Introduction to Signaling System

In a Telecommunication network, two major functions are performed

a) Transmission: A way by which the information is transported in cost efficient way from
Source to Destination Point over a physical line.

b) Switching: A process by which an inlet has to be connected through a correct outlet.

 this example, the calling party A wants to communicate with called party B. For this to
appen, communication will be required between A and his own switching point. This is called
ser to Network Interface (UNI). A communications is also required between transit switching
oints, this is called Network-to-Network Interface (NNI).

hus we have two type of signaling systems.

UNI Signaling System.

NNI Signaling System.

UNI Signaling System: The most common form of UNI Signaling is “ISDN-Signaling”
“D-Channel” Signaling. For broadband purposes, we use ATM switching in lower layers.

NNI Signaling System: The most common form of NNI Signaling is “Common Channel
gnaling System No. 7 (CCS#7) or Signaling System Number 7 (SS7)”
Signaling System Number 7 or SS7.
Signaling System Number 7 is a global standard defined by ITU-T which defines the procedures
by which the information is exchanged between the switches in order to perform functions like
call set up, call management and tear down.

Thus signaling messages are exchanged between the switches over 56 or 64 kbps bi-directional
link called signaling link.

SWITCH A SWITCH B
64 Kbps signaling link
 Benefits of SS7 over conventional Signaling Systems
• SS7 is Out of band signaling, i.e. it provides separation of control information from user
Information into logically separate paths.

User Data is always conveyed over a separate channel then the control information. This
separation offers various benefits such as;

a) Hardware intended for user paths can be properly utilized.

b) Independent optimization of user path and control path can be done.
c) Voice circuits remain idle, until the called party answers the call. On the other hand, using
In band signaling systems, voice circuits remains busy, even if called party never answers the
call, In this case voice circuit will only be free when the calling party hangs up the call.

The signaling channel used between two exchanges is a common transfer path for signaling
information between these exchanges. Due to this, name “Common Channel Signaling” has
evolved. Typically one signaling channel will carry signaling information for about 1000 voice
channels.
Common Channel Signaling requires additional measures like

a) Ordered delivery of signaling packets.

b) Addressing information, it has to communicated quite explicitly which voice channel the
signaling is about. This is as shown in figure below.
 Signaling Network Components
All the Nodes in the SS7 network are called Signaling Points. Following are the signaling points
sed in a telecommunication network.

) Signaling End Point (SEP): It is a node in a telecommunication network to which subscriber

nes are attached. It is a source or the sink of signaling traffic.

) Signaling Transfer Point (STP): All the CCS messages travel from one SEP to another by the
ervices of a STP. The STP switches the messages as received from various SEPs through the
etwork to their appropriate destination i.e. to the destination SEP.

A typical SS7 network is as shown in figure on next page. Signaling points are deployed in pair
or redundancy and diversity. To make sure the SS7 network is always operational, alternate and
multiple paths are provided. Thus SEPs are connected to atleast two STPs.
Schematic of a typical SS7 Network
Obviously, a message will always be transmitted from one signaling point to another. this
gives rise to the terms

a) Originating Signaling Point. A signaling point from where the message is generated.

b) Destination Signaling Point. A signaling point to which a message is destined.

Each Signaling point is identified as “Point Code”, thus in similar way we use the terms like
Origination Point Code and destination Point Code.
Signaling Links, Signaling Linksets, Signaling Route and Routesets
What are Signaling Relations ?
Any two Signaling points, for which the possibility of compatible communication exists are
said to have a “Signaling Relations”. In the figure below, SP1 and SP4 do not have physical
link for signaling information but are able to exchange signaling information via SP2 or via
SP3 are said to have Signaling Relations. In this case, SP2 and SP3 are acting as STPs since
they carry signaling message of other SPs.
Signaling Modes: Associated Mode and Quasi-Associated Mode

Since the Associated mode of signaling would require direct links between all SPs, so a mesh
network is required to be there, which is not a cost-effective solution since signaling network
carries very small network traffic. Thus normally CCS7 networks deploy an STP, in which there
will be a star topology leading to a cost effective solution and also offers guaranteed message
delivery.
Architecture of CCS#7 Network
Telecommunication network is changing day by day. In order to cope with this changing
environment, a very flexible signaling system is required, which can perform signaling
functions for all kinds of telecom applications, already existing, or even future applications
yet o be defined.

