Signaling

• What is signaling?
• Why signaling is important?
• How it is done?
 Signaling

Signaling is the language of

telecommunications that machines and
computers use to communicate with each
other.
 Why signaling?

• To set up a call
• To supervise the call
• To clear a call
 How signaling is performed
• In band signaling
 Network control and call setup signals are sent over the same path as the user's
transmission.
 Transmission of the user message must wait until the call setup process is completed.

• Out of band signaling

 Network control and call setup signals are sent over a separate digital channel, called a signaling link.
 Transport of more data at higher speeds since setup signals and transmission of user messages can be
sent simultaneously.
 How signaling is performed?
Implementation and evolution
 CAS(Channel Associated Signaling) System
• Each traffic channel has a dedicated signaling channel.
• The signaling for a particular traffic circuit is
permanently associated with that circuit.(In band
signaling)
DRAWBACKS
• only suitable for cases where traffic is low.
• it is not possible to send signaling messages in the absence of
a call.
• wastes bandwidth since dedicated resource for very circuit.
 CCS(Common Channel Signaling)
CCS only requires one signaling channel for up to
1000 traffic channels. It is able to do this by only
signaling when required, unlike CAS which signals
even if nothing has happened.
ADVANTAGES
• faster,
• more flexible
• allow greater services
 Advantages of CCS over CAS
• Faster call setup.
• Greater trunking efficiency due to the quicker
set up and tear down, thereby reducing traffic
on the network.
• CCS allows the transfer of additional
information along with the signaling traffic
providing features such as caller ID
 Signaling system 7
• A control protocol, used to provide instructions to the
various elements within a telephony network.
• The instructions like
how to route a call through the network,
what features a caller has subscribed to etc..
• Data interface between phone company switches for the
express purpose of reducing congestion
 SS7 usage
• Efficient and secure worldwide
telecommunications
• Basic call setup, management, and tear down
• Enhanced call features such as call forwarding,
calling party name/number display, and three-
way calling
 SS7 layered architecture
• Changes can be quickly implemented
• If a change in technology occurs, only one part
of the stack will likely be affected.
• So it is easier to capitalize on new technology.
 Common Channel Signaling System 7
• MTP(Message Transfer Part):
transferring the message within a signaling
network.
• TUP(Telephone User Part):
user of these messages.
 SS7-MTP

Layer 3 Signalling Message Handling

Message
Transfer
Layer 2 Data Link Control
Part (MTP)

Layer 1 Physical Connections

 Telephone User Part (TUP)
Standard set of messages to set up the call, to supervise and
clear it.

Small variations in these messages

• National User Part (NUP)

• ISDN User Part (ISUP)

TUP/NUP/ISUP
 Signaling Connection and Control Part (SCCP)

• virtual connections

• when a signaling message has to be sent across multiple

networks in the absence of a call.
 Signaling Connection and Control Part (SCCP)

Virtual
Connection using
“Connection
Oriented”
SCCP
A
MTP
Originating
Signalling B
Point Signalling MTP
Transfer Point
Destination
Signalling Point
Signalling
Transfer Point MTP
Signalling
Transfer Point
 Extra signaling requirements in GSM

1. Base Station Subsystem Application Part (BSSAP)

2. Mobile Application Part (MAP)
3. Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP)
 Base Station Subsystem Application
Part(BSSAP)
 Used when MSC communicates with BSC and MS
serves two purposes:
• MSC-BSC signaling
• MSC-MS signaling.
 The authentication verification procedure and
assigning a new TMSI all take place with the
standard sets of messages of BSSAP.
 Mobile Application Part(MAP)

A GSM specific protocol for non-call- related applications

between NSS elements
 Transaction Capabilities Application Part
(TCAP)
Protocol layer responsible for providing
service to MAP by handling the MAP
transaction messages between multiple
elements.
SS7 complete protocol stack