Common Channel Signaling

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What is CCS ?
Stands for Common Channel Signaling Issued in 1980 by CCITT (ITU-T) CCITT#7 Signaling System were obtained in 1984

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Signalling
Signalling is the exchange of information between network nodes for successful provision of telephony and data services. Effective signalling turns elements of network into a living and powerful network that is the life blood of meeting the expectations of its customers.

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Signalling Fundamentals & SS7

STP W

STP X

SSP A

SSP B

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STP SCP STP SSP

STP SCP STP

SSP

SSP Service Switch Points STP Service Transfer Points SCP Service Control Points
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SIGNALING ELEMENTS

Types of Signalling
NODE: A NODE: B

Channel Associated

NODE: A

NODE: B

Common Channel
Voice/Data Circuit
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Signalling Link
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Signal Functions
Functionally, we have Supervisory: Addressing:
Transmitting routing and destination signals over the network. Monitoring the status of a line or circuit to determine its state (busy, idle, )

Alerting:
Advising the addressee of the arrival of an incoming call.

Billing:
Generation and collection of billing information pertaining to a specific call.
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What is SS7?
Signaling System Number 7 (SS7) is a means by which elements of the telephone network exchange information. This information is conveyed in the form of messages SS7 is characterized by high-speed packet data and outof-band signaling. SS7 is to provide an international standard for CCS suitable for Stored Program Control (SPC) exchanges and PBXs It operates on digital networks at 64kb/s . Two functional parts of SS7:
User Part (used by user e.g. ISUP, TUP) Application Part (used by network e.g. TCAP, INAP)
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What is SS7 (Cont)

SS7 technology sets up trunk circuits between switching systems for the actual calls. The SS7 network enabled the introduction of new services, such as caller ID. Caller ID provides the calling party's telephone number, which is transmitted over the SS7 network. Additionally, SS7 is responsible for the delivery of many enhanced custom calling features often associated with ISDN. These services include Caller ID, Selective Ringing (or Priority Ringing), Call Forwarding, Call Block (or Call Screen), Call Trace.

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SS7 Network Architecture

The SS7 network (illustrated right) separates the call setup information and talk path from the common trunks that runs between switching systems. The call setup information travels outside the common trunk path over the SS7 network. The type of information transferred included permission for the call setup, whether the called party was busy. The basic elements of the SS7 network are: Signaling Point (SP) Service Switching Point (SSP) Signaling Transfer Point (STP) Service Control Point (SCP) Signaling Link Modes of Operation

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Basic elements of the SS7 network

A Signaling Point (SP) is a PSTN switching office that is provided with SS7 voice trunk capability. SPs can be end offices( Local Exchange ,Transit/Combined Transit Exchange ,Mobile Service Switching Center ). A Service Switching Point (SSP) is an SP that has the capability to interact with databases, in order to provide a variety of centralized services, such as: 800 (Toll Free Service) Calling Card Service 900 (Premium Rate Service) Utility Bill Payment Service SSPs are PSTN switches and can be end offices or transit switches. A Signaling Transfer Point (STP) is a network node that is used to provide efficient SS7 message routing and transport capability. Incoming messages are examined and routed towards their ultimate destination. STPs are packet switches and control messages between SPs,SSPs and SCPs,and b/w STP. The Service Control Point (SCP) is a node that is used to provide the database and transaction capability for the various centralized services. SCPs provide routing to SSPs. A Signaling Link consists of signaling terminal equipment and a transmission facility. It is used for the exchange of information between nodes in the network. 11

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Modes of Operation
SS7 supports typically in two signaling modes of operation: Associated Quasi-Associated

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Associated Mode
In the Associated mode of operation, the messages relating to a particular signaling relation between two points are conveyed over a linkset directly inter-connecting these signaling points.

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Quasi Associated Mode

In the Quasi-Associated mode of operation, the messages relating to a particular signaling relation are conveyed over two or more links ,passing through one or more Signaling Transfer Points (STPs).

