HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform
Data sheet
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform protects
operators’ investments by connecting existing and future
applications to evolving telecommunication infrastructures.
It allows application developers to design new innovative
revenue generating services that will be introduced and
scaled easily into network infrastructure.
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform is an
integrated, standards-based signaling platform on which
a wide range of advanced Telco-grade solutions are
developed and deployed. It provides comprehensive,
proven, worldwide SS7, SIGTRAN and 3rd Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP) IP connectivity, paving the way
to IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS).
This highly reliable, multi-protocol and multi-standard
platform reinforces the HP OpenCall suite as the ideal
development environment for creating and deploying
advanced communication solutions in 2G and 3G networks.
Key features and benefits
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform
• Offers a complete software development and deployment
environment supporting SS7 and Internet Engineering Task
Force (IETF) SIGTRAN, as well as 3GPP SIP and Diameter
• Is based on advanced product design and certified
signaling technologies
• Includes all necessary applications programming
interfaces (APIs), tools and procedures for rapid,
cost-effective application development and operation
• Offers N+1 scalability, high performance and reliability
• Simplifies service provisioning and growth by isolating
the location of service execution from the complexity of
the network access
• Leverages HP’s expertise as a leading vendor of
signaling-based platforms for 15 years. HP’s track
record includes 4,700 installations in fixed and mobile
telecommunication more than 100 countries.
Wide-ranging pressures are driving Network Equipment
Providers (NEPs) and Independent Software Vendors
(ISVs) to look for a cost-effective, future-proof telecom
environment that provides high levels of reliability and
performance. These increasing demands include sustained
high growth in telecommunication traffic, challenges of
fixed and mobile network convergence, creation of new
IMS/next-generation network infrastructures for advanced
services, the need to interconnect new networks with existing
ones, and fierce competition in the service industry.
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform is HP’s
innovative answer for the rapid development and easy
deployment of a wide range of signaling services in
traditional and next-generation networks, to help you
gain vital competitive advantages.
HP’s market-leading performance
with predictable scaling lifts you into
trendsetting leadership.

HP OpenCall Universal Signaling The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform allows new
voice, data and multimedia services to run efficiently across
Platform: a solid foundation on the convergent telephony and data network infrastructures.
way to IMS These applications include Free-Phone, Premium Services,
Prepaid services, Media Platforms, Intelligent Peripherals,
HP OpenCall signaling platforms are used in 4,700
Interactive Voice Response, Home Location Register, Authen-
installations with 25,000 servers in fixed and mobile
tication Center, Equipment Identity Register, Messaging
networks in over 100 countries. Their scalability,
Services, Location Based Services, Emergency Services,
performance and reliability meet the carrier-grade
MGC/VoIP Softswitches, VPN, Conferencing, Roaming,
requirements of the telecom infrastructure environment.
International Gateways and more.
HP combines the best of its signaling portfolio and
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform integrates
experience into a powerful integrated platform: the HP
new advanced features such as Intelligent Routing and
OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform. A compelling
Filtering and edge-STP capabilities to permit networks to
evolution of the HP OpenCall IN7 and SS7 products, this
connect services without costly deployments of additional
modular platform is well suited for operation in both existing
platforms and complex network topology changes. This
TDM- and IP-based infrastructures.
allows many different services to span across a virtually
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform offers unlimited number of servers, while the scalable front-end
full compatibility with both HP OpenCall SS7 and HP manages the networks’ complexity as well as the signaling
OpenCall IN7; it also leverages their superior reliability traffic load sharing and growth.
and track records. It is based on state-of-the-art HP servers
As part of HP’s signaling portfolio, the OpenCall Universal
and a proven multi-tiered architecture designed for scala-
Signaling Platform offers application developers and
bility, high availability and seamless evolution to IP.
Network Equipment Providers shorter time to revenue for
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform enables enhanced telecommunication services for service providers.
existing applications to evolve smoothly toward an all-IP
infrastructure and provides a strong, proven foundation
for building new solutions using any combination of
protocols: SS7, IETF SIGTRAN (M2PA, M3UA, SUA),
3GPP SIP and Diameter.

