IN

SERVICE state, and may now carry Message Signal Units
(MSU) containing information from the upper layers.
LSSUs do not require any addressing information because
they are only sent between signaling points.
32
MSU
MSUs are the workhorses of the SS7 network. All signaling

associated with call control, database query and response,
and SS7 management requires the use of MSUs.
MSUs provide MTP protocol fields, service indicator octet
(SIO) and service information field (SIF).
The SIO identifies the type of protocol (ISUP, TCAP) and
standard (ITU-TS, ANSI). The SIF transfers control
information and routing label
Routing label allows an originating signaling point to send
information to a destination signaling point across the
network.
33
MSU
34
Signal Unit Structure

All types of signal units (MSU, LSSU, FISU) have a set of
common fields which are used by MTP Level 2. Field types
include the following:
FlagDelimiter in a signal unit which marks the end of one
signal unit and the beginning of another. All signal units
begin with a distinct 8-bit pattern (0111 1110).
Note - Although the protocol allows an opening and closing
flag, only one flag is used in North America
ChecksumAn 8-bit sum calculated from the transmitted
message by the transmitting signaling point and inserted in
the message.
It is recalculated by the receiving signaling point, and if
corrupted, a retransmission is requested.
35
Length IndicatorThe number of octets between itself and

the checksum (see the diagram of MSU). Checks the
integrity of the signal unit and discriminates between
different types of signal units.
The default values are:
FISU=0, LSSU=1 or 2, MSU>2
BSN/BIB FSN/FIBOctets that hold the backward sequence
number (BSN) and backward indicator bit (BIB); the forward
sequence number (FSN) and the forward indicator bit (FIB).
The use of these bits are described later
36
Spare - From the drawing you can see that the spare is
simply a two bit field.
Its only purpose, generally, is to keep the entire signal unit
to an even number of octets. Each field which is not an
octet (FSN, BSN) has its counterpart which brings the
number to eight (FIB, BIB).
The spare becomes the counterpart for the six bit Length
Indicator.
SIF and SIO are explained as part of MTP3 layer.
37
Signal Unit Flow Control
The BSN/BIB and FSN/FIB fields in a signal unit (SU) confirm

receipt of SUs and ensure that they are received in the
order in which they were transmitted. These fields also
provide flow control.
MSUs and LSSUs are assigned a sequence number when
transmitted. That sequence number is placed in the FSN
field of the outgoing signal unit, which is stored by the
transmitting signaling point until it is acknowledged by the
receiving signaling point.
Signaling points acknowledge receipt of SUs by putting the
sequence number of the last correctly received (and in
sequence) SU in the backward sequence number (BSN) of
every SU they transmit.
38
SU Error Detection
The check bit field and the sequence number of the signal
unit are used to detect errors.
Seven-bit sequence numbering is used. The forward
sequence number (FSN) is incremented by one after every
transmission. The backward sequence number (BSN) is
used to acknowledge received signal units.
The transmitting signal point keeps all transmitted signal
units in a buffer until acknowledged. Once the BSN is
received, all acknowledged signal units are dropped from
the buffer.
Unacknowledged signal units stay in the buffer until a timer
expires, causing a link failure indication to be sent to Level
3. The link is then tested and aligned.
39
Link Alignment
When all signal units are received in sequence without

ones-density violations and with the proper number of
octets, the link is considered to be in alignment.
The link is considered in error if the signal unit is not in 8-bit
multiples or if the SIF exceeds the maximum 272-octet
capacity.
Read notes for detailed explanation.
40
MTP Layer 3
MTP 3 is the heart of the SS7 protocol, deciding how to route a
message to its proper destination.
In addition to providing the most efficient message routing
between signaling points in the SS7 network, MTP 3 reroutes
traffic away from failed links and signaling points and controls
traffic when congestion occurs.
Routing tables prioritize routes based on the most direct path to a
destination point code.
Layer 3 provides the message routing and failure handling
capabilities for the message transport.
Each signaling point in an SS7 network is assigned a unique
address called a point code.
41
MTP 3 - Point Codes
In SS7, addresses are assigned using a three-level