In order to obtain this flexibility, a modular and layered structure is required. The fundamental
principle of CCS#7 is the divisions of functions into a common “Message Transfer Part (MTP)”
on one hand and a separate “User part” on other hand. The same MTP supports as transport
system for different User Parts. We can represent this functionality in a layered manner on
next slide.
Architecture of CCS#7
 MTP (Message Transfer Part)

The main function of this layer is to server as transport system which provides reliable transfer
of the signaling messages between the signaling points. MTP layer is divided into three sub
layers as described below:

a) MTP-L1: It resembles to the physical layer of the OSI model, which takes care of physical
and electrical layer functions in order to transport bits from OSP to DSP.

b) MTP-L2: It resembles to the Data link layer of the OSI model, It takes care of error free
transmission of messages over the signaling link. It does perform the error detection and
correction thereby ensuring the guaranteed message transfer with proper sequence.

c) MTP-L3: It resembles to the Network Layer in OSI model. In this case the messages are
routed from one SP to another according to the addressing information (i.e. OPC & DPC).
Also it performs the message discrimination where it is decided that whether the message is
to be routed further or to be hand overed to higher layer.

In order to summarize , the MTP is capable of transporting the messages through the network
along with providing various functionalities like error detection, error correction & flow control
 User Part
On the top of MTP, several User Parts can run. Each User Part defines a particular application
and make use of MTP in order to deliver the information (signaling messages) to the required
destination, in correct sequence and free of errors. That means every User Part on a SP has to
use MTP in order to convey its information to the another User Part on other Signaling Point.

Most common User Parts are as follows:

a) ISUP (ISDN User Part).

b) INAP (Intelligent Network Application Part).
c) CAP (CAMEL Application Part).

SCCP
In order to increase the functionality of the transport system (MTP), an additional layer was
introduced called SCCP (Signaling Connection Control Part). It will support Connection
Oriented and Connectionless Oriented Routing Algorithms.

Along with the additional routing intelligence, It also supports additional addressing facilities.
Signaling Messages can be routed to a signaling point according to the dialed digits. Thus
SCCP is capable of translating the Global Title (Dialed digits) into the Destination SP. This
capability of SCCP Layer is called GT Translation.
 CCS#7 Architecture, extra functions are supported on the top of SCCP layer which are as
llows.

TCAP (Transaction Capabilities Application Part): This function can be used to connect to,
nd retrieve information from the database.

MAP (Mobile Application Part): The purpose of this protocol is to pass the information from
etwork database to the entity who has requested for the same. e.g. While performing a MT SMS,
MSC enquires the HLR about the B Party location, this is done on MAP.
Comparison of CCS#7 and OSI Model
Deployment of Signaling links in Real time Environment
In the TDM, 32 channels of 64 Kbps each comprises a E1 line. Out of these 32 channels (say
0 to 31) 0th channels is always used for synchronization purposes, thus we are left with 31
channels. Now from 1st to 31st, usually 16th channels is used for signaling, thus we are left with
30 channels on which the user information will be transmitted, i.e. from 1 st to 15th and 17th to 31st.

In order to improve the reliability, minimum two signaling links are required in order to connect
two signaling points (e.g. MSCs). In order words, while connecting two SPs, at least two of all
the PCM links will support signaling link along with 30 channels for user information. While all
Other PCM links will support 31 channels for user information.
 MTP-L2
While the MTP-L1 transports the signaling messages from one SP to another, MTP-L2 provides
reliable transfer of the signal units between two directly connected SPs. It also ensures the
error free transportation, and thus it performs error detection and hence correction wherever
required, It also provides the flow control mechanism in order to avoid the overflow of messages
between a pair of SPs.

ignaling messages are transferred over the signaling link in variable length called “Signal Units”.
long with the signaling information, these Signal Units also contain some control information for
roper operation of signaling link.