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Figure 1.
HP OpenCall Universal Signaling
Platform offering.
M2PA, M3UA, SUA SS7, SIGTRAN 3GPP IETF SIP 3GPP IETF Diameter

OCIN7 OCSS7 C/C++ JAVA C/C++ JAVA

API API API SIP API API API
OCIP-STG
OCUSP OCUSP SIP OCUSP Diameter

NSL, HSL, ATM OCIP-STG

Network-ready HP developer offering = HP OpenCall USP

offering

HP services:
consulting, development, integration, deployment, operation and support

Future-proof worldwide connectivity Rapid, cost-effective application

The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform supports
all combinations of SS7 and SS7 over IP protocols: SS7,
IETF SIGTRAN (M2PA, M3UA, SUA), as well as 3GPP SIP
and 3GPP Diameter. It therefore offers worldwide-certified
connectivity with all major networks. This allows existing
applications to smoothly evolve toward an all-IP infrastructure
and provides a robust, proven foundation for building
new solutions using any combination of these protocols.
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform includes:
• Ethernet cards for SIGTRAN M2PA, M3UA, SUA, 3GPP
SIP and 3GPP Diameter
• SS7 high-density and high-performance boards providing
E1/T1 NSL 64Kbps/56Kbps, High Speed Link 2Mbps
ClearChannel, 1.5Mbps ATM
• HP’s combination of servers and PCI-based quad-board
signaling cards offering high-density and cost-effective
SS7/MTP network connectivity
Solutions based on the HP OpenCall Universal Signaling
Platform benefit from HP’s unique expertise and 15 years
experience as a leading vendor of signaling platforms.
development
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform offers
developers a complete, proven development environment
that enables service providers to bridge all network
technologies seamlessly. It includes all the necessary
application programming interfaces (APIs), carrier-grade
functionality, tools and procedures necessary to link
services to the worldwide PSTN and IMS networks.
Among other features:
• Open C, C++ APIs,: TCAP, ISUP, SCCP, MTP3/M3UA
• Open C, C++ and Java APIs for SIP and Diameter
• APIs transparency to access either full SS7 stack or SS7
over IP stack.
• For ISUP, the definition of the ISUP message exchange
between the network equipment and the platform is
dynamically loaded onto the platform, enabling developers
to adapt applications quickly to country—or equipment-
specific variants of ISUP protocol.
• Command Line Interface and SNMP agents are available
for operations, administration and maintenance (OA&M)
of the platforms. They support the development of node
management applications and integration with existing
management applications and management systems.