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SS7 Software Architecture

Four major software units: Message Transfer Part (MTP) Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) Integrated Services Digital Network User Part (ISUP) The function of the MTP is to serve as a transport system, providing reliable transfer of signaling messages between nodes in the network. SCCP provides additional functions to the MTP to enhance the routing capabilities to provide advanced features such as pre paid card validation. TCAP is an application layer protocol used to provide services to support database transaction type applications. (i.e.... 800+) . ISUP provides inter-exchange signaling to support,SS7 voice trunks (ISUP) setup

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SS7 MTP (level 1, 2, 3)

The Message Transfer Part (MTP) is further separated into 3 functional levels: Signaling Data Link Level (MTP-1)

User of MTP User of MTP

Sometimes referred to as the physical level It is the physical circuit used to transmit signaling messages furnishes the interface to the physical media The standard bit rate is 56 kbps or 64 kbps, any channel can be used except 0. A bi-directional transmission path for signaling;

Signaling Network Level

Peer Communication Process

Signaling Network Level

Signaling Link Level (MTP-2)

allows errors in transmission to be detected and recovered Include such capabilities as exchange/MSC addressing, routing, alternate routing, and congestion control

Signaling Link Level

Signaling Data Link Level

Peer Communication Process

Signaling Link Level

Signaling Data Link Level

Signaling Network Level (MTP-3)

Physical Communication Facility

Exchange/MSC A

Exchange/MSC B

Message Transfer Part (MTP)

MTP-3 has two basic categories: Signaling Message Handling - to ensure the signaling messages originated at an originating signaling node are delivered to the correct destination signaling node, as indicated by the sending User. OPC ,DPC Signaling Network Management
- to provide reconfiguration of the signaling network in the case of failures and to control the signaling traffic in the case of congestion.

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SS7 SCCP
The Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP):

Some applications may require the transfer of signaling messages which are not related to a particular circuit for example credit card validation in the Intelligent Network (FIN ,WIN) SCCP supplements the message carrying capabilities of MTP so that both circuit and non circuit related signaling can be supported.

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SS7 TCAP
The transaction capabilities application part (TCAP) :
Transaction capabilities (TC)" refers to the capabilities of providing information requests and responses. Define the messages and protocol used to communicate between applications (deployed as subsystems) in nodes; Be used for database services, such as 800 . Use the SCCP for transport because TCAP messages must be delivered to individual applications within the nodes they address. The TCAP protocol will be used between the SSP and SCP for these enhanced services.

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TCAP
TCAP was first used for 800 number translation The area code 800 cannot be routed as it does not specify any particular exchange The number need to be converted into a routable number by a database

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SS7 ISUP
ISDN User Part (ISUP): Defines the messages and protocol used in the establishment and tear down of voice calls over the public switched network; Manage the trunk network on which they rely. Despite its name, ISUP is used for both ISDN and non-ISDN calls. All calls in North America is setup by ISUP even for nonISDN subscriber

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ISUP and MTP

The purpose of the ISDN User Part is to: Set up ISUP trunk calls in the network The services of the SS7 Message Transfer Part (MTP) are used to effect the transfer of signaling information between communicating ISDN User Parts, located on the different switches. End-to-End signaling is used typically between call Originating and Terminating Local exchanges, to request or to respond to the request for additional call related information.

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Basic Call Control and Signaling Procedures

The basic call control is divided into 3 phases: Call Set-up Conversation phase Call Clear-down Messages on the Signaling Link are used to establish and terminate the different phases of a call. Standard supervisory tones and/or recorded announcements are returned to caller on the ISUP trunks to provide information on the progress of a call, where applicable.

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Basic Call Setup Example

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Basic Call Setup Example (Contd)