MTP-L2 Provides following features:-

) Signal Unit Delimitation: Beginning and end of a signal unit are indicated by a unique 8 bit
attern called “flag”. Also measures are taken that the flag pattern should not be imitated in signal
nits. This is called “Bit Stuffing”.

) Error Detection: 16 Bit Checksum is provided at end of each signal unit which provides error
etection method.

Error Correction: It provides the Error Correction by means of following two mechanisms.
 MTP-L2 …Contd
1) Basic Error Correction method.
2) Preventive Cyclic Retransmission Method.

d) Signaling Link Error Monitoring:

Signaling Unit Error Rate Monitor: It has a Signal Unit Error monitor which got incremented
or decremented using leaky bucket algorithm.

f) Flow Control: It provides the functions where congested receiving end notifies the remote
transmitting end by a appropriate signal unit and also withholds all the acknowledgements of
all incoming signal units.
 Types of Signal Units
A Signal Unit is nothing but like a packet which is carried over the signaling link and is of
three types:

a) MSU (Message Signal Unit): These Signal units carries the information sent from a certain
User part on one SP to another User Part on another SP.

b) LSSU (Link Status Signal Units): These SUs are sent between two SPs in order to indicate
the status of signaling link over which it is sent. Thus in case of congestion, a busy status will
Be sent over these LSSUs.

c) FISU (Fill-In Signal Unit): Signaling Links will continuously sent Signal Units between the
two SPs even when there is no payload to be delivered and the network is idle. These empty
Signal units are called FISUs. They don’t contain any information and are sent in order to
monitor the integrity of the signaling links, otherwise a signaling link could degrade in absence
of signaling traffic and this would be only notice at a transmission, which would fail.
Types of Signal Units
 Description of Signal Units

The meaning of the individual fields is explained below:

a) Flag: An 8 bit opening flag “01111110” is used as message separator. There is one opening
flag indicating the start of a Signal Unit, No Closing flag is present.

b) Sequence Number: These are of two types

1) Forward Sequence Number (FSN): It is the sequence number of a signal unit in which
it is carried.

2) Backward Sequence Number (BSN): It is the sequence number of a signal unit being
acknowledged.

FSN and BSN are of 7 bits long and thus have a value from 0 to 127.

c) Indicator Bits: Forward Indicator Bit (FIB) and Backward Indicator Bit (BIB) together with
FSN and BSN are used to perform error control. The indicator bits are used to request
retransmission of a signal unit. During the normal conditions, FIB and BIB should be same.
When a retransmission is requested, the signal unit being sent by the Signaling Point requesting
the retransmission will have an inverted BIB.
 Description of Signal Units ……..Contd

d) Length Indicator: It is of 6 bits included in the Signal Unit. LI differentiates the type of
signal unit.
i.e.
LI =0  FISU.
LI= 1 or 2  LISU.
LI > or = 3  MSU.

e) Spare Field: It is always encoded as 0.

f) Information part. This part of the message contains the actual information to be sent to
the destination. Depending upon the type of signal unit, three different contents can be found
in the information part.

1) SIO (Service Information Octet): This field is only present in MSU and is of 8 bit. It contain
4 bit long field which identifies protocol type, i.e. TCAP, ISUP, SCCP etc. Out of 4 left bits,
2 bits are used as NI (Network Indicator) i.e. National or International and another 2 bits are
used to represent priority of the message.
 Description of Signal Units ……..Contd

2) Signaling Information Field (SIF): It is present only in MSU, and is used to transfer actual
control information as well as Routing Label used by MTP-L3.

3) Status Field (SF): It is only present in LISU signal unit. It carries the link status information
for the link over which it is carried.
 Intial Alignments of Signaling Links

Out of Alignment conditions occurs when the flag pattern is intimated in the data or the SIF
is longer than 270 octets which would indicate that the flag is missed.

Now the signal alignment procedure is initiated which are of two types;

a) Normal Alignment.
b) Emergency Alignment.

Normal Alignment occurs where we have redundant signaling links available between two SPs
(like other links in a linkset).