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Figure 2.
HP OpenCall multi-tiered
infrastructure allows operators
to deploy multiple services on
any type of network.
Multiple services
Multiple services
Multi-tiered infrastructure
SCCP
TCAP
Access to all
signaling
protocols
SS7
Developers can take advantage of a complete set of tools
and services designed to improve the speed and quality
of application development. These include:
• Software Developer’s Kits (SDKs): The HP Opencall USP
SDKs are easily downloaded from the HP OpenCall
website. One month of free technical assistance is
provided for a safe trial.
• Evaluation license. This license allows application
development and testing involving the full platform
functionality, including physical connectivity to SS7
and IP networks.
• Developer Assistance Services: these services include
online or onsite technical assistance from HP OpenCall
experts, as well as training for development, platform
administration and operation.
Fast, flexible and secure deployment
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform offers
the reliability, performance and high availability of HP
OpenCall signaling platforms. In addition, it provides
even more scalability with the ability to extend a N+1
architecture solution over multiple geographical sites.
Multiple services
Multiple services
MTP M3UA
SIP
DIAMETER
OpenCall Signaling Platform
IP-STG
IMS
SIGTRAN
SIP and DIAMETER
Simplified service provisioning through distributed
architecture
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform relies on
a proven multi-tiered architecture where service execution
is kept separate from the complexity of network access.
Network access is served by the HP OpenCall IP-Signaling
Transfer Gateway, used as a signaling access point. This
commercially available, off-the-shelf unit also manages
the network’s complexity.
One of the primary advantages of the Universal Signaling
Platform’s unsurpassed architectural flexibility is that it
simplifies service provisioning and growth. This also brings
many further benefits, including increased scalability,
high availability, trouble-free upgrades and shorter time-
to-market, all of which contribute to a reliable and
cost-effective solution.
Strong performance and predictable scalability
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform is extremely
scalable, from both the hardware and the software
perspectives. It allows smooth capacity expansion without
any changes in applications. It enables NEPs and ISVs to
help service providers keep up with the growth in telecom-
munication traffic, and to interconnect multiple networks.
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Service providers can start with an economical compact
solution and expand, by cost-effective increments, to very
large systems when capacity demand increases. This can
be done using the same commercial off-the-shelf equipment,
resulting in a cost-effective evolution.
Communications links, processing capacity, routing rules
and any new logical entity can be added to an existing
configuration without any service disruption. Consequently,
solutions based on the HP OpenCall Universal Signaling
Platform can easily adapt to varying user requirements.
Because they can transparently add new functionality and
dynamically expand their existing base infrastructure,
service providers experience a cost-effective, trouble-free
upgrade path without the expense of forklift upgrades.
Sizing of any telecom solutions is also straightforward: the
platform’s overall performance is directly proportional to
the number of servers. The highly modular N+1 architecture
allows the solution to scale according to user needs. Add
processing power and network connectivity when needed,
and get the full value of truly linear scalability for a
predictable return on investment.
High availability
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform enables
high availability of telecommunications services. Service
providers enjoy optimized uptime, a key asset in protecting
their revenue and market share.
Like other products in the HP OpenCall signaling suite,
the HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform offers a
true fault-tolerant model providing high reliability at all
levels: hardware architecture, software resiliency and
deployment model.
The platform’s functions are distributed both logically and
physically in the HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform
cluster. This unique design enables high availability:
• There is no single point of failure.
• In the event of a component failure, all traffic is
automatically redistributed across all servers in the
platform cluster.
• All data about the network topology and all platform
entities is managed real time by an in-memory
database replicated on each server. A consistent view
of the network is always available; this helps prevent
data loss and enables automatic recovery.
Failure of any platform function is handled efficiently, with
no service disruption. In particular:
• Component failure: Fail-over to functioning components
is automatic; further traffic is then processed by other
subsystems of the platform. After the problem is solved,
the subsystem is integrated back into the platform without
interrupting the traffic. Similarly, new subsystems can be
added as capacity requirements increase.
• Link failure: the platform’s front-end (IP-STG) reroutes
messages onto a backup link even if it is located on
another server in the platform. A linkset can be shared
by several IP-STG servers; the linkset is always up, even
if a server fails.
• IP failure: Under normal operation, the IP traffic is
shared between redundant logical and physical elements.
For example, if one of the two Ethernet buses fails, all
traffic is routed on to the remaining Ethernet; when the
controller is operational again, the load is shared
again. In another example, SIGTRAN communications
are secured by multi-SCTP associations among the servers.
• Failure at a geographical site and disaster recovery:
Services powered by a HP OpenCall Universal Signaling
Platform can run on several geographical sites. If a major
problem occurs at one of the sites, the overall service
availability is maintained. The reliability and robustness of
the HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform have been
developed and tested in collaboration with the world’s
most demanding telecom operators.
Enhanced user experience
HP OpenCall signaling platforms offer service providers
a satisfying experience. Service providers can easily and
confidently deploy systems using HP OpenCall’s advanced
technology, which complies with industry standards and
simplifies operations. This is all backed by HP’s world-
class services and support.
The combination of HP OpenCall technology and HP
support gives service providers the confidence and the
ability to consolidate, cut costs and expand, where they
need it, when they need it.
5
Figure 3.
HP OpenCall facilitates the
consolidation of networks. Geographic region 1 Geographic region 2