1.Switch A analyzes the dialed digits and determines that it needs to send the call to switch B. 2.Switch A selects an idle trunk between itself and switch B and formulates an initial address message (IAM), the basic message necessary to initiate a call. The IAM is addressed to switch B. It identifies the initiating switch (switch A), the destination switch (switch B), the trunk selected, the calling and called numbers. 3.Switch A picks its link AW and transmits the message over the link for routing to switch B. 4.STP W receives a message, inspects its routing label, and determines that it is to be routed to switch B. It transmits the message on link BW. 5.Switch B receives the message. On analyzing the message, it determines that it serves the called number and that the called number is idle. 6.Switch B formulates an address complete message (ACM), which indicates that the IAM has reached its proper destination. The message identifies the recipient switch (A), the sending switch (B), and the selected trunk. 7.Switch B picks one of its links say BX and transmits the ACM over the link for routing to switch A. At the same time, it completes the call path in the backwards direction (towards switch A), sends a ringing tone over that trunk towards switch A, and rings the line of the called subscriber. 8.STP X receives the message, inspects its routing label, and determines that it is to be routed to switch A. It transmits the message on link AX. 9.On receiving the ACM, switch connects the calling subscriber line to the selected trunk in the backwards direction (so that the caller can hear the ringing sent by switch B). 10.When and/or if the called subscriber picks up the phone, switch B formulates an answer message (ANM), identifying the intended recipient switch (A), the sending switch (B), and the selected trunk. 11 Switch B selects the same A link it used to transmit the ACM (link BX) and sends the ANM. By this time, the trunk must also be connected to the called line in both directions (to allow conversation). 12.STP X recognizes that the ANM is addressed to switch A and forwards it over link AX. 13.Switch A ensures that the calling subscriber is connected to the outgoing trunk (in both directions) and that conversation can take place. 14.If the calling subscriber hangs on first (following the conversation), switch A will generate a release message (REL) addressed to switch B, identifying the trunk associated with the call. It sends the message on link AW. 15.STP W receives the REL, determines that it is addressed to switch B, and forwards it using link WB. 16.Switch B receives the REL, disconnects the trunk from the subscriber line, returns the trunk to idle status, generates a release complete message (RLC) addressed back to switch A, and transmits it on link BX. The RLC identifies the trunk used to carry the call. 17.STP X receives the RLC, determines that it is addressed to switch A, and forwards it over link AX. 24 18.On receiving the RLC, switch A idles the identified trunk.

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Successful Call Set-up

There are 3 general messages used to set a call on an ISUP trunk: Initial Address Message (IAM) sent in the forward direction to initiate seizure of an outgoing circuit and to transmit address and other information relating to the routing and handling of a call. Address Complete Message (ACM) sent in the backward direction indicating that all the address signals required for routing the call to the Called party has been received. Answer Message (ANM) sent in the backward direction, indicating that the Called party has gone Off hook.

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Normal Call Release

The release procedures are based on a 2 message approach, they are: Release Message (REL) sent in either direction to indicate the release of the identified ISUP trunk. Release Complete Message (RLC) sent in opposite direction, and, in response to the Released message for a particular ISUP trunk circuit. This message is sent after the circuit has been released.

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Database Query Example

People generally are familiar with the toll-free aspect of 800 (or 888) numbers, but these numbers have significant additional capabilities made possible by the SS7 network. 800 numbers are "virtual" telephone numbers. Although they are used to point to "real" telephone numbers, they are not assigned to the subscriber line itself. When a subscriber dials an 800 number, it is a signal to the switch to seek further instructions from a database. The database will provide either a real phone number to which the call should be directed, or it will identify another network (e.g......, a longdistance carrier) to which the call should be routed for further processing. While the response from the database could be the same for every call (as, for example, if you have a personal 800 number), it can be made to vary based on the calling number, the time of day, the day of the week.

The following example shows how an 800 call is routed.

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Database Query Example (Contd)

1.A subscriber served by switch A wants to reserve a rental car at a company's nearest location. She dials the company's advertised 800 number. 2.When the subscriber has finished dialing, switch A recognizes that this is an 800 call and that it requires assistance to handle it properly. 3.Switch A formulates an 800 query message including the calling and called number and forwards it to either of its STPs (e.g......, X) over its A link to that STP (AX). 4.STP X determines that the received query is an 800 query and selects a database suitable to respond to the query (e.g......, M). 5.STP X forwards the query to SCP M over the appropriate A link (MX). 6.SCP M receives the query, extracts the passed information, and (based on its stored records) selects either a "real" telephone number or a network (or both) to which the call should be routed. 7.SCP M formulates a response message with the information necessary to properly process the call, addresses it to switch A, picks an STP and an A link to use (e.g......, MW), and routes the response. 8.STP W receives the response message, recognizes that it is addressed to switch A, and routes it to A over AW. 9.Switch A receives the response and uses the information to determine where the call should be routed. It then picks a trunk to that destination, generates an initial address message (IAM), and proceeds (as it did in the previous example) to set up the call.

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Message Flow
800 Call Set Up Example

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Basic Call Example

Originating Local Exchange A Transit Exchange

Terminating Local Exchange B

Initial Address Message Initial Address Message

Address Complete Message Address Complete Message Answer Message Answer Message Speech Phase Release Message Release Complete Message Release Message Release Complete Message Note: Calling Party Clears first Speech Phase

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The End

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