Emergency Alignment occurs where NO other signaling links are available between two SPs.

Which alignment procedure is to be used, this decision is taken by the MTP-L3 Layer, the
procedure for the alignment for both the methods is same but the time taken in Emergency
alignment is less as compared to Normal alignment.
 Intial Alignments of Signaling Links ………Contd

Both the Alignment procedures employs four different alignment status indications as per table
below, these indications are carried over the SF (Status Field) of the LSSU. These indications
Are transmitted between the two SPs which are in alignment procedure.

These are five states entered during the alignment procedure. Timer associated with each state
ensures that the Signaling Point does not get stuck in any one state. The following explanation
describes each state.

A) Idle: This state indicates that the procedure is suspended and it is the first state entered.
B) Not Aligned: This state is entered when the alignment is initiated by MTP-L3. LSSU’s SF
contains O (Out-of-Alignment) to the adjacent SP.
 Intial Alignments of Signaling Links ….Contd

C) Aligned: This state indicates that the link is aligned and is capable of detecting Flags and
signal units without errors. In this case, the LSSU will send N or E as status indication.

D) Proving: The proving period is used to test the integrity of the link at a signaling point,
during this period FISU’s are transmitted and errors are counted.

E) Aligned Ready: After a link has successfully passed the alignment procedure, the link is
returned to an In-Service state, where MSUs are transmitted and normal processing is allowed.
 MTP-L3

MTP-L3 takes care of following functions:

a) Signaling Message Handling Functions: The purpose of these functions is to ensure that the
messages originated by a particular User Part at an Signaling Point should be delivered to same
User part at the destination signaling point. This delivery may made directly or via an STP.

b) Signaling Network Management Functions: The purpose of these functions is to provide

reconfiguration of the signaling network in case of failures. In order to do this, these functions
provide capability to bypass the fault links or Signaling points.

Further, it can also activate and align signaling links.

 MTP-L3 …..Contd

Detailed Descriptions of the MTP-L3 Functions is as follows:

A) Signaling Message Handling Functions: Message handling includes three sub functions

a) Message Discrimination: It determines that whether the message is destined for

another Signaling Point or not. If the destination point is the Signaling Point in question,
it will pass the message to the Message Distribution, If NOT then it passes the message to
to Message Routing.

b) Message Distribution: This is the mechanism used to deliver the message to its
appropriate User Part in the same Signaling Point i.e. when message has already reached
its destination Signaling Point.

c) Message Routing: Its function is to perform lookup for appropriate outgoing signaling
link in order to route the message to appropriate destination Signaling Point.
 MTP-L3 …..Contd

The Message Handling function uses the following parameters ;

Service Information Octet (SIO) which is the part of MSU, the outlook of the same is as below

a) Network Indicator: It is used to address the network type i.e. National or International,
right now we are using only two bits for the NI, while other two bits are reserved for
future use.
MTP-L3 …..Contd
Network Indicator coding are as follows

b) Service Indicator (SI): It is used to identify the User Part to which the message must be
delivered.

Routing Label: It is of 4 octets in SIF, which consist of OPC, DPC and SLS

OPC: Originating Point Code; The 14 bit address which identifies the SP from the Signal
unit originated.

DPC: Destination Point Code; The 14 bit address which identifies the SP to which the Signal
unit is destined.

SLS: Signaling Link Selection. Used for Load sharing

 MTP-L3 …..Contd

s per ITU-T, a Point Code address is of 14 bits i.e. 2 to the power 14 = 16 384 PCs are available
hich is not enough to provide unique worldwide identification of SPs. This problem is solved by
I (Network Indicator),

very Point Code is consists of three parts:

) A 3 bit Zone identification, indicating a geographical world zone.

) A 8 bit Area Identification, indicating a Region or Country in the zone.
) A 3 bit Signaling Point identification identifying the SP in that region.
MTP-L3 …..Contd

The above coding gives, 8 different zones, 256 different Areas in a single zone and 8 SPs
in an area. Right now, out of 8, only 6 world zones are used. The 000 and 001 are reserved
for future purpose.
ITU-T designates the Zone and Area codes, while the assignment of SP identification is done
by geographical area itself.