hierarchy.
MemberA signaling point within a cluster.
ClusterA collection of signaling points (members).
NetworkEach cluster is defined as being part of a
network.
Any node in the SS7 network can be addressed by the
three-level number defined by its network, cluster, and
member numbers.
Each of these numbers is an 8-bit number assigned a value
from 0 to 255. This three-level address is called the point
code of the signaling point.
42
MTP Layer 3
Point codes are carried in the SS7 signaling packet to identify

which node sent the message and where the message should be
sent.
The sending nodes identifier is called the Origination Point Code
(OPC); the receiving nodes is the Destination Point Code (DPC).
Each SS7 node (this could be a classic switch or a node
containing 800 number translation records) is uniquely identified
within a network using an SS7 address called a Point Code.
European networks use 14 bit point codes, North American 24 bit
point codes.
43
MTP Layer 3
Link sets
Individual links between STPs and adjacent nodes in a
network are organized into logical groupings called link
sets.
Link sets can be configured as combined link sets to
accommodate additional messaging throughput.
Load sharing allows signal transmissions to be alternated
and shared equally across all the links in a combined link
set.
44
MTP Layer 3
The collection of signalling links between two adjacent nodes

is known as a link set
45
MTP Layer 3 SIF

MTP3 adds information into the Signalling Information Field
(SIF) of the MSU.
This includes a Destination Point Code (DPC) identifying the
destination for a message, an Originating Point Code (OPC)
identifying the originator of a message and a Signalling Link
Selection (sls) value used by MTP3 to load share messages
between links in a link set. See Notes for more information.
Parts of SIF
46
MTP Layer 3 SIF Routing Label
The above values are different for ANSI networks
47
MTP Layer 3 SIF
The selection of outgoing link is based on information in the DPC

and Signaling Link Selection field. The SLS is used to:
Ensure message sequencing - Any two messages sent with the
same SLS will always arrive at the destination in the same order in
which they were originally sent.
Allow equal load sharing of traffic among all available links. If a
user part sends messages at regular intervals and assigns the SLS
values in a round-robin fashion, the traffic level should be equal
among all links (within the combined linkset) to that destination.
The MTP automatically load shares between the links within a link
set, and re-routes traffic from failed links to a working link within
the same link set on detection of failure.
MTP3 is also able to load share between two link sets that serve
the same destination.
48
MTP Layer 3
MTP3 provides a reliable message transport service to the
higher layer protocols, which use MTP as a message
transport service, hence their generic name, User Parts.
In order to deliver a received message to the correct user
part, MTP3 examines the Service Indicator (SI) which forms
part of the Service Information Octet (SIO) in the received
message, as shown in the next slide.
49
MTP Layer 3
MTP3 Message Distribution