Service-oriented
Telecom services Servers Storage and Storage and Servers Telecom services

infrastructure
databases databases
HLR Charging
AAA Pre-paid
Direct delivery Conferencing
SMSC VPN
Device management Media
OTA Softswitch
Antispam Emergency
Televoting LBS

Powered by
HP OpenCall USP

Network access
infrastructure
technology
Multiple geographic regions

ANSI SS7 network ITU-T SS7 network SIGTRAN IP network

Simplified development and deployment Single platform view

The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform provides
all the functionality necessary for networks and applica-
tions to rapidly and easily develop and deploy services.
In particular:
• The distributed multi-tiered architecture simplifies system
deployment and evolution. The application level is isolated
from the network connectivity so it is not necessary to
recompile or test the application when the front-end evolves.
Likewise, no changes to the back-end are required when
the front-end is enriched with new features.
• The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform handles
intelligent routing, filtering, and edge-STP capabilities.
With such unique, patented technological innovations,
HP delivers more, and better serves the development of
telecommunications services.
With the HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform,
companies can focus their resources on service develop-
ment, and reap the benefits of a simplified deployment
and accelerated time-to-market.
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform’s architecture
provides the user with a single, consolidated platform
view, regardless of the number of servers in the platform
and geographical sites on which the platform is distributed.
All servers share the same view of the networks’ topologies
and entities, thanks to the replicated in-memory information
database on each server. The platform’s administrator
can easily access and manage all platform entities through
a single administration and trouble-shooting console
connected to any server on the platform.
Easy online operations
Users can perform many operations on a live Universal
Signaling Platform without interfering with services operation:
• Add new HP OpenCall USP servers and SS7 or IP
boards to handle more signaling traffic
• Add new SS7 links, linksets and IP associations
• Add or remove application servers on IP and remote
destination and originating point codes on SS7
• Add or modify Routing and GTT rules, etc.