Zone coding for the International Point Codes is as shown on next page.
MTP-L3 …..Contd

The worldwide SS7 Network is structured into 2 functionally independent levels, viz; National
SS7 Network and International SS7 Network
MTP-L3 …..Contd
MTP-L3 …..Contd
A Gateway Signaling Point is the one which provides access to International SS7 Network, It
will have identity (Point Code) in both National and International Network. The parameter NI
plays and important role in determining the type of network.

Above fig shows an example of MSU, originating in a local SS7 network, being passed to
International network and finally being delivered to national plane ( to another national n/w)
MTP-L3 …..Contd
Note that in the figure, B and B’ represent the same physical node (i.e. the same SP), the same
goes to C and C’ too.

SI (Service Indicator)

If the DPC of the message identifies the receiving Signaling Point, the SI is examined by
Message Discrimination Function and the message is delivered to corresponding User Part, SI
is of 4 bits and can have 16 possible values.
MTP-L3 …..Contd
SLS
Typically a DPC is associated with more than one signaling link that may be used to carry the
message; the selection of signaling link can be made by value of the SLS field, thus effective
load sharing of the information among the signaling links can be done. Since SLS is of 4 bits,
16 routes can be distinguished per DPC.

Summary of Signaling Message Functions:

In the originating exchange, the message is assembled and passed to Message Routing. This
function analyze the DPC, the NI , the SLS to find appropriate signaling link on which the
signal unit will be transmitted. MTP-L2 will guarantee error free transmission to next exchange.

At next Signaling Point, Message Discrimination will receive the Signal Unit. The DPC and NI
will be examined. Again it can be decided that the message is outgoing, then the signal unit is
then passed to Message Routing which will use the same information as before to select a
signaling link and again the message is passed to next Signaling Point.

In the terminating Signaling Point, Again the Message Discrimination will examine DPC and NI,
But the since the message is destined for local exchange, the Message Distribution is activated
And start locating the User Part as per SI parameter, once the user Part is located, the message is
delivered to the corresponding User Part.
 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)
It was decided to increase the functionality of transport system i.e. MTP, by including a new
layer called SCCP (Signaling Connection Control Part).

Shortcomings of MTP:
a) In MTP, the routing is done on DPC and NI parameters. Since DPC is a unique identity
inside a national or international plane, thus destinations in the own country or in the
international network can be reached. It is NOT POSSIBLE to reach destinations in another
country.

b) Only Connectionless Service are provided.

c) It is not Fully OSI Compatible.

SCCP Enhancements.
a) It provides more flexible routing scheme. As a result, routing of messages b/w any two SPs
is supported, even if these SPs are located in different country.

b) It provides a Connection Oriented Protocol. With such protocol support, routing of multiple
message units to same destination becomes more efficient.
 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)…Contd
c) GTT (Global Title Translation).

General Coding Principles of SCCP Messages.

SI: SCCP messages are carried over the signaling link by means of MSU’s, where SI parameter
in SIO is “0011” indicating SCCP.

SIF: The SIF field of MSU containing SCCP message consist of following parts.

a) Routing Label.

b) Message Type Code is a octet field, which uniquely defines the function and format of
each SCCP message.

c) Information: It contains three parts; Mandatory Fixed Part, Mandatory Variable Part
& Optional Part.
Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)…Contd
 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)…Contd
Global Title Translation

As discussed, MTP’s routing capability is limited to destinations in own country or in the

International network, , since point code are private within one network. To solve this, SCCP
performs Global Title Translation (GTT) function. SCCP layer maintains a GT Translation Table,
where GTs are mapped to the DPCs.