50
MTP Layer 3 - SIO
The functionality of the MSU lies in the contents of the service

indicator octet (SIO) and the service information fields (SIF). The
SIO is an 8-bit field that contains three types of information:
SIO (Service Information Octet)
The SIO field in an MSU contains the 4-bit subservice field followed
by the 4-bit service indicator. FISUs and LSSUs do not contain an
SIO.
The subservice field contains the network indicator (2 bits, e.g.,
national or international) and the message priority (2 bits). Not
used to control the order of transmittal, but used when network is
congested to determine if a message can be discarded. Value is
from 0-3, with 3 the highest priority.
The service indicator (4 bits) to indicate the type of information
contained in the service information field specifies the MTP user.
51
MTP Layer 3
52
SCCP
SCCP provides additional routing and management functions
above MTP 3, for message routing through an entire network.
SCCP provides connectionless and connection-oriented network
services and determines the network address by performing a
global title translation and relaying the translated address to the
MTP.
The Signalling Connection Control Part (SCCP) enhances the
routing and addressing capabilities of MTP to enable the
addressing of individual processing components or sub-systems at
each signalling point.
Basic SCCP addressing routes messages through the network
using a sub-system number and point code to identify a
destination. Each sub-system could be a number translation
database; an SS7 point code can potentially have many subsystems attached.
53
SCCP
The signaling connection control part (SCCP) provides two major
functions that are lacking in the MTP. The first of these is the capability
to address applications within a signaling point.
The MTP can only receive and deliver messages from a node as a
whole; it does not deal with software applications within a node.
While MTP network-management messages and basic call-setup
messages are addressed to a node as a whole, other messages are
used by separate applications (referred to as subsystems) within a
node.
Examples of subsystems are 800 call processing, calling-card
processing, advanced intelligent network (AIN), and custom local-area
signaling service (CLASS) services (e.g., repeat dialing).
The SCCP allows these subsystems to be addressed explicitly.
The second function is described after Global Title.
54
Global Title
A Global Title (GT) is an address used in the SCCP protocol for
routing signalling messages.
The name Global Title derives from the idea that in most
instances this is a globally unique address which can refer to
only one destination system.
In this, the Global Title is rather similar to a public IP address.
In many other aspects, the Global Title is quite different:
the structure is often strictly hierarchical;
the Global Title is of variable length;
the Global Title is not just numeric, but includes several
attributes which vary its interpretation.
Apart from their other attributes, global titles are often similar
to telephone numbers although this is not always true.
55
The global title structure is defined in the SCCP standard

(Q.713) plus the supporting numbering plan standards.
What follows is a brief, description of key aspects.
Global Title Format
The Global Title can have different formats, this parameter
says which one is in use . A number of the following
parameters are optional; the format parameter decides
which of these are present.
Numbering Plan Indicator
The Numbering Plan Indicator (NPI) describes which
numbering plan will be used for the global title.
Selecting the numbering plan normally decides the routing
hierarchy used for routing the global title.
56
Type of Number
The Type of Number (TON) parameter, which is used in
E.164 numbers, for example, has values such as
International, National or Subscriber.
International numbers have a clearly defined meaning
everywhere in the world and include the country code of
the system they address.
National and subscriber can be seen as equivalent to site
local and link local addresses in IP.
57

Translation Type
The translation type (TT) parameter is used in a network to
select different sets of Global Title analysis (described on
subsequent slides).
Normally in European networks, this parameter is set to 0
(the default) value. In American Mobile networks, different
translation types are used for analysis of the IMSI and for
inter system messages.
This parameter can be valuable in complex routing
problems, where the same number has to be routed
differently depending on circumstances. For example,
before and after number portability related translations.
58
The second function provided by the SCCP is the ability to

perform incremental routing using a capability called global
title translation (GTT).
Global Title Translation is SS7s equivalent to IP's routing.
It is the process of looking at the "destination address" (in
SS7 this is the called party) and deciding what to do with
that.
GTT is a procedure by which the destination signaling point
and subsystem number (SSN) is determined from digits
(i.e., the global title) present in the signaling message.
GTT frees originating signaling points from the burden of
having to know every potential destination to which they
might have to route a message.
59

A switch can originate a query, for example, and address it to
an STP along with a request for GTT. The receiving STP can
then examine a portion of the message, make a determination
as to where the message should be routed, and then route it.
In performing GTT, an STP does not need to know the exact
final destination of a message.
It can, instead, perform intermediate GTT, in which it uses its
tables to find another STP further along the route to the
destination.
That STP, in turn, can perform final GTT, routing the message
to its actual destination.
There are two identifiable processes, Global Title Analysis, the
act of looking up the number and finding a result then Global
Title Modification is an option.
60
Routing Structure
The most commonly used numbering plans for global title
routing are E.164 and E.214 (although E.212 is also common
in America).
These simply look like telephone numbers. That is to say, in
the most common, international, variant there is a Country
Code at the start of the number and a Network Code
immediately following the Country Code.
Beyond that is the subscriber number or mobile subscriber
identity number, though even that may divided into sections.
This structure allows for the use of hierarchical routing.
international SCCP gateways know which systems handle
each of the other countries
the international SCCP gateway belonging to each country
knows which SCCP gateways handle each network
the SCCP gateway of each network knows the networks
own internal structure
61
Global Title Analysis
The situation is somewhat complicated by the additional