6
These operations and more (for example, addition of new
functionality) are transparently handled online, with no
disruption to services.
In line with this simplicity, the HP OpenCall Universal
Signaling Platform’s licensing scheme permits to easily
upgrade your platform capacity with the licenses that
match its evolution. With this pay-as-you-grow approach,
you purchase just the license that most closely corresponds
your needs, not more.
Freedom to deploy on separate geographies
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform’s architecture
brings greater freedom to your deployment configuration
scenarios and provisioning:
• Applications running the same or different services can
be deployed on different locations.
• Applications can be deployed on different locations
than that of the network connectivity.
• Also, network connectivity of the same or different types
can be deployed on separate locations.
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform’s advanced
provisioning, routing and load-sharing mechanisms facilitate
application distribution and geographical dispersion.
Mergers and acquisitions in the telecom industry have
resulted in market concentration around fewer, large service
providers. These service providers need to optimize their
network infrastructure to increase operational efficiency.
By achieving a simplified, consolidated view of mixed
networks, good service delivery to subscribers and efficient
disaster recovery design for business continuity, the HP
OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform’s geographical
dispersion addresses some of the main challenges service
providers are facing.
Serviceability is not tied to a single equipment, technology
or site. This reduces risks by lowering geographical and
hardware dependency, and radically broadens your
deployment choices.
For example, service bureaus that deliver prepaid,
location based, emergency services and messaging for
operators can manage the application resources on HP’s
signaling platform back-end, which is 100 percent IT-
based. The platform’s front-end centralizes and isolates
access to multiple telecom networks with a flexible
infrastructure.
Easy upgrades for existing customers
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform is
built on top of HP OpenCall IN7 and HP OpenCall
SS7, and offers functional and architectural compatibility
with both of these renowned products. This brings significant
benefits to companies using these products. For example,
they can expand the traffic capacity of their current
signaling platforms or easily evolve to new-generation
networks, while retaining their existing infrastructure. This
translates into higher reusability and a greater level of
investment protection.
The installed base is easily upgraded; customers can rest
assured that they will experience a secure migration path
as their network evolves.
Because they can safely leverage existing platforms, service
providers can take full advantage of painless capacity
increase or access to new connectivity. They also enjoy
shorter time-to-market for introduction of new services.
Global reach
HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platforms are factory
integrated by HP. The result is fast and secure delivery of
a fully functional signaling platform at your site.
The HP OpenCall Universal Signaling Platform complies
with national and international industry standards and
variants for SS7, SS7 over IP and IMS, including:
• ANSI, ITU, ITU-T Chinese (narrowband and HSL broad-
band) and TCC Japan implementations of SS7 protocols
• Hybrid stacks (ANSI TCAP over ITU SCCP/MTP), reverse
hybrid stacks (ITU TCAP over ANSI SCCP/MTP)
• Multiple SS7 stacks running on a single platform
• IETF SCTP, M2PA, M3UA, SUA
• 3GPP SIP and Diameter
Application deployment is straightforward regardless of
the type of network and protocol(s) that are being used.
As the application level is isolated from the network
connectivity, there is no need to retest or recompile services
that have already been deployed with a given network or
protocol to comply with other networks and protocols
around the world.
Worldwide delivery and services
In addition to the platform capabilities, NEPs and ISVs
benefit from HP’s wide range of services dedicated to the
deployment and operation phases of the platform. These
include:
• Factory Integration Services for staging, configuration
and testing of HP OpenCall Universal Signaling
Platform components and other software and hardware
components, including user-developed applications
• Worldwide logistics and shipment capabilities
• Onsite installation and platform start-up
In the operation phase, HP provides support services that
meet the stringent requirements of telecommunications
services. These services are delivered through a single
point of contact backed by specialized support teams.
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 Increased profitability
With HP’s computer-based OpenCall Universal Signaling
Platform and its distributed multi-tiered architecture, operators
can count on high availability and increased flexibility.
These benefits, combined with HP’s comprehensive services
and environment, allow a focus of resources on core
competencies.
This is why major telecommunications players have been
relying on HP OpenCall for many years to enable service
availability, accelerate time to market and generate
more revenue.
A complete solution
Providing you with a first-to-market advantage
HP provides high-quality software that addresses all
aspects of your software application lifecycle needs. With
HP as your partner, you have access to standards-based,
modular, multi-platform software coupled with best-in-class
services and support. HP offers premier development
services, including developer training, consulting and
assistance; integration services for hardware and software;
start-up services such as administrator training and onsite
activation; in-production telco 24x7 base-level foundation
support; and mission-critical support.

For more information For more information on HP Software services, visit:

About HP OpenCall
Leading carrier-grade platforms
HP OpenCall Software is an integral part of HP’s portfolio
of wireline, wireless, IP and media solutions and enables
service providers to transition to IMS-based networks
and effectively manage the triple play of voice, data and
multimedia services. Deployed in 40 of the world’s top 50
service provider networks, HP OpenCall is the market
leader in many industry categories, facilitating the conver-
gence of the Internet with the world of voice communications.
For further information on HP OpenCall, visit
www.hp.com/go/opencall.
www.hp.com/go/opencall/services.
To learn more about HP Software Customer Connection,
a one-stop information and learning portal for software
products and services, visit:
www.hp.com/go/swcustomerconnection.
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financial asset management programs to help you cost-
effectively acquire, manage and ultimately retire your HP
solutions. For more information on these services, contact
your HP sales representative or visit:
www.hp.com/go/hpfinancialservices.

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change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements
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