If GTT is done, the routing will happen in two steps, First SCCP will use the GT Translation
table to determine the corresponding DPC and Secondly MTP will use MTP Routing table to
determine the outgoing linkset.
 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)…Contd
SSN (Sub System Number)

In addition to the DPC, a SSN will be passed to identify the SCCP User. This information is
only consulted at the destination signaling point and is used to deliver the message to the correct
SCCP user. Its function is similar to the function of SI used in MTP-L3, Example of SSNs are
as shown in table below.
 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)…Contd
Example of GTT
Suppose a message is to be delivered to a signaling point in another country, In order to route
this message, SCCP will required in 4 signaling point.

a) Originating SP.
b) International Gateway in the originating country.
c) International Gateway in the destination country.
d) The destination SP.

The transit exchanges will only use MTP functionality.

Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)…Contd
 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)…Contd
SCCP layer provides following protocol classes for Connection less services;

a) Class 0.
b) Class 1.

Class 0: the basic connectionless class corresponds to a normal datagram service used in some
packet switching applications. Data messages are delivered as Separate entitles by the system.
Since messages can be delivered over different physical paths, missequencing can result from
this mode of operation.

Class 1: the sequenced connection less class will make use of SLS field to force subsequent
messages to use same physical path. In the subsequent messages from same source to the same
destination, the same value is entered for the SLS field. As a result, although messages are
delivered by a connectionless protocol, they are delivered in correct sequence.
 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)…Contd
rovision of Connection – Oriented Services

CCP provides a connection oriented protocol to make routing more efficient. In some scenarios,
large of messages are required to be sent to same destination from same source. Thus it might
e a good idea to look for destination once and keep sending the messages after confirming the
ath to desired destination. We also refer this method as Virtual Circuit Method.

hases in Connection – Oriented Setup.

n each Connection Oriented message delivery system, following 3 steps are followed.

) Phase 1: In this phase, the user indicates his intension for the message transfer to a specific
estination. As a result, the network will look for the destination and indicate the path which is
ollowed. At the same time, reference will be assigned for the duration of this virtual call. If the
estination has been located and the environment has been prepared, then the confirmation is sent
the requester.

) Phase 2: In this phase, the user delivers his data to the destination.
 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)…Contd
) Phase 3: In this phase, the user has no more data to send. The virtual connection will be teared
own, i.e. the used reference will be deallocated.
 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)…Contd
uring the Phase 1, the originating signaling point sends a Connection Request (CR) Message to
he destination SP and is notified by Connection Confirm (CC) message. If the connection could
ot be set up for some reasons say congestion, then Connection Refused (CREF) is sent to OSP.

he sequence of the messages in Phase 1 is as shown below.

During the Phase 2, data can be delivered to the requested destination and can also be received.
Two different Class of Connection Oriented mechanism are supported SCCP

a) Class 2.
b) Class 3.
 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)…Contd
lass 2: It is the simplest form of connection oriented class. Delivery of data is guaranteed in the
orrect sequence. In this class, the data is delivered to the correct destination without offering the
upplementary services.

lass 3: It adds a Flow Control feature in the SCCP connection oriented protocol.

he message type used in class 2 and class 3 are called DT1 (Dataform) and DT2 respectively.
he message sequence is as shown below:
 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)…Contd
n Phase 3, When no more data is pending to be sent, the established virtual path is released, the
essages used in this context are Release (RLSD) and Release Confirm (RLC) as shown below.
 Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP)…Contd
CCP Message Layout for Connection Oriented Message Delivery. The basic layout of the SCCP
messages is always the same

) SIO: this will inform the receiver that SCCP is used. (Use of SI i.e. Service Indicator)
) Routing Label: Indicates that where the SCCP message is to be sent and analyzed. (DPC).
) Message Type: Indicating the type of message, a table below explains the same.
) Actual Content: It is of course depends upon the message type.
ISDN User Part (ISUP)

General Coding Principles of ISUP messages

a) SI: Service Indicator component of SIO will be “0101”.

b) SIF: The SIF of each MSU containing the ISUP message consist of integral number of
octets and encompasses the following parts.

Routing Label: It is used by MTP-L3 and is of 32 bits containing, OPC, DPC and SLS.

Circuit Identification Code: It is 16 bit code followed by the Routing Label. It is used
to
identify a specific circuit between source and destination.

Message Type Code; It is a 8 bit field used to identify certain signaling message.