parameters possible in the global title.
Each set of parameter values (TT=0 NP=E.164, TON=INT)
can be treated separately from each other one (TT=0
NP=E.214, TON=INT). This means that, instead of one single
table, we potentially need a separate table for each possible
set of values.
The number analysis of a Global Title is most often done in a
tree structure.
In the end, global title analysis gives some result. The
destination would typically be given as a signalling point
code in an MTP network, but could also be an IP system if we
are using SS7 over IP.
62
Global Title Modification
In Global Title Translation it is quite normal that at some point

the Global Title will have to be changed.
This happens, for example, as messages enter and leave
networks in America. In America, typically most routing of
mobility management messages for all mobile networks is
done using the E.212 (IMSI) number. In international networks,
E.214 is always used.
At the boundary incoming toward America (this can mean the
STP at the edge of the American operator's network),
numbers routed from European networks are converted from
E.214 numbers into E.212 numbers.
In the outgoing direction, from America toward the rest of the
world, are converted from E.212 numbers into E.214 numbers.
63
Exercises
Package
Go through the protocol dump attached.

Channel-associated signalling (CAS) vs. common channel signalling
(CCS).
Why and how are signalling point codes (SPC) used in an SS7
network?
Explain the difference between SLS and CIC in SS7 signalling.
Explain the "levels" and functions of MTP (Message Transfer Part) in
SS7.
Where and why is ISUP (ISDN User Part) used?
Setup of a call using ISUP (ISDN User Part).
Where and why is SCCP (Signalling Connection Control Part) used?
Give an example of how Global Title Translation (GTT) is used in SS7.
Why and how is analogue subscriber signalling used in the PSTN?
Explain how a voice signal is packed into a 64 kbit/s channel.
Explain the structure of an E1 frame with a bitrate of 2.048 Mbit/s.
Describe the role of pointers, virtual containers, overhead sections
and tributary units in SDH.
64
References
Login to FTP site
ftp://ftp.roamware.com/TSG_Library/Training/Training%20Ma
terial/GSM-SS7/
and go through the following e-books.
Simply SS7 by SS8 Networks.

SS7 Tutorial by PT.
SS7 by IEC.
GSM Networks : Protocols, Terminology and Implementation
by Gunnar Heine
SS7 Book by Travis Russell
65
Thank you
Thank you!
For more information:

tarun.bhagattjee@roamware.com
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SS7 Essentials

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Awareness of the following telecom terminologies and

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Roamware Proprietary and Confidential

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Copyright Roamware Inc. 2004. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright Roamware Inc. 2004. All Rights Reserved.

Common Channel Signaling System No. 7 (i.e., SS7 or C7) is

Copyright Roamware Inc. 2004. All Rights Reserved.

A signalling protocol defines a standard set of information

Roamware Proprietary and Confidential

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Copyright Roamware Inc. 2004. All Rights Reserved.

SS7 messages are exchanged between network elements

Roamware Proprietary and Confidential

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Roamware Proprietary and Confidential

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A signaling point is a node in the SS7 network.

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SS7 Network Signaling Components

Signal Switching Point

Signal Transfer Point

Signal Control Point

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SS7 Signaling Points

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SS7 Elements - SSP

There are three kinds of signaling points in the SS7 network

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SS7 Elements SSP - Typical Function

The adjacent exchange sends an acknowledgement back, giving

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SS7 Elements - SCP

Service Control Point (SCP)

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SS7 Elements - STP

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SS7: Telephone Signaling Network

Note: redundancy in SS7 elements

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Classic SS7 Architecture

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In the SS7 network, network addressing and call information

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Only MTP levels 1, 2 and 3 and SCCP functions are normally

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Example: signaling a 800 call

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Example: signaling a 